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.
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.
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.