Step by Step Guide

Moving to Japan can be an exciting adventure, but it often comes with a variety of challenges, especially when it comes to navigating the practical aspects of daily life in a new country. This step-by-step guide is designed specifically for foreign residents in Japan, helping you through the essential tasks required to settle into your new life. From registering your address to setting up a phone plan and finding accommodation, this guide will walk you through each stage of the process to ensure a smooth and stress-free transition.

Foreigners living in Japan typically face several common questions and concerns when adjusting to life here. These often include:

• Legal requirements and paperwork: How to handle residency registration, visa renewals, and taxes.
• Setting up essential services: How to open a bank account, get a mobile phone, and arrange utilities.
• Navigating daily life: How to find accommodation, enroll in healthcare, and manage transportation.

This step-by-step guide will address these key areas, providing practical instructions to help make your life in Japan easier.

Step-by-Step Guide to Living in Japan

Step 1: Residence Registration (住民登録, Jūmin Tōroku)

Once you arrive in Japan and receive your Residence Card at the airport, you are required to register your address at your local city hall within 14 days.

How to do it:

1. Bring your Residence Card, passport, and lease agreement (or proof of address) to the city hall closest to where you live.
2. Fill out the necessary forms (some city halls have English assistance).
3. The city hall will update your Residence Card with your new address and issue you a Jūminhyō (住民票), a residence certificate, which you’ll need for other services.

Why it’s important: Registering your address is a legal requirement and is necessary for other processes like getting health insurance or opening a bank account.

Step 2: Enroll in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenkō Hoken)

If you’re employed full-time, your company will likely enroll you in Employee Health Insurance. However, if you’re self-employed or not working, you need to enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI) at your local city hall.

How to do it:

1. After registering your address, go to the health insurance counter at the city hall.
2. Present your Residence Card and Jūminhyō.
3. The staff will help you enroll, and you’ll receive your health insurance card (保険証, Hokenshō).
4. Premiums are based on your previous year’s income, but everyone must pay into the system.

Why it’s important: Having health insurance is mandatory, and it covers 70% of your medical costs in Japan.

Step 3: Open a Bank Account

To manage finances in Japan, including paying rent or receiving your salary, you’ll need to open a local bank account. Most banks require you to have registered your address and obtained a Jūminhyō.

How to do it:

1. Choose a bank that is foreigner-friendly, such as Shinsei Bank, Japan Post Bank, or SMBC (some offer English services).
2. Bring your Residence Card, Jūminhyō, passport, and hanko (a personal seal, though some banks may accept a signature).
3. Complete the application form at the bank, and your account should be ready within a few days.

Why it’s important: A bank account is crucial for managing bills, paying rent, and handling any financial needs. Some jobs may require a bank account for direct salary deposits.

Step 4: Get a Mobile Phone and Internet

Staying connected is essential, and Japan offers a range of mobile phone plans and internet options. You can choose from major carriers like Docomo, au, or SoftBank, or more budget-friendly options like Rakuten Mobile or IIJmio.

How to do it:

1. Bring your Residence Card, passport, and bank account information or a credit card to a phone provider.
2. Choose between a contract plan or prepaid plan, depending on your needs.
3. Some providers have English-speaking customer service, especially in larger cities.

Why it’s important: You’ll need a local phone number for many services in Japan, including banking, accommodation, and even certain shopping apps.

Step 5: Find Accommodation

Finding an apartment in Japan can be different from what you’re used to, with requirements such as key money (礼金, reikin) and guarantors (保証人, hoshōnin). However, there are services that cater specifically to foreigners.

How to do it:

1. Search for housing through English-friendly services like GaijinPot, Real Estate Japan, or Leopalace. These sites often offer foreigner-friendly rental options without the need for a guarantor.
2. Prepare documents such as your Residence Card, passport, and proof of income.
3. Be ready to pay upfront costs, including key money, deposit, and the first month’s rent.

Why it’s important: Having a stable, long-term place to live is crucial for feeling settled and is often required when registering for local services.

Step 6: Transportation – Getting an IC Card

Public transportation in Japan is highly efficient and easy to navigate, especially in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Getting an IC card (Suica or Pasmo) makes travel more convenient.

How to do it:

1. Purchase a Suica or Pasmo card from a ticket machine at any major train station.
2. Load money onto the card (you can recharge it at convenience stores or ticket machines).
3. Tap the card when entering and exiting train stations or when boarding buses.

Why it’s important: An IC card simplifies using public transportation and can even be used for small purchases at convenience stores and vending machines.

Step 7: Understand Cultural Etiquette

Living in Japan means adapting to the local culture and social customs. Understanding basic etiquette can help you feel more comfortable in everyday situations.

Important tips:

• Bowing: A simple bow is a common way to greet people and show respect.
• Shoes: Always remove your shoes when entering a home or certain traditional buildings.
• Queuing: Japan is very orderly, so always follow the line, whether at a train station, store, or bus stop.
• Public Behavior: Speaking quietly on public transport and not eating while walking are common practices in Japan.

Helpful URLs for Step-by-Step Guidance

Here are some resources that can provide further guidance on settling into life in Japan:

1. GaijinPot – Living in Japan Guide
   This guide covers essential topics for foreign residents, including housing, healthcare, banking, and more.
   URL: https://www.gaijinpot.com/living/
2. Japan Guide – Practical Information
   Offers detailed practical advice on residency registration, healthcare, and everyday living in Japan.
   URL: https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e625.html
3. Tokyo Metropolitan Government – Services for Foreign Residents
   This page provides services and support available to foreign residents in Tokyo, including information on public services, language support, and legal help.
   URL: https://www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/things/index.html
4. Just Landed – Japan Guides
   An in-depth guide for expats living in Japan, including information on housing, work, healthcare, and culture.
   URL: https://www.justlanded.com/english/Japan/Japan-Guide
5. Japan Healthcare Info (JHI)
   A comprehensive resource for navigating the Japanese healthcare system, including finding English-speaking doctors.
   URL: https://japanhealthinfo.com/

If you can’t find the information you’re looking for, please send us a request through the contact form.
We will create articles based on the most frequently asked questions.
Our contact form is here.