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2

After Arrival

Phase 2 of 2

After Arrival
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Welcome to Japan!
Many of us remember our first few days feeling fast, blurry, and emotional.
Here's a clear map so you can focus on settling in confidently.

1

Arrival at Airport

2~3 hours

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Here's what to expect at the airport to officially begin your life here.

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Residence Card is your most important ID proving legal residence in Japan

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Follow the signs for foreign residents, NOT re-entry

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Narita Airport to Shinjuku costs about 1,500 JPY by cheap trains/buses, around 30,000 JPY by taxi

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Use a luggage delivery service like Yamato Transport (around 2,000-3,500 JPY)

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Learn More

Collect baggage and head out.
Welcome to your new home in the Land of the Rising Sun!

2

Finding Your New Home

~14 days

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Finding a new place can feel overwhelming, but let's break it down step by step.

Search online (e.g., SUUMO for apartments, oakhouse for shared houses) or visit local agencies

Make sure they accept foreigners

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Typical total: 300,000-600,000+ JPY

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Rent (first month): 70,000-120,000 JPY

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Deposit: ~1 month (refundable)

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Key Money: ~1 month (non-refundable)

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Agent Fee: ~1 month + tax

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Guarantor Fee: 0.5-1 month

Residence card

Phone number

Emergency contact in Japan

Bank account information

Your employer's phone number

Read NyuuLy's article about emergency in Japan

Review term length and early-termination penalties

Pay agreed fees and sign

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Water: usually on; change contract to your name

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Electricity: apply online/phone/in person

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Gas: book a visit; staff must turn it on while you're home

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Internet: Wired (Hikari) fastest but 20,000-40,000 JPY install; or mobile Wi-Fi

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Consider NyuuLy Mobile's 50GB plan as a Mobile Wi-fi. Learn More

Buy new furniture: Nitori, IKEA, Yamada Denki

Buy second-hand: Mercari, Second Street

And that's it! You've finished setting up the utility for your new life in Japan.

3

City Hall Paperwork

3~4 hours

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Now, let's help you officially become a local! This part consists of City Hall Procedure, and you have to complete them within 2 weeks of moving to your Japanese address.
Read our guide

Make sure you have your new address

Bring your Residence Card and passport

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Needed for pension application and bank account opening

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Save your Katakana name — many foreigners struggle to fix mistakes later

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Staff will update the address on the back of your Residence Card the same day

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Official certificate proving your registered address in Japan

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Needed for opening a bank account, submitting to employer

Keep the 12-digit number that you receive 2-3 weeks later

Apply for the My Number Card online, after receiving Your Individual Number Notice

Learn More

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This card is used as your Health Insurance Card and other important identification card

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Pick up your My Number Card, usually a month later

That's it! Congratulations on officially becoming a resident of your new city!
You've checked off the biggest items on your first-week-in-Japan to-do list.

4

Opening a Bank Account

setup 1~2 hours, card in 1~2 weeks

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Opening a bank account should be your priority after registering your address.
We recommend opening a Japan Post Bank account first, since most other banks require phone number. Please read our Guide
Confirm if your employer asks you to create a bank account at a specific bank.

The following is about opening an account at Japan Post Bank

Residence Card (with registered address)

Your Katakana name

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Or visit their branch with someone who speaks Japanese

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Watch Their Guide

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Cash card arrives by mail in about 1-2 weeks

Give yourself a pat on the back!
You've just completed some of the most crucial and often stressful steps, bringing you closer to making Japan your home.

5

Getting a Phone Number

1~3 hours

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Having a Japanese phone number (voice plan) is a must. Read our Guide

Residence Card (with registered address)

Bank account information

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Most carriers support only Japanese customer support

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You can buy NyuuLy Mobile SIM online with full English customer support

6

Navigating Daily Life

ongoing

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Now that you're settled, here are some important tips for a smoother daily life in Japan.

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Japan has very strict rules about garbage sorting

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Burnable: kitchen waste, paper scraps, soiled plastics, clothing

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Recyclables: PET bottles, glass bottles, cans, paper/cardboard

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Non-burnable: metals, ceramics, non-bottle glass, small appliances

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Suica/PASMO: Rechargeable cards for transit and small purchases

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Bicycle: Register anti-theft at the shop

Great Job! Onwards and upwards!
We at NyuuLy are here to support you every step of the way, so feel free to reach out and don't forget to Enjoy Japan!

If you ever feel uncertain or need help, remember you can always AskMe.

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Before Arrival