An Easy and Complete Checklist for Moving to Japan

I want to move to Japan, how do I do it?

Living in Japan can be a rewarding experience, but there will no doubt be some challenges you’ll face and having a checklist for moving to Japan will help you not to miss any important steps! Since I wrote all about the hurdles I faced moving to Japan I got messages asking for steps to take in order to move to Japan and make the move seamless and stress-free.

What you will find here

Here are several steps and considerations you should keep in mind to have a successful move. I can’t guarantee it will be stress free but hopefully these tangible steps will help you turn your dream into a reality. You can also download this as a pdf checklist! 

A Checklist for moving to Japan:

Step 1: Apply for a job or school

• If you plan to move to Japan via a work visa you will need to secure a job or place at a school before arriving (as your employer or school will often be responsible for sponsoring your work visa or student visa).

Even if you are going to apply for a working holiday visa, I still recommend contacting some prospective employers (Gaijinpot is a good place to start).

Step 2: Get a visa for Japan

• Determine which visa you will need (e.g., work, study, spouse, etc.).
• Research the specific requirements for the visa you’re applying for on the official website of the Embassy or Consulate General of Japan in your country (New Zealand working holiday visa application link | Australia working holiday visa application link).
• Apply for your visa (or if you are getting a work visa through your work or a student visa through your school, they will walk you through the process).
• Wait patiently with fingers crossed until visa is approved.

Step 3: Gain some language proficiency:

It is possible to live in Japan without being fluent in Japanese but learning the language will make things a lot less scary (especially in those first few weeks).

• Practice some basics on language learning platforms like Wanikani, Duolingo, or Memrise.

Step 4: Book a short-term rental/airbnb for when you arrive:

• If your new company is not going to provide accommodation for you as soon as you arrive, make sure you book a hotel or airbnb-type rental (I use booking.com).

Step 5: Get your Gaijin card

Before you can rent an apartment or get a bank account you’ll need proof of identity (also known as a Residence card or zairyu card). 

• Get your Residence card at the airport on arrival. Alternatively if it is not an opion, go to the ward office within 14 days of arrival. If you’re in a short-term accommodation you can just use that address.  You can also get your My Number/public healthcare set up and a card sent to you if you need this.

Step 6: Get a SIM card.

You can go to a popular phone store in Japan and get a SIM card but many times its a lot more difficult than just organising a prepaid SIM like an eSIM in advance before you go (I use Airalo).

• Acquire a SIM card.

Step 7: Get a train card

• Pick up a Pasmo/Suica from the train station or get a digital version on your phone via the app

Step 8: Get a hanko

Hanko are old-school signatures in the form of a stamp. They’re sometimes needed at banks or to sign official documents. It is easier to get one now just incase you need it at any stage. You can get one from any hanko shop, MisterMinit, or Don Quijote (Donki)

• Get a hanko.

Step 9: Get housing

If your company is not going to arrange housing for you, you will need to do this yourself and that kind of sucks.This will take you a bit of time as not all landlords will be willing to rent to a foreigner.

• Research different neighborhoods and types of housing options available. Popular choices include apartments, share houses, and guesthouses. If you know Japanese you can check Suumo or you can check Gaijinpot for English-friendly rentals.
• Once you arrive in Japan you will need to contact real estate companies directly. A real estate agent will take you around to view apartments/homes and then they will help you apply for the one you choose.
• Set up your water, gas, and electricity. The real estate agent will explain which ones to contact for the apartment you choose.

Some real estate agents won’t allow you to do this without a Japanese bank account, in which case you’ll need to go to Step 10 (I know, it can get confusing – make sure you download the .pdf checklist for moving to Japan!).

Step 10: Open a Japanese bank account

• Open a Japanese bank account.

Opening a Japanese bank account can be a long and arduous ordeal. In my experience, it took hours for me (bright-eyed Japan newbie) and my company’s secretary to manage to open a bank account for me. I recommend picking a more foreign-friendly bank like SMBC Prestia or Shinsei Bank. However, sometimes your work will dictate what bank to use.

Step 11: Make a budget

Living in a different country means you need to familiarise yourself with new prices and costs. It is a good idea to make a list of everything you spend in the first month so you can get an idea of how much you will be spending daily and on apartment/utilities. 

• Keep a record of your costs during your first month in Japan.
• Using the information you gathered, make a budget for daily spending, saving, and an emergency fund.

Step 12: Make a friend

Japan can be a lonely place and it is so helpful to have at least one friend who is familiar with how things work in Japan. It might be another gaijin or a Japanese person. But reach out to meetups (stay safe, especially as a woman!) and your new workmates. New friends will be your building blocks for your new life.

• Make a friend!