Moving to Japan? 7 Things to Prepare Before You Arrive

Moving to Japan? Prepare these seven things before you arrive: your phone connection, first-night access, documents, payment backup, move-in services, employer or school arrangements, and essential contacts. Use the ready / needs checking / contact checklist to make your first steps easier. Watch next: Your First Week in Japan: What to Do First, and in What Order    • Your First Week in Japan: What to Do First...   Related guide: How to Get a SIM Card in Japan as a Foreigner    • How to Get a SIM Card in Japan as a Foreigner   Chapters 00:00 Your arrival needs a plan 00:30 1. Prepare your connection 01:19 2. Make the first night work 02:08 3. Pack the right documents 03:07 4. Prepare two ways to pay 04:00 5. Confirm move-in services 04:54 6. Agree who does what 05:42 7. Build an arrival contact card 06:29 Your ready-or-check list 07:08 Watch next This is general planning information for new residents. Requirements, eligibility, documents, deadlines and service availability vary by municipality, status of residence, employer and provider. Yokohama is used as a clearly labeled local example. Confirm your own case with the appropriate official office or provider. Seven days is a planning period, not a legal deadline or a guarantee of completion. Sources Updated: September 2026 Yokohama: moving in from overseas https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/... Yokohama: resident registration https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/... Yokohama: National Health Insurance https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/... Japan Pension Service: entering Japan https://www.nenkin.go.jp/internationa... Yokohama: water-service procedures https://www.city.yokohama.lg.jp/lang/... Seven Bank: overseas cards https://www.sevenbank.co.jp/intlcard/... Original English explanation and diagrams, with AI-generated narration. #MovingToJapan #LivingInJapan #JapanLife