Checklist for moving to Japan 2026: detailed task list to organize your relocation step by step

Moving to Japan in 2026 requires careful planning, especially if you're relocating from another continent. This checklist for moving to Japan 2026 covers all essential steps: from legal procedures to cultural adaptation, including housing, transport, and healthcare. Use this list in Foco to track each task with deadlines, priorities, and reminders, ensuring nothing is overlooked.

Japan has key seasons that impact your move: July and August bring intense heat and rain (tsuyu), while January and February are cold, particularly in cities like Sapporo or Sendai. If arriving in summer, prioritize housing with air conditioning and avoid in-person errands during peak heat. In winter, book movers or storage early, as demand spikes around the fiscal year-end (March).

What this checklist includes

This list is designed to be imported directly into Foco, where you can assign start and due dates, priorities, and reminders. Group tasks by category (legal, housing, health) and use Panorama mode to see the entire process at once, or Focus mode to concentrate on one area. With Kanban view, drag tasks between columns like 'To Do', 'In Progress', and 'Done' to track progress.

• Apply for a work, student, or spouse visa at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country (deadline: 1-3 months before travel)
• Translate and apostille personal documents (passport, university degree, criminal record certificate, birth certificate) into Japanese
• Book flights at least 3 months in advance to avoid high prices (avoid dates around Golden Week, late April to early May)
• Purchase international travel insurance covering Japan until you enroll in Japan’s National Health Insurance (NHI)
• Arrange temporary accommodation for the first 2-4 weeks (options: Airbnb, capsule hotels, or guesthouses with flexible contracts)
• Research neighborhoods in your destination city (e.g., Shinjuku in Tokyo, Namba in Osaka) and contact local real estate agencies or platforms like Suumo or Homes
• Prepare documents for renting a home (passport copy, visa, employment contract, bank guarantee, or Japanese guarantor)
• Open a bank account in Japan (requires a visa valid for over 6 months, local address, and personal seal (inkan/hanko); recommended banks: Japan Post Bank or Shinsei Bank)
• Register at your local city hall within 14 days of arrival to obtain a residence certificate (juminhyo)
• Enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI) at the city hall (monthly cost: ~2,000-3,000 JPY, income-based)
• Apply for a Japanese phone number (requires passport, visa, and local address; providers: SoftBank, Docomo, or Rakuten Mobile)
• Purchase a rechargeable transport card (Suica or Pasmo) at train stations or airports for public transport
• Register at the local tax office if working in Japan to manage your taxpayer number (My Number)
• Sign up for basic Japanese language classes (options: language schools like Berlitz, apps like Duolingo, or community center courses)
• Learn local customs (e.g., removing shoes indoors, not eating while walking, strict trash separation rules)
• Buy plug adapters (Japan uses Type A/B, 100V) and voltage converters if bringing appliances from other countries
• Register with your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan for emergency alerts and consular assistance
• Join expat groups on social media (Facebook, Meetup) or platforms like Internations to network before arrival
• Prepare an emergency kit with basic medications (Japan requires prescriptions for many common drugs; bring yours with a translated prescription)
• Check Japan’s import restrictions (e.g., prohibited: fresh meat, certain medications, plants, or wooden products without certification)