Moving to Japan: visas, banking and SIM cards

By Yuki Tanaka, Japan host 10 September 2026 6 min read

Crowds crossing Shibuya intersection in Tokyo under umbrellas on a rainy day. — Photo by Szymon Shields on Pexels

The rain in Tokyo is a soft, persistent whisper in mid-September, tapping against the glass of your temporary hotel room as you stare at the wall map. It’s cool enough to feel crisp—around 19°C—but the air still holds that late-summer humidity clinging to your skin. You’ve just landed, or perhaps you’re already unpacking for a longer stay. The excitement of arrival is quickly replaced by the quiet panic of bureaucracy: Where do I sleep tonight? How do I pay for this ramen? Who do I tell I’m here?

As Yuki Tanaka, I’ve guided thousands through this exact transition. Moving to Japan isn’t just about packing your bags; it’s about navigating a system that rewards patience and punishes haste. Today, we are cutting through the noise. No fluff, no generic advice. Just the practical, gritty reality of your first week in Tokyo.

Your First Steps: Visas and Registration

If you hold a passport from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, or much of the EU, you likely arrived under “temporary visitor” status, granting you up to 90 days visa-free. This is a gift, but it is not a residency permit. If you plan to stay longer than three months, your journey begins with paperwork, not sightseeing.

Upon landing, ensure you have pre-registered on Visit Japan Web. This generates QR codes for immigration and customs that can save you hours in line. For those needing a long-term visa, the JAPAN eVISA system now allows residents of many Western countries to apply fully online before arrival.

Once you cross the border, you will receive a Residence Card (zairyu kado). Do not lose this. It is your second ID. Within 14 days of moving into your apartment, you must register your address at your local ward office (kuyakusho). This step is non-negotiable. It unlocks your 12-digit My Number and your My Number Card, which has become the primary health insurance ID since paper cards were retired in December 2025. Without this registration, you cannot open a bank account or sign a phone contract.

While you sort this out, remember that September brings specific rhythms. With Respect for the Aged Day approaching on September 21 and Autumnal Equinox Day on the 23rd, you’ll see banners hanging early. Use these holidays wisely—they are your first opportunities to experience Japanese civic life.

Banking: The Gatekeeper

In many countries, banking is an app download. In Japan, it is a ritual. Tourists cannot open accounts. As a new resident, you face a hurdle: most major banks require proof of six months’ residency. However, there is a reliable workaround.

Start with Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko). Located in nearly every post office, they waive the usual six-month rule for foreigners with valid residence status. Bring your Residence Card, your proof of address (the registration receipt from the ward office), and a Japanese phone number. Interestingly, while traditional seals (hanko) were once mandatory, signature-based accounts are now widely accepted for foreigners.

If you prefer digital-first options, look into Shinsei Bank, Rakuten Bank, or Sony Bank. These are English-friendly and often have fewer branch requirements. Megabanks like MUFG, SMBC, and Mizuho are excellent but stickier; wait until you’ve been in Japan for half a year before applying there.

Why does this matter? Because a Japanese number is effectively required for bank SMS verification. And to get that number, you need to understand the SIM card landscape.

Connectivity: SIM Cards and IC Cards

You cannot live in Tokyo without a smartphone, and you cannot live without cash-less payment methods. But before you buy data, you need access.

For immediate needs, install a travel eSIM before you land. Providers like Airalo, Holafly, or Sakura Mobile offer seamless coverage. Once you are settled, choose between the big three carriers—NTT docomo, KDDI au, or SoftBank—or cheaper MVNOs like IIJmio, UQ Mobile, and Rakuten Mobile. A local number is essential for verifying your bank account and receiving delivery notifications.

Equally important is your transit card. You will tap through turnstiles constantly. Get a rechargeable IC card immediately. Suica (JR East) and PASMO (Tokyo Metro) are interoperable nationwide. If you have an iPhone, add a Welcome Suica directly to your Apple Wallet via the app—it’s valid for 180 days and can be topped up with Apple Pay. If you prefer physical cards, sales of the Welcome Suica resumed in March 2025. These cards also work at konbini and vending machines, saving you the hassle of carrying coins.

Keep cash on hand, though. Despite the tech boom, small restaurants, temples, and ticket machines still expect it. Carry ¥10,000–15,000 in bills. Small transactions add up fast, and losing your IC card means you’re stuck buying single-fare tickets.

Living Costs and Neighborhood Choices

Tokyo prices are climbing. Rents in the 23 wards rose roughly 13% last year, and business hotels hover around ¥15,000 per night. Yet, the weak yen—currently around 151 JPY to the US dollar—makes dining out surprisingly affordable for visitors.

Where you stay defines your budget and your vibe. Here is a snapshot of costs and districts:

Dining: A bowl of tonkotsu ramen at a popular shop runs ¥980–¥1,100 (~$7). A cheap gyudon beef bowl is ¥400–¥600 (~$3). For a proper izakaya dinner, expect ¥2,000–¥4,000 per person (~$20). Conveyor-belt sushi offers a meal for around ¥1,500 (~$10).
Housing: A modest one-bedroom (1R/1K) flat in the 23 wards costs about ¥111,000–¥117,000 per month (~$750).
Transit: A single metro fare is ~¥180 (~$1.2). Monthly commuter passes range from ¥10,000–¥15,000 (~$85).

Choose your district wisely. Shibuya is the global youth hub, great for networking but loud. Shimokitazawa offers bohemian vintage shopping and indie music, perfect for creatives. Nakameguro provides upscale riverside living with third-wave coffee roasters. Kichijoji is consistently voted Tokyo’s most livable district, anchored by Inokashira Park. If you want old-town charm (shitamachi), look to Asakusa, where rents are a third below central wards.

For leisure, explore the city’s cultural pivot. Mid-September marks the shift from summer matsuri to autumn events. Catch the free ‘Performing Arts Base’ showcase at MoN Takanawa during the Tokyo Festival. Or, if you brave the crowds, witness the 41st Chofu Fireworks on September 12—a display of 10,000 shells over the Tama River. For a quieter evening, the Meguro River Night Ambience features sound sculptures drifting down the river on September 12.

First Week Survival Tips

Your first week will blur together. You will eat at Gyukatsu Motomura in Shibuya for a quick, delicious cutlet sandwich. You will get lost in Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden, breathing in the scent of hagi flowers beginning to bloom. You might visit teamLab Borderless at Azabudai Hills, booking tickets weeks ahead for its immersive digital art.

Stay safe. Tokyo is exceptionally safe, but keep emergency numbers handy: 110 for police, 119 for fire/ambulance. For English help, call the Japan Visitor Hotline at 050-3816-2787.

Remember, Tokyo was rebuilt twice—after the 1923 earthquake and 1945 firebombing. Its resilience is woven into its streets. Your move here is part of that story. Take your time. Register your address. Open your bank account. Buy your Suica. Then, go find your favorite ramen shop and sit down. You’re home now.

Frequently asked questions

Can tourists open a Japanese bank account?

No, tourists cannot open standard accounts. New residents should start with Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko), which waives the usual six-month residency requirement for foreigners with valid status.

How do I pay for trains and convenience stores in Tokyo?

Use a rechargeable IC card like Suica or PASMO. You can add a Welcome Suica to your iPhone Wallet or buy a physical card at station machines. These work for transit, vending machines, and konbini.

When do I need to register my address in Japan?

If staying over 3 months, you must register your address at your local ward office within 14 days of moving in. This unlocks your My Number Card, essential for health insurance and banking.

What is the average monthly rent for a 1R/1K flat in Tokyo?

A modest one-bedroom in Tokyo's 23 wards costs approximately ¥111,000–¥117,000 per month (about $750), though prices are rising due to high demand.

Is cash still necessary in Tokyo?

Yes. While IC cards are widespread, small restaurants, temples, and ticket machines still expect cash. Carry ¥10,000–15,000 in bills to avoid issues.

Top attractions