Before coming to Japan
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HOMEShort-term stay (less than 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 a 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.
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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.
[Short-Term Stays]
Short-Term Stay visa is required if the intended duration of stay is less than 90 days and the purpose of visit is for academic exchanges, conferences, or academic meetings. (This visa does not allow paid activities.) Certain countries and regions have visa exemptions.
The procedures required for visa applications vary from country to country. Check the following page for details:
- VISA（Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan）
- Exemption of Visa (Short-Term Stay) (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan)
Find the general steps for applying for a visa on the following page.
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.”
| Status of Residence | Activities allowed in Japan |
|---|---|
| Professor | Activities of conducting research, supervising research, or teaching at the University (requires an employment contract with Iwate University) |
| Cultural activities | Non-income-generating academic/artistic activities (no employment contract with Iwate University. e.g., visiting researchers) |
| Researcher | Conducting research under contract with a Japanese institution |
| Short-Term Stay | Academic exchange, conferences, meetings |
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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 transportation | Narita 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) |
|---|---|
| Hotel | About 5,000 to 40,000 yen per night (Morioka) |
| Housing costs | Approx. 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 |
| Food | Approx. 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:
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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.
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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 stay in Japan for less than 3 months, you are not eligible to join Japan’s public medical insurance, so if you receive medical consultation or treatment at a Japanese medical institution, you will have to pay the full amount yourself. Therefore, in some cases, the cost of treatment can be high.
- Protect yourself from potential risks (JNTO Japan National Tourism Organization)
(HOME > Plan Your Trip > Essential Information > Travel Insurance in Japan)
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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.
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Access to Iwate University
Click here for directions and a detailed campus map of Iwate University.