Note: this FAQ database is under constant development. New entries will be added from time to time.
Travel
Coming to Kanazawa
Q1: Can I come to Kanazawa before Dec.27th?
A1: Yes, you can come before Dec.27th, but you will need to pay for your room by yourself.
Q2: Where can I stay, if I come before Dec.27th?
A2: I can reserve a room in your name. If you decided to do this please email us.
Q3: Can you pick me up at the airport or station?
A3: If you arrive at Komatsu airport your Japanese tutor can pick you up and take you to the hotel.
However, we won't be able to pick you up at Kansai/Narita airport.
Also, please tell us how to get to the hotel in Kanazawa.
It will be convenient for us to pick you up at Komatsu airport, if you arrive at around 7:00pm on Dec.26th or 1:00pm on Dec.27th or 7:00pm on Dec.27th. Because some of you will arrive at Komatsu airport at these times, so we can receive all of you at the same time.
Going Back Home
Q1: Can you see me off?
A1: If you decide to use Komatsu airport there is a direct bus that can drop you off.
Your Japanese tutor can take you to the bus station. Unfortunately, we won't be able to take you to Kansai/Narita airport. We can take you to the Kanazawa station, so that you can take the train to the Kansai/Narita airport.
Q2: Can I go back to my country on Jan.15th?
A2: Yes, you can. We will return the room fare for the one night.
Others
Q1: What would you suggest to us for cellphone use for the 3week time period?
A1: Although it is a bit expensive, there are several cellphone companies where you can rent a cellphone while you are in Japan.
You can check this website which has the information you want to know.
http://www.softbank-rental.jp/en/index.php
http://www.narita-airport.jp/en/guide/service/list/svc_19_1.html
Q2: Can I use my credit card in Japan?
A2: Yes, you can. Cards are generally accepted at major department stores and in upmarket restaurants.
However, Japan remains very much a cash-based society and you will have trouble using your cards in smaller shops, restaurants and canteens at Kanazawa University.
This is a list of shops, restaurants and department stores, where you can use your credit card, near the hotel
you stay.
Shops and Restaurant
*Starbuck Coffee
*Kohrinbo DAIWA Department Store
*Kohrinbo 109 Department Store
Convenience Stores
*LAWSON (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners)
*7-Eleven (VISA, MasterCard, JCB, AMERICAN EXPRESS, Diners)
This is a list of shops and restaurants, where you can't use your credit card, near the hotel you stay.
*McDonald's
*Misterdonut
Q3: Will my meals be covered in this scholarship?
A3:We initially planed on accommodating you at home stay or our guest house, however there are some reasons we decided to arrange KUSS accommodation at the city hotel (17nights) and host family(3nights) instead. So, you need to pay for meals daily, both lunch and supper while you are at the hotel. While you stay at the home-stay, all meals will be served by your host family, except you eat out with your friends alone.
About the "JASSO SS/SV scholarship"(80,000yen), this fee will be covering your accommodation (hotel&home stay) , tuition (Japanese and part of Japanese experience course) and so on. We pay these fee using your scholarship. Therefore once you had cash of scholarship at the Kanazawa University on 28th/December, please give this money back to KUSS Staff (Ms.Fujisawa) soon at that time.
Anyway we will guide this matter at the Kanazawa University on 28th.
Q4:How much money do I need to bring to Japan?
A4: We usually recommend students to bring a minimum of 50,000yen~ in cash, and if you would like to bring some more cash, better using a travelers-check. Please note that not many places you can change travelers-check around Kanazawa University so we will suggest you to change it at the International Airport.
It also would be possible to withdraw money from ATM machines using your credit card.
The ATM machines at all post offices and some banks accept foreign credit cards. However, please note that not all cards will be accepted by the ATM machines, those are part of the Cirrus/Plus network are okay. So, we recommend you to bring a minimum of 50,000yen in cash or traveler's check.
Q5: Can I open a bank account if I am a short-term student?
A5: About the opening bank account for especially short-term students, it requires a long and complicated procedure so we totally not recommend you to hold bank account except definite reasons you have.
Besides, you can't use your checkbook (own home banking) in Japan.
For more information
http://getstarted.yoslab.net/access.html