Your First Week in Japan — Complete Checklist for New Residents (2026)

You just landed in Japan. Your suitcase is half-open in a tiny apartment, your phone says "No Service," and you have a growing list of things to figure out — address registration, bank account, health insurance, phone, pension, tax ID. Nobody told you the correct order, and most guides online assume you already know how Japan works.

We work at Rakuten and have welcomed dozens of international colleagues. This is the checklist we hand them on day one.

The Golden Rule: Order Matters

In Japan, each step unlocks the next. Do things out of order and you'll waste days going back to offices with missing documents. Here's the sequence that works:

Week 1 priority: Address → Insurance → Bank → Phone

Everything else can wait.

Day 1–2: Address Registration (住民届)

This is step zero. Almost everything else requires proof of address.

Where: Your local ward office (区役所) or city hall (市役所). Find the nearest one at your city's website or ask your company/school.

What to bring:

• Passport
• Residence Card (在留カード) — you received this at the airport
• Your apartment address written in Japanese (ask your landlord, company, or school for this)

What happens:

1. Go to the 住民課 (residents' section). Staff will hand you forms.
2. Fill in your name, nationality, address, and residence card number. Ask for help if the form is Japanese-only — staff at ward offices are used to helping foreigners.
3. Your residence card gets updated with your address on the back. This takes 15–30 minutes.

Common mistake: Going to the wrong ward office. You must go to the one for the ward/city where your apartment is located.

You must register within 14 days of moving in. This is a legal requirement, not optional.

Day 1–2: National Health Insurance (国民健康保険)

Usually handled at the same ward office visit.

Who needs it: Everyone who isn't covered by their employer's health insurance. If your company enrolled you in 社会保険 (shakai hoken), you can skip this.

What you get: A health insurance card that covers 70% of medical costs. You pay 30%.

Monthly cost: Varies by income and municipality. Expect roughly ¥2,000–¥5,000/month for newcomers with no prior Japanese income.

Why it matters: Without insurance, a simple doctor visit costs ¥10,000+. With it, the same visit is ¥3,000.

Day 2–3: Open a Bank Account

You need a Japanese bank account for almost everything: rent, utilities, phone plan, salary. See our detailed bank account guide for the full breakdown.

Quick summary:

• JP Bank (Japan Post Bank): Most foreigner-friendly. Available at any post office. Can often open on day 2–3.
• Online banks: Some let you open an account with just a residence card and smartphone. Processing takes 1–2 weeks.
• Your employer's bank: Some companies help you open an account at their partner bank.

What you need: Residence card (with address), passport, phone number (a temporary SIM works for SMS verification at some banks).

Day 3–7: Get a Phone Plan

Once you have a bank account (or at least one in progress), you can get a proper phone plan. Until then, use airport Wi-Fi, hotel Wi-Fi, or a temporary prepaid SIM.

The smart move: Even before your bank account is ready, you can lock in a signup bonus worth up to ¥14,000 in Rakuten Points. All you need is an email address. See our main setup guide for how this works.

What to consider when choosing a carrier:

• English support (online and in-store)
• No contract lock-in period
• eSIM support (instant activation, no waiting for a card in the mail)
• International calling options (for staying in touch with family)
• Coverage in your area

See our SIM card comparison guide for a detailed breakdown.

Week 1–2: My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)

Your My Number is a 12-digit tax identification number. You'll get a notification letter after registering your address.

My Number vs My Number Card:

• My Number (notification): The number itself, sent by mail. You'll get this automatically.
• My Number Card (physical card): A photo ID card you apply for separately. Useful for tax filing, some banking, and as official ID.

Do you need the card immediately? No. The notification letter is enough for most things. But the card is useful long-term, so apply when you can.

How to apply: Online at mynumbercard.go.jp or at your ward office. Processing takes 1–2 months.

Week 2+: Pension (年金)

If you're employed, your company handles this. If you're self-employed or a student, you need to enroll in 国民年金 (National Pension) at your ward office.

Monthly cost: About ¥16,980 (2025 rate).

Good to know: Many countries have pension agreements with Japan, meaning you may be able to transfer or claim your contributions when you leave. Students can apply for an exemption.

The Complete Checklist

Here's everything in order. Check off as you go:

Pro Tips from Colleagues Who've Done This

Transit: Get a Suica or PASMO card at the airport or train station. These work on all trains, buses, and at most convenience stores. You can also set it up on your smartphone (Apple Pay / Google Pay).

Cash: Japan still uses cash more than most countries. Keep ¥30,000–¥50,000 on hand for the first week. ATMs at convenience stores accept most international cards.

Language: Google Translate's camera mode can translate signs, menus, and forms in real-time. It's a lifesaver.

Address format: Japanese addresses go from large to small: Prefecture → City → Ward → Block → Building. Your company or school should provide your full address in Japanese.

Garbage: Japan has strict waste separation rules. Your ward office gives you a guide (usually with illustrations). Take it seriously — your neighbors will notice.