Your First Week in Japan: Essential Tasks Beyond the Airport
By Zakari Watto | JapanInsider|November 4, 2025
Navigate your first week in Japan with confidence. Learn essential tasks from residence card registration to opening bank accounts. Expert guidance from a native Japanese professional with 15 years of cross-cultural experience.
Introduction: The Reality After Landing
The plane has landed, you've cleared customs, and you're finally standing on Japanese soil. The excitement is palpable, but so is the reality that hits most Westerners within the first 24 hours: now what?
I've spent fifteen years helping Westerners navigate their transition to life in Japan, and I can tell you that the first week is the most critical period of your entire journey. This isn't about sightseeing or trying the best ramen spots. This is about establishing the foundation that will determine whether you thrive in Japan or struggle through unnecessary complications for months to come.
Having grown up in Japan and worked extensively with expatriates, I understand both the Japanese systems that seem impenetrable to outsiders and the Western mindset that approaches these systems with understandable confusion. The administrative tasks you complete in your first week aren't just bureaucratic boxes to check. They're your gateway to accessing healthcare, receiving payments, opening bank accounts, and ultimately integrating into Japanese society.
Let me guide you through what actually needs to happen in those crucial first seven days.
Day One: Understanding Your Residence Card
Your residence card, or zairyu card, is the single most important document you'll carry in Japan. You received it at the airport upon arrival, but many newcomers don't fully understand its significance until they need it for literally everything.
Think of your residence card as more than identification. In Japan, this card is your key to existence within the system. Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a lease, get a phone contract, or access most services. I always tell my clients that losing their passport would be inconvenient, but losing their residence card would be catastrophic.
The back of your residence card has a space for your address, which must be registered within fourteen days of moving into your residence. This isn't a suggestion. The Immigration Services Agency of Japan enforces this requirement strictly, and failure to register can result in fines or complications with your visa status. I've seen Westerners assume this is similar to updating a driver's license back home, something you can do "when you get around to it." In Japan, this assumption can have serious consequences.
Keep your residence card with you at all times. Japanese law requires foreign residents to carry it, and police officers can request to see it. This might feel uncomfortable if you come from a country where carrying identification isn't mandatory, but it's a non-negotiable aspect of living in Japan.
Day Two: Registration at Your Ward or City Office
Your second day should be dedicated to visiting your local ward office, known as the kuyakusho in Tokyo's 23 special wards, or shiyakusho in other cities. This visit accomplishes several critical registrations simultaneously.
When you arrive at the ward office, you'll need to complete your resident registration, called juminhyo. This process officially records your address in the Japanese system and is required by law within fourteen days of establishing residence. Bring your residence card, passport, and your lease agreement or documentation showing your address.
The ward office staff will update the address on the back of your residence card during this visit. This seemingly simple stamp transforms your residence card from a temporary document into your fully functional proof of residence. Every subsequent interaction with banks, phone companies, and government offices will require this registered address.
While you're at the ward office, enroll in the National Health Insurance system, or kokumin kenko hoken, if your employer hasn't arranged corporate health insurance. Many Westerners try to delay this step, thinking they're healthy and can save money. I strongly advise against this approach. Medical care in Japan without insurance is prohibitively expensive, and accidents or sudden illnesses don't wait for convenient timing. The monthly premium is income-based and reasonable, typically ranging from 2,000 to 4,000 yen for newcomers with limited Japanese income history.
You should also register for the National Pension system, or kokumin nenkin, if applicable. Some visa categories exempt you from this requirement if you're enrolled in your home country's social security system through a bilateral agreement. The ward office staff can advise you on your specific situation.
I recommend arriving at the ward office early, ideally within the first thirty minutes of opening. Lines can become extremely long, particularly on Mondays and the days following national holidays. Bring a book or download content to your phone, as wait times can extend to two or three hours during busy periods. Most ward offices now have number ticket systems, so take your ticket immediately upon arrival and wait for your number to appear on the electronic displays.
Day Three: Opening a Japanese Bank Account
Opening a bank account in Japan remains one of the most frustrating experiences for Western newcomers, not because the process is complicated, but because the requirements seem circular. You need proof of address to open an account, but you need an account to receive your salary, which you need to pay rent, which gives you proof of address.
Breaking this cycle requires timing your bank visit correctly. Wait until you've completed your resident registration and your address is stamped on your residence card. Then select a bank that accommodates foreign residents. Japan Post Bank, Shinsei Bank, and some branches of major banks like MUFG and Mizuho have English-speaking staff and experience with foreign customers.
Bring your residence card, passport, personal seal or hanko if you have one (though some banks now accept signatures), and your phone number. Some banks also require proof of employment, such as a contract or a letter from your employer. Call ahead or check the bank's website to confirm their specific requirements, as these vary significantly between institutions and even between branches of the same bank.
The application process typically takes forty-five minutes to an hour. You'll receive your cash card within one to two weeks by registered mail. Your bankbook, or Tsuchou, will be issued immediately. This small booklet tracks all your transactions when you update it at ATM machines, and many Japanese systems still require you to present or reference your bankbook for various procedures.
Understanding Japanese banking culture helps manage expectations. Many Japanese banks don't offer the online banking features Western customers take for granted. Real-time transfers aren't universal, branches close by 3 PM on weekdays, and ATMs often have limited hours or charge fees for after-hours access. This isn't inefficiency but reflects a different banking philosophy that prioritizes security and accuracy over convenience.
One critical note about cash: Japan remains a predominantly cash-based society despite Tokyo's recent push toward cashless payments. Your bank account is essential, but you'll need to withdraw cash regularly. Convenience store ATMs, particularly Seven Bank ATMs in 7-Eleven stores, accept most international cards and provide 24-hour access with English menu options.
Day Four: Securing a Phone Connection
Internet and mobile phone connectivity ranks just below banking in importance, and fortunately, it's generally easier to arrange. Japan offers several options for Western residents, from major carriers like NTT Docomo, au, and SoftBank to budget-friendly MVNOs like Sakura Mobile and Mobal.
Major carriers offer the best coverage and fastest speeds but require Japanese language proficiency for contracts and customer service. They also typically demand a Japanese credit card or bank account for payment, which creates a timing challenge in your first week. Budget carriers and services specifically designed for foreigners accept credit cards from overseas and offer English support, making them ideal for your initial setup.
I generally recommend starting with a short-term solution like a rental pocket WiFi or a prepaid SIM card for your first week, then transitioning to a proper contract once your bank account is operational. Companies like WiFi Hire and Japan Wireless offer rental services you can arrange before arrival, ensuring connectivity from day one.
When selecting a permanent mobile plan, consider your usage patterns honestly. Unlimited data plans exist but cost significantly more than in Western countries. Most residents find that plans offering 3 to 20 GB monthly with speed throttling after the cap provide the best value. Japan's extensive free WiFi in train stations, convenience stores, and public spaces supplements your mobile data effectively.
Your phone number becomes tied to numerous services and verifications in Japan. Banks, government offices, and most applications require a Japanese phone number for authentication and communication. Maintaining the same number throughout your stay in Japan simplifies your life considerably, so choose your provider thoughtfully rather than switching frequently for minor savings.
Day Five: Navigating the Japanese Address System
The Japanese address system confuses virtually every Westerner I've worked with, and understanding it deserves dedicated attention during your first week. Unlike Western addresses that reference street names and building numbers along those streets, Japanese addresses identify areas progressively from large to small: prefecture, city, ward, district, block, and building number.
For example, a Tokyo address reading "Tokyo-to, Shibuya-ku, Jingumae 1-chome 2-3" tells you the prefecture (Tokyo), the ward (Shibuya), the district (Jingumae), the block within that district (1-chome, or block 1), the smaller section (2), and the building number (3). Streets have names only in major thoroughfares, and even those names aren't used for addresses.
This system originated from historical land division patterns and makes perfect sense to Japanese residents who grew up with it. For Westerners accustomed to finding "123 Main Street," it feels impossibly backwards. The practical impact is that GPS coordinates work better than addresses for navigation, and taxi drivers often need detailed directions even with a complete address.
I teach my clients to prepare a small card with their address written in Japanese, a simple map showing nearby landmarks, and ideally the GPS coordinates. This card becomes invaluable when directing taxis, receiving deliveries, or explaining your location to new friends. Most delivery services now use phone GPS tracking, but many local businesses and service providers still rely on traditional address descriptions.
Learning to recognize your nearest landmark matters enormously. Major train stations, convenience stores, or distinctive buildings provide reference points that Japanese residents use naturally. When someone asks where you live, responding with "near Shibuya Station" or "behind the big Aeon shopping mall" communicates more effectively than reciting your formal address.
Day Six: Setting Up Essential Utilities and Services
Electricity, gas, and water form the infrastructure of daily life, and setting them up requires specific approaches in Japan. Unlike some Western countries where you might call a single utility company, Japan often involves separate providers for different services.
Electricity in Tokyo comes primarily from TEPCO, while gas services vary by area and property type. Many apartments use city gas, while others rely on propane tanks. Water services are managed by your local municipality. Your landlord or real estate agent should provide information about the specific providers for your property and may handle initial setup, but confirming this explicitly prevents arriving home to a cold, dark apartment.
Most utility companies now offer English-language phone support and websites, recognizing the growing foreign resident population. Setting up service typically requires your name, address, move-in date, and designated bank account for automatic payments. Some companies still send paper bills if you prefer, but automatic bank withdrawal remains the standard payment method.
Internet service deserves special consideration. Japan offers some of the world's fastest residential internet speeds, but installation can take two to four weeks. If your apartment doesn't have existing internet infrastructure, installation might require landlord approval and take even longer. I always recommend arranging internet service immediately upon signing your lease, even before your official move-in date, to minimize the gap in connectivity.
Major internet providers include NTT Flets, au Hikari, and NURO Hikari. English support varies, with some providers offering dedicated foreign customer service lines. Monthly costs typically range from 4,000 to 6,000 yen for high-speed fiber optic connections. Many providers bundle internet with phone service for modest savings.
Day Seven: Understanding Garbage Separation and Community Rules
Your final task for the first week addresses something Westerners consistently underestimate: garbage separation and community living rules. Japan's approach to waste management is rigorous, specific, and strictly enforced. Getting it wrong doesn't just mean environmental irresponsibility; it means becoming "that foreigner" who causes problems for the entire building.
Each municipality has detailed garbage separation rules that divide waste into categories like burnable trash, non-burnable trash, plastics, cans, bottles, and PET bottles. Collection days vary by category and by neighborhood. Your ward office provides a printed schedule, often available in English, showing which categories are collected on which days. Many neighborhoods also restrict the times when you can place garbage outside, typically only on the morning of collection day.
The garbage rules might seem excessive initially. Why does it matter if you put a plastic bottle in the wrong bin? In Japanese culture, these rules reflect collective responsibility and consideration for others. Following them correctly shows respect for your neighbors and your community. Violations can result in your garbage being rejected with a notice explaining the error, forcing you to store incorrect garbage until the next collection day for that category.
Beyond garbage, your building or neighborhood may have specific quiet hours, rules about hanging laundry, bicycle parking regulations, and expectations about entrance cleanliness. Apartment buildings often have monthly or periodic cleaning days when residents collectively clean common areas. Participating in these activities, even if you can't communicate perfectly in Japanese, demonstrates goodwill and helps build positive relationships with neighbors.
I encourage all my clients to introduce themselves to immediate neighbors within the first week. A simple greeting in Japanese, even if you continue in English, makes an enormous difference. Bring a small gift, called temiyage, such as individually wrapped cookies from your home country. This traditional courtesy opens doors to friendly relationships that prove invaluable when you need help or understanding during cultural missteps.
The Foundation for Long-Term Success
These seven days of administrative tasks might seem overwhelming, and truthfully, they are intensive. The density of unfamiliar systems, language barriers, and cultural differences creates genuine cognitive load. However, I've witnessed the difference between expatriates who tackle these essentials immediately and those who procrastinate or approach them haphazardly.
Those who complete these foundational tasks in their first week spend the following months exploring, learning, and thriving. Those who delay find themselves in cascading complications, unable to receive payments, struggling with basic services, or facing visa complications from missed registration deadlines. The investment of one focused week prevents months of frustration.
Remember that asking for help isn't weakness but wisdom. Japanese bureaucracy can challenge even Japanese natives, and no one expects foreign residents to navigate it flawlessly without guidance. Ward offices, banks, and service providers increasingly recognize the need to accommodate foreign residents, and most have systems in place to help, even if those systems aren't immediately obvious.
Moving Forward with Confidence
Your first week in Japan sets the trajectory for your entire experience. By understanding and completing these essential tasks, you've built the foundation that allows you to shift from survival mode to actually living in and experiencing Japan. The bureaucratic hurdles behind you, you're now positioned to focus on what brought you to Japan in the first place: career opportunities, cultural immersion, personal growth, or adventure.
Throughout my fifteen years of helping Westerners transition to life in Japan, I've learned that success isn't about perfect Japanese language skills or innate cultural understanding. It's about approaching the transition systematically, seeking guidance when needed, and maintaining patience with yourself and the process. Japan rewards thoughtful preparation and genuine effort to understand its systems and culture.
If you're planning your move to Japan or struggling with these initial steps, know that support is available. Understanding both Japanese systems from the inside and Western perspectives from years of cross-cultural work, I've helped hundreds of individuals and families navigate this transition successfully.
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Whether you're in your first week in Japan or planning your arrival, JapanInsider provides the expertise and cultural bridge to help you thrive. With fifteen years of cross-cultural communication experience, I offer personalized guidance that goes beyond generic advice to address your specific situation and challenges.
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References and Recommended Resources
Immigration Services Agency of Japan
Official information about residence cards, registration requirements, and visa regulations.
www.isa.go.jp/en/
Japan National Tourism Organization
Practical information for living in Japan, including regional guides and cultural insights.
www.jnto.go.jp/
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Ward office locations, service guides, and municipal information for Tokyo residents.
www.metro.tokyo.lg.jp/english/
Japan Post Bank
Banking services with English support for foreign residents.
www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/en/
NHK World Japan
News and cultural programming with resources for understanding Japanese society.
www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/
Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
Information about national health insurance and social services.
www.mhlw.go.jp/english/
Zakari Watto is a native Japanese professional with fifteen years of expertise in cross-cultural communication, specializing in helping Western individuals and families successfully transition to life in Japan. Through JapanInsider, Zakari provides personalized guidance in Japanese culture, business practices, and lifestyle integration.
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