Life in Japan — Complete Guide
Step-by-step guides to all administrative procedures you need as a foreign resident in Japan. Organized by when you need them.
Before Coming to Japan
Essential preparation, documents, and things to arrange before your move.
Before Coming to Japan
Essential preparation, documents, and things to arrange before your move.
- 📄 Visa application & required documents
- 🏠 Finding housing from abroad
- 💴 Money, insurance & what to bring
- 📱 Phone, apps & useful contacts
Right After Arrival
Essential procedures to complete within the first 14 days.
Resident Registration
Step-by-step guide to submitting your moving-in notification (tennyuu todoke) and registering your address at city hall in Japan.
Read Guide →Health Insurance
Everything foreign residents need to know about enrolling in Japan's National Health Insurance system, including eligibility, costs, and how to apply at your local city hall.
Read Guide →Pension
Understanding Japan's National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) system, enrollment requirements, and benefits for foreign residents.
Read Guide →SIM Card
How foreign residents in Japan can get a SIM card or mobile phone contract, including budget MVNOs, major carriers, and required documents.
Read Guide →Bank Account
How to open a bank account in Japan as a foreign resident, including required documents, recommended banks, and tips for new arrivals.
Read Guide →Settling In
Procedures for daily life, housing, and family support.
Housing
How to find and rent an apartment in Japan, including the rental process, costs, and tips for foreign residents.
Read Guide →Garbage Disposal
How to sort and dispose of garbage correctly in Japan, including collection schedules, sorting rules, and penalties.
Read Guide →Childcare Support
Information on childcare services, child allowance, nursery enrollment, and parenting support available to foreign families in Japan.
Read Guide →Disaster Prevention
How to prepare for earthquakes, typhoons, and other natural disasters in Japan, including emergency contacts and evacuation procedures.
Read Guide →Driving License
How to convert a foreign driver's license, get a new license, use an International Driving Permit, and understand traffic rules in Japan.
Read Guide →Long-term & Financial
Visa management, taxes, permanent residence, and international transfers.
Visa / Residence Status
Overview of visa categories and residence statuses in Japan, including work visas, student visas, family visas, and the path to permanent residence. Consult a professional for specific guidance.
Read Guide →Permanent Residence
Requirements, application process, and tips for obtaining permanent residence (eijuuken) in Japan.
Read Guide →Tax
Understanding income tax, resident tax, and tax filing requirements for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Read Guide →International Remittance
How to send money abroad from Japan, comparing banks, money transfer services, and tips for getting the best exchange rates.
Read Guide →Work & Labor
Understanding work permits, employee rights, social insurance, job search, and workplace harassment resources for foreign workers in Japan.
Read Guide →Leaving Japan
Everything you need to do before leaving Japan: moving-out notification, pension withdrawal, tax settlement, insurance cancellation, and utility cancellation.
Read Guide →Life Events
Step-by-step guides for major life changes — multiple procedures in one place.