Settling in Japan: Practical steps to start life right
Moving to Japan feels exciting and a little overwhelming. You don’t need to know everything on day one, but a clear checklist helps. Here’s what to do first, how to handle daily life, and a few culture tips that actually matter.
First 30 days: paperwork and essentials
On arrival, keep your passport and entry card handy. If you stay long-term, register at your local city or ward office within 14 days of moving into your new address. That registration gives you a residence card (zairyū) or links your visa status to local records—essential for everything else.
Next: enroll in National Health Insurance at the ward office. Most residents pay about 30% of medical costs; the rest is covered. If you work for a company, your employer often handles insurance and pension enrollment, but double-check.
Get your My Number (personal ID) notification—useful for taxes, banking, and some government services. Apply for a residence card replacement if your visa changes. Don’t delay these steps; many services require proof of registration and insurance.
Living smart: housing, money, and daily life
Finding housing: expect guarantor requirements and extra move-in costs like security deposit, key money, and agency fees. If you don’t have a Japanese guarantor, look for "guarantor company" options or share houses. Smaller cities are far cheaper than Tokyo and often friendlier for beginners.
Opening a bank account usually requires your residence card, My Number, and proof of address. Many banks now offer some English support, but pick a bank close to home or work. Get an IC card (Suica, Pasmo) for trains and buses—rechargeable and accepted in many shops.
Phone and internet: you can get a prepaid SIM for short stays, but a contract plan needs a residence card and often a bank account. Expect to show ID when setting up utilities; landlords or real estate agents normally help with initial connections.
Work and taxes: if you have a work visa, your employer will withhold income tax and residence tax may follow. Students and some visa types have work-hour limits—check your visa terms before taking a job.
Daily rules: trash sorting is strict—learn local categories and collection days. Be quiet on public transport, and remove shoes indoors when asked. Punctuality matters: trains and appointments run on time.
Language and community: basic Japanese makes life much easier. Apps help, but joining local community centers, language classes, or international groups speeds up practical learning and builds support. Municipal international centers often help with paperwork and translations.
Final checklist: register at city hall, join health insurance, get My Number, open a bank account, set up phone and utilities, learn trash rules, and find local help groups. Small organized steps turn a stressful move into a manageable process—and you start enjoying Japan faster.
