Japan Living Guide for Indians
Housing, transport, banking, SIM cards, healthcare, and your first-month setup checklist — a practical survival guide for Indians moving to Japan.
Finding Housing in Japan
Finding an apartment in Japan as a foreigner can be challenging — the guarantor requirement (hoshounin) and large upfront costs (2–6 months' rent) are the main barriers. Here are the realistic options for new arrivals.
Gaijin Houses
Shared housing specifically targeted at foreigners (gaijin = foreign person). No Japanese guarantor required, minimal paperwork, and often fully furnished with utilities included. The most accessible option for new arrivals. Usually month-to-month contracts.
Share Houses
Individual rooms in a shared house or apartment, with shared kitchen, bathroom, and living areas. Popular among young professionals and students. More social than gaijin houses. Companies like Sakura House, Oakhouse, and Global Agents manage large share house networks across Japan.
Private Apartments (Mansions/Apartments)
Full privacy and independence, but requires a Japanese guarantor (hoshounin) — typically a Japanese national or a Japanese guarantor company (hoshougaisha). Initial costs (deposit + key money + agency fee) can be 3–6 months' rent upfront. This option becomes accessible after 6–12 months in Japan with an established employment record.
Getting Around Japan
Japan has one of the world's most efficient public transport networks. Trains are the backbone of daily commuting in cities, and the IC card system makes it effortless.
IC Cards — Suica & Pasmo
Get a Suica or Pasmo card from any JR or metro station on arrival. Tap in and tap out for trains, buses, and even convenience store purchases. Far more convenient than buying individual tickets. Load money at any ticket machine or convenience store. Suica is accepted nationwide.
Trains vs Buses
Trains are the primary mode of transport in Japanese cities. The network is vast, punctual, and runs until midnight (last trains vary by line). Buses are used in areas trains don't reach. Both are clean, safe, and reliable. Google Maps works well for navigation.
Cycling
Many Japanese commute by bicycle for short distances — to the station, to the supermarket, or to work. Buying a second-hand mamachari (city bicycle) from a recycle shop for ¥5,000–¥15,000 is highly recommended. Register it at the local police box (koban) to avoid issues.
Driving in Japan
Your Indian driving license is not directly valid in Japan. You need an official Japanese translation from the JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) or convert it to a Japanese license. Traffic is on the left side of the road. Many people in rural areas own cars; in cities, trains are far more practical.
Banking & Money in Japan
Opening a bank account in Japan requires your residence card and My Number. The process is straightforward, but knowing which bank to choose as a foreigner saves significant time.
Post Office Bank (Japan Post / ゆうちょ銀行) — Easiest for Foreigners
Japan Post Bank (Yu-cho) is the most accessible bank for newly arrived foreigners. It requires your residence card (zairyu card) and My Number card. Has the widest ATM network (every post office and many 7-Eleven stores). International transfers available. The interface is also available in English at most ATMs.
My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)
The My Number is your government identification number in Japan. You receive a notice after registering at the city office. Apply for the physical card (not just the notification slip) — it functions as your ID for banking, healthcare, and government services. Takes 4–6 weeks to arrive after application.
Rakuten Bank & Online Banks
Rakuten Bank is popular among foreigners for its English-friendly interface, zero-fee transfers, and no minimum balance. Ideal once you have your My Number card. Also useful for online shopping and salary receipt once your employer sets it up.
Cash Culture
Japan remains heavily cash-based compared to India or the West. Many small restaurants, markets, and traditional businesses are cash-only. Always carry ¥5,000–¥10,000 in cash. ATMs at konbini (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) accept most international cards if your regular bank ATM does not.
SIM Cards & Phone Plans
Japan has excellent mobile coverage. For foreigners, MVNO (virtual network operators) offer the best value. Here are the most foreigner-friendly options.
IIJmio
MVNO (uses docomo network)
¥858–¥2,178/month
One of the most popular budget SIMs for foreigners. Registration is fully online and available in English. Can be ordered before arrival and picked up at the airport. Reliable and widely used.
Rakuten Mobile
Own network + roaming
¥1,078–¥3,278/month
Full unlimited data at ¥3,278/month is genuinely unlimited (one of the few in Japan). Coverage is strong in cities. Best value for heavy data users. Requires My Number and residence card for registration.
AU MVNO / UQ Mobile
MVNO (uses AU network)
¥990–¥3,465/month
Strong coverage and reliable speeds. Multiple data plan options. Good for those outside major cities where AU coverage is stronger than the alternatives.
Pocket WiFi (Rental)
Mobile WiFi device
¥1,500–¥3,000/month
A portable WiFi router you rent monthly. Ideal in the first week before your SIM card is set up. Can connect multiple devices. Return it at any convenience store or airport counter when done.
Healthcare in Japan
Japan's universal healthcare system covers all residents — including foreign nationals. Enrolling in National Health Insurance is mandatory and must be done within 14 days of address registration.
National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenkou Hoken)
All residents of Japan — including foreign nationals — are required to enroll in National Health Insurance (NHI). Register at your ward or city office within 14 days of registering your address. Monthly premiums are income-based (¥2,000–¥8,000/month for most newcomers). Covers 70% of medical costs.
How to Use It
Show your health insurance card (hoken-sho) at the hospital or clinic. You pay 30% of the cost; NHI covers 70%. For most routine consultations, expect to pay ¥1,000–¥3,000 out of pocket. Emergency care at hospitals is available 24/7.
Finding English-Speaking Doctors
Major cities have hospitals and clinics with English-speaking staff — particularly in Tokyo (St. Luke's, Tokyo Midtown Clinic), Osaka, and Fukuoka. The AMDA International Medical Information Centre provides guidance in English. Use Japan Health Info (japanhealthinfo.com) as a resource.
Pharmacy (Yakkyoku)
Drugstore chains (Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Welcia, Sugi Pharmacy) are everywhere. Prescription medications from your doctor are dispensed by pharmacies separately from clinics. Over-the-counter medicines are limited in Japan — paracetamol doses, for instance, are lower than in India.
Your First Month in Japan Checklist
The first month in Japan is the most administrative. Complete these tasks in order and you will be set up and running smoothly within 30 days.
Setup Checklist — First 30 Days
Register your address at the ward/city office (within 14 days of arrival)
Apply for My Number Card at the ward office (takes 4–6 weeks to arrive)
Enroll in National Health Insurance at the ward office
Get a SIM card or pocket WiFi at the airport or convenience store
Open a Japan Post Bank account with your residence card
Get a Suica or Pasmo IC card at any train station
Notify your employer of your bank account and tax details
Register with your nearest municipal office for public notifications
Understand your local garbage sorting and collection schedule
Find your nearest hospital, pharmacy, and police box (koban)
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