How to Rent an Apartment in Japan: Bank Account, Phone Number & Address

Renting an apartment in Japan can be challenging for newcomers due to unique requirements and cultural norms. Whether you’re moving to Japan for work, study, or a long-term stay, understanding the process is crucial for a smooth experience. This guide explains the key steps: registering your address, obtaining a phone number, and opening a bank account. Follow these steps to make settling in Japan easier and stress-free.

1. Registering Your Address

Once you arrive in Japan, the first step is to register your address at your local ward office (区役所 - Kuyakusho). Below is a list of all districts in Osaka City (大阪市XX区) with links to their respective city hall locations. Registration is mandatory and must be completed within 14 days of moving. Basically, when you get there, go to the information center where someone will help you fill out the forms. After that, take a waiting number. When your number is called, submit the form, and after a few minutes, your address will be registered on the back of your residence card.

Find City Hall in Osaka: Complete Ward Office List

2. Getting a Phone Number

A local phone number is essential for contacting landlords, banks, and real estate agents. You have two main options:

• Prepaid SIM Cards: Flexible, ideal for short-term stays
• Contract Plans: Long-term plans from providers like Rakuten Mobile, SoftBank, and Docomo

We recommend Rakuten Mobile for its English-friendly registration process and affordable plans.

3. Opening a Bank Account

Having a Japanese bank account is essential for paying rent, utility bills, and receiving your salary. Below is a list of major bank branches in Osaka with their respective locations:

Bank Branches in Osaka for Account Setup

To open a bank account, you will need:

• Your Residence Card with a registered address
• A local phone number
• A personal stamp (印鑑 - Inkan)

You might also need an Inkan or Hanko to sign your paperwork. Using alphabets, kanji, or katakana doesn’t really matter. You can purchase one from any store at any price; it’s fine. Here are a few shops in Osaka where you can create a Hanko: As a real estate agent, I usually recommend my customers to go to Don Quijote in Namba or Umeda to make their hanko. It costs less than 1,000 yen to make one. You can usually find the machine to make it next to the cashier. Here is a table with the URLs of each shop:

Conclusion

To rent an apartment in Japan smoothly, you need to register your address, obtain a phone number, and open a bank account. Completing these steps ensures you’re ready to pay rent, set up utilities, and communicate effectively with landlords.