Hi all! I’ll be moving to Tokyo from the UK for 3 months towards the end of march to carry out a JSPS fellowship.
I was wondering whether anyone had any general advice for a short term move?
Any other advice for living in Tokyo for a few months/things to do in the city would also be appreciated!!! I speak pretty elementary Japanese and have never been to Japan before so I’m getting quite nervous about the move (although excited for the opportunity to practice and also to do some very cool research while I’m there!)
*resolved![[In particular, regarding setting up a bank account/getting a Japanese phone number – is it worth it if I’m only there for a short period? The first (and only!) 3 months of my stipend will be transferred to my host, and then to me, so I don’t need a bank account in order to receive financial support in this respect, and my accommodation is being paid for in a similar manner. The general advice is to get one if you’re staying more than 3 months, and not if you’re staying less, so I’m right on the borderline.]]
4 comments
You’re not getting a bank account on a 3 month visa. So one less thing to worry about 🙂
Are you on a visa, or visa waiver?
>The general advice is to get one if you’re staying more than 3 months, and not if you’re staying less, so I’m right on the borderline.
It’s not that you’re on the borderline… legally you’re not a mid-to-long term resident. So a domestic bank would not legally be allowed to create an account for you.
All the stuff that you think you should bring , cut your list in half.
You won’t be able to get a traditional phone contract, but you’ll be OK for a tourist SIM with a Japanese number. No bank account, as been explained; you need to be here on a long term visa.