Students
Procedures for Entering and Residing in Japan
Procedures for Entering Japan
(1) Immigration
Upon arriving to Japan, you will first go through immigration control, where an immigration officer will assign you a status of residence and period of stay based on examination of your passport and visa.
（2）Resident card issuance
Starting July 9th, 2012, a Resident Card will be issued at Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai airports to those entering Japan with a mid- to long-term resident status. The resident card must be carried at all times, so be sure to take it with you whenever you go out.
HP: http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/port-city.html
(3) Permission for activities not permitted by status of residence
Permission to engage in an activity other than that permitted under the resident status may be given at the port of entry or departure, to persons for whom all of the following apply:
◦Persons entering Japan for the first time.
* Those entering Japan with a re-entry permit are not eligible.
◦Those who are granted “Student” status with the permitted period of more than 3 months.
If you would like to work a part-time job in Japan, you should obtain this work permit at the port of entry. But international students of the University of Tokyo do not need to obtain this work permit when they work as a Research Assistant or Teaching Assistant at the University. .
(4) Baggage Claim
Upon arriving to Japan, you will first go through immigration control, where an immigration officer will assign you a status of residence and period of stay based on examination of your passport and visa.
(5) Customs
Next, your belongings will be inspected by a customs officer. If you sent any items to Japan via a shipping service, you need to declare those items as unaccompanied baggage.
(6) Travel from the Airport
You are responsible for arranging your transportation from the airport to the university or your housing. It is a good idea to look up information on routes and fares before you arrive to Japan.
(7) Enrollment Procedures
After arriving in Japan, promptly carry out enrollment and other procedures required by your faculty or graduate school.
Import Restrictions
http://dir.u-tokyo.ac.jp/en/topics/20080124/settlement.html
You should be aware that certain items brought to Japan are subject to tariffs depending on their quantity or nature.
In addition, Japanese law prohibits the following items from being brought into the country. Students who violate this prohibition may be subjected to harsh legal punishment, loss of their scholarships, expulsion from the university, and other penalties, so do not bring any of these items to Japan under any circumstances.
- Narcotics (cocaine, heroin, etc.), stimulants, marijuana, psychoactive drugs, etc.
- Firearms, swords
- Obscene magazines, videotapes, etc.
- Items that infringe upon trademarks, copyrights, etc.
- Wild plants/animals designated as endangered by the Washington Convention (CITES), and products made from them
All plants (including seeds and fruit) and animals brought to Japan must undergo a quarantine inspection. Many plants and animals are subject to import prohibitions or restrictions, so take note that certain plants/animals you bring to Japan may be confiscated.
Notes
- Certain items may not be brought into Japan depending on their country of origin.
http://www.maff.go.jp/pps/j/search/traveler.html - People entering or leaving Japan with cash, other means of payment, and securities whose
total value exceeds the equivalent of one million yen must submit a declaration form in
accordance with the Customs Act.
http://www.customs.go.jp/english/summary/passenger.htm
