UPDATE | December 18, 2025
This article will help you get everything you need to know, from getting off the plane to registering as a resident, applying for a mobile phone, and paying your insurance and utility bills such as water, electricity, and gas!
*The original text of this article is written in Chinese.
Many students feel anxious when they first arrive in Japan and are faced with various procedures. How do I go through immigration? Where can I get my residence card? What should I do at the ward office? How do I activate my mobile phone, insurance, and utilities (water, electricity, gas)? Below is a comprehensive one-stop guide to help you navigate the process from the moment you step off the plane.
When you see the "Immigration" sign at the airport, line up to enter the screening area.
The immigration officer will ask you to show the following:
Authorities may ask:
Please answer the questions honestly.
At Narita, Haneda, Kansai, and Chubu, cards are often issued on the spot.
Some airports may not issue residence cards directly. In that case, you will be issued a receipt. Then, you can collect your residence card at your ward office or city hall.
Once you receive your package, please declare it at customs.
You must declare the following if you are carrying them:
You will need to fill out an application form.
Please complete the registration procedure at your ward office or city hall within 14 days of arrival.
If you do not go through the procedure, it is illegal!!! International students need to be especially careful.
You must bring your passport and residence card.
The process includes:
Once the procedure is complete, you will be issued a "Resident Record." This is like a family register for living in Japan. It is required for applying for a mobile phone, bank account, school permit, etc.
The ward office will also enroll you in National Health Insurance, which is equivalent to medical insurance.
You will be given a notification letter, and then your personal identification number card will be mailed to your home.
Without a Japanese Telephone Number, you will not be able to open a bank account or carry out everyday procedures.
Popular carriers:
Major carriers (stable, best communication quality)
Docomo
au
SoftBank
Low-cost carrier (often chosen by international students)
Rakuten Mobile
Y!Mobile
Ahamo
What you'll need:
Residence card, passport, bank account (if you don't have one, you can choose to pay in advance or in cash).
We recommend that you use a post office bank (Japan Post Bank) to open your first account after your arrival, preferably one closest to your home or school. Due to the increasing number of international students, you may need to make an appointment in advance at the counter during peak enrollment season.
Please bring your passport, residence card, resident registration card, student ID, mobile Telephone Number, and seal.
After opening an account, you can set up automatic withdrawals for your rent, mobile phone bill, and daily utility bills (water, electricity, gas).
After joining, you only have to pay 30% of medical expenses, which is very helpful. The insurance premium for international students is very low, at just a few thousand yen per month.
Membership is mandatory for anyone over the age of 20. However, international students can apply for a full exemption in most cases.
How to apply for exemption:
Please fill out and submit the "Application for Exemption from National Pension Insurance Premium Payment" at your ward office or city hall. Normally, a 100% reduction will be granted.
Japan has liberalized its electricity supply, so you can choose for yourself.
Tokyo Electric Power Company, Tokyo Gas, Kansai Electric Power Company, etc.
Activation: Apply by phone or online. There's no need to visit a branch, and activation is usually completed on the same day.
Contact your local water authority.
Most homes already have water service. All you need to do is register your name and water user information. In most areas, bills are sent every two months.
To have your gas turned on, you will need to make an appointment for a gas company to come and open the valve, check that the gas is lit, and provide safety instructions. This usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Payment methods include:
1. Automatic withdrawal from your bank account (recommended),
2. Pay the bill that is mailed to your home every month at a convenience store (Seven-Eleven, Family Mart, Lawson),
<Note> Payment at convenience stores is cash only.
3. Register your credit card.
etc.
| Waterworks | ： | 2,000-3,000 yen (collected every two months) |
| electricity | ： | 3,000 to 6,000 yen (slightly more expensive in winter and summer) |
| gas | ： | 3,000 to 6,000 yen |
| mobile phone | ： | 1,000 to 4,000 yen (standard plan) |
| National Insurance | ： | 2,000 to 4,000 yen |
It's natural to feel nervous and confused when coming to Japan for the first time and facing various procedures and an unfamiliar environment, but remember that just getting to this point is a great achievement.
From deciding to study abroad, preparing the application documents, going through the visa procedures, to leaving home...
You have made countless brave choices.
Today marks the official start of a new chapter in your life.
In Japan, you will be amazed by different cultures, feel a sense of accomplishment from improving your language skills, grow through independent living, and experience the joy of making friends from all over the world. You will also experience freedom and limitless possibilities for the future every day. These will be irreplaceable experiences in life. You may encounter difficulties and feel homesick. However, by overcoming each problem, you will surely grow into a stronger person. To all of you coming to Japan, I hope you have successfully completed all the necessary procedures, enjoyed every moment of your study abroad experience, shined at your own pace, and carved out your future here.
Welcome to Japan! A new journey begins. Good luck! I'm sure you can do it!
Born in China in 1988, he came to Japan in 2008. He studied at a Japanese language school in Osaka for a year before going on to study at a national university in Shikoku and graduating. After graduating from university, he found work in Tokyo and is currently working as a company employee. His native language is Chinese and he speaks Japanese at a business level. His hobbies are traveling and cooking, and he has a strong interest in Japanese culture. Although he can be introverted, he enjoys interacting with people and is good at making friends. He enjoys trying new things.
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