Living in Japan for the first time is a big step. There's a lot to do, but tackled in order it stays manageable. This guide turns the whole journey — from before you fly to your first days in Tokyo — into a chronological checklist.
Visa procedures differ by country and change over time. The sections below describe the general flow only — always confirm the details with your local Japanese embassy or consulate and your school's international office.
Before you fly: visa and documents
Everything starts with the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) your school applies for.
The general flow: you submit the COE with your passport, a photo, and an application form at your local Japanese embassy or consulate. When the COE arrives, check that your name, date of birth, and school match your passport exactly, and keep the original safe. Processing times range from days to weeks by country, so don't book non-refundable flights until you know yours.
Before you fly: plan your money
Housing is the hardest cost to predict — and the easiest to lock in early.
At U Share, estimated move-in payments (first month plus initial fees) for standard contracts of 7 months or longer are JPY 385,500–398,500 at WC1 (Nishi-Waseda) and JPY 403,000–421,000 at WC2 (Omokagebashi), tax included and varying by room type. For 5–6 month contracts initial fees are JPY 40,000 lower, and stays of 1–4 months can use a monthly plan with no initial fees. Monthly fees include Wi-Fi and utilities. Estimate yours in about 60 seconds with Find Your Room.
Before you fly: secure your room
The "you need a joint guarantor living in Japan" wall is one you can clear at U Share.
Use our designated guarantor company instead — no need to find a guarantor yourself (a joint guarantor may still be required depending on screening). Resident selection runs mainly twice a year, in spring and autumn, plus on an inquiry basis when rooms are available.
Entry → room proposal & estimate by email → contract. Three steps you can finish before you fly, from your home country.
Packing: one suitcase
Every room is furnished — bed with bedding, desk, air conditioner and more.
So one suitcase is enough to start. Large furniture — pianos, big bookshelves, sofas — can't be brought in. Spend your luggage allowance on things that are hard to find in Japan.
After you land: the first errands
Your first days bring a series of small tasks: resident registration, a bank account, a phone plan.
Support at U Share is available in both Japanese and English, with a professional Community Manager and resident leaders (RAs) to help — you won't be doing it alone.
Prep checklist (recap)
- Gather your COE, passport, and photo, and check every detail matches
- Lock in housing costs early and know your total (Find Your Room)
- Confirm whether a guarantor is needed, and secure your room
- Pack so one suitcase is enough
- Know the flow of post-arrival errands (registration, bank, phone)
Next steps
Ready? Submit an entry. For choosing a home, see the five things to check; for autumn arrivals, the 90-day guide from COE to move-in; and everything else is in the FAQ (44 questions).
