your journey to Japan

Important Info

If you are applying to GenkiJACS from overseas (i.e. outside Japan), there are some important points that you should keep in mind:

Visa

As we are a short-term language study school, most students will study with us on visa waivers. A visa waiver (automatically received for nationalities of many countries) or tourist visa is sufficient to enter the country and study with us for up to 3 or 6 months. Please note that a tourist visa will not allow you to work in Japan.
It is your responsibility to confirm whether a visa is required for you to enter Japan. If a visa is required, begin the application process as early as possible. Visitors from most countries do not require a visa to stay in Japan for 3 months or less.
More information on visas here

Be aware that even if you do not require a visa, you will be questioned at Immigration upon entry to Japan. The immigration officer is likely to ask you the following:

• where you will stay (the address of your accommodation)
• what you will do in Japan (study at GenkiJACS)
• the start and end dates of your study
• what you will study (your course name)

We recommend carrying the following documents with you, to show to the immigration officer as necessary:

• accommodation information sheet
• invoice from GenkiJACS
• return plane ticket

Money

You can access money held abroad from Japan in the following ways:

1. Credit cards
Foreign credit cards are accepted in most major shops in Japan, but not in smaller places. Visa and Mastercard are the most common. American Express can be used in a few locations. Maestro cards cannot be used in Japan.

2. ATM (debit) cards
Post office, 7-11, and some bank ATMs can be used to take money out of a foreign bank account easily. However, sometimes your card or bank account needs to be pre-approved to allow use from overseas. If you plan to use your card in Japan, contact your bank before you go to check if there is anything you need to do. There may be extra fees for taking out money abroad - check with your bank before coming.
There are branches of Citibank and HSBC in Japan, so Citibank/HSBC card holders can take out money directly from their own bank.
Most shops do not allow you to use debit cards to pay bills.

3. Bank transfers
If you require additional funds after arriving, you can arrange for someone to wire money to the school bank account, and we will give you the cash. Please note that bank charges will apply, and we cannot give you money until our bank confirms we have received funds from you.

Packing List

• Passport (note: it must be valid until at least your return date to your home country)
• Seasonal clothing Check the weather here
• An alarm clock
• Plug adaptors (100V, 60Hz, 2-pin. No adaptors are required for US-type plugs)
• Gifts (omiyage) - your host family will be very appreciative if you bring a small present for them from your home country. GenkiJACS teachers probably won't say no either! Local specialty food or drink items are common presents.
• Paper or electronic dictionary (although we will be happy to help you buy one here!)
• Notebook, pens, and any other materials that help you study effectively
• International driver's license (if you plan to rent a car). Check regulations carefully to make sure your license will be valid.
• Digital camera cables (you can transfer images at our school)
• Medication, if required
• Credit card (just in case)
• Your own towel
• GenkiJACS school information - address, phone numbers, etc
• Homestay family information - print out and bring with you
• International Student ID Card (if available)

Insurance and Medication

You are required to have medical insurance for the duration of your stay. The kind of insurance you must buy depends on your visa status, and how long you will stay in Japan.

1. Staying on a visa waiver or tourist visa: You must have travel medical insurance to study with us. We offer discounted insurance from CareMed, an internationally accredited and award-winning insurance company. This insurance costs only 250 yen per day, and covers the following (assuming policy conditions are met):

2. Staying on a special visa such as working holiday visa, etc.: You are required to join the Japanese health insurance system. After you arrive in Japan, you must register at the local ward office where you stay. They will ask you to fill out a health insurance application at that time. National health insurance is very cheap, roughly 1,500 yen per month for the first year. This covers 70% of medical expenses. Even if you already have other health insurance, you will be required to join the national health insurance.

If you require any medication, bring it with you to Japan, along with a doctor's note. There are limits on the amount of medication you can bring in to the country, so if you will stay in Japan for a long time, check if your medication or a version of it is available in Japan, and get a note from your doctor as required. There are differences in licensing between countries, so medicine that requires a prescription in your country may not in Japan, and vice versa. Confirm with your doctor or pharmacist before coming.