Written by Keisuke Unno — a graduate of Tokyo University of Foreign Studies (Persian Language).
Married to a non-Japanese partner, and host of the YouTube channel “Tabunka Gurashi 多文化ぐらし,” where he has interviewed dozens of international residents across Japan about their real lives here.
Your first month in Japan involves a specific set of administrative tasks that go well beyond just settling into your housing — and a few of them have real deadlines attached. Short answer: address registration, health insurance, and your bank account/phone setup are the core priorities, generally in that rough order, alongside the more obvious tasks like getting to know your campus and neighborhood.
Week 1: The Time-Sensitive Basics
| Task | Why the Timing Matters |
|---|---|
| Register your address at your local municipal office | Required within 14 days of establishing an address in Japan and useful for completing several other procedures |
| Receive your Residence Card, if it was not issued at your port of entry | You’ll need it for many everyday procedures, including some banking and phone contracts |
| Enroll in National Health Insurance, if you’re eligible and not covered by another public health insurance plan | Generally required for eligible residents who are not covered by another public health insurance plan |
⚠️ Important Reminder: Address registration is generally handled at the ward or city office (区役所/市役所) covering where you’re actually living. Bring your Residence Card and any other documents requested by your municipality. Completing this procedure promptly is important because your registered address is used for several other administrative procedures.
Week 1-2: Communication and Money
- Set up mobile service — an eSIM can often be activated before or immediately upon arrival; see our guide comparing eSIM and physical SIM options
- Open a Japanese bank account — some banks require your address registration to be completed first, and some have specific requirements for how long you’ve been in Japan, so this can take a bit of trial and error depending on the bank
- Set up internet at your residence, if it isn’t already included in dormitory or share house arrangements
Week 2-4: Campus and Community
- Complete university enrollment procedures — course registration, student ID, orientation sessions specifically for international students
- Visit your university’s international student office even if you don’t have an immediate question — knowing where it is and who’s there matters once you do need something
- Locate essential nearby services — the closest supermarket, pharmacy, and clinic, along with your ward office’s exact location
- Understand your neighborhood’s garbage sorting rules — these vary by municipality and are taken seriously; your ward office or apartment management generally provides a printed guide, often available in English in areas with more foreign residents
Ongoing: Things to Keep Track Of
| Item | Why It Matters Long-Term |
|---|---|
| Part-time work rules (if working part-time) | If you have permission to engage in activities outside your status of residence, check the applicable working-hour limits and conditions before starting work |
| Any address change | Must generally be reported again if you move, even within the same city |
| Residence Card renewal timing | Worth noting your card’s expiration date early, even though it’s likely a while away |
A Real First-Month Experience
A friend of mine from Jordan described his first month simply as hectic — not because any single procedure was hard, but because of the sheer number of things to understand and set up at once. His experience is a good reminder that the first month isn’t about doing everything perfectly, it’s about pacing yourself through a genuinely large number of small tasks.
FAQ
Q: What happens if I miss the 14-day address registration deadline?
A: It’s best to complete it as close to on-time as possible; if you do miss it, going to your ward office as soon as you realize is generally better than continuing to delay — bring your passport and Residence Card and explain the situation.
Q: Do I need a Japanese phone number before I can open a bank account?
A: Requirements vary by bank — some do require one, others are more flexible, particularly for international students with university documentation. Confirming directly with your target bank is worth doing before assuming either way.
Q: Is my university’s health insurance the same as National Health Insurance?
A: Not necessarily — some universities provide supplementary coverage, but this doesn’t always replace the need to enroll in National Health Insurance separately. Check with your international student office to confirm your specific situation.
Your First 30 Days Checklist
- Registered your address within 14 days of establishing an address in Japan
- Confirmed your health insurance situation with your university’s international office
- Set up mobile service and, if needed, a Japanese bank account
- Completed university enrollment procedures and located the international student office
- Learned your neighborhood’s garbage sorting rules
- Noted your Residence Card’s expiration date for future reference
Stay Updated with ILSA Hub
Life in Japan comes with a lot of small questions — and the official ILSA Hub LINE account is where we help, especially with housing and everyday life.
- 🏠 Our Main Focus: Most of what we share is about housing and daily life in Japan — apartment hunting, contracts, and practical living tips.
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