First Week in Japan Checklist: Set Up the Basics in 7 Days
CEO / Native Japanese Expert
Updated on: June 11, 2026
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Updated against official, partner, and reviewed site evidence where available.
Last updated: June 11, 2026
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- •Start with a phone number, address procedures, banking, housing, and work or school preparation in the order that reduces confusion.
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First Week in Japan Checklist: Set Up the Basics in 7 Days
Last verified / 最終確認: 2026-06-11
Start with a phone number, address procedures, banking, housing, and work or school preparation in the order that reduces confusion.
The 7-day checklist
- Phone number and internet
- Address and city office
- Banking and money transfer
- Housing setup
- Documents and checklist
- Work or school readiness
- Review and next tasks
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Disclaimer
※ The information in this article is accurate as of the time of writing. Laws and regulations may change, so please always check official sources for the latest information. We assume no liability for any damages resulting from the content of this article.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the single most important thing to do on Day 1 in Japan?
A: Register your address at City Hall (市役所/区役所) and get your current address printed on the back of your Residence Card. This unlocks bank accounts, phone contracts, and most other services that require a Japanese address.
Q: What order should I complete setup tasks during my first week?
A: Day 1: Address registration at City Hall + get a SIM card. Days 2–3: Apply for a bank account (Yucho app or SBI Shinsei). Days 4–5: Set up health insurance and pension at City Hall. Days 6–7: Research housing if needed, and set up utilities in your apartment.
Q: Can I do address registration and phone/bank setup on the same day?
A: Address registration takes 30–60 minutes and can be done first thing in the morning. After that you can apply for a Mobal or GTN SIM the same day. Bank account applications (Yucho Tetsuzuki App) can be started immediately but the card arrives 1–2 weeks later.
Q: What should I do if City Hall is closed when I arrive (weekend/holiday)?
A: You can still get a SIM card (GTN Mobile, Mobal). For address registration, you can submit a "移入届" (move-in notification) at the night-drop box at some City Halls, but most require a weekday visit. Plan to go the next business day.
Q: Do I need to speak Japanese to complete the first-week setup tasks?
A: Not for most tasks. Mobal and GTN SIM are available in English. The Yucho Tetsuzuki App supports English. SBI Shinsei has English online banking. City Hall address registration is in Japanese but usually takes only 10–15 minutes and staff will guide you through the forms.