Setting Up Your Life in Japan During the First Month

Moving to Japan is exciting, but the first 30 days can feel overwhelming. Between government paperwork, opening bank accounts, finding housing, and adjusting to a completely different culture, there is a lot to manage in a very short window. The good news is that thousands of foreigners go through this process every year, and with the right checklist, you can get settled smoothly and start enjoying life in Japan.

This guide walks you through everything you need to do during your first month, in the right order, so you do not waste time or miss critical deadlines.

The Critical First 14 Days: Government Registration

The most important task after arriving in Japan is registering your address at your local city or ward office (shiyakusho or kuyakusho). This is legally required within 14 days of moving in, and almost every other setup task depends on completing it first.

When you arrive at the airport, you will receive your Residence Card (Zairyu Card) at immigration. This card is your primary ID in Japan, but it will not have your address on it yet. You need to visit your local ward or city office to register your address, which will then be printed on the back of your card.

What to bring to the city office:

• Your passport
• Your Residence Card (Zairyu Card)
• Proof of your Japanese address (your lease agreement or a letter from your host)

While at the city office, you should also complete these tasks in the same visit:

• Enroll in National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) if your employer does not provide coverage. This covers 70% of medical costs and is mandatory for all residents.
• Apply for your My Number Card (Individual Number Card). As of December 2024, the My Number Card has replaced paper health insurance cards, making it essential for accessing medical services.
• Register for the National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) if you are between 20 and 59 years old.

For more details on healthcare enrollment, check out our complete guide to healthcare in Japan.

Getting a Japanese Phone Number

Once your address is registered, your next priority should be getting a Japanese phone number. You will need it for almost everything in Japan, from opening a bank account to signing up for online services and two-factor authentication.

There are several options depending on your budget and needs:

For your first few days, a prepaid SIM card from providers like Mobal can get you connected immediately, even before you have your address registered. Once your paperwork is complete, you can switch to a more affordable long-term plan like Rakuten Mobile or IIJmio.

Opening a Bank Account

With your registered Residence Card and a Japanese phone number in hand, you can open a bank account. This is essential for receiving your salary, paying rent, and managing daily expenses.

The most foreigner-friendly banks include:

• Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko) - Available at post offices nationwide, simple application process, and widely accepted. This is the most popular choice for newcomers.
• SMBC Prestia (formerly Shinsei Bank's international division) - Offers English-language support and international transfer services.
• Sony Bank - Good online banking experience with multi-currency accounts.

What you will need to open an account:

• Residence Card with registered address
• Passport
• Japanese phone number
• Personal seal (inkan) or signature (some banks accept signatures)

Be aware that some banks require you to have lived in Japan for six months before opening an account. Japan Post Bank and Prestia are generally more flexible for newcomers. The application process typically takes three to five business days.

For a deeper look at managing your finances, see our guide to banking and finance in Japan.

Finding and Setting Up Housing

If you did not arrange long-term housing before arriving, your first month is the time to secure a place. Many newcomers start in temporary accommodation like share houses or serviced apartments while they search.

Share houses are an excellent option for your first few months. They cost between ¥30,000 and ¥90,000 per month, usually include utilities, and require minimal upfront costs. Unlike regular apartments, you typically do not need to pay key money or agency fees. They also come furnished, which saves you the hassle of buying appliances and furniture right away. For a comparison of housing options, Living in Nihon has a helpful guide on share houses vs guest houses.

Regular apartments in Japan require significant upfront costs:

This means moving into a ¥70,000/month apartment could cost ¥280,000 to ¥420,000 upfront. One alternative is UR Housing (Urban Renaissance Agency), which eliminates key money, agency fees, and guarantor requirements, making it much more accessible for foreigners.

Once you move in, you will need to set up utilities (electricity, gas, water) and internet. Your real estate agent or landlord should provide instructions for each. For complete housing guidance, read our guide to finding housing in Japan.

Setting Up Daily Life: Utilities, Transportation, and Shopping

With the big items handled, it is time to get comfortable with daily life.

Transportation: Get an IC card (Suica or PASMO) at any train station. These rechargeable cards work on all trains, buses, and even at convenience stores. You can also link them to your phone via Apple Pay or Google Pay. Learn more in our transportation guide.

Grocery shopping: Japan has excellent supermarkets, convenience stores (konbini), and discount stores. Major chains include Aeon, Life, OK Store (budget-friendly), and Don Quijote for household goods. Fresh food tends to have short shelf lives, especially in summer, so plan to shop frequently.

Internet: Most apartments require you to set up your own internet. Fiber optic connections from providers like NTT Flet's or NURO are common and cost around ¥4,000 to ¥5,000 per month. Installation can take two to four weeks, so apply early.

Garbage disposal: This is one of the things that surprises newcomers the most. Japan has strict garbage sorting rules that vary by city and ward. You will need to separate your trash into categories like burnable waste, non-burnable waste, recyclables (PET bottles, cans, glass), and oversized items. Check your local ward office website for English-language instructions and a collection schedule.

For tips on navigating daily life, check our guide to daily life in Japan.

Building Your Community and Support Network

The first month is also an important time to start building social connections. Japan has over 3.76 million foreign residents, and there are strong support networks available.

NPO and government support: Many cities have international exchange associations and NPOs that offer free services including Japanese language classes, legal advice, housing assistance, and job counseling. The Foreign Residents Support Center operates in 21 languages. For Work in Japan covers useful NPO services for foreigners.

Meet your neighbors: Within your first week, it is customary to greet your neighbors with a small gift (a towel or household item worth around ¥500 to ¥1,000). A simple "Hajimemashite, tonari ni hikkoshite kimashita. Yoroshiku onegaishimasu" goes a long way.

Join your neighborhood association: Many areas have a chonaikai or jichikai that organizes community events, cleanups, and festivals. Participation is flexible and is a great way to integrate.

Language exchange and social groups: Apps like Meetup, HelloTalk, and local community boards at ward offices can connect you with language partners and social events. For more ideas, read our guide to making friends in Japan.

If you are considering a career change or exploring IT career opportunities in Japan, Ittenshoku offers useful resources for career development.

Your First Month Timeline: Week by Week

Here is a practical breakdown of how to organize your first 30 days:

Week 1: Essential paperwork

• Register address at city/ward office
• Enroll in health insurance and pension
• Apply for My Number Card
• Get a temporary SIM card or prepaid phone plan
• Open a bank account (Japan Post Bank recommended)

Week 2: Housing and utilities

• Begin apartment hunting (or confirm share house arrangement)
• Set up internet service (apply early, as installation takes weeks)
• Get an IC transportation card
• Familiarize yourself with local trains and bus routes

Week 3: Daily life setup

• Learn garbage sorting rules for your area
• Explore local supermarkets and shops
• Set up utility payments via bank auto-transfer
• Greet your neighbors with a small gift

Week 4: Community and adjustment

• Visit your local international exchange association
• Join a language class or social group
• Set up any remaining subscriptions (streaming, apps)
• Create a monthly budget based on your first month's spending

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many newcomers run into the same problems during their first month. Here are the most common pitfalls:

• Missing the 14-day registration deadline - This can cause problems with your visa status and delays all other setup tasks.
• Trying to open a bank account too early - You need your address registered and a phone number first. Follow the correct order.
• Not carrying cash - While Japan is becoming more cashless, many small shops and restaurants still only accept cash. Keep at least ¥10,000 on hand.
• Ignoring garbage sorting rules - Incorrect sorting can result in your garbage being rejected and complaints from neighbors.
• Underestimating housing costs - Budget for four to six months of rent in upfront costs for a regular apartment.
• Not having key documents translated - If you need official documents from your home country (degree certificates, marriage certificates), get them apostilled and translated before arriving.

For more information on managing costs, see our cost of living guide. You can also find helpful tips in this comprehensive moving checklist from Japan Handbook and JSCC's arrival checklist.

Final Thoughts

Your first month in Japan sets the foundation for everything that follows. By tackling tasks in the right order, starting with address registration and working through phone, bank, and housing, you avoid unnecessary delays and can focus on actually enjoying your new life. Take advantage of the extensive support networks available to foreigners, and do not hesitate to ask for help at your local ward office or international exchange center.

For the full picture on relocating to Japan, head back to our complete guide to moving to Japan. And for more on getting settled with practical tips from Plaza Homes, their guide covers neighborhood etiquette and community integration in detail.