How to Bank in Japan

You need a bank account in Japan if you want to buy a car, get a job, or rent an apartment. You will need your school, or a Japanese speaking friend, to help you open a bank account. Japan Post Bank is the easiest bank for new foreigners to open an account. However, their online banking system is primitive, and you can only electronically transfer money into your Japanese bank account. You CAN NOT send funds internationally (back home) from your JP bank account. You might not want to keep too much money in your Japanese bank account, but it is convenient to have access to ATMs. FYI: Most restaurants, food trucks, laundry mats, paid parking lots, gas stations, and public transportation are cash-only. You must carry cash with you.

Japan Post Bank Account

Go to the branch closest to your house, complete the application, and select your pin #. After your account is setup, they will give you a “bank book.” It’s kind of pointless, so use the Yucho online banking website to check your bank balance / information. The bank will mail you a debit card a week later, and the school can help you activate it.

Required Documents

  • Passport

  • Residency card (You should have already registered your address, and the city hall has printed that address on the back of the card. You can use your school dorm address or share house address)

  • Registered Address Document (Juminshou)

  • Hanko (Personal stamp)

  • Japanese phone number (You can use your school’s phone number)

  • Japanese friend (Someone to translate)

  • Initial deposit (Bring around $500 in yen)