International Pre-arrival

The following points are essential when preparing for the departure. 

 

Visit Japan

Visit Japan in an online registration system for Immigration, Customs and Tax-free shopping service.
We highly recommend that all international travelers—whether first-time or re-entry—complete this registration before arriving in Japan.

Reference: Visit Japan Web

Driver's License (IDP or Driver's License Conversion)

If you plan to drive in Japan, please obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on your home country’s license.
Reference: Driving: OIST Resource Center

If you cannot obtain an IDP issued under the Geneva Convention, it is recommended to prepare the necessary documents to convert your driver’s license to a Japanese one.
Please note that the Driving License Center in Okinawa tends to book up quickly, so we advise making a reservation in advance.

Reference: General Information on Driver's License Conversion Process | OIST Resource Center

Rental Car

We recommend renting a car so you can drive as soon as you arrive in Okinawa.
Purchasing a car requires a permanent address and can take a long time, depending on your housing situation.
Rental cars tend to book up quickly, especially towards February, so we suggest making a reservation as early as possible.
The OIST Resource Center can assist OISTers with booking a rental car. Please visit the following page for more information.

Reference: Renting a car | OIST Resource Center

Travel SIM Card

To purchase a regular SIM card in Japan, you need a permanent address. Therefore, we recommend buying a travel SIM before moving to Okinawa. Travel SIM cards can be found at major international airports like Haneda and Narita, but you may find better deals in your home country.

Reference: SIM card options for short-term visitors (data-only SIM)
The available services vary, and we do not have any recommendations. 
Please investigate further to find a suitable one. 

OIST Temporary Accommodation

We will provide temporary accommodation for up to two weeks starting from your arrival date in Okinawa. The Relocation Support Services Section will help you find suitable permanent housing. However, if you cannot secure permanent housing with a move-in date that matches the check-out date of your temporary accommodation, you may need to transition to longer-term off-campus housing.

Reference:

When finalizing your housing contract, be prepared to pay an initial amount equivalent to four to five months' rent. To arrange for this funding, you can either bring cash or utilize a wire transfer service like Wise to send the money. While Western Union and MoneyGram agents are available in Naha City, they may not be the most convenient options.

Additionally, forex cards are not commonly used in Okinawa. You can withdraw cash using a foreign credit card at ATMs located in Japan Post Bank or at various convenience stores such as 7-Eleven, Family Mart, or Lawson.