Career Strategy Fellowships Study Abroad

SAC Guide - Japan

You are here

Home    /    Resources for...    /    Fellows Abroad    /    SAC Guide - Japan    /    SAC Guide - Japan

TOC: A guide to studying in Japan 

Know Before You Go 

A. Packing Tips 

Tip: Items marked with * are best to bring from home and items marked with # are best to buy in Japan 

  • Toiletries #
    • If you use specific products that may not be available in Japan, you should plan to bring these 
  • Clothes
    • note that it will get hot and humid in the summer - bring something thinner than jeans, like baggy pants. Shorts are not as common, but it's okay to wear them 
    • clothing is cheaper in Japan, so don't feel the need to pack your suitcase to the brim - note: sizing may be limited
    • enough T-shirts - in the summer, you'll sweat through a lot, so keep in mind you probably will need to wash everything after one wear 
  • Shoes
    • NO high heels - sandals, flip-flops, and/or sneakers are enough. Maybe one formal pair of shoes if your program has formal events 
  • Hand Towel/Handkerchief #
    • You won't find paper towels as often in public bathrooms - it's good to carry one of these around, but it's easy to find in Japan - no need to pack 
  • Omiyage ****
    • First impressions are important and presents are good manners, especially if you're staying with a host family! Gifts are customary any time someone extends you hospitality 
  • Adapters/converters - necessary in Japan, very cheap to buy in Japan 
  • Laundry Rack/Hanger#
    • most people do not use dryers - you can buy a laundry rack or hanger in any conbini 
  • Umbrella# - it rains often! 
  • Smaller luggage* (a backpack or something you can use for shorter trips around Japan) 
  • Japanese dictionary app 
  • Stick Deodorant ** - difficult to find in Japan 
  • sunscreen
    • if you have sensitive skin or skin-type that benefits from a specific formula, bring this from home 
    • read labels carefully
  • bugspray *

B. Passport & Visa 

Note: You need a passport and the correct visa to enter China! Talk to your program for any documents you might need and be aware of the timeline and visa status. If you're unclear, ask your program! You will need to hand your passport into the consulate in order to receive the visa. For U.S. citizens: you'll need to apply at the post office using your original birth certificate or some proof of citizenship if you were not born in the U.S. More information about applying for a U.S. passport can be found here. Passport processing times can take a while, so budget this into your visa timeline.

  • Defer to guidelines put forth by the U.S. State Department and the International SOS Online Member Center. For non-U.S. citizens, refer to the equivalent in your passport-holding country
  • Check after receiving your visa to make sure all information is correct!
  • Note that if you have a single-entry visa, you should not plan to leave the country before your program ends

C. Omiyage Ideas 

Note: Japanese culture places heavy emphasis on gift-giving - while you certainly do not NEED gifts for each of your teachers, you will likely want something for your language partner and definitely for your host family. You might want to bring a few extra gifts for your stay.

Ideas for Omiyage:

  • Yale branded things (T-shirts, stickers, stuffed animals, key chains)
  • Things unique to your hometown (Mexican blankets, museum souvenirs, I love NY shirts, postcards, handmade items)
  • Coffee, tea, and other easy to brew beverages
  • Chocolates

Things to Avoid:

  • Be careful about perishables - not everything is allowed through customs
  • Stationery - Japan is the mitochondria of school supply productions
  • gifts that are marked "Made in Japan"

Getting Settled 

A. Getting from the Airport to Your Program 

Tip: Make sure to have the address of your intended destination written down in English and Japan. You will need this for your immigration form and if you get lost on your way, it's handy to have. If you're not sure yet, have the address of your study abroad program's office. 

  • From Narita to Tokyo City: 
    • ​"Limousine" Bus: from airport to downtown Tokyo, Shinjuku, Shinagawa takes approx. 60 - 90 min and runs every 30 min. 
    • JR Narita Express train: to Tokyo station, Shinjuku Station and Yokohama Station in approx 1 hr. It's more expensive than local trains, but is the fastest and most comfortable way (The Narita Express is also covered by the JR Pass)
    • Keisei Skyliner: an express train that takes you to Ueno station in 41 min. and is slightly cheaper than the Narita Express 
    • Keisei Access Express: fast local train that departs every 30-45 min and gets you to Asakusa/Ginza/Shinagawa in 60-80 min. Most trains in early morning and afternoon continue to Haneda 
  • Transportation from Haneda to Tokyo City: (Note: Haneda is much closer to central Tokyo and Yokohama) 
    • ​"Limousine" Buses to downtown Tokyo: 30 - 40 min depending on traffic and destination - most convenient, but most expensive 
    •  Keikyu Airport Line: gets you to Shinagawa Station in 20 min and Yokohama in 25
    • Tokyo Monorail: takes you to Hamamatsucho Station in 20 min 
  • Follow your Program's instructions on arrival if they're arranging arrival or if they have specific instructions 

Luggage Takkyubin Service: In Japan, there is a service to send goods or luggage to a destination - if you're traveling within the country after arriving in Tokyo, you might consider taking advantage of this service. Just note, it may require advance reservation and it might take up to 2 days for your luggage to arrive. Be sure to keep any essential items with you for the duration of those days. 

B. Accessing Money in Japan 

Tip: Get a card with no foreign transaction fees: It can be significantly more cost-effective than changing money

  • Japan is generally a cash-based economy with a growing number of businesses now accepting credit cards and debit cards - you should have cash handy 
  • Consider exchanging money beforehand - the airport exchange rates are not good. You can also withdraw from an ATM at the airport. 
  • It's worth investing in a coin-purse or something that holds coins as you will collect change quickly 
  • IC Cards (IC カード) - a rechargeable stored-value card originally developed for the train/bus network - it can now be used in convenience stores, shops, and even vending machines. They vary by region, but are usually compatible with eachother. 
  • ATMs - The best way is to deposit your money into a checking account of your US bank and withdraw as you need it from an ATM in Japan
    • Advantages: Safer than carrying around cash, you can pay with credit/debit cards where accepted, sometimes a lower exchange rate
    • Disadvantages: If you don't have an account that has 0 ATM fees, you will be paying a fee every time you use one, so you're paying the bank to get your money. There's usually a withdrawal limit 
    • Tips for this method:
      • Take out large sums of money at one time so that you get the most of your ATM fee. 
      • Find a bank that has $0 transaction fees before you go. 
      • Contact your bank before going to figure out how to avoid it/ what the rules are international fees 
    • ATM Locations:
      • Post office (郵便局: ゆうびんきょく) - Almost every post office in Japan has an ATM that you can use during normal business hours
      • Convenience Stores - most have ATMs that accept foreign cards 
      • Not all ATMs will work for what you want them to do - try the post office and 7/11 first 

C. Using a Cell Phone in Japan 

  • Ensure that your phone is unlocked for international use
  • You'll need a Japanese phone number to sign-up for events and services - sometimes you can ask your housemates or host family to help 
  • Types of SIM Cards:
    • E-Sims are a common option for students - some students have reported this to be easier, but you may have to use/create a Japanese iCloud, Google Play, or other relevant account to create one 
    • Data Only SIM - this option doesn't grant you a phone number, but allows you to access any internet apps and LINE, which is the main mode of communication for many (Previous Light Fellows highly recommend this option, especially for summer) 
    • Monthly Plan - Summer Fellows are not eligible - you need a resident card for this, but it allows some data and calling and texting 
    • Prepaid/pay as you go - you can rent a phone or SIM at the airport, but these will be high cost and shorter time periods 

D. Accessing Mail 

  • Overall, sending packages to the U.S. can be very expensive 
  • If you wish to send/receive packages, find the nearest post office - be prepared to describe the contents of the package in Japanese 

E. Public Transportation 

Tip: Many cities in Japan have extensive public transportation systems, especially Tokyo! It can be confusing to navigate at the beginning, but once you get the hang of it, you'll be able to get anywhere in the city! 

  • Train/Subway/Tram: Depending on the city, you can try to buy a monthly pass or multiple-ride tickets - Ask your host family, friends, or program staff for help at the beginning
    • Some train systems close at night - don't assume every train is 24 hours - make sure you have a way to return home! 
    • at times, the private rail operators (Tokyu or Keikyu in Tokyo/Yokohama or Hankyu/Hanshin in Kansai) are cheaper than JR 
    • Multiple-Ride Tickets: If you plan to frequently travel around, you can get a rechargeable commuter card 
    • Note: some trains have women-only train cards - watch out for pink indicators on the floor of the train platform
  • Bike: You can by a second-hand bike or ask your host family if you can borrow one - be mindful of local laws- if you're riding your bike to school, see if you'll need a permit to park it on the campus 
  • Taxi: if you're completely lost or it's getting late, it's a good option, but it's very expensive and an exact address - it's helpful to have landmarks, train stations or intersections near your destination 

Health and Safety 

All students traveling whiel funded by a Yale fellowship are covered under Yale's International SOS policy. A description and resources related to the policy can be found here.

International SOS Group Number: 11B824535

24/7 Emergency Response Center [Tokyo Center Number] +81 3 3560 7183

  • Japan Emergency Numbers:
    • For Medical Emergencies: 1 1 9 
    • Safety Emergencies/Police: 1 1 0 
    • English-speaking Police Hotline (Tokyo) - 03 3501 0110 

note: it would be wise to procure your medications in advance - check legality of your medication in Japan and Remember to bring the prescription documents along with your medication

A. Seeking Health Support

  • Stay hydrated! Tap water is drinkable in Japan 
  • Gather health documentation (i.e. immunization records, eye glasses/contacts, and prescriptions) 
  • prescription medications (bring support from your physician, incl. the generic name of the drug) 
  • Health Coverage: If you're staying in Japan for more than a semester, you might consider enrolling in Japan's national health care plan - this is included in some programs
  • If you experience an emergency, follow your program's protocol for emergency management 

B. A note on Safety 

  • Register with the local U.S. Embassy  - if you are not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, please seek the equivalent support from the country in which you hold your passport 
  • Stay informed about local events in Japan and around the world - read local papers/listen to local radio stations 
  • Be aware of issues (legal, safety, and health) around drug and alcohol use. The legal drinking age in Japan for 20. The penalties for drug posession and use are higher than in the U.S. 

Adapting to Life in Japan 

A.  Daily Life, Customs, and Etiquette 

  • Eating while walking, standing, or sitting in an unapproved place is considered rude in Japan 
  • Don't forget 「いただきます」 と「ごちそうさまでした」when eating. Also, 「行ってきます」と「ただいま」when leaving and returning, and 「失礼します」
  • Take your shoes off when you enter a home 
  • Public bathrooms are clean and easily accessible - In Japan, there are two types of toilets: the western (洋式（ようしき）and squat 和式（わしき）).
    • Have a handkerchief or hand towel with you as you will rarely find paper towels 
  • Public Baths or Onsens are also a cultural experience
    • remember to wash first at the basilns before entering the pool 
    • note that these are typically nude 
    • some locations will not allow people with tattoos 
  • Karaoke places are a common place to socialize with a group of friends
    • pricing is usually per house per person and varies so its wise to shop around 
    • ask about deals and discounts
  • Movie tickets are expensive, but a fun experience - buy tickets early and arrive early as theaters have reserved seats
    • movie ticket discounts are available on the first day of months, including foreign student discount 
    • make sure you watch a subtitled (jimaku 字幕) version rather than the dubbed “fukikae” (吹き替え). You can also always just watch a Japanese film!

B. Smart Shopping 

  • If you’re going to be cooking for yourself in Japan, you’re going to be using a lot of rice and tofu. Shop around as food prices vary from supermarket to supermarket. 業務スパー is a really inexpensive supermarket chain.
  • Take advantage of time sales at supermarkets, usually after 5:00pm: If you’re lucky, you can even get good quality okazu (side dishes) or sashimi for 50% off. You may have to fight the throng of middle-aged ladies, but it is so worth it.
  • Try to buy books, DVDs, video games and CDs used. There are many stores such as Book-Off where the products are in excellent shape. Since these are all sold by other Japanese, you might not find the whole set of manga from the same store; ask the store clerks (Japanese only).
  • Check out the books aimed for younger kids. They have furigana above all the kanji which make it easier to look up. Also, they are filled with idioms and cultural lessons.
  • Check out a 100yen store (like the Daiso chain). They are the one stop shop for school supplies, household items, and other interesting Japanese things. The quality is decent, but beware of bad deals (usually chocolate snacks which you can get in supermarkets for cheaper).
  • Make sure to try on the clothing, since a medium size in Japan is more like a small in the States. You might not be able to find a suitable size in local stores and it tends to be more pricey especially if it’s imported clothing. Look out for sales in the summer!
  • Yukatas: find one at a Uniqlo for around $40. Don’t get one from a department store — they usually cost $300~400 there.
  • Tax-free (免税 めんぜい) shopping: If you enter Japan as a tourist (i.e. most summer fellows) you can buy things tax-free at most large stores if you spend more than ¥5000, so like clothes, electronics or souvenirs / food to bring back home. Bring your passport since you’ll need to show your entry stamp.

Traveling within Japan 

A. Special Deals - Save Money!

  • Japan Rail Pass - You can get one for unlimited travel for 7, 14 or 21 days on most JR trains all over Japan, including the Narita Express and Haruka express to Kansai airport.
    • Summer Participants: If you're entering on a tourist visa, you can get this. 
    • Buy an exchange order before going to Japan to get the discount. 
    • This is great for if you're planning on traveling after your program. 
  • Seishun Juuhachi Kippu (青春１８切符) 11,500 yen, is a voucher for 5 days of unlimited travel on local and express trains
    • MUCH slower than Shinkansen, but MUCH cheaper
    • Summer fellows and Year-long participants have this option 
  • Hyperdia is super helpful to plan a trip and Google Maps has also gotten better 
  • multiple ride tickets are usually cheaper for train and bus travel between selected stations\
  • If you're commuting, it's worth looking into a Monthly Ride Ticket - you may need a student ID for student discounts 
  • Kyoto has kimono-discounts on most taxis 
  • Ask at information desks about good deals - there's usually also someone who can speak English 

B. Between Cities: 

  • Trains: convenient, comfortable, punctual, but can be expensive 
  • Planes: most domestic flights fly in and out of Haneda and there are a ton of low-cost carriers
    • note budget carriers may have strict carry-on rules and baggage fees
  • Highway Bus: cheap and safe option for long-distance travel
    • you can take an overnight bus in some cases with no transfer
    • it's cheaper than shinkansen and you might save on the night's lodging as well 
    • make reservations in advance, depending on the popularity of the route 

C. Lodging: 

  • Book early, especially if you're traveling during Japanese holidays 
  • Don't assume you can reserve in English - make sure you have the necessarily vocabulary or someone to help you!
  • Go to places in groups to save
    • for solo travelers: some ryokans charge by head rather than room and youth hostels are always an inexpensive option 
  • Bring a lock with you to store things in a safe place 
  • Look at Ryokans in the city - they're designed for student travelers and are often offered at cheaper rates
  • Look into hostels - they are cheaper and a great way to meet new people 

Program Information 

A. Hokkaido International Foundation

  • Academics
    • Do not take the placement test lightly 
    • Speak with your sensei as soon as possible if you are uncomfortable with your level 
    • All students are required to complete an independent study project - choose a topic that you're really passionate about and that you'd like to spend the length of the program researching 
    • the teachers are awesome - chat with them and have lunch with them! 
    • "Intensive" really does mean intensive 
  • Living Situation
    • Host Family - this is one of the best features of the program! 
    • If your homestay is not as proactice as some others - you should suggest things to do with them 
    • miscommunication is normal - if you have challenges with communicating, ask your HIF administrators for help! 
    • be prepared to constantly speak Japanese - observe and actively participate in the customs your host family engages in 
    • Hakodate is a safe and serene fishing town, but can be dark at night 
  • Weather
    • Weather in Hokkaido is much more comfortable in Japan - humidity is much more bearable 
    • there tends to be no air conditioning or light air conditioning 
    • Bring a jacket and a sweater - though you won't encounter sweltering eat, it can get chilly in the evening 
    • STAY HYDRATED! 
  • Extracurricular Activities
    • If there's an optional activity, participate! 
    • If you have some free time - make the most of it!
    • Look up special events and activities in Hokkaido 
  • Getting Around Hakodate
    • The three main forms of public transportation are JR, bus, and tram (Red and blue lines) 
    • Hakodate JR is the main train hub - the bus terminals are in front of the station 
    • taxis are expensive in Hakodate 
    • public transportation service stops early 
    • consider biking if the weather is nice! 
    • Note that HIF classes are located at the top of a steep hill - the view is great, but you'll have to get used to it 
    • Consider buying a monthly pass for public transportation!

B. Inter-University Center for Japanese Studies

  • Academics
    • Expect to learn a huge amount of kanji and vocabulary daily - homework took around 3 - 4 hours 
    • For Year-long students: the year is broken up into quarters with more emphasis on independent research and academic interest in the last two quarters 
  • Living Situation
    • IUC does send out recommendations for commercial establishments or private apartments that have been handed down from previous IUC students 
    • Year-long students: unless you are very advanced, do not attempt to sign a separate lease! It's not worth the staggering legal and financial mindfield. 
  • Extracurriculars
    • IUC has mandatory cultural field trips once a week , students recommend participating in "free conversation" with local peers 
    • IUC gives many free tickets to performances throughout the year - take advantage of this! 
    • Try to pursue a hobby outside of the IUC bubble - whether its a choir, a run club, pottery studio, etc, it's a great way to meet people and pursue your interests in Japan 

C. Princeton in Ishikawa 

  • Academics
    • Classes meet for 3 hours each morning followed by extracurricular activities and other study time 
    • Students are expected to adhere to a language pledge and students generally do only speak Chinese on the program 
  • Living Situation
    • Students live with host families and the experience can vary - this is often the best way to learn about Japanese culture and build relationships with local people 
  • Extracurriculars: Sign up for as many of the PII-organized activities as possible, especially exchange with local college students. It's a great way to bond with friends and build connections in Ishikawa. 
  • Advice from Sempai:
    • Stay hydrated! Tap water is safe to drink and dehydration and heat exhaustion is not uncommon during summer. 
    • Explore the region! Most people don't venture beyond Tokyo/Kyoto, but there's so much to see in this area 
    • Do not bring a lot of books to Japan with you

D. Sun Academy Nihongo Center

  • Academics
    • 10-15 students makes it easy to foster camaraderie 
    • 1 midterm and final with homework taking at most 4 hours per day 
  • Living Situation
    • Program offers 1 month of homestay and 1 month of apartment/dorm 
    • apartments usually meet the majority of students needs
    • be really specific/ as honest as you can be in your homestay form
  • Extracurriculars
    • The program organizes so many activities and experiences - we highly recommend that you take advantage of every one!
    • Buddy system
      • you'll be set up with local Japanese students - put effort into building this relationship
      • Exchange contact information with your buddy in the beginning 
  • Transportation
    • Buy a Suica card or monthly commuter pass 
    • Different forms of transportation can have different costs and opening times - use google maps to see the general total 
    • Pay attention to stand on the left in the Tokyo area, but switch to the right in the Kansai region
    • Even if the car looks full, you'll manage to get in because everyone will automatically squeeze in 
    • Taxis are extremely expensive 
  • Advice from Sempai:
    • Watch your wallet! Manage your budget wisely 
    • Karaoke during the weekday is cheaper 
    • If you miss the last train, go to McDonald's, konbinis or cheap resturants 
    • Pack business casual attire - Sun Academy arranges interviews with fairly prominent people in Japan 

E. Kyoto Consortium for Japanese Studies 

  • Academics
    • Located at Doshisha University - students have full access to Doshisha facilities, incl. library 
    • Take the placement test seriously - your whole experience will differ across levels 
    • You're in charge of your learning - your workload depends on your dedication, and so does your level upon returning 
  • Living Situation
    • Kyoto is a safe and small city, but be careful walking alone, esp. near Bukkyo Daigaku 
    • KCJS arranges your housing - opt for a host family where possible 
  • Extracurriculars
    • you need to go out of your way to participate in extracurricular activities
    • in the summer, the program organizes cultural activities - you should participate in these as much as possible
    • check the bulletin board on the first floor of Fusokan for extracurricular opportunities - most of which, you can participate in 
  • Transportation
    • Look into a commuter pass or pre-paid city bus/subway card
    • Consider biking around as long as you can get a campus permit to park your bike - just be careful! 
  • Advice from Sempai:
    • most businesses run from 9am to 5pm - plan accordingly 
    • In the Kyoto dialect, 「＿＿はるor「＿＿してはる」equals「＿＿る」or「＿＿してる」
    • 21st of every month: large flea market at Toji Temple in the south. There’s always good food, antiques, yukata, plants, jewelry, and the like.
    • 20th of every month: Kitano- Tenmangu flea market, or Tenjin-san
    • Jidai Matsuri on October 22nd
    • Gion Matsuri in the summer is one of the most famous festivals

F. Nanzan University 

If you have any questions at all, ask the CJS office, especially about settling in and any important paperwork you might have to complete. 

  • Academics
    • Take the placement exam seriously - once you've been placed, it's hard to switch out
      • The intermediate class tends to be bigger, so aim for 300/500/600/700 - 400 is crowded
    • Nanzan's English language lecture classes are nowhere near as intensive as Yale classes, but if you want to audit, they're interesting 
    • Elective classes include basic Japanese culture, linguistics, foreign policy, economics, and business 
    • Fieldwork Research Method allows you to pick a topic of your choice and interview local people 
    • Art and Culture classes such as ikebana, tea ceremony, ink painting, and calligraphy are fun and relaxing electives to add
      • NOTE: most people speak in English, so if you really want to learn Japanese, try your best to develop relationships with your professors 
    • Take advantage of fall semester classes with Japanese students - these are not offered in Spring
    • Higher levels have more workload and speeches 
    • language partners are THE BEST RESOURCE 
  • Living Situation
    • be really specific in your host family survey form 
    • a great way to practice Japanese and have a once-in-a-lifetime experience in the host country 
    • Nanzan has dorm buildings - all dorms provide singles - free heat and air conditioning 
    • you can subscribe to an internet plan in the dorm 
  • Transportation
    • buy a monthly commuter pass (定期券) and use your Nanzan student ID to save money 
    • Get a day pass if you're using the subway 3+ times 
    • Discount Card: 20% off during daytime and weekends and 10% off evening 
  • Food
    • Big supermarket Valor near Nanzan has 98yen bread. Jusco at Yagoto Station is a big supermarket and department store complex.
    • Torinosuke near Irinaka eki has an “endless special” where it’s all-you-can-drink from 10pm until closing time (ardoun 2 or 3am) for only 1500 yen! supermarket
    • Yaosen
    • AEON by Yagoto
  • ​Advice from Sempai
    • Ask Nanzan about nanzan-related discounts, especially for Shinkansen 
    • if you want to use the gym, make sure to go to gym orientation at the beginning of the semester 
    • Join one of the many sports and extracurriculars Nanzan has to offer - some clubs have high time commitments, but its the best way to meet local peers 
    • Go to Stella and Japan Plaza to meet Japanese and other international students 

G. CET Osaka 

  • Academics
    • Class is every day from 9AM to 2:00PM at Osaka Gakuin Daigaku 
    • tests and a final presentation and classes were fairly intense 
    • don't expect the regular facilities to be overly welcoming to foreign students 
  • Extracurricular Activities
    • Students have had success meeting local students at events put on by the university's International club 
    • CET spends a lot of time organizing events for students and buddies - join as many events as possible 
  • Living Situation
    • main draw of the program is having a local roommate 
    • it can be hit or miss - its a two-way street, don't expect your roommate to make all the effort 
    • invite your roommate to do things with you and share with them! 
  • Transportation - JR into Osaka and Hankyuu into Kyoto for cheapest rate 
  • Advice from Sempai
    • On the escalator, stand on the right to avoid blocking traffic! 
    • When you ask for directions to a station, make sure you specifiy which line because different lines often have stations with the same name
    • Look for small, family-run places as much as you can - you can get a better deal and practice your Japanese 
    • Head to the supermarket later in the evening, when all perishable items are 50% off!
    • If you're cooking on your own, be prepared to shell out yen once you start craving fresh fruit and vegetables 

Vocabulary Index 

  • Self-introduction (自己紹介) [じこしょうかい]
    • ________と申します。 (My name is  ______ ) 
    • どうぞよろしくお願いします。(Please take good care of me)
  • Academic Major - イェール大学で○○を/しております。(I am studying/majoring in   at Yale)
    • Anthrolopology:人類学 [じんるいがく]
    • Astronomy:天文学 [てんもんがく]
    • Biology:生物学 [せいぶつがく]
    • Chemistry:化学 [か がく]
    • Computer Science:コンピューター・サイエンス
    • Classics:古典学 [こてん がく]
    • Economics:経済学 [けいざいがく]
    • Geology:地質学 [ちしつ がく]
    • History:歴史 [れ きし]
    • Humanities:人文科学 [じんぶんか がく]
    • Linguistics:言語学 [げんごがく]
    • Literature:文学 [ぶんがく]
    • Math:数学 [すうがく]
    • Music:音楽 [おんがく]
    • Physics: 物理 [ぶつり]
    • Poli Sci: 政治学 [せいじがく]
    • Sciences:科学 [かがく]
    • Social Sciences:社会学 [しゃかいがく]
    • Theater Studies:演劇学 [えんげきがく]
  • Hobbies (趣味) / Interests(興味)
    • Music: 音楽 (おんがく)
    • To Sing:歌う (うたう)
    • To play a wind instrument: literally, “to blow” 吹く (ふく)
    • To play strings/keyboard/percussion: 引く(ひく)
  • Sports:スポーツ - Many times the word for a particular sport in Japanese is just the (Katakana equivalent of the) English word. Some exceptions:
    • Baseball: 野球 (やきゅう)
    • Swimming: 水泳 (すいえい)
    • To Swim: 泳ぐ(およぐ)
  • Shopping
    • Bag: 袋 (ふくろ) Often will be used by store clerks when asking if you want a plastic bag.
  • Host Family
    • きもちだけですが、おみやげです。(It isn’t worth much, but here’s a gift for you)
    • いただきます、 ごちそうさまでした (Before and after meal)
    • お世話になりました。（Thanks for taking care of me)
  • General
    • 何が入 ってますか。○○は入ってますか。(What’s in it?/Is there in this?)
    • すみません、ちょっとうかがいますが。。。(Excuse me, may I ask a question?)
    • ○○はどういうですか。(What does mean?)
    • (On a taxi) ○○までおいします。 (Please take me to    )
    • すみません。○○で○○に行きたいんですが。。。(Excuse me, I’d like to go to ___ by _____  )　
    • ○○をしています。(I am looking for…)
    • お店 の方ですか。(Are you a store clerk?) By saying this you are hinting you need help.

Many thanks to all of the Light Fellowship Alumni, affiliates, and instructors who contributed to making this guide - we crowdsourced all of this information and appreciate your help and hard work!