Moving to Japan? There are plenty of guides, but we’ve got pro-level intel that can only come with experience. Whether you’re conquering Tokyo, the countryside, or somewhere in between, these tips will smoothen your transition.
From breezily paying bills to scoring the best furniture delivery, you’ll be prepared to live in Japan like a local, armed with insider knowledge that’ll make your first days (and beyond) a snap.
1. Getting a local phone number
A local phone number is your golden ticket when you touch down in Japan. It’s essential for everyday life, from setting up a bank account to getting furniture (or food!) delivery. Fortunately, you can get one before you even arrive.
The easy way: Order online
Order a voice SIM online with a provider like Mobal. They offer English customer support, making it easy to manage your cellular plan.
Cheaper isn’t always best
While setting up a number once you’re in Japan may be more cost-effective, it’s often time-consuming and complex for new arrivals. You can always switch to a major Japanese provider later on, though.
Helpful resources
Check out our comprehensive guide to getting a Japanese phone number. Plus, we’ve scoured the market for the cheapest cellular plans.
2. Registering at your local city hall/ward office
Grab your passport and residence card (got that at customs, right?) and head to your local ward office within 2 weeks of landing. The hack? Get three critical things done in one shot.
1. Register your address
English speakers will likely be available to help if you’re in a big city. Smaller town? Your trusty translation app is your friend. Fill out the form, hand it over, and relax.
2. Order your My Number card
This is your personal tax ID, similar to a US social security number. You’ll receive a mail voucher to pick up your card in about 3 weeks. If you need it sooner to start work, you can request a temporary paper copy.
3. Arrange your health insurance
Last, register for health insurance. Employed with company benefits? You’ll be signed up for that, through your employer — so no need to do anything more at the city hall. Freelancing or self-employed? You’ll get enrolled in the national health insurance plan, at the city hall.
Your insurance card arrives by mail. You can use your My Number card in its place, too.
Pro tip: Make sure your name is the same on every document as on your passport. Every character, space, hyphen, etc., must be identical to avoid headaches later.
3. Getting a bank account in Japan
Feeling lost in the sea of Japanese banks?
Foreigner-friendly favorites
- SBI Shinsei Bank: Smooth sailing for expats.
- Sony Bank: Tech-savvy and English-friendly.
- Japan Post Bank: Simple, low-cost, with an easy-to-use app. It’s a perfect beginner bank account for getting those first paychecks in without a hitch.
Water bill hack
Open a Japan Post Bank account and use their Yucho Pay app. It reads your water bill barcode and pays instantly, saving you time and tears.
Need more info? Dive into our banking guide.
4. Hooking up utilities and internet
Next up, let’s get your lights on and your internet buzzing.
Electricity
Some apartments pre-select a provider, while others give you the freedom to choose. Whichever way, a quick call sets things up. They’ll check your meter, ask for a signature, and flip the switch. Need help choosing providers? Check our energy company guide.
Gas
Pick any provider (though most people stick to local ones), call them up, schedule a visit, and they’ll get you connected.
Water
Good news — your water supply is likely already on. But still, contact your local water bureau to set up your account, so it stays that way.
Wi-Fi
It’s a good idea to shop around for the best deals. Our guide to internet providers has all the tips you need to get online fast.
Bills & payments
Choose between automatic bank debits or head to a convenience store for a cash payment. Some providers let you pay directly from your phone. As an example, you might receive your electricity bill via SMS, and then pay with MobalPay or something similar.
5. Useful apps when moving to Japan
Here’s a hack I personally wish I had known before I moved to Japan. So many handy apps are available to make your life in Japan easier.
- Line: The dominant messaging app in Japan, essential for connecting with friends, family, and even businesses.
- Google Maps: Works well in most parts of Japan. Offers walking, biking, and driving directions and public transportation information.
- Navitime: A Japan-specific navigation app that provides detailed public transportation information, including real-time train and bus schedules.
- Suica/Pasmo: Mobile electronic wallets for paying for public transport and convenience store purchases (if you don’t want a physical card).
- ThreeR: A waste-management app that helps you understand sorting rules and find collection points for different types of garbage.
- NHK News Web Easy: A simplified version of the NHK news website with articles in plain Japanese — great for studying.
- Safety tips: It’s important to be prepared for disasters. This government app sends real-time push notifications about natural disasters, emergencies, and safety information in English (and other languages).
- PayPay/Rakuten Pay: These popular mobile payment apps are for making cashless payments at stores and restaurants. Perfect when you want to pay electronically but aren’t eligible for a cash or credit card yet. As a bonus, you also earn points that you can redeem towards future purchases.
Bonus tip for Apple users
Start preparing to switch your App Store region to Japan BEFORE you arrive. Many essential apps are region-locked! You’ll have to finish/cancel subscriptions to apps like Apple Music and make sure your Apple Store balance is zero before you can change regions.
6. Getting furniture
Lastly, here are some tips to furnish your new abode. Need familiar names? IKEA’s got you covered. But we suggest taking advantage of Japan’s furniture giants, like Nitori and Tokyo Interior, for Japanese apartment-sized goods. They deliver, too!
Delivery and assembly hack
There are two kinds of people in the world: those who like assembling furniture and those who don’t. If you’re in the latter camp, Nitori’s the champion. They deliver, assemble, and haul away the rubbish in one visit. IKEA offers assembly, but it’s separate from delivery, which adds extra hassle. Plus, our expert behind all of these tips scored a free coffee-maker with his Nitori points.
Think second hand
Check out our list of second-hand shops and services where you can find everything you need, including furniture for cheap or sometimes even free.
A big thank you to Declan Somers, director of sales marketing at Mobal, for sharing his tips, based on his personal experience.
While we do our best to ensure it’s correct, information is subject to change.
