Moving to Japan is one thing — building a daily life there is another. This section covers the practical realities of living in Japan as a foreign resident: phones, banking, healthcare, language, shopping, working culture, transport, utilities, and more. Use the guides below as your resident toolkit.
Daily Life & Services
Electricity, gas, water, fiber internet, and the NHK fee — what to set up and in what order after moving in.
Supermarkets, convenience stores, international food sources, and shopping etiquette for daily life.
Convenience stores are a daily-life essential for residents — ATMs that accept foreign cards, bill payment, parcel pickup, printing and IC card top-up, all open 24 hours.
Compare SIM-only plans, online brands (ahamo, LINEMO, povo) and MVNOs. Covers identity verification, payment methods and common mistakes when setting up a phone plan as a foreign resident.
Converting your foreign license, traffic rules, left-side driving, JAF membership, and expressway navigation.
Money & Finance
7-bank comparison table, documents required, and step-by-step guide to opening a bank account as a foreign resident.
Compare Wise, SBI Remit, Western Union, and bank SWIFT transfers by fee, exchange rate, and speed.
IC cards, credit cards, QR payments and PayPay — including how foreign residents can set up PayPay with a non-Japanese phone number, and which payment methods work where.
Monthly budgets by city and lifestyle — rent, food, transport, utilities and initial move-in cost estimates for 7 cities, from Tokyo to Fukuoka.
8-provider comparison, best plan by usage type, and APN setup guide for foreign residents in Japan.
Health & Wellbeing
The two insurance systems explained, costs by income, enrollment steps, and how to use your insurance card at hospitals.
How to navigate Japan’s hospital system, find English-speaking doctors, and get prescriptions filled.
Food & Dining
Japanese cuisine basics, eating out, cooking at home with local ingredients, and finding international food in Japan.
Community & Language
Apps, textbooks, language schools, and the JLPT exam — structured pathways for resident-level Japanese proficiency.
Employment culture, hierarchy, hōrensō communication, working hours reform, and navigating the Japanese workplace.
Getting Around
IC cards (Suica, PASMO), commuter passes, JR vs private railways, cycling rules, navigation apps, and taxis.
See the Move to Japan Checklist 2026 — a phase-by-phase guide from before arrival through your first 3 months.
For cultural context and travel planning, see Travel to Japan and Learn About Japan.
Resident Setup Guides
Use these guides for everyday setup after arrival in Japan, including payments, phone setup, banking, housing, healthcare and daily food routines. Rules, fees and procedures change — always check official providers and municipal sources for current details.
- Home Internet Setup in Japan
- Ramen in Japan (Resident Guide) — regional styles and local shops
- First-Time Japan Guide — planning your arrival trip
- Japan Social Customs & Etiquette — resident guide to daily life norms
- Banking in Japan — bank accounts, cashless payment, and financial setup for residents
- Utilities Setup Guide — electricity, gas, water, and payment options
- Move to Japan — visa types, arrival procedures, and relocation overview