Community board

Hey, welcome to Tokyo ! 
Just landed in Tokyo on your working holiday? 

Here's a little list to help you settle in smoothly. 

Nothing fancy, just the essentials to make your first month less confusing and a lot more fun.

1. Register your address at your local city hall

You’ll need this for everything from health insurance to getting a SIM card.

✅ How to:

• Find your local ward office (区役所 / kuyakusho) and go within 14 days of moving in.

• Bring your residence card and rental contract (or proof of address).

2. Set up a way to receive money 

(Bank account or digital wallet)

In Japan, most jobs pay by bank transfer

but opening a bank account right after arrival can be tricky 

if you don't have a job yet or haven’t been here for long.

✅ Here are two realistic options:

🟧 Option 1: Open a Bank Account (if possible)
Some banks are more foreigner-friendly than others, 

but you usually need a few basics in place.

Popular choices:

• SBI Shinsei Bank – offers English support and online banking.

• Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) – available nationwide, but usually requires more documents.

What you’ll need:

• Your Residence Card (在留カード)

• Your registered Japanese address (after going to city hall)

• A residence certificate (住民票 / jūminhyō)

• A Japanese phone number

• Some banks may also ask for proof of employment or expected income.

Note: Without proof of employment or a 6+ month stay, 

some banks may deny your application. 

🟧 Option 2: Use a Digital Wallet (for flexibility)
This is a great way to manage small payments or even receive money temporarily.

Popular choices:

• PayPay – widely used in Japan for shopping and small transfers.

• Wise (formerly TransferWise) – for sending/receiving money internationally.

What you’ll need:

• Your Residence Card

• A Japanese phone number

• An email address

• (For some services) Your passport and a MyNumber may be requested later.

These are fast to set up and useful even before you get a job. 

Once you settle in, you can switch to a full bank account if needed.

3. Get a Japanese SIM card or phone plan

So you can actually use Google Maps, LINE, and job apps!

✅ How to:

• Prepaid SIMs are easy to get at stores like Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera.

• Or sign up online with providers like LINEMO, Rakuten Mobile, or IIJmio.

4. Start looking for a part-time job (バイト / baito)

Once you’ve got your phone and bank set up, you’re ready!

✅ How to:

• Try apps/websites like GaijinPot Jobs, YOLO Japan, or Hello Work.

• Cafes, konbinis, language cafes, and delivery gigs are great for beginners.

I’ll share some common questions they ask at part-time job interviews in Japan soon

Hope it helps!

5. Join a local community or language exchange
It gets lonely without friends. Connect, talk, and explore together!

✅ How to:

• Search for meetups on Meetup.com, Facebook groups, or even Reddit Japan.

• Come visit us at Lingua Cottage near Higashi-Shinjuku Station

• We host events and language exchanges for all kinds of people