There are some regulations for bringing medicines to Japan.

For the details, please click here.

• Japan has an abundant supply of consumer goods, and almost anything can be bought after arrival. However, it usually takes some time for you to settle in and figure out where you can purchase what you need. It is advised to bring immediate essentials with you.

• Do not send your luggage before your arrival. Keio Housing will not store your luggage until you move in. 

• Keio University will not take any responsibility for the loss or damage of personal luggage sent to Keio housing or the Office of Student Services before your arrival.

• Business Attire: You may need attire for business occasions like Business Project, presentations, and Company visits. Please bring a business suit or equivalent and a pair of shoes as well. It might be hard for you to find a pair of shoes for your size in Japan. 

• Before leaving your home country

It is required that you register for private insurance (travel, accidental, and/or medical) covering the period of your study at Keio University.

It may be worth considering adding a policy that is specifically designed for International students and covers your insurance needs comprehensively including repatriation costs in the event of an illness.

• After Arriving in Japan

All International students are  also required to join the National Health Insurance (NHI) .

・How much you should bring

It is recommended to bring about JPY 200,000 (at least JPY 50,000 in cash) to start your stay in Japan. The settling-in period can be very costly, and some items may be more expensive compared to those in your country. 

Currency exchange services are available at the International Airport. Large banks and post offices (JP Bank) also provide currency exchange services, but the types of currency available will be limited.

・Notes

・In order to open a bank account in Japan, a Student ID issued by Keio University will be required. 

  ( Student ID will be provided during the Orientation Meeting. )

• Banks and post offices (JP Bank) are closed on weekends and national holidays, and they usually close earlier than currency exchange booths available at the airport. 

• Bank cards issued outside of Japan may be used at a limited number of dispensers. Citibank accounts can be used internationally.

• Before Arriving in Japan

Register your information on Visit Japan Web for smooth arrival procedures at airport.

Useful information and/or advice from former exchange students are available from the following link.

 Please note that the information collected here is provided by former incoming exchange students at Keio, with the aim of providing advice based on their own experience. 

The Office of Student Services does not bear responsibility for what is being suggested/ advised through these reports.

-Advice from former exchange students who finished their studies (Fall semester) in February: (https://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/doc/Advice_February.pdf)

-Advice from former exchange students who finished their studies (Spring semester) in July: (https://www.ic.keio.ac.jp/en/doc/Advice_July.pdf)