Things to do after arriving in Japan ②: 4 things to do after leaving the sea port｜Mr. Kobayashi picks up the plane, buys a SIM card, checks in to a hotel, and visits a research lab.

Highlights of this article

• Real-life experience of the Primary School Teacher System and the pick-up process
• How to get an ultra-short-term SIM card or mobile Wi-Fi quickly at the airport or on arrival day
• Required Documents, Notes and Practical Tips for Purchase
• Hotel booking advice before dorms open (Expedia vs Booking vs Agoda to avoid the thunder)
• Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Guided Reading and Reading Suggestions

This article is suitable for international students, exchange students and short-term travelers who have just arrived in Japan and have not yet registered their addresses or are unable to apply for a contract SIM immediately. I will use my own real experience (first person) to walk readers through the complete process of "arriving at the airport → purchasing a short-term SIM card → checking into a hotel → visiting a research lab", and clearly label practical details and tips to avoid pitfalls, so that readers can feel the warmth of the situation and quickly find the information they need.

It is recommended to read the "Quick Check Form" first, so that you can complete the purchase or rental on the way from the airport to the city, and then deal with the formal contract or conversion when you return to your accommodation.

Quick Check Form (what you need to do after customs)

•  Meet the junior teacher in the research lab first (pick-up arrangements will be made if necessary).
•  Purchase of a short-term network card (SIM card or Wi-Fi unit)
•  Check-in to hotel (if dormitory check-in date is not yet due)
•  Visit to research or school office (complete check-in)

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Tutor system and real pick-up experience sharing

What is the Primary Teacher System?

Usually, a student from a research laboratory or department at a Japanese university will act as a "tutor" (or TA / Tutor) for a new foreign student. This student will accompany the new foreign student through the necessary procedures (e.g., address registration, bank account opening, cell phone contract, etc.) to ensure that he/she is able to complete the pre-college preparations and officially live in Japan.

My Arrival Experience

"Welcome to Japan!"

When I arrived at the reception hall, I saw a Japanese man waving at me with a cardboard with my name on it: Honda san (a pseudonym), with a foreign student named David san (a pseudonym) standing next to him. I would like to introduce the two characters who appeared in the movie:

• HondaMr. Honda, a Chinese-Japanese hybrid who speaks a little Chinese, was my junior teacher and co-research doctoral student at the University of East Science and Technology.
• David.I am a Filipino, and before I came to the lab, I was the only foreign student in the lab at that time, preparing to continue my PhD after my master's degree at the University of East Science and Technology.

Mr. Honda is my junior teacher, taking care of me in every aspect of my life. As for Mr. David, although he is not my junior teacher, he volunteered to pick me up from the plane because it was rare for a second foreigner to join the Sato Laboratory, hoping to minimize my nervousness about the unfamiliar environment. The fact that two PhD students came to pick me up from the plane and helped me carry my heavy luggage made me feel grateful, and I am looking forward to quickly integrating into the Sato Lab.

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Purchase of short-term cards

Another important thing to do before leaving the airport is to purchase a short-term SIM/network card. If you don't have an international SIM card in Taiwan, it is recommended to buy a short-term SIM card at the airport to keep in touch with the outside world before applying for a long-term contracted SIM card.

Where can I buy it?

I personally recommend the "Success Stories" program.JAL ABCThere is a counter in the store called "The Counter", which offers a wide selection of cards. The counter of this store is located in the following places:

• Narita International Airport (Business Hours: 06:30 ～ Last Arrival)
  • One in the South Wing and one in the North Wing of the Terminal 1 Arrival Hall (1F).
  • One family in Terminal 2 Arrival Hall (1F) (near South Exit 3)
• Haneda International Airport (Hours of operation: 24 hours, but counters are closed from 1:00 to 4:00)
  • Haneda Third Terminal

Tip: If you want to send your luggage directly to your dormitory or hotel, you can also send it directly from this counter for about 2,000~3,000 yen per bag, depending on the size of your luggage.

What options are available for purchase?

See the list below for the types of products that can be purchased (see sources):JAL ABC).

Column \ Product	eSIM (3GB/7 days)	eSIM (4GB/day)	DATA & VOICE SIM (5GB)	Unlimited Japan Prepaid SIM (Unlimited)	TRE SIM (5GB / 10GB)
utilization capacity	3GB/7 days	4GB/day	5GB	Unlimited	5GB / 10GB
Sales Airport	Narita Airport / Haneda Airport Terminal 3 / Online Store	Narita Airport / Haneda Airport Terminal 3 / Online Store	Narita Airport / Haneda Airport Terminal 3 / Online Store	Narita Airport / Haneda Airport Terminal 3 / Online Store	Narita Airport / Haneda Airport Terminal 3
Price	3GB 2,700 yen (7 days)	7 days 5,000 yen; 14 days 7,000 yen; 15 days 8,900 yen; 30 days 9,900 yen	7 days: 4,500 yen; 15 days: 6,000 yen; 30 days: 7,000 yen	15 days 8,900 yen; 30 days 9,900 yen	5GB 3,000 yen; 10GB 4,800 yen (30 days)
sizes	–	–	Multiple sizes (Nano/Micro/Regular)	Multiple sizes (Nano/Micro/Regular)	Multiple sizes (Nano/Micro/Regular)
Availability	7 days from first communication	7 days from first communication	7 or 14 days from the first communication	15 or 30 days from the first communication	30 days from initial communication
communication speed	Up to 612Mbps (LTE)	Up to 788Mbps (LTE)	Up to 612Mbps (LTE)	Up to 612Mbps (LTE)	Up to 612Mbps (LTE)
Limitations when capacity is exceeded	Unable to communicate	Speed reduction (256kbps)	Unable to communicate	Unlimited	Unable to communicate
Talk Time	–	–	10 minutes per call (domestic calls only)	–	–
ONLINE STORE	JAPANESE / ENGLISH	JAPANESE / ENGLISH	JAPANESE	JAPANESE	–

Personal Buying Advice and Mine Warning

• Personal Advice
  • Program DaysChoose 7-14 days, then you can change to medium or long term SIM according to your needs.
  • Priority eSIM: If your phone supports it, we recommend using eSIM (easy, fast, no card replacement).
• Pre-purchase checkups
  • consistency
    • Card Size: Nano / Micro / Standard
    • eSIM Support: Settings → Mobile Network, check if your phone supports it.
  • Limitations on use: Confirmation of traffic and slowdown rules, and whether or not tethering is supported.
  • Voice RequirementsMost of the short-term cards provide data only, so if you need to make a phone call, please prepare an Internet phone (LINE, Skype).

• Risk Warning
  • Wrong size.: Be sure to check the size of the physical card first, you can't use it if you buy the wrong one.
  • eSIM More for No Refund: Ensure that your phone is supported before purchase. eSIM is usually non-refundable.
• Practical Tips
  • Data Retention: Take a picture of your phone model and SIM card size before you leave, so that you can confirm it at the counter.
  • Retention of documents: Retain packaging and instructions (including APN settings and customer service information).
  • Installation EnvironmentIf you are using eSIM, it is recommended that you complete the installation and testing in a place with Wi-Fi, such as an airport or a hotel.
  • Ask for discount: Ask at the time of purchase if there is a combo plan or discount available (e.g. SIM + luggage delivery discount).

In a nutshell: 7-14 days, prioritize eSIM, check compatibility and usage limitations, keep documentation, and have a VoIP phone available if you need to make a call.

What if I forget to buy it at the airport or I don't have enough traffic?

Some international students are so excited when they arrive at the airport that they take a train or a shuttle bus to their next destination and forget to buy a SIM card at the airport, or they buy a SIM card at the airport but find that they don't have enough days of usage and want to add more days to their SIM card.

Don't worry! You can buy a Japanese network card directly from kkday, basically!If you are using one of Japan's three major telecommunication networks (docomo, au, or Softbank), the network is stable.The

Below are a few of my top picks for the following cards.Hotspot sharing network can be opened(The website after clicking the link is in Japanese):

• For eSIM users: For iPhone/iOS, you can install eSIM directly from kkday no matter which one of the following is available; for Android, please scan the QR code after receiving the certificate to install eSIM immediately.
  • Taiwan Flying Speed Mobility offers "Support Japan Docomo/Softbank eSIM one-click installation"
    • Reference price: about 3,800 yen for the Eat-to-Eat (with fairness) program if you do it for 15 days, or about 7,600 yen if you are guaranteed not to be slowed down.
    • Network: Using Japan's docomo and Softbank.
    • FUP (Fair Use Policy) Restrictions Details
      • If you use a large amount of capacity for a short period of time, your speed will be reduced or your connection will be disconnected. If you are disconnected, please wait until 10:00 p.m. Taiwan time on the same day, and the network speed will be restored.
      • If the daily data limit is exceeded, the network speed will be reduced to 128kbps.
  • China Mobile International's "[Summer Only 50% OFF] Japan au (KDDI) / SoftBank eSIM"
    • Reference price: About 5,600 yen for 15 days of the all-you-can-eat program.
    • Use Nihon au and Softbank.
    • FUP (Fair Use Policy) Restrictions Details
      • Short-term use of a large amount of capacity may result in a slowdown or interruption of the connection.
      • If the daily data limit is exceeded, the network speed will be reduced to 384kbps.
  • The "Hong Kong Airpass Telecom [___Summer Offer 50% OFF】Japan Docomo / au (KDDI) / Softbank eSIM 1-click Installation"
    • Reference price: For a 15-day plan, it's about 3,700 yen for docomo card and 4,000 yen for au/Softbank card.
    • Use of network: Use of three Japanese docomo, au, Softbank
    • FUP (Fair Use Policy) Restrictions Details
      • Short-term use of a large amount of capacity may result in a slowdown or interruption of the connection.
      • If the daily data limit is exceeded, the network speed will be reduced to 384kbps.
  • Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong's[50% Discount] Japan Docomo / Rakuten / Softbank eSIM (Japan)"
    • Reference price: about 3,500 yen for the Eat-to-Eat (with fairness) program if you do it for 15 days, or about 7,000 yen if you are guaranteed not to be slowed down.
    • Use of the Internet: Use of Japan's docomo, Softbank, Rakuten (signaling is weak) three
    • FUP (Fair Use Policy) Restrictions Details
      • Short-term use of a large amount of capacity may result in a slowdown or interruption of the connection.
      • If the daily data limit is exceeded, the network speed will be reduced to 128kbps.
• Physical SIM card users
  • Japan NTT Docomo SIM Card (4G/LTE) All-you-can-eat Package [Access to major airports in Japan] (Sakura Mobile)
    • Reference price: About 6,000 yen for the 16-day program of the all-you-can-eat (with fairness) program.
    • Network: Japan docomo network
    • FUP (Fair Use Policy) Restrictions Details
      • Short-term use of a large amount of capacity may result in a slowdown or interruption of the connection.
    • Available at the following airports
      • Tokyo Narita Airport Terminal 1 and Terminal 2
      • Tokyo Haneda Airport Terminal 3
      • Kansai International Airport
      • Fukuoka Airport Terminal 1

The table below shows the differences between the scenarios:

Category	Providers / Programs	Reference price (15-16 days)	Using the Network	Installation / Pickup Method	FUP (Fair Use Policy) & Speed Reduction Description
eSIM	Taiwan Speedy Mobile - "Support Japan Docomo/Softbank eSIM One-Click Installation".	Eat till you drop (with FUP) for 15 days, about ¥3,800; if no speed drop is guaranteed, about ¥7,600.	docomo, SoftBank	iPhone / iOS can be installed with one click directly from kkday; Android can be installed by scanning after receiving the certificate (QR code).	Short-term heavy use will be slowed down or disconnected; if disconnected, please wait until 22:00 Taiwan time on the same day to resume; after exceeding the daily data quota, it will be reduced to 128 kbpsThe
eSIM	China Mobile International - "[SUMMER LIMITED 50% OFF] JAPAN au (KDDI) / SoftBank eSIM	All-you-can-eat (with FUP) 15 days ¥5,600	au (KDDI), SoftBank	iPhone / iOS can be installed with one click directly from kkday; Android can be installed by scanning after receiving the certificate (QR code).	Short-term heavy usage will be slowed down or disconnected; after exceeding the daily limit, the speed will be lowered to 384 kbpsThe
eSIM	Towngas Telecom Hong Kong - 「Summer Promotion 50% OFF】Japanese Docomo / au / Softbank eSIM 1-click Installation	Eat till you're full (with FUP) 15 days: Docomo about ¥3,700; au/SoftBank about ¥4,000	docomo, au (KDDI), SoftBank	iPhone / iOS can be installed with one click directly from kkday; Android can be installed by scanning after receiving the certificate (QR code).	Short-term heavy usage will be slowed down or disconnected; after exceeding the daily limit, the speed will be lowered to 384 kbpsThe
eSIM	Hutchison Telecom Hong Kong - "[50% Discount] Japan Docomo / Rakuten / Softbank eSIM	Eat till you drop (with FUP) for 15 days, about ¥3,500; if no speed drop is guaranteed, about ¥7,000.	docomo, SoftBank, Rakuten (weaker signal)	iPhone / iOS can be installed with one click directly from kkday; Android can be installed by scanning after receiving the certificate (QR code).	Short-term heavy usage will be slowed down or disconnected; after exceeding the daily limit, the speed will be lowered to 128 kbpsThe
Physical SIM	Sakura Mobile - Japan NTT Docomo SIM Card (4G/LTE) Eat till you drop (Pick up at major airports in Japan)	Eat till you drop (with FUP) 16 days ¥6,000	docomo	Airport Pickup: Narita (Terminal 1/2), Haneda (Terminal 3), Kansai, Fukuoka (Terminal 1)	Short-term heavy use will be slowed down or disconnected.

If you are looking for more sim cards, please visit kkday.

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Check-in hotel (if you arrive in Japan before the dormitory check-in date)

If your dormitory move-in date has not yet arrived, but you have arrived in Japan early, you will need to transition to a business hotel or a hotel first. The following is advice and practical information from my own experience for those who are going to TUT Suzukakkeidai Campus.

My Experience

I won the lottery for a dormitory at TUT, but my move-in date was not yet due, so I stayed at a business hotel first. My junior teacher, Mr. Honda, found out about it beforehand, and booked a room at Toyoko INN, which is located at the south exit of Unabe Station, and printed out a map for me on the same day, which made me feel a lot more at ease. Based on this experience, I would recommend this business hotel to students who are going to study in the Suzukakkeidai Campus.

Accommodation Options (Nearby Toyoko INN)

There are currently three Yokohama INNs in the vicinity of the Suzukake-dai Campus (from closest to furthest: Minami-Machida Station > Machida Station > Unabe Station). The following can be checked and booked via Agoda or Booking.com (please refer to the actual page):

1. TOYOKO INN MINAMI MACHIDA: Opened November 8, 2023, newest and most recent.
2. Toyoko INN Machida Station Odakyu Line East Exit: Opened on January 20, 2010, second oldest but in the middle of the distance.
3. Toyoko INN Yokohama Line Unobe Station South Exit: Opened on November 2, 2009, oldest and farthest away.

Reminder: Business hotels are often fully booked especially during peak seasons, the beginning of semester or on weekends, so if nearby rooms are full, you may want to expand your search or choose another brand.

Booking Platform Advice: Expedia, Booking.com & Agoda Comparison

It is recommended to use a well-known reservation platform to book a room before coming to Japan. Since you don't have a Japanese cell phone before coming to Japan, it is recommended to use theExpedia,Booking.comandAgodaWe will introduce you to these three platforms to make hotel reservations, and when you have a Japanese cell phone and address, we will introduce you to famous and safe reservation platforms in Japan.

Below is a comparison of the three major platforms:

Agoda Tips for Avoiding Lightning

Recently, Agoda's popularity is not very good, often there are orders placed, but the hotel actually did not receive the order, resulting in customers to make a trip in vain, but also make the business is very distressed. However, there is a tip to help you avoid the thunder, that is to confirm the reservation ID:

• if it is based on 10-digit number at the beginning of 1 → Agoda book directly with the hotel (usually no problem)
• If the number starts with 1~9 and there are only 9 digits → booking through a cooperative Online Travel Agent (OTA) (very often problematic)

However, regardless of the ID, if you do not receive a notification letter of successful booking, we always recommend sending a letter or calling the hotel directly to confirm the booking content again to minimize unnecessary risks.

💡 Money Saving Tips

1. Comparison is king.Check all three platforms and choose the cheapest one.
2. Make good use of credit card offers: Extra discounts with selected credit cards
3. Join the Membership Program: Agoda VIP, Booking Genius, Expedia Rewards are all worth joining!
4. Early Booking: Early Bird Offer Up to 50%
5. Attention to the cancellation policy: Check if you can cancel for free to retain flexibility
6. Keep an eye on the final price: Agoda and Expedia, be aware of the total price after taxes and fees are added.
7. Using Private Browsing: avoid platforms raising prices based on browsing records

Practical advice (before and on arrival)

• Before departure: Take a screenshot or print out the reservation confirmation letter, and prepare the Japanese name and map of the hotel address.
• Upon arrival: If you arrive late, check the hotel's reception hours and check-in regulations (some business hotel counters are not 24-hour).
• If you need to be picked up by someone else: Choose a hotel that is close to the school campus or conveniently located to minimize the need for your teacher to pick you up and drop you off.

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Visiting the Research Laboratory

On the day we arrived, there was supposed to be an orientation meeting for new students in Sato's lab; after settling in at the hotel, we went there, but we couldn't make it in time. Prof. Sato greeted us warmly and asked Mr. Honda to introduce the members of the lab while giving out the "pineapple cake", a local product of Taiwan that I had brought with me. After introducing myself, I received a brand new computer and officially started my research life at TUST.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Readers

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Related Resources

• International Student Chater
• Data SIM & MOBILE｜JAL ABC
• Getting eSIM, SIM Card, Portable WiFi by 2025
• Agoda
• Booking.com

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