Your First Day in Japan: Airport Arrival & Getting Started Guide
Arriving in Japan for the first time as a new resident can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through everything that happens from the moment you land — immigration procedures, getting your Residence Card, transportation to the city, getting connected, and the essential tasks you need to complete within your first 14 days.
At Immigration: Receiving Your Residence Card
What Happens at Passport Control
- Join the "Foreign Passport" line at immigration
- Present your passport and Certificate of Eligibility (COE) or visa documentation
- Fingerprints and photo will be taken (required for all foreign nationals aged 16+)
- The immigration officer will verify your visa status and period of stay
- You will receive your Residence Card (在留カード)
- Narita International Airport — Issued at immigration ✅
- Haneda Airport (International Terminal) — Issued at immigration ✅
- Kansai International Airport — Issued at immigration ✅
- Chubu Centrair Airport — Issued at immigration ✅
- Other airports — Card will be mailed to your registered address (you receive a landing permission stamp)
Important: You are legally required to carry your Residence Card at all times in Japan. Keep it in a safe but accessible place.
Getting from the Airport to the City
From Narita Airport to Tokyo
| Transport | Destination | Time | Approx. Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Narita Express (N'EX) | Tokyo, Shinagawa, Shibuya, Shinjuku | 60-90 min | ¥3,250 | Comfortable, direct to major stations |
| Keisei Skyliner | Ueno, Nippori | 36 min | ¥2,520 | Fastest option to north Tokyo |
| Access Express | Asakusa, Nihombashi, Haneda | ~60 min | ¥1,270 | Budget-friendly |
| Airport Limousine Bus | Major hotels & stations | 85-120 min | ~¥3,200 | Door-to-hotel convenience, large luggage |
| Shared Shuttle / Taxi | Anywhere | Varies | ¥3,000-25,000+ | Groups, late arrivals |
From Haneda Airport to Tokyo
| Transport | Destination | Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Monorail | Hamamatsucho (→ Yamanote Line) | 13 min | ¥500 |
| Keikyu Line | Shinagawa, Yokohama | 11-25 min | ¥300-470 |
| Airport Limousine Bus | Shinjuku, Shibuya, Tokyo Station | 30-60 min | ~¥1,300 |
From Kansai Airport to Osaka/Kyoto
| Transport | Destination | Time | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| JR Haruka | Shin-Osaka, Kyoto | 50-80 min | ¥1,800-3,430 |
| Nankai Rapit | Namba (central Osaka) | 34 min | ¥1,450 |
| Airport Bus | Osaka Station, Namba | 50-70 min | ~¥1,600 |
Getting an IC Card (Suica / PASMO / ICOCA)
An IC card is a rechargeable transit card that works on virtually all trains, buses, and many vending machines and convenience stores across Japan.
| Card | Issuer | Where to Buy | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suica | JR East | JR ticket machines, Apple Wallet | Most widely recognized in Tokyo area |
| PASMO | Tokyo Metro / Private railways | Metro ticket machines, Apple/Google Wallet | Interchangeable with Suica |
| ICOCA | JR West | JR ticket machines in Kansai | Best if based in Osaka/Kansai |
Getting Connected: SIM Cards & WiFi
At the Airport
Several options are available at arrival lobbies:
- Prepaid SIM cards: Available at airport convenience stores and dedicated counters (IIJmio, Mobal, GTN Mobile)
- Pocket WiFi rental: Counters in the arrival lobby (Global WiFi, WiFi Rental, etc.)
- Free airport WiFi: Available at all major airports for immediate use
For New Residents
A prepaid SIM is the best immediate solution. For a full phone contract, you will typically need:
- Residence Card with registered address
- Japanese bank account
- Credit card or bank account for payment
This means a full contract may take 2-4 weeks to arrange. A prepaid SIM bridges this gap.
First Night Accommodation
If your permanent housing is not yet ready, options include:
- Business hotels: Reliable, clean, English-friendly (Toyoko Inn, APA Hotel, Dormy Inn) — ¥5,000-10,000/night
- Guest houses / Hostels: Budget-friendly, social atmosphere — ¥2,000-5,000/night
- Monthly apartments: If you need temporary housing for weeks (Leopalace, OYO Life, etc.)
- Airbnb: Available but verify legality in the specific ward/city
Your First 14 Days: Essential Checklist
| Priority | Task | Where | What You Need | Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🔴 Required | Address Registration (住民登録) | Municipal Office (市区町村役場) | Residence Card, Passport | Within 14 days |
| 🔴 Required | National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) | Municipal Office | Residence Card (with address) | Same visit recommended |
| 🟡 Important | National Pension (国民年金) | Municipal Office | Residence Card (with address) | Same visit recommended |
| 🟡 Important | Open Bank Account | Bank branch | Residence Card, Passport, Phone number | Within first month |
| 🟡 Important | Get Phone Number / SIM | Mobile carrier shop | Residence Card, Bank account (for contract) | Within first month |
| 🟢 Helpful | My Number Card Application | Municipal Office or online | My Number notification letter | Within first month |
| 🟢 Helpful | Get IC Card | Station ticket machine or smartphone | Cash or smartphone | First few days |
Address Registration (住民登録) — In Detail
This is the single most important task. After registering your address:
- Your address is printed on the back of your Residence Card
- You receive a My Number (individual number) notification
- You become eligible for National Health Insurance
- You can open a bank account
Bring your Residence Card and Passport to the municipal office nearest to your home. Processing usually takes 30-60 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I receive my Residence Card at the airport?
If you arrive at one of the four major airports (Narita, Haneda, Kansai, or Chubu Centrair), you will generally receive your Residence Card at immigration upon entry. If you arrive at a smaller airport, you will receive a stamp in your passport and the Residence Card will be mailed to your registered address.
How do I get from Narita Airport to central Tokyo?
Main options include: Narita Express (N'EX) to Tokyo/Shibuya/Shinjuku (about 60 minutes, ~3,250 yen), Keisei Skyliner to Ueno/Nippori (36 minutes, ~2,520 yen), Airport Limousine Bus to major hotels and stations (85-120 minutes, ~3,200 yen), or Access Express to Asakusa/Nihombashi (about 60 minutes, ~1,270 yen).
What should I do in the first 14 days after arriving in Japan?
Within 14 days, you must register your address at the municipal office (住民登録). You should also enroll in National Health Insurance, set up a bank account, get a phone number/SIM card, and enroll in the pension system. The address registration is a legal requirement.
Should I get a SIM card or pocket WiFi at the airport?
For short-term connectivity, both are available at airport counters. For residents, a prepaid SIM card is more practical — providers at the airport include IIJmio, Mobal, and GTN Mobile. Note that a proper phone contract typically requires a residence card with an address and a bank account, which you may not have on your first day.
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Transport schedules, prices, and immigration procedures may change. Please confirm details with the relevant authorities and transport operators.
