Surviving the First Month in Japan: Apartment, SIM, Bank, Koban

The first month in Japan can feel overwhelming. But I often tell students: if you sort out these four things in the first week, the rest becomes easy.

1. Finding an Apartment

Your first task is to find a place to live. Many students start with a dormitory or share house. For furnished apartments, companies like Leo Palace or Dormy are convenient—they come with a fridge, washing machine, microwave. But they're pricey: in Tokyo, expect ¥50,000/month and up. If you're on a budget, look at suburbs like Sagamihara or Chiba—40 minutes by train, but half the rent.

A tip: Japan's key money system means the first month can cost ¥500,000–600,000 (deposit, advance rent, gratuity). So start with a small prepaid apartment.

2. SIM Card

You can't survive without a phone. Major carriers like Docomo, AU, SoftBank require long contracts. For students, prepaid SIMs are easier. IIJmio, Y!mobile, and Rakuten Mobile offer online orders. Many students buy from Bic Camera or Yodobashi Camera—¥3,000 for 20GB. Mobal and Sakura Mobile have English support.

One caution: Check if your phone is unlocked. Japan uses specific bands.

3. Bank Account

To get a debit card, you need a bank account. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is the easiest—open it at any post office with your passport, residence card, and a hanko (seal). Signature also works.

My personal experience: I opened an account in Shinjuku Post Office in 30 minutes. But some branches don't have English forms, so keep Google Translate handy. Another option is SMBC Prestia, which caters to foreigners.

4. Koban (Police Box)

Koban are small police stations found every 10 minutes' walk. You must register your address there within 14 days of moving. Go to your ward's koban and get your residence card updated. Skipping this can lead to fines or visa trouble.

Koban officers are incredibly helpful—they'll give directions, help with lost items. I once left my bag at Ikebukuro Station and found it at the koban two hours later. So think of them as friends, not authority figures.

Other Essentials

• Japanese Language: Learn hiragana and katakana in the first month. Even JLPT N5 helps a lot.
• Part-time Job: Students can work 28 hours/week. Restaurants and convenience stores pay ¥1,000/hour in Tokyo.
• National Health Insurance: Join NHI—about ¥2,000/month, but covers 70% of medical costs.

Remember, the first month is chaotic but manageable. Take it day by day. If you need help, reach out to us at Inochi Global Education Institute—we're here for you.