Start here
A calm, ordered path through the first money steps of life in Japan.
Start with one practical task
Open a bank account
Get a yen account so you can receive salary and pay bills.
Get your first credit card
Build a payment history and earn points on everyday spending.
Understand your tax status
Know whether you are a resident, non-permanent, or non-resident.
Learn what NISA is
Understand Japan’s tax-free investment account before you invest.
Send money home cheaply
Compare the total cost of moving money across borders.
Check what insurance you need
See what public insurance covers and where private cover helps.
Ten money topics for life in Japan
Banking
Open the right account, understand fees, and fix common problems.
Credit cards
Get approved, avoid revolving-debt traps, and earn points that fit your life.
NISA & investing
Understand NISA and iDeCo, pick a brokerage, and learn risk before you buy.
Tax
Residency, income tax, resident tax, deductions, and cross-border filing.
Freelance & business
Sole-proprietor setup, blue returns, the invoice system, and bookkeeping.
Insurance
What public insurance already covers, and when private cover is worth it.
Loans, mortgages & property
Mortgage eligibility, fixed vs floating, closing costs, and rent-vs-buy.
International money
Send money in and out, cut hidden FX markups, and handle cross-border income.
Points & rewards
Pick one ecosystem, understand point value, and avoid chasing noise.
Crypto & FX
Registered exchanges, heavy crypto tax, custody, and leverage risk.
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first when I arrive in Japan?
Most people start by securing an address and residence card, then open a bank account, set up a phone number, and get a first credit card. From there you can look at tax status, insurance, and investing. Our task cards above follow this rough order.
Do I need a bank account before a credit card?
Usually yes. A Japanese credit card is paid by automatic withdrawal from a domestic bank account, so most issuers ask for one during the application. Opening a bank account first makes the card application smoother.
Can I do all of this without speaking Japanese?
Many steps are possible with limited Japanese. Some banks, brokerages, and city offices offer English support, and several online services have English interfaces. Each guide notes where English support is realistic and where a Japanese-speaking friend or translation app helps.
How long does it take to get set up?
A basic setup—bank account, phone, and a first card—can often be done within a few weeks of arriving, though card issuance and some approvals take additional days. Tax and investing steps can follow once the essentials are in place.