[Ultimate Guide] Japan Life Startup: Complete Checklist for Your First Week

The moment they arrive in Japan, many foreigners face a frustrating "Chicken and Egg" trap:

"You need a phone number to open a bank account." "You need a bank account to get a phone contract."

This infinite loop causes countless people to waste their first week. However, if you know the correct route, you can unlock this deadlock on your very first day.

In this article, we reveal the latest 2026 administrative rules and the "Golden Route" recommended by foreigner support professionals. This is a chronological checklist designed to help you start a "normal life" in as little as 3 days, with zero wasted fees or waiting time.

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The Golden Route 2026: Securing "Infrastructure" in the First 3 Days

Before going to the City Hall, the most critical phase is securing a "Contact Number" and an "Address." Getting this order wrong is the main reason procedures get delayed by weeks.

Step 1 (Day 1): Get a Phone Number Without a Residence Card

Every major action in Japan (City Hall registration, apartment contracts, job applications) requires a "Japanese Phone Number (070/080/090)."

However, major carriers and many budget SIMs require a "Residence Card with a registered address" or a "Japanese Bank Account" at the time of contract. This is the typical point of failure.

The solution is simple: Pick up a "SIM that can be contracted with just a Passport and a foreign Credit Card" at the airport.

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You can pick up a 'Mobal SIM' at the counter immediately after exiting the arrival gate and get a phone number on the spot. Since there is no binding contract period or cancellation fee, you can easily switch to [Rakuten Mobile](/en/sim-wifi/rakuten-mobile-review) or others once you have a bank account. It is truly the strongest choice for your 'first SIM.'

Step 2 (Day 1-3): Decide on a Base with "No Screening & Zero Initial Costs"

Staying in a hotel for too long will rapidly drain your funds. Furthermore, you cannot register as a resident or open a bank account using a hotel address.

While it is common knowledge that Japanese rental contracts have "strict screening" and "high initial costs (4-5 months' rent)," the smart strategy for the startup phase is to immediately decide on a property that requires "No Guarantor" and keeps "Initial Costs to the absolute minimum."

• Village House: Deposit, Key Money, Agency Fee, and Renewal Fee are all ¥0. You can keep initial costs to just a few tens of thousands of yen (essentially just fire insurance and prorated rent).
• Cross House: Furnished share houses. You can move in with just a suitcase, and the contract can be completed entirely online.

If you are looking for something even cheaper in Tokyo, specifically a furnished private room, check out The Truth About Cross House: Cheap Tokyo Housing where you can move in for an initial cost of ¥30,000.

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Admin Deadlines (Day 4-7): The Truth About the 14-Day Rule

Once your address and phone number are set, you must visit the municipal office (City Hall/Ward Office) of your residence area within 14 days of entering the country.

Submitting the Move-in Notification (Tennyu-todoke)

By submitting the "Move-in Notification," your address will be printed on the back of your Residence Card, allowing it to function as an official ID for the first time.

• Deadline: Within 14 days of deciding on a residence (Strict).
• Risk: If you fail to register within 90 days without a valid reason, your residence status (visa) may be revoked.
• Pro Tip: While at City Hall, get 3 copies of your "Residence Certificate (Juminhyo)." You will definitely need these for opening a bank account and employment.

National Health Insurance & Pension Procedures

You will handle enrollment for National Health Insurance and National Pension at the same time as your move-in notification. If the bill looks too high, consult the counter staff about an "Exemption/Reduction Application" (Genmen Shinsei) immediately, as you likely had no income in Japan the previous year.

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Establishing Financial Infrastructure (Day 7-14): Banks and Cash

The JP Bank (Yucho) & Wise Hybrid Strategy

Many Japanese banks refuse to open accounts for foreigners who have been in the country for "less than 6 months." However, Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko) allows you to open an account as long as you have a Residence Card.

However, since JP Bank has high fees for international transfers, using Wise is essential for receiving living expenses from abroad.

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"Must-Have Items" to Upgrade Quality of Life (Week 2-4)

Credit Cards and the Point Economy

To build credit history in Japan, apply for a credit card early. The Rakuten Card has a very high approval track record for foreigners and is ideal as your first card.

Furthermore, there is a trick to secure the equivalent of "¥20,000 in cash" just by signing up via smartphone. For details, see the [Urgent] Guide to Securing Cash Immediately Upon Arrival.

Job Hunting and Stable Income

Once your living foundation is set, the next step is income. Even if you are worried about your Japanese level, you can find work using the right sites.

In [2026 Edition] Job Site Comparison for Foreigners, we introduce the best agents categorized by N1 to N5 Japanese levels.

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Summary: The Correct Order Makes Japan Life Easy

Starting life in Japan is not difficult if you follow the correct order.

1. Day 1: Secure a phone number with Mobal SIM.
2. Day 1-3: Secure housing with Village House, etc.
3. Day 4-7: Submit Move-in Notification at City Hall to complete your ID.
4. Day 7-: Receive money via Wise and apply for a Rakuten Card.

If you stray from this "Golden Route," you risk falling into an infinite loop of bureaucratic red tape. Start with the first steps: securing a SIM and Housing.