Congratulations on being accepted into the JET Programme! We are thrilled to welcome you to this incredible opportunity to live and work in Japan, and we are here to support you every step of the way. Gunma Prefecture is known for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and warm-hearted people. As you embark on this exciting adventure, you will discover the beauty of Gunma’s natural wonders, explore its historical sites, and immerse yourself in the vibrant local communities.

On this page, you will find some useful information to help you prepare for your journey to Japan and ensure a smooth transition during your first few weeks in Gunma. From packing tips to cultural etiquette and language resources, we have curated a comprehensive guide to assist you in making the most of your time here. Our goal is to provide you with all the necessary tools and support to ensure a successful and enriching experience as an ALT in Gunma Prefecture.

Pre-Departure

Getting ready to leave for Japan can be a bit of a whirlwind. Here’s some guides to make it a little less hectic for you.

Advice from Current ALTs

We asked current JETs for the recommendations for newcomers and to complete the phrase “I wish I’d known…”  Below, you…

Frequently Asked Questions for New JETs

It's only natural to have a few questions when you're moving across the world! Here's 10 frequently asked questions from…

Packing Guide

While you are certainly moving your life to Japan, it’s important to determine what is truly necessary and what you…

Image from Wikimedia Commons
Gunma Guide to Omiyage

What are Omiyage? Omiyage is often defined as “souvenir,” but in Japan omiyage are not something you only give when you…

Cover photo by Sam Lee on Unsplash
Getting Around in Gunma

Public Transport Gunma has several public transportation options available.  However, as isn’t a large metropolitan area, not all areas are…

Money in Japan

Japan is a country of contradictions; a robot will deliver food to your table, but you can't pay by credit…

Post-Arrival

You’ll have a lot going on once you arrive, so here are some posts to help you find your feet when you arrive in Japan.

Photo by Omotayo Tajudeen on Unsplash
Practical Driving Test Guide

So, you want to get your Japanese license… Congratulations! You have just embarked on the most soul-crushing journey of your…

Photo by Kishor on Unsplash
Gunma Transportation Guide

There's so many great things to explore in Gunma's countryside, and so many great ways to do that. Here's a…

Furikomi (Electronic Funds Transfer) Guide

At first glance, trying to pay your rent or your gas bill seems like a nearly insurmountable task, but once…

Driving in Gunma

Beep beep! So you decided to retire that janky 15-year-old mamachari and buy a car, but then you realized there…

Getting Your Japanese Driver’s License

Some of the information in this article is a few years old. We're working on updating it. [Initial D theme…

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash
Medical Guide: Recommended Clinics in and around Gunma

We at GAJET are making a list of all the doctors, dentists, and eye clinics that you, our community, have…

What Next?

There’s so much to look forward to in Gunma, so why don’t you check out some upcoming events and travel guides? You can also browse our categories above.
  • July 14, 2020
Where is Pikachu? Elementary School Lesson Plan

For our new #teachertuesday series, we ask for submissions of lesson plans, activity ideas, or general advice for teachers/ALTs. Here…