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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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Make sure you can show your Japanese address to the immigration staff

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

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Use Yamato Transport luggage delivery (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 do not worry. Let's break it down to make it an exciting step towards settling in.

Search online (e.g., SUUMO, oakhouse) 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: 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

Emergency contact in Japan

Read NyuuLy's article about emergency in Japan

Review term length and early-termination penalties

Pay agreed fees and sign

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Prepare your Residence Card, and address

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Water: usually on; change contract to your name (provider is set by area)

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Electricity: apply online/phone/in person; switch on the breaker if needed

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Gas: book a visit; staff must turn it on while you're home. Bundled gas/electricity plans exist (e.g., Kanto: TEPCO, Tokyo Gas)

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Internet: A) Wired (Hikari): fastest, installation costs often 20,000-40,000 JPY. B) Mobile Wi-Fi or high-data SIM + phone hotspot: flexible and cheaper for short stays

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

Buy new: 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 your arrival.
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 carefully

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Staff updates the address on your Residence Card the same day

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Official certificate proving your registered address

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If your sponsor enrolls you at corporate Social Insurance (Shakai Hoken), you do NOT need to enroll here

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

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

5

Getting a Phone Number

1~3 hours

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Having a Japanese phone number is essential. Read our Guide

Residence Card (with registered address), and your bank account or credit card 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 strict garbage sorting rules

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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 for transit

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Bicycle: Register anti-theft

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