Pre-Arrival

Regarding Driving

Overview

Okinawa is a very driving-oriented society. Even people living in Naha or on smaller outer islands tend to own a vehicle for ease of access. For this reason, many JETs own their own vehicle and drive (See Transportation). In order to drive in Okinawa, an international driving permit (IDP) is recommended. 

IDPs

While not a requirement, those who intend to drive soon after arriving should obtain an IDP in their home country. An IDP allows you to drive in Japan in conjunction with your home country’s license. An IDP is valid for one year from the date listed on the cover, or for the validity of your home country’s license (whichever is shorter).

After the one-year expiration, you must obtain a Japanese driver’s license if you wish to continue driving (See Japanese Driver’s License). While it is possible to renew your IDP, Japanese law requires that you leave the country for 3 months in order to do so, meaning that this is not an option for the majority of JETs. 

Note: Police may check your IDP against your Residence Card to see whether or not you have been in the country for longer than one year. If you have, they may request to see your passport to confirm whether or not you have been out of the country for the required 3 month period. This law is reportedly designed to stop people from driving on a cheaper IDP instead of the more expensive Japanese license.

Note: If you are still a 1st year JET and you did not get an IDP before you left your home country, then it is possible to apply for an IDP from overseas.

US JETs: National Automobile Club
Canadian JETs: Canadian Automobile Association

Necessary Documents for Driver’s License

It may seem odd for incoming JETs to think ahead into a second year, but for those of you considering two years, it is highly advised that you bring certain documents with you in order to complete the Japanese license conversion process. These documents are necessary to prove that you have driving experience in your home country. To this end, these documents must prove that you have resided in your home country for at least three months. Here is a list of some recommended documents:

• Passport
  • Many JETs are able to use their passport as proof. However, some passports–particularly The United States–do not provide proof of residence because they do not have the necessary stamps showing the exact date of entry and departure.
• Tax Forms
• College Transcripts
• Official Driving Record
  • Some countries may provide both digital and paper copies of official driving records upon request.

For more information regarding the conversion process, see Japanese Driver’s License.

Regarding Money

Overview

As Japan is a cash-based society, all JETs should be prepared to bring a large amount of money with them. While we have provided estimates and a list of expenses down below, we encourage new JETs to contact their predecessor(s) for more specific numbers. 

Initial Costs

The initial cost of moving to Japan is often much greater than new JETs expect. While the total cost does vary by person and situation, we have provided a rough estimate of how much money is needed. In addition to start-up costs, this money should last until your first paycheck. For some, this will take a few weeks; for others, over a month. 

• ¥420,000
  • About 50% of JETs report needing this much for their start-up costs
• ¥350,000
  • About 40% of JETs report needing this much for their start-up costs
• ¥150,000
  • About 10% of JETs report only needing this much for their start-up costs. Note that this 10% is generally comprised of those that have teachers’ housing available.

Note: These estimated costs do not include the cost of purchasing a vehicle.

Note: If you live in a rural area, teachers’ housing may be available. Teachers’ housing is not guaranteed nor available at request. While teachers’ housing is very cheap due to it being subsidized, it can also be very old and rundown. 

Expense List

Housing Costs

• First Month’s Rent
  • The majority of apartments rent for ¥30,000 to ¥60,000 a month. While those living in urban areas can expect to pay more for less space, those living in smaller villages and rural areas may have more options. 
• Housing Fees
• Key Money (known as reikin or azukekin)
  • A deposit gifted as a thank you to your landlord, key money can be as much as one or two month’s worth of rent. This money is non-refundable.
• Parking Space
  • Depending on the area, you may have to rent your parking space from the landlord. On the low end, this can be ¥2,000 a month. On the high end, this can be ¥10,000 a month. 
  • Some apartments may calculate a non-optionable parking fee into your monthly rent.
• Utilities Deposit
  • While water is often a set fee calculated into your rent, gas and electricity are often separate. While you may be able to set up direct withdrawal, the first payment(s) will need to be completed at a convenience store or other similar place.

Other Initial Costs

• Initial Hotel Stay
  • While some JETs are able to enter their apartments immediately upon arrival in Okinawa, some JETs are not. If you are not able to secure an apartment upon arrival, you will have to make other arrangements.
  • In some cases, you may be able to ask other nearby JETs to stay with them. In the majority of cases, you will have to arrange a hotel/hostel stay. These costs will most likely be your responsibility.
• Predecessor’s Things
  • If you have a predecessor(s), you may be able to receive items from them. While miscellaneous items (cleaning supplies, kitchen utensils) may be gifted to you for free, heavier items and appliances may come with a (sometimes) negotiable price. 
  • As predecessors understand the financial burden of start-up costs, they may be willing to set up a repayment system with you. Please communicate with your predecessor(s) for this information.
• Furnishings
  • While some JETs may receive items from their predecessor(s), those that are not should be prepared to  spend some money on furniture and furnishings. While the extent of these furnishings depends on you, a basic futon set costs ¥5,000 on the low end.
• Car
  • If you plan to start driving right away, you will need to be prepared to buy a car. Depending on its condition, used cars can be ¥150,000–¥300,000. 
  • Your predecessor(s) may have a car that they can sell to you. In this case, the price should be discussed with your predecessor.
• Luggage Shipping
  • Depending on the amount of luggage that you have brought, you may need to ship some of it. 
  • Airplane tickets to Okinawa generally allow for one suitcase. Any extra suitcases should be shipped from Tokyo Orientation. Shipping costs can be billed at a later date. 

Card Usage

Japan is a cash-based society; however, in an attempt to modernize, both foreign-issued and Japanese-issued credit and debit cards are becoming more widely accepted. Particularly in popular tourist and sightseeing areas, more stores will accept credit and debit cards. ATMs at banks and convenience stores also accept credit or debit cards. Please look for the nearby sticker to see which cards are accepted. Here are some stores that accept both foreign-issued and Japanese-issued cards:

• Amazon
• Nitori (Furniture/Interior Decor)
• Uber Eats
• Franchises (McDonald`s, Domino’s Pizza)

Note: Payments made with a foreign-issued card have to be converted to Japanese Yen. Please check with your home bank to ensure that this process can be done. If issues arise with your home bank, it is beneficial to have somebody in your home country with access to your bank account. Please set this up ahead of time.

For information on how to get a Japanese debit card, see Post-Arrival.

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