You won’t Believe the 10 Most Surprising Things that International Students Discover about Japan

So, you’re going to Japan on a study abroad. You must be excited, nervous, and maybe even a little bit concerned.

Especially if it is your first time in Japan, you may be wondering what you can expect from living in the country long-term.

In this article, we will be breaking down some of the most surprising aspects of life in Japan as a student.

These were all considered and chosen by those who have had experience studying abroad in Tokyo.

Let’s get started!

Table of Contents

1. Smoking is the norm
2. You will probably have trouble getting a cellphone
3. Expect to make friends through school clubs
4. The alcohol culture is strong
5. You won’t be using the words you learned in class as much as you think
6. Everything is smaller
7. English is not widely spoken
8. Submitting documents at the city office is a pain
9. Fruits and vegetables are expensive
10. Getting your own apartment can be confusing

1. Smoking is the norm

If you are coming from a country where a large percentage of the population smoke, you may not think anything different when your Japanese friends make their way to the smoking area on a break or pull out a cigarette at a bar.

However, this will most likely come as a shock to you if you are from a country where smoking is not as common or is not seen much in public.

In Japan, the convenience store racks are lined with different brands of cigarettes, and you can find smoking areas in many establishments or just on the side of the road.

Up until 2020, customers were able to smoke in designated sections of even family-oriented restaurants. Even today, many of Japan’s more local pubs will still allow you to smoke freely inside.

It is best to be prepared for the smoking culture or learn how to avoid it if cigarettes are not for you.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

2. You will probably have trouble getting a cellphone

In this day and age, there is a high possibility that you cannot survive without your smartphone.

If this is the case, you will need to be looking to get a cellphone contract in Japan ASAP.

There are three major cellular networks in Japan: docomo, au, and SoftBank. These are seemingly the best choice, being the biggest and most trusted networks in the country.

However, the application is quite long and complicated, and in most cases must be done entirely in Japanese. Additionally, before you even begin to apply, you must have a residence card with your address printed on the back.

This process is even more grueling if you are a minor, as you will need to get parental consent forms that potentially need to be physically signed and sent back and forth.

If you are looking to get an affordable Japanese cellphone plan quickly and entirely in English, we recommend Sakura Mobile.

Sakura Mobile has helped thousands of new residents and travelers in Japan stay connected during their stay in Japan.

You can find more information about Sakura Mobile’s plans here.

• Sakura Mobile official website

↑ Go back to the table of contents

3. Expect to make friends through school clubs

As with schools in any country, extracurriculars are a large part of Japanese campus life.

Clubs (called “circles”) in Japan are extensive and centered around every niche that you could possibly think of, from the traditional Japanese tea ceremony to the appreciation of potatoes (yes, this is real).

These circles will hold retreats where all its members go on a trip together where you practice (if you are part of a sports or a performing art circle) and bond. Depending on the circle, you may have no retreats or multiple retreats per year.

Parties and more casual get-togethers are also widely organized within circles.

Because Japanese university class sizes generally tend to be very large, it is hard to make friends strictly through class. You will find that most people meet their closest friends through circles.

If you are still a beginner with the Japanese language, we recommend that you join a cultural exchange circle. They will usually have many Japanese students who are interested in different languages and cultures and who will match your language level.

Keep in mind that the “new recruits” season happens in early April for most schools, making it the prime time to join.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

4. The alcohol culture is strong

In Japan, drinking on the streets is legal, and the people definitely like to take advantage of the law.

Cheap alcohol can be bought at the press of a button in convenience stores, and there is always an abundance of nightlife in and around the city.

If you’re thinking about spending time in the most populated areas, it will become a common occurrence to see drunkards passed out on the street (with their phone and wallet intact, of course, because Japan is just that safe).

Furthermore, drinking is the default pastime when going out with friends and coworkers. In many peoples’ minds, spending time together will usually include some sort of drinking time as well.

Even if you do not or cannot drink alcohol, there is a lot to explore in terms of nightlife in Tokyo so it might be a good idea to try it out at least once!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

5. You won’t be using the words you used in class as much as you think

You may have spent years studying Japanese using textbooks and listening practice CDs, and now you feel ready to take your shot at living in the country.

While any sort of preparation you can get with the language is going to be an asset, you may be surprised at just how little textbook Japanese will make an appearance in your daily life.

At first, you may have trouble ordering at restaurants or buying things at the convenience store when the employee suddenly asks you a question you’ve never heard before.

Colloquial Japanese in particular is always shifting and changing and you might find yourself wondering, “Where did that particle go?” or “That’s not what I learned in class.”

The best way to learn about the most widely used vocab or how to use Japanese in the most natural-sounding way is to just get out and explore.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

6. Everything is smaller

Especially in big cities like Tokyo, everything is optimized to be as compact and functional as possible.

What first comes to mind are the apartments, which can range from 25 to 40 square meters if you are living on your own. Many older and smaller apartments even have the toilet and the shower mere inches away from each other to save space.

However, there are other things in Japan that you will find perhaps come much more fun-sized than in your home country.

You will find that the small sizes at restaurants are… well, very small. In many cases, smaller than you will be suspecting.

Coming to Japan means that your days of getting large portions and then taking some home the next day to eat as leftovers are gone.

Getting used to the portion sizes also means getting used to an extremely balanced diet as well, as Japanese foods are made with health in mind.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

7. English is not widely spoken

It might come as a surprise to you that not many people speak English well in Japan.

Although English is part of compulsory education, there are very few opportunities to actually use the language while living in Japan, so many people can read or write much better than they can speak.

However, you will find that people are generally very kind and will try their best to help you if you need it.

If you do not know any Japanese, it would be wise to remember a few simple phrases to ask for things that you need help with.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

8. Submitting documents at the city office is a pain

When you move into a new city, get yourself health insurance, or do any other official document business, you will be looking to visit your local ward or city office.

City offices have many different sections all with a different purpose, so you can easily spend multiple hours running around from counter to counter to submit papers.

Keep in mind that there are generally not many people at the city office who speak English, so if you are not comfortable with Japanese, bringing a friend will make any processes go much smoother.

Having a “My Number Card,” which is the equivalent to a social security number in Japan, will make many applications and procedures easier (in some cases they can be done online) like changing your visa status or filing taxes.

We recommend getting a My Number Card with an ID photo if you are planning on staying in Japan long-term.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

9. Fruits and vegetables are expensive

Japan has very high-quality ingredients in the supermarkets, and the seasonal fruits and vegetables are a great addition to any meal.

However, fresh produce especially fruits can be pricy. There are even shops that specialize in “designer fruit,” that sell for unbelievably high prices.

Because eating out is generally cheap in Japan, it might be surprising that the prices for fruits and vegetables are so high.

There are budget supermarkets that have more affordable options for produce, so we recommend that you stake out your cheapest local grocery store if you are on a budget.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

10. Getting your own apartment can be confusing

Apartments in Japan can be confusing; for example, the sizes of apartments can be broken up into a series of numbers and letters (2LDK = 2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, kitchen).

Additionally, there are other factors besides size or location that you might want to pay attention to in order to make sure you get to live in an apartment that suites your needs (whether your room faces the south for sunlight, whether you can have instruments or not, among other things).

There are endless options for real estate agencies in Japan, but almost all of them operate entirely in Japanese and you will need to sign contracts in Japanese as well.

Many apartments will require you to have a guarantor, so unless you have family in Japan, you will either need to pay a separate company to become your guarantor or ask a trusted Japanese friend. Keep in mind that some apartment complexes will not allow international residents to live in the building.

Some housing agencies offer services in English. Although there are rumors that these places charge more, you can rest easy going through the process in English and knowing exactly what is written in your housing contract.

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Conclusion

What did you think?

Were you surprised by anything on our list? If you have been living in Japan, you might have resonated with quite a few of these.

Whether or not you experience culture shock, you are sure to have a great time in Japan with all the amazing sights and things to do.

Good luck on your study abroad!

↑ Go back to the table of contents

Those looking for an affordable Japanese cellphone plan, check out Sakura Mobile!

CUSTOMER’S VOICE

Sakura Mobile has helped thousands of new residents and travelers in Japan stay connected during their stay in Japan.

You can find more information about Sakura Mobile’s plans here.

• Sakura Mobile official website