Moving to Tokyo: A First-Month Checklist for Newcomers

Follow a practical order of tasks for your first month in Tokyo, from address registration and utilities to bank, phone, trash rules and neighborhood orientation.

Published October 19, 2026 at 10:51 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A good first-month order in Tokyo is housing and utilities first, then the 14-day address registration at your ward or city office, followed by health insurance, bank account, phone contract, transport card and trash-rule setup. Each step often depends on the one before it, because the residence card with your registered address is used as proof for the rest.

Why the order of tasks matters

Many first-month tasks in Tokyo depend on each other. A bank wants a residence card showing your address, a phone provider wants the same card, and the card only shows your Tokyo address after the ward or city office has registered it. Doing the tasks in a sensible order avoids repeat visits. The aim is a short list of dependencies rather than a long list of chores.

A useful way to plan is to group tasks by week. Week one covers the home and the essentials you need on day one. The registration visit should come as early as your address is settled, since the legal deadline is 14 days. Weeks two to four cover the accounts and services that rely on registration. Keep the paperwork in one folder so each counter visit goes quickly.

Week one: get the home working

Before anything else, confirm that electricity, gas and water are connected. Utility providers typically ask you to notify them of the date service should start, and it helps to keep the customer number on hand, since it often appears on monthly bills. For gas, an in-person visit is often part of starting service, so book a time with the supplier and check what they require. Water usually involves a simple application or a phone call.

Internet access is arranged separately with a provider, and installation can take time, so apply early or plan to use mobile data at first. Ask your landlord or property agent about building rules, mailbox use and fire-safety equipment. A first-week shopping list, such as bedding, cleaning supplies and light bulbs, saves later trips. Keep the lease contract and emergency contact numbers somewhere you can find them quickly.

The ward or city office visit

Within 14 days of settling in, visit the ward or city office for your area to file the moving-in notification. If you received your residence card at an airport, bring it with your passport. If not, bring the passport, and the card will be mailed to your registered address. The staff register you as a resident and, if you have a card, write the address on its back.

The same visit usually covers National Health Insurance, if your employer does not enroll you in a workplace plan, and National Pension for adults aged 20 to 59. Ask about the My Number notification letter, which arrives by mail at the registered address. Many Tokyo wards offer English leaflets or interpreter support, so check the office website before going. Municipal details vary, so use your own ward's official page.

Bank account and mobile phone

Once your address is registered, a bank account becomes possible. Banks commonly ask for a residence card showing your address and a passport, and some ask for a seal or a signature. Some banks limit services for newcomers in the first months, so the post office bank is often a practical first choice; ask each bank about its current conditions. Bring the documents, expect checks that may not finish the same day, and keep the cash card or passbook safe.

For a phone, a residence card is usually required for a standard contract in Japan, with a payment method such as a credit card or bank account. Travel SIMs suit short stays, while residents typically choose between large carriers and lower-priced plans. Check the terms carefully, especially minimum periods and fees, and consider asking for help from staff who speak your language. Tell your bank and phone provider about any later address change.

Seal, transport card and getting around

In Japan, a personal seal (inkan) is sometimes used for contracts and bank forms, although signatures are often accepted for foreign residents. A seal can also be registered with the municipality, which is a separate procedure with its own conditions and fee, so ask your ward office. Registration is optional unless a specific process asks for it, so wait until you know you need it.

For daily travel, a rechargeable IC transport card works on trains, subways and many buses in the Tokyo area, saving you from buying a ticket each time. Load it with cash at a station machine, tap it at the gate and top up as needed. Many people also add a commuter pass if they ride the same route daily. Learn the names of your nearest stations and the main lines, and use an official route-planner or station map for first trips.

Trash rules and neighbors

Trash rules are strict and local. Each municipality sets its own categories, such as burnable, plastic packaging, recyclables and non-burnable items, along with collection days, bag types and collection points. Some cities require designated bags. Look for the waste calendar on your ward website, which is often available in English and other languages. Large items such as furniture or appliances usually need advance booking and a paid collection ticket.

Ask your landlord or property manager where the collection point is and what time the trash can go out. Putting trash out on the wrong day is an easy first-month slip, and reading the calendar helps avoid it. Say a brief greeting when you meet neighbors. Some buildings have a neighborhood association, called chonaikai or jichikai, which shares local notices and may organize events. Participation depends on your building and area.

Neighborhood orientation and wrap-up

In the last stretch of the month, walk your neighborhood on foot. Locate the nearest supermarket, pharmacy, clinic, post office and ward office branch. Note the evacuation area and hazard information published by your ward, since Japan is earthquake-prone and local preparedness information is part of settling in. Ask your ward about disaster drills and emergency kits.

At the post office, you can ask about a change-of-address request, which forwards mail from your old address for a set period; ask the counter how long it lasts. Update your address with your employer, school and other providers. This guide shares general information; rules change, so confirm details with the official agency or provider before you act. A short checklist at month end, with each task ticked off, shows what remains and helps you plan the next month.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a newcomer do first in Tokyo?

Secure utilities and the basics for the home, then register your address at the ward or city office within 14 days. That registration unlocks National Health Insurance, the My Number letter, and the proof of address that banks and phone providers commonly request. Doing it early reduces repeat visits.

Is it possible to open a bank account right after arriving?

Often yes, once your residence card shows a registered address. Many banks restrict newcomers during the first months, so a post office bank is a common first choice. Bring your residence card and passport, and expect checks that may take more than a day. Confirm requirements with the bank.

How do trash rules work in Tokyo?

Each ward or city sets its own categories, collection days, bag rules and collection points. The ward website usually has a calendar and a sorting guide, often in English. Ask your landlord where the nearest collection point is, and book large items for collection in advance.

Want to go deeper? Tokyo Paul's book Building a Life in Japan is available on Amazon.

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More guides from Tokyo Paul: Moving to Japan: Residence Card, Address Registration and the First Visit to City Hall, Opening a Bank Account in Japan as a Foreign Resident and Staying Connected in Japan: A Simple Guide to eSIMs and Mobile Data.