What to Do After Getting the Keys to Your Japan Apartment

Congratulations — you've signed your lease and received your keys. But in Japan, moving in is just the beginning of a busy administrative process. Here's a comprehensive checklist to make sure you don't miss anything important in your first days and weeks.

Before Moving Day

  • Book a moving company (hikkoshi-sha): Major companies include Yamato Transport (クロネコヤマト), Sakai Moving Service (サカイ引越センター), and Art Corporation. Book early — especially for March and April moves, which are Japan's busiest moving season.
  • Notify your current address: If you already have a registered address in Japan, file a tenshutsu-届 (moving-out notification) at your current ward office.
  • Arrange internet: Internet setup in Japan can take 1–4 weeks if using fiber (光, hikari). Apply before you move in. For immediate access, a pocket Wi-Fi or SIM card is a good stopgap.

Day 1: Utilities Setup

Japanese apartments typically come without any utilities connected. You'll need to contact each provider separately:

Electricity (電気)

Find the name of your local electricity provider from the mailbox or ask your real estate agent. Call or register online to start service — it's usually activated the same day or next day.

Gas (ガス)

Gas must be activated by a technician who comes to your apartment. Call the local gas company (listed on a sticker near the gas meter) and schedule an appointment. They will need you to be home. This is essential before you can use the stove or hot water.

Water (水道)

Water is often already running but may need to be registered in your name with the local water bureau. Check with your agent.

Within 14 Days: City Hall Registration

This is legally required for all foreign residents. Visit your local kuyakusho (ward office) or shiyakusho (city hall) to:

  1. File a 転入届 (tenyuu-todoke) — moving-in notification to update your registered address
  2. Update your Residence Card: Your new address will be recorded on your Zairyu Card
  3. Register for National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken) if not covered by employer insurance
  4. Register for National Pension (Kokumin Nenkin) if applicable

Bring your passport, residence card, and the rental contract to the ward office.

First Week: Essential Purchases

Most Japanese apartments are completely empty when you move in — no appliances, curtains, or light fixtures. Priority purchases include:

  • Curtains or blinds: Essential for privacy from day one. Measure your windows before buying.
  • Light fixtures (shomei): Most rooms have a ceiling hook but no bulb. Buy LED ceiling light kits (シーリングライト) from electronics stores like Yodobashi Camera or Bic Camera.
  • Refrigerator, washing machine: The two most essential appliances. Recycle shops (recycle shoppu) sell used appliances affordably.
  • Futon or bed: IKEA, Nitori, and Muji are popular affordable options.
  • Trash bins: Japan's strict garbage sorting system requires separate bins for burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable waste.

Learn the Garbage Rules Immediately

Japan has one of the world's most rigorous garbage sorting systems, and the rules vary by municipality. Your ward office or apartment management company will provide a garbage schedule and sorting guide — often available in multiple languages. Putting out trash on the wrong day or in the wrong category is a common source of neighbor friction.

Notify Important Parties of Your New Address

  • Your employer or school
  • Bank and financial institutions
  • Immigration bureau (your residence card address must be current)
  • My Number card registration (if you have one)
  • Online shopping accounts and delivery services

First Month: Nice-to-Haves

  • Set up a Japanese bank account if you haven't already (Japan Post Bank / Yucho Ginko is foreigner-friendly)
  • Get a hanko (personal seal) — useful for various administrative tasks
  • Introduce yourself to immediate neighbors with a small gift (hikkoshi aisatsu) — a traditional and much-appreciated gesture in Japan
  • Set up internet and consider a fixed-line phone if needed

Summary Checklist

  1. ☐ Book moving company
  2. ☐ Set up electricity, gas, and water
  3. ☐ Register new address at ward office (within 14 days)
  4. ☐ Update residence card
  5. ☐ Purchase curtains and ceiling lights
  6. ☐ Learn local garbage sorting rules
  7. ☐ Notify employer, bank, and immigration of new address
  8. ☐ Introduce yourself to neighbors