Your First 2 Weeks in Japan Checklist | Resident Registration, Bank Account, and Mobile SIM Guide

Right after arriving in Japan, there's a long list of procedures waiting for you. Worse, many of them have a fixed order — you can't register as a resident without an address, and you can't get a phone contract without a bank account. This article covers what to do in your first two weeks, in the most efficient order.

STEP 1: Secure Your Housing (the Foundation of Everything)

Almost every procedure in Japan starts from your address. Resident registration, bank accounts, mobile phones — none of it can begin without one. If your housing isn't settled before you arrive, secure short-term accommodation first and lock down an apartment as quickly as you can.

If your company provides housing, this step is smooth. If you're searching on your own, using a housing support service for foreign residents lets you move forward without worrying about guarantors or the language barrier.

STEP 2: Register at Your City Office (Within 14 Days)

Once you have a place to live, you must submit a 転入届 (tennyū-todoke / moving-in notification) at your city or ward office within 14 days. Bring your 在留カード (zairyū card / residence card, if it was issued at the airport) and your passport. When you register at the counter, your address is printed on the back of your residence card — and that printed address is what you'll need for identity verification in virtually every contract from here on.

At the same visit, you'll also enroll in National Health Insurance (if you're not covered by your employer's social insurance) and start the My Number notification process. You can apply for the My Number card later. Some city offices offer multilingual counters or interpretation services, so if you're not confident in Japanese, check in advance.

STEP 3: Open a Bank Account

You'll need a Japanese bank account to receive your salary. Required items: your residence card (with address printed on it), passport, a personal seal or inkan (depending on the bank), and a phone number. Japan Post Bank (Yūcho) and online banks experienced with foreign customers tend to be the smoothest options.

One caveat: if your period of stay is under six months, the banks available to you are limited. Also, since most banks require a Japanese phone number to open an account, it's smart to work on your mobile SIM contract in parallel.

STEP 4: Get a Mobile Phone / SIM Contract

Because identity verification in Japan is strict, any monthly contract beyond a prepaid SIM requires your residence card plus a payment method (credit card or bank account). Right after arriving, a smart strategy is to start with a budget SIM (MVNO) that has a simple verification process, then switch carriers once your life is settled.

As a rough guide, expect monthly fees of about 1,000–3,000 yen for a data-focused plan. More and more services now let you sign up in multiple languages.

STEP 5: Electricity, Gas, Water, and Internet

Electricity and water can usually be activated by phone or online, and no in-person visit is needed in most cases. Gas is the exception — someone must be present when the line is opened, so book an appointment as soon as your move-in date is set. Fixed-line internet can take two weeks to a month to install, so if you're in a hurry, a pocket Wi-Fi is a convenient stopgap.

At Bloom Base, we don't just help you find an apartment — we support your entire life setup, from guidance on resident registration to bank accounts, SIM cards, and utility hookups. If you're thinking "I don't even know where to start," you're exactly who we want to hear from.