Admitted Students
On this page, you will find some very basic information about life in Japan (Please click each category to expand). More information about life in Japan will be provided at the Post-Arrival Guidance.
In addition, the KUAS International Office hosts annual AMA (Ask Me Anything) webinars in August, featuring current upperclassmen who share their experiences and insights with incoming students. These webinars provide valuable information before arriving to KUAS.
The webinar schedule will be announced at a later date.
Note: The information on this page is current as of 2024.
Residence cards
International students entering Japan will receive their “Residence Cards” upon entry at the airport. This card is issued to foreign nationals who will be staying in Japan for a medium or long term. The card includes your nationality, status of residence, period of stay, an identification photo, and whether or not you have been granted permission to work a part-time job. You have to carry your residence card with you at all times.
Residence cards will only be issued on arrival at Narita International Airport (NRT), Tokyo International (Haneda) Airport (HND), Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO), Kansai International Airport (KIX), New Chitose Airport (CTS), Hiroshima Airport (HIJ), and Fukuoka Airport (FUK). If you enter Japan from other airports, your residence card will be issued at a later date. In this case, the residence card will be mailed to you by the regional immigration bureau after you have completed residence registration procedures at the municipal office or town hall with jurisdiction over your area.
Resident registration
Residents are required to register their residence at the ward office within 14 days of when their place of residence is decided. For students residing in Ukyo-ku or Kameoka City, where the campuses are located, the International Liaison Office will provide assistance with registration procedures.
GAKKENSAI Supplementary Comprehensive Insurance for Students
Students whose visa residence status is “Student” are required to join the GAKKENSAI supplementary comprehensive insurance for students in case of an accident in which the students may be held liable for damages. Details on how to enroll will be provided during the Post-Arrival Guidance.
Opening a bank account
The Japan Post Bank (JP Bank) is popular among international students for its simplicity and large number of compatible ATMs. You will need your residence card, passport, and student ID to open an account. Check this page (https://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/app/tetsuzuki/app_tz_en.html) for more information about the JP Bank.
Note: Most banks in Japan require the account holder to have lived in Japan for longer than 6 months before they may open an account. Assistance with opening a bank account can be received at the KUAS International Office.
ATMs
ATMs are located in banks, post offices, convenience stores, and major train stations. Many ATMs are open 24 hours a day, although additional transaction fees are typically charged during non-business hours. International ATMs at airports and post offices accept foreign credit and debit cards. Please explore your neighborhood (or ask at the International Office) to find out where you can easily withdraw cash.
Credit card
Please note as an overseas student, you may be unable sign up for a credit card in Japan until you have lived in Japan for over 6 months and can show proof of a steady income. In addition, once you can apply, issuance will be subject to approval by the company issuing the credit card. Therefore, please consider making a credit card in your home country before traveling to Japan if necessary.
Getting a cell phone
If you are planning to buy a SIM card to activate your cellphone in Japan, SIM cards can be purchased online, at electronics retail stores, or convenience stores. However, we recommend that students coming from overseas bring an international SIM card to use during the first several weeks to one month of their stay.
If you are planning to buy a new, Japanese cell phone, you can buy one at a mobile phone shop, electronics retail store, or online. Most mobile phone shops provide bilingual customer service. In Japan, the main providers of mobile phone services are NTT Docomo, SoftBank, AU, and Yahoo, but there are many options to choose from. If you need advice or assistance, ask at the KUAS International Office.
Another option is the service provided by GTN Mobile (https://gtn-mobile.com/en/features/), which specializes in mobile phone service for international residents. You can apply for this service prior to your arrival.
Sample living cost and prices
As of 2024, 1 USD is equivalent to about 150 JPY, and average monthly living expenses in Kyoto are about 110,000 JPY (733 USD).
| Monthly living expense sample | |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (private housing) | 60,000 JPY |
| Food | 35,000 JPY |
| Personal expenses* | 15,000 JPY |
| Total | 110,000 JPY |
*Excludes book expenses for classes.
Housing
Private housing: 35,000-70,000 JPY (233-467 USD) / month
KUAS dormitories: 29,000-63,000 JPY (193-420 USD) / month
For more information about dormitories, see the Housing page.
Price of major staple foods in Japan
Rice (5kg): about 2,200 JPY (14.66 USD)
Bread (1loaf): about 200 JPY (1.33 USD)
Milk (1L): 250 JPY (1.66 USD)
Eggs (dozen): 300 JPY (2 USD)
Typical restaurant prices
Hamburger: 240-700 JPY (1.6-4.66 USD)
Beef bowl: 480 JPY (3.2 USD)
Ramen noodles: 800 JPY (5.33 USD)
Prices for staples and consumer goods
Toilet paper: 12 rolls: 300 JPY (2 USD)
Movie ticket: 1,900 JPY (12.66 USD)
Subway fare: 220-290 JPY (1.46-1.93 USD)
Bicycle: 15,000 JPY~ (starting from 100 USD)
Note: The currency exchange rate is subject to change.
Seasons and clothing
Kyoto, a city of four distinct seasons, offers a diverse range of weather experiences. Nestled in a basin surrounded by mountains, the city experiences hot, humid summers, often marked by the rainy season. Winters can be cold, with occasional snowfall. Be sure to pack accordingly for any season.
See the table below for the seasonal schedule.
Places around KUAS
Our two campuses are located in Kyoto City and Kameoka City, both of which offer convenient living environments. You can learn more about those cities on the Guide & Map page.
In addition, the map below guides you to convenient facilities around Uzumasa Campus.
Transportation
Students are responsible for their own transportation to KUAS. For information on how to get to KUAS, please see our Location and Access from Airports page.
Useful things to pack for your new life in Japan
Cash and credit card
It is always helpful to have a credit card when you go shopping or buy something online in Japan. However, some of the stores and restaurants in Japan still only accept cash, and it isn’t always easy to find an ATM that accepts international credit cards. Therefore, it is also wise to bring cash to Japan. (In addition, Japanese stores do not accept dollars or euros, so it is best to convert your currency into Japanese yen before you leave for Japan.)
SIM card
If you are planning to bring your mobile phone to Japan, it is a good idea to bring an international SIM card for your first several weeks of stay. After you settle in, you can get a new Japanese SIM card or buy a new phone. As there are various carriers that offer SIM cards, the process for purchase and activation will vary.
Prepaid SIM cards can also be purchased at vending machines and stores in international airports. In general, vending machines prices are less expensive than store prices. Prices of SIM cards will vary depending on the brand/carrier. Prices are subject to change and can be confirmed on airport websites.
Electrical adapter
The electrical outlets in Japanese homes, schools and offices are 100 volts, which is different from the voltage in many other countries. Additionally, Japanese electrical plugs are commonly ungrounded. If you are planning to bring electronics, first check whether you need an adapter.
Emergency phone numbers
| Police | 110 | To report a crime / stolen property / traffic accident, etc |
|---|---|---|
| Fire Department | 119* | To report a fire |
| Ambulance | 119* | To call an ambulance |
*Kyoto City provides simultaneous interpretation service in 5 languages (English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, and Portuguese) for emergency 119 calls. This service is available 24 hours a day 365 days a year. Just call 119 and stay on the line until you are transferred to the interpretation service.
Please refer to the below links for details on this emergency service:
https://www.city.kyoto.lg.jp/shobo/page/0000156863.html
(English) Dial 119 for the emergency hotline! (You can call in English) (Youtube)
In case of natural disasters
In case of a major natural disaster, please check the following page for the latest information:
https://www.kcif.or.jp/web/en/livingguide/emergency/
For hospitals and clinics with interpretation services
This website provides information about hospitals and dental clinics with foreign language speaking doctors and medical interpreters.
Information about where you can receive emergency medical treatment at night, and on weekends and holidays is available.
https://www.kcif.or.jp/web/en/livingguide/hospitals/
The Multi-Lingual Medical Sheet below may be useful when seeing a doctor who cannot speak English.
https://kifjp.org/medical/
Upon arrival, students are also welcome to visit the KUAS Nurse’s Office for recommendations on local hospitals and clinics for their medical needs.
National Health Insurance
International students who will stay in Japan for more than 3 months MUST enroll in National Health Insurance. KUAS International Office will explain the application procedure for this insurance at the post-arrival guidance. If you receive medical treatment without this insurance, you will have to pay the full amount yourself.
National Health Insurance benefits
Subsidized medical expenses when you get injured or sick (Japanese government will subsidize 70% of your medical expenses)
Fees
This insurance requires a premium of 1,700-2,000 JPY per month (determined by the students’ income from the previous year). Most international students fall under the category of “income earner on the basis of statutory reduction,” except for cases where the international students’ income exceeds a certain level.
Class hours and academic calendar
Class hours
| 1st Period | 9:00-10:30 |
|---|---|
| 2nd Period | 10:40-12:10 |
| Break Time | 12:10-13:00 |
| 3rd Period | 13:00-14:30 |
| 4th Period | 14:40-16:10 |
| 5th Period | 16:20-17:50 |
Academic calendar
Check the Academic Calendar for a schedule of semester terms, exam periods, vacations, and other events.
Getting a part-time job
In Japan, the first and most important responsibility of an international student is to study. Therefore, if a student plans to get a part-time job, they must obtain “permission to engage in activities other than that permitted under the status of residence previously granted” from the Immigration Bureau before starting their part-time job. Students can apply for this permission during immigration procedures at the airport of arrival. We encourage students to apply for this permit upon arrival, so they do not have to make another trip to the immigration office. More information will be provided about this at the post-arrival guidance.
Permitted work hours
Restrictions on the hours a student visa holder may work are as follows:
| During the regular school year | Less than 28 hours a week |
|---|---|
| During long school vacations (Spring, Summer, and Winter) |
Less than 40 hours a week, and less than 8 hours a day |
If you receive pay based on a contract with KUAS for research or teaching activities (such as work as a teaching assistant (TA), research assistant (RA), tutor, etc.), you are not required to obtain “permission to engage in activities other than those permitted under the status of residence previously granted” from the Immigration Bureau.
Public Japanese learning resources
The Kyoto Prefectural International Center provides Japanese language classes to international students for as low as 100 yen per class. For more information, please see the link below:
Japanese Classes in Kyoto Prefecture
Furthermore, you can easily learn useful Japanese for daily life at the following site:
Website for Foreign Nationals to Learn Japanese Language
General resources
Kyoto Prefecture’s English website provides a lot of general information for international students about life in Kyoto, various administrative procedures and topics like sightseeing, part-time work, etc.