After arriving in Japan, many foreigners need to complete several important procedures in a short period of time. These include address registration, opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, and setting up utilities.
One important point is that address registration, bank account setup, and SIM card preparation should be treated as a set. These procedures are connected, and delays in one can affect daily life, rent payments, or communication with schools and management companies.
In this article, we summarize the topics we receive the most inquiries about from foreign residents and international students in Japan.
1. Register Your Address at the City Office
Once you decide where you will live in Japan, you must register your address at your local city office or ward office. Without address registration on your residence card, it may be difficult to open a bank account or sign a mobile phone contract.
Address registration is one of the first and most important steps for starting your life in Japan. Try to complete it as soon as possible after moving in.
2. Open a Bank Account
After completing address registration, the next step is opening a bank account. A Japanese bank account is important for paying rent, receiving salary payments, and paying utility bills.
Many foreigners use Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank). However, you may need your residence card with a registered address, student ID, seal (hanko), or other identification documents.
It may also take time for your cash card to arrive, so early preparation is recommended.
Click here for the Japan Post Bank account guide
3. Prepare a SIM Card and Mobile Phone
Having a Japanese phone number is extremely important for daily life in Japan. Schools, real estate companies, management companies, guarantor companies, and workplaces may contact you by phone.
Especially for apartment applications and screening, having a Japanese phone number makes the process much smoother. Without one, applications or contracts may be delayed.
When choosing a SIM card, compare monthly fees, contract terms, language support, and payment methods.
How to get a SIM card in Japan
Comparison of Japanese mobile carriers
Address Registration, Bank Account, and SIM Card as a Set
Although these procedures seem separate, they are closely connected.
- You may not be able to open a bank account without address registration
- Without a bank account, paying rent and utilities becomes inconvenient
- Without a phone number, management companies and guarantor companies may not contact you easily
- Communication problems may delay apartment screening and contracts
For this reason, after arriving in Japan, it is recommended to complete:
- Address registration
- Bank account setup
- SIM card preparation
as early as possible.
4. Buy a Commuter Pass
If you commute to school or work by train, buying a commuter pass can help reduce transportation costs.
In cities like Osaka, most people use IC cards for trains and buses. Before purchasing a commuter pass, confirm your commuting route and station information.
How foreigners can buy commuter passes in Japan
5. Start Electricity, Gas, and Water Services
Before or after moving into your apartment, you must arrange utility services such as electricity, gas, and water.
Electricity may already be available, but gas often requires an in-person inspection appointment before activation. Water procedures also vary depending on the city or management company.
Try to arrange utilities before your move-in date whenever possible.
How to start electricity, gas, and water services
How to pay utilities and internet bills in Japan
6. Prepare Furniture and Appliances
Many rental apartments in Japan do not include furniture or appliances. You may need to prepare items such as a refrigerator, washing machine, microwave, curtains, bedding, and lighting.
To reduce costs, many foreigners use secondhand stores, recycle shops, or online marketplaces. Be sure to check delivery and installation options before purchasing.
How to buy furniture and appliances in Japan
7. Learn Garbage Disposal Rules
Garbage separation rules vary depending on the area in Japan. You usually need to separate burnable garbage, plastics, cans, bottles, and PET bottles correctly.
Collection days and disposal times are also strictly regulated. Be sure to check your local rules after moving in to avoid problems with neighbors.
Easy guide to garbage disposal in Japan
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I do not have a Japanese bank account yet?
Until your bank account is ready, you may need to use bank transfers or convenience store payments. Payment methods differ depending on the management company, so always confirm in advance.
Can I rent an apartment without a Japanese phone number?
Some apartments allow applications without one, but screening may become more difficult. Management companies and guarantor companies often contact applicants by phone, so preparing a SIM card early is recommended.
Can I use electricity, gas, and water immediately after moving in?
Electricity may already work, but gas usually requires an opening inspection appointment. Water procedures depend on the local city office or management company.
Are furnished apartments available?
Yes, furnished apartments exist, but rent is often higher. To reduce costs, some people choose regular apartments and buy their own furniture and appliances.
Summary
There are many procedures to complete after arriving in Japan, and it can feel overwhelming at first. However, if you follow the steps one by one, the process becomes much easier.
- Register your address
- Open a bank account
- Get a SIM card and phone number
- Prepare transportation and commuter passes
- Start utilities
- Buy furniture and appliances
- Learn garbage disposal rules
Especially, address registration, bank account setup, and SIM card preparation are the foundation of daily life in Japan. Preparing these early will make rent payments, school life, part-time jobs, and communication much smoother.
If you need help with life in Japan or apartment searching, feel free to contact willow anytime. We support foreign residents and international students starting a new life in Japan.
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