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

First Month in Japan: How to Start?

Landing in Japan is exciting, but the first month can be overwhelming. New country, new language, new everything. I've been there myself and helped many Bangladeshi students settle in. Here's a step-by-step guide on apartment, SIM card, bank account, and using the koban (police box).

Finding an Apartment

Guest House vs Leo Palace

Start with a guest house or share house. In Tokyo, areas like Shinjuku or Ikebukuro have guest houses for 40,000–60,000 yen per month (around 30,000–45,000 BDT). Leo Palace is another option for foreigners, but they often require a guarantor.

What You Need

• Passport and visa
• Japanese phone number (prepaid SIM works)
• Japanese address (guest house address is fine)
• If no guarantor, use a guarantor company (5,000–10,000 yen/month)

SIM Card & Mobile

Which Company to Choose?

Prepaid SIM cards are easiest. Try Mobal or Sakura Mobile. You can buy them at electronics shops in Akihabara, Tokyo. Data plans cost 3,000–5,000 yen/month. Avoid 2-year contracts at first; prepaid or GVMO (like GVM) is better for the first month.

How to Get It

• Bring passport and residence card (在留カード)
• Say 'prepaid SIM one month' at the store
• Activation can be done online or in-store

Bank Account

Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行)

For your first bank account, Japan Post Bank is the easiest. You need your residence card, passport, and Japanese address. Visit a post office in Shinagawa or Shibuya – they'll help you open an account.

Other Banks

Banks like SMBC or MUFG may require Japanese language skills or a guarantor. Stick with Japan Post Bank for the first month.

Note: Opening a bank account takes 30 minutes to 1 hour. Keep office hours in mind (9 AM–3 PM).

Using the Koban (Police Box)

What is a Koban?

Japan has small police boxes called koban (交番) in every neighborhood. If you're lost or have a problem, go there for help. It's very useful for Bangladeshi students.

How to Get Help

• If lost, show a map and say 'Michi o oshiete kudasai' (Please tell me the way)
• If you lose something, report it as 'otoshimono' (lost item)
• Police usually know a little English, but Google Translate works too

Tips for the First Month

• Register your address at the ward office within the first week
• Enroll in National Health Insurance (about 2,000 yen/month)
• Get a part-time work permit from the immigration office before starting work
• Locate your nearest koban

Start your journey now. For more details, check our pre-departure guide. Have questions? Contact us. We're here for you.