Moving to Japan

Everything You Need to Know From Arrival to Becoming Fully Settled

Welcome to Your New Life in Japan

Moving to Japan is one of the most exciting and rewarding experiences you can undertake. Whether you're arriving as a student, English teacher, skilled professional, Working Holiday participant, spouse, or long-term resident, the first few weeks can feel overwhelming.

You'll be navigating a new language, unfamiliar systems, government procedures, banking requirements, housing applications, healthcare enrolment, and countless documents you've likely never encountered before.

The good news?

Millions of people have successfully made the transition before you, and while Japan's systems can seem complex at first, they are generally logical, structured, and highly organised once you understand how they work.

This guide has been designed to walk you through the entire process step-by-step, explaining not only what you need to do, but why each step matters, what common mistakes to avoid, what documents you'll need, and what you can expect along the way.

Who This Guide Is For?

This guide is intended for:

  • Work Visa Holders

  • Engineers / IT Professionals

  • ALT & English Teachers

  • Students

  • Working Holiday Participants

  • Spouse Visa Holders

  • Dependents

  • Long-Term Residents

  • First-Time Relocators

While specific requirements may vary depending on your nationality, visa category, municipality, employer, university, or service provider, the overall process remains similar.

Before You Board Your Flight

Pre-Departure Checklist

Before leaving for Japan, make sure you have:

✅ Passport

✅ Visa Approval

✅ Printed Flight Information

✅ Copies of Passport

✅ Copies of Visa Documents

✅ Employment Contract or School Acceptance Letter

✅ Emergency Contact Information

✅ Temporary Accommodation Booking

✅ International Debit/Credit Card

✅ Travel Insurance (if applicable)

✅ Unlocked Smartphone

✅ Digital Copies Stored Online

✅ Emergency Funds

Recommended Emergency Savings

Many people underestimate the cost of getting established.

Your first month is usually the most expensive month you'll experience in Japan.

You'll likely need funds for:

  • Accommodation

  • Transportation

  • Furniture

  • Food

  • Administration Costs

  • Deposits

  • Utilities

  • Mobile Services

Building in a financial buffer can significantly reduce stress during your transition period..

Setup Timeline

  • Day 1

    ✅ Arrive in Japan

    ✅ Pass Immigration

    ✅ Receive Residence Card

    ✅ Travel to Accommodation

  • Days 1-14

    ✅ Register Address

    ✅ Join Health Insurance

    ✅ Register Pension

    ✅ Obtain Juminhyo

    ✅ Start My Number Process

  • Days 3-21

    ✅ Obtain Japanese Phone Number

    ✅ Open Bank Account

    ✅ Begin Apartment Search

  • Weeks 2-8

    ✅ Secure Long-Term Housing

    ✅ Activate Utilities

    ✅ Arrange Internet

    ✅ Purchase Essentials

  • Months 1-6

    ✅ Receive My Number Card

    ✅ Build Credit History

    ✅ Learn Local Systems

    ✅ Establish Financial Stability

    ✅ Become Fully Settled

Airport Arrival & Immigration

What Happens at Arrival?

Upon arrival at:

  • Narita Airport

  • Haneda Airport

  • Kansai International Airport

  • Chubu Centrair International Airport

Most long-term visa holders will receive their Residence Card (在留カード / Zairyu Card) during immigration processing.

Your Residence Card is one of the most important documents you'll possess during your time in Japan.

What Is the Residence Card?

The Residence Card serves as official proof that you are legally permitted to reside in Japan.

You'll need it for:

  • Banking

  • Housing

  • Mobile Contracts

  • Utilities

  • Employment

  • Healthcare

  • Government Services

  • Visa Renewals

In practical terms, your Residence Card becomes your primary form of identification in Japan.

Before Leaving the Immigration Counter

Double-check:

✅ Full Name

✅ Date of Birth

✅ Visa Status

✅ Length of Stay

✅ Nationality

✅ Residence Card Number

Mistakes are far easier to correct immediately than weeks later.

Register Your Address at City Hall

Why This Is So Important

This is arguably the single most important administrative task you'll complete after arriving.

Until your address is officially registered:

❌ Many banks won't allow account applications

❌ Some phone contracts won't be approved

❌ Various government processes can't begin

❌ My Number registration cannot proceed

Legally, you are generally expected to register your address shortly after moving into your residence.

What to Bring

  • Passport

  • Residence Card

  • Housing Agreement

  • Accommodation Address

  • Cash for Document Copies

What Happens at City Hall?

You'll typically:

  1. Register your Address

  2. Update your Residence Card

  3. Create Your Resident Record

  4. Enrol in Health Insurance

  5. Register Pension

  6. Begin My Number Processing

Understanding the Juminhyo

A Juminhyo (Resident Record) is one of the most important documents in Japan.

Think of it as government-issued proof that:

  • You reside at your address

  • Your address is officially registered

  • You exist within Japan's resident registration system

You'll frequently need it for:

  • Bank Accounts

  • Apartment Applications

  • Internet Contracts

  • Government Procedures

Pro Tip

Request at least 2-3 copies while you're already at City Hall.

You'll almost certainly need them later.

National Health Insurance

Japan has one of the most respected healthcare systems in the world.

Depending on your circumstances, you'll generally be enrolled in either:

National Health Insurance

Common for:

  • Students

  • Working Holiday Participants

  • Self-Employed Residents

Employee Health Insurance

Common for:

  • Full-Time Employees

Why Insurance Matters

Without insurance, healthcare costs can become extremely expensive.

With proper enrolment, residents often receive substantial reductions in medical expenses for eligible services.

National Pension

Many newcomers are surprised to learn that pension registration is generally part of establishing residency.

Depending on your situation, exemptions, reductions, or alternative arrangements may be available.

Always ask your city office if:

  • You're a student

  • You're unemployed

  • You've recently arrived

  • You're unsure which scheme applies

Understanding My Number

Shortly after address registration, you'll receive your My Number notification.

This is Japan's national identification number system.

It is increasingly used for:

  • Tax Administration

  • Government Services

  • Healthcare Integration

  • Online Verification

  • Official Documentation

Many future services become easier once your My Number Card has been obtained.

Japanese Phone Number

Why a Japanese Number Matters

Many essential services require SMS verification.

Without a Japanese mobile number, you may encounter difficulties with:

  • Banking

  • Shopping

  • Housing Applications

  • Delivery Services

  • Authentication Systems

A Japanese phone number is often one of the first major tools you'll need.

What You'll Typically Need

  • Residence Card

  • Registered Address

  • Smartphone

  • Payment Method

Choosing a Provider

  • Mobal

  • Sakura Mobile

Beginner-Friendly

  • Rakuten Mobile

  • UQ Mobile

  • Y!Mobile

Long-Term Options

  • NTT Docomo

  • SoftBank

  • au

Major Networks

Open a Japanese Bank Account

Why Banking Comes After the Phone Number

Many banks require:

✅ Registered Address

✅ Residence Card

✅ Phone Number

✅ Identity Verification

Without these, applications may be delayed or rejected.

Best Beginner-Friendly Banks

JP Post Bank

Excellent for:

  • Students

  • Working Holiday Participants

  • New Arrivals

Sony Bank

Excellent for:

  • English Support

  • International Transfers

  • Online Banking

SBI Shinsei Bank

Excellent for:

  • International Residents

  • Modern Online Features

Common Reasons Applications Are Delayed

  • Address Not Registered

  • Missing Documentation

  • Phone Verification Issues

  • Incorrect Address Formatting

  • Incomplete Forms

This is normal and usually resolvable.

Hanko (Personal Seal)

Although signatures are increasingly accepted, many traditional organisations still use Hanko (personal seals).

You may encounter them when:

  • Renting Housing

  • Banking

  • Certain Contracts

Having one isn't always essential immediately, but obtaining one can make life easier later.