岩手大学IVS

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Before coming to Japan

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HOMEMid to long-term stay (over 3 months)Before coming to Japan

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Find a Host Researcher

The main steps to start research activities at Iwate University are as follows:

１． Find a researcher (prospective host faculty member) at Iwate University.
２． Secure preliminary approval from the chosen researcher.
３． Submit required documents for hosting.
４． After receiving acceptance, obtain a visa and apply for accommodation in Japan.
５． Come to Japan.

Foreign researchers interested in conducting research at Iwate University must first identify and contact an Iwate University researcher (prospective host faculty member) in their field. You can search for researchers using the Iwate University “Researchers Directory.”

Next, discuss your research topic, funding during your stay, and intended duration with the host faculty member. Secure their preliminary acceptance to proceed. After receiving preliminary acceptance, the specific acceptance procedures begin.

Visa and Status of Residence

Visa Requirement

Foreign nationals need a visa to enter Japan, based on their purpose of entry, activities (status of residence), and intended duration. Visa exemptions exist for specific countries and regions.
Foreign researchers apply for a visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in their home country.

[Medium to Long-Term Stays]
For stays longer than 90 days, you’ll need a visa with a residence status that matches your planned activities in Japan.

Find the required documents here:

Find the general steps for applying for a visa on the following page.

Certificate of Eligibility

If you are applying for a visa with a status other than “Short-Term Stay,” you will be able to obtain the visa more quickly if you apply after obtaining a Certificate of Eligibility (CoE).
When applying for the CoE, you will need to prepare the necessary documents in consultation with the host faculty member. The application for the CoE is made at the nearest regional immigration office in Japan. Please note that it typically takes one to two months to receive a CoE.

If You Bring Your Family: “Dependent” visa

Family members of foreign researchers staying in Japan for an extended period need a “Dependent” visa.

[If the researcher has not arrived in Japan]
Apply for the CoE for your family together with your own CoE if arriving simultaneously.

[If the researcher is already in Japan]
If you are already in Japan as a researcher, you can submit the CoE application on your family’s behalf.

Status of Residence

Foreign researchers who plan to stay in Japan to conduct research activities at Iwate University are required to obtain an appropriate “Status of Residence.”
Please refer to “Managing Your Residence Status in Japan” page for procedures related to status of residence during your stay in Japan.

Status of ResidenceActivities allowed in Japan
ProfessorActivities of conducting research, supervising research, or teaching at the University (requires an employment contract with Iwate University)
Cultural activitiesNon-income-generating academic/artistic activities (no employment contract with Iwate University. e.g., visiting researchers)
ResearcherConducting research under contract with a Japanese institution
Short-Term StayAcademic exchange, conferences, meetings

Estimated Cost of Living

When conducting research activities at Iwate University as a visiting researcher, plan your budget by considering these estimated costs: Travel (airfare and domestic transportation), accommodation, living expenses, and research activities.

Domestic transportationNarita Airport→Morioka Station approx. 18,000 yen (by train)
Sendai Airport→Morioka Station approx. 8,000 yen (by train)
Hanamaki Airport→Morioka Station approx. 1,500 yen (bus)
HotelAbout 5,000 to 40,000 yen per night (Morioka)
Housing costsApprox. 50,000 yen or more per month (1K/1DK in Morioka)
for a standard apartment room
Utilities (electricity, gas and water)Approx. 15,000 yen per month on average (single household)
for a standard apartment room
FoodApprox. 30,000 yen or more per month (single household)

Click here to access information about the cost of living for international students at Iwate University:

You can estimate the cost of living by visiting the website below:

Housing

Iwate University offers accommodation for researchers at Tokyuso Guest House and International House (Rooms for Researchers). Please check with your host faculty member in advance, as availability is limited.

Tokyuso Guest House (for short stays less than one month)

Choose from two double occupancy Japanese-style rooms or six single Western-style rooms. Rooms include a modular bath (except one Western-style room), desk, chair, and bed (Western-style room only). The facility does not have a kitchen, so guests need to arrange their own breakfast and dinner. Rates range from 3,000 yen to 3,800 yen per night.
Reservations can only be made by Iwate University faculty members and staff. Please consult with your host faculty member for assistance.

International House (for stays of one month to one year)

Private rooms for researchers are available in two types: Type B (six rooms) and Type C (three rooms). Each room includes a kitchen, desk, chair, bed, air conditioner, modular bath, and toilet. Rates range from 48,000 yen to 50,000 yen per month, excluding internet and other charges. Please note that family members are not permitted to reside in these accommodations.
Reservations can only be made by Iwate University faculty members and staff. Please consult with your host faculty member for assistance.

Private Apartment

You can find apartments at nearby real estate agencies or at the Iwate University Co-op Real Estate Department.
Japanese rental housing contracts have a unique structure. For example, when signing a lease contract, it is common to pay a deposit, key money, and an agent’s commission, and pay rent in advance.
Also, a guarantor is required for the contract. If you do not have a guarantor, you can have a guarantee company act on your behalf.
Many apartments for rent in Japan are unfurnished. But some apartments do come with furniture and appliances, so it is advisable to check when renting an apartment.

* The Apartment Search Guidebook is available in 14 languages. Please check MLIT website for more information.

Insurance (Overseas Travel Insurance) 

We strongly recommend that you purchase overseas travel insurance (Overseas Travel Accident Insurance) before coming to Japan, which covers damages, injury, and illness, in case of unexpected problems during your stay in Japan, such as illness, accident, injury, loss, fire, and damage compensation.
If you plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months, you must enroll in public medical insurance in Japan. However, it does not cover loss, fire, damages, etc. So we recommended that you also purchase insurance other than public medical insurance.

Prohibited and Restricted Items to Be Brought into Japan

Check the Customs website for items prohibited or restricted from being brought into Japan.

If you are bringing in fruits and vegetables from overseas to Japan, you should also check the Plant Protection Station website for their regulations.

Access to Iwate University

Click here for directions and a detailed campus map of Iwate University.

Bringing Family Members