Moving to Japan: The Complete Checklist

Everything you need to know and do before, during, and after moving to Japan.

Before You Leave

Documents

• [ ] Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• [ ] Visa (work, student, or working holiday)
• [ ] International Driving Permit (if needed)
• [ ] Birth certificate (apostilled if needed)
• [ ] Marriage certificate (if applicable)
• [ ] Academic transcripts (if needed)
• [ ] Medical records
• [ ] Vaccination records
• [ ] Passport photos (20+ copies)
• [ ] Copies of all documents (digital + physical)

Financial

• [ ] Notify bank of travel
• [ ] Set up international wire transfer capability
• [ ] Bring ¥100,000–200,000 cash for first month
• [ ] Check credit card foreign transaction fees
• [ ] Set up Wise/Revolut account (best exchange rates)

Housing

• [ ] Research neighborhoods
• [ ] Contact real estate agent (if needed)
• [ ] Understand Japanese rental system (key money, deposits)
• [ ] Budget for move-in costs (4–6 months rent upfront)

Shipping

• [ ] Decide what to ship vs sell
• [ ] Get quotes from international movers
• [ ] Ship 2–3 months before arrival
• [ ] Understand customs regulations

Arrival (First Week)

Day 1–3

• [ ] Pick up residence card at airport (if eligible)
• [ ] Get SIM card or eSIM
• [ ] Withdraw cash from 7-Eleven ATM
• [ ] Buy IC card (Suica/Pasmo)
• [ ] Register at city hall (within 14 days)
• [ ] Get Japanese phone number (if needed)

Day 4–7

• [ ] Open bank account (Japan Post Bank easiest for foreigners)
• [ ] Set up utilities (electricity, gas, water)
• [ ] Register for health insurance (National Health Insurance)
• [ ] Buy furniture (if needed — Nitori, IKEA, secondhand)
• [ ] Get a Japanese driver's license (if needed)

First Month

Administrative

• [ ] Register at city hall (住民登録 — jūmin tōroku)
• [ ] Get My Number card (マイナンバーカード)
• [ ] Set up bank account
• [ ] Set up phone
• [ ] Register for health insurance
• [ ] Set up utilities
• [ ] Register at local library (free WiFi + books)

Practical

• [ ] Learn local train routes
• [ ] Find nearest convenience store, supermarket, drug store
• [ ] Learn garbage sorting rules
• [ ] Meet neighbors (introduce yourself with omiyage)
• [ ] Find local restaurants and cafes

Important Contacts

Tips

1. Learn basic Japanese — even 50 phrases help enormously
2. Bring patience — bureaucracy is slow in Japan
3. Carry your residence card — legally required at all times
4. Save all receipts — needed for tax purposes
5. Join local communities — Meetup, Facebook groups, language exchanges
6. Embrace the culture — Japan rewards those who respect its customs
7. Don't panic — millions of foreigners live successfully in Japan