Unfortunately, there isn’t an exact answer to this, as Every Situation Is Different. You will have to bring enough money to survive your first month. Enough to pay rent and utilities, buy groceries, and furnish your new apartment. So, how much do you need? The General Information Handbook recommends ¥250,000 (about $2,500 USD), which should be […]
As one would expect, things in Japan will be unfamiliar and different from what you may have been accustomed to at home. Don’t assume anything! Ask questions. Your supervisor and senpai JETs in your area are probably the best people to ask questions while you are settling into your new community. Who is my supervisor? […]
When you land in Tokyo, fresh-faced and blurry-eyed, as you fumble your way through customs and immigration, you will be given a Residency Card (在留カード, Zairyu Ka-do). It will have personal details such as your name, date of birth and photo, and you will need to carry it around with you at all times, for the rest […]
Let’s start at Narita International Airport, where volunteer JETs will be there to help guide you along to the bus that will take you to Keio Plaza Hotel. You will only be able to bring one checked bag, your carry on luggage and personal item with you to the hotel, so please pack for Tokyo […]
When people in Japan travel, they often bring back omiyage (お土産) to share with their coworkers, friends, and families. Omiyage is often translated as souvenirs, though the connotation is slightly different, as while a souvenir is usually a small present you get for one person (a keychain, those snowglobes), omiyage is usually something that you will share […]
Illegal Medicine Tylenol Cold Nyquil Nyquil Liquicaps Actifed Sudafed Advil Cold & Sinus Dristan Cold (“No Drowsiness”) Dristan Sinus Drixoral Sinus Vicks Inhaler Lomotil Anything containing Amphetamines, Methamphetamines, Morphine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone etc This list is by no means definitive, and you should contact the Japanese Embassy or Consulate nearest you to make sure any medication […]
The following lists are by no means complete and was taken in part from Consulate General of Japan at Chicago. If you have any question, contact your nearest Japanese Consulate or Embassy. Prohibited Weapons – Handguns, rifles, bullets, etc. Narcotics – Cocaine, Heroin, Marijuana, etc. Forged Goods – Including forged money and counterfeit items that violate […]
Almost every JET buys stuff from their predecessor. Your predecessor might give you a flat rate just to take it all, or they might give you a line-by-line price tag on each item, or they might realize that the used couch that they paid 1000 yen for isn’t worth haggling over, and just give you […]