Moving to another country always involves more small tasks than expected, and Tokyo has one detail that changes everything about the checklist: whether your stay is under or over 90 days.
The 90-day line that changes your paperwork
If your total stay is under 90 days, you won’t be issued a Residence Card (Zairyu Card), and your checklist stays light: get mobile data (a SIM or pocket Wi-Fi) on arrival using just your passport, book your apartment in advance, and rely on international cards, debit, or remittance services for payment — no guarantor or deposit needed for a monthly apartment either way. If your stay is over 90 days, you will be issued a Residence Card — major airports issue it on the spot at immigration, while other entry points mail it after you register at your local municipal office. You’ll also need to register your address within two weeks of arrival at the ward office nearest your apartment. Most people in this position use a monthly apartment for the first one to three months while settling in, then open a bank account and get a longer-term phone plan once the Residence Card is in hand.
Two to three months before departure
Start your apartment search early. Reach out with your budget, preferred area, move-in date, and length of stay so recommendations can be prepared and compared before availability tightens — early reservations can save up to 60% versus booking close to your move-in date. This is also the point to check your passport’s expiry date and confirm your visa or entry requirements for your nationality and length of stay.
One month before departure
Confirm and pay for your apartment reservation, and get written confirmation of your move-in date, address, and key handover process. Set up an international-friendly card or account to avoid high foreign transaction fees. If you’ll need a local phone number, research eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi options you can arrange for pickup at the airport or delivery to your apartment.
Two weeks before departure
Scan and save digital copies of your passport, travel insurance, and apartment confirmation, and keep them somewhere accessible offline as well as in the cloud. Download a translation app with a camera function and a transit app that covers Tokyo’s rail and subway network. If you take regular medication, confirm it’s legal to bring into Japan in the quantity you need — some common medications elsewhere are restricted.
The week you arrive
Add a Suica or Pasmo IC card to your phone wallet, or plan to pick one up at the airport, so you can use trains and convenience stores from the moment you land. Locate your nearest 7-Eleven or Japan Post Bank ATM for cash withdrawals, and identify your building’s garbage collection schedule as soon as you’re settled — it’s usually posted near the entrance or in your welcome information. If your stay is over 90 days, register your address at the ward office within your first two weeks.
First few days in your apartment
Do a walkthrough with your property manager or check the welcome guide for anything unfamiliar: how to operate the washing machine, air conditioning, and any smart lock or key box. Note the emergency contact provided and save it in your phone. Take photos of the apartment’s condition on move-in in case questions come up at check-out.
Ongoing, throughout your stay
Keep a lightweight budget tracker for groceries, transport, and dining. Learn a handful of basic Japanese phrases even if you’re relying mostly on translation apps — it noticeably smooths daily interactions. And keep your consultant’s contact on hand; a quick message usually resolves questions faster than searching for answers alone.
If any part of this list feels like more than you want to manage solo, the apartment-search portion is exactly what our free consultation is for — tell us your dates and we’ll take the biggest item off your list first.