Moving in Japan, while exciting, involves several administrative procedures that can be confusing for those unfamiliar with the system. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps to ensure a smooth transition to your new home.

1. Before You Move: Leaving Your Current Residence

  • Notify Your Landlord: Provide your landlord or property management company with written notice of your intent to vacate. The notice period is typically one to two months, but it’s essential to check your rental agreement.
  • Cancel Utilities: Contact your electricity, gas, and water providers to schedule the termination of your services. They will arrange a final meter reading and bill. Also, if you have subscribed to internet services, you must contact your provider to terminate the contract, or change the address of the contract.
  • Notify Your Municipal Office (If Moving to a Different City/Ward): If you are moving to a different city or ward, you will need to submit a “tenshutsu todoke” (転出届) at your current municipal office. This is to obtain a “tenshutsu shōmeisho” (転出証明書), which you will need when registering at your new address.

2. Moving Day and Immediate Aftermath

  • Moving Company (Hikkoshi Gyōsha): If you’re using a moving company, ensure all your belongings are packed and ready on moving day. It is very important to make reservations with the Moving Company in advance, especially during the busy moving seasons of spring.
  • Change of Address at the Post Office: Submit a “tenkyo todoke” (転居届) at the post office to forward your mail to your new address. This service is free and can be done online or at any post office.

3. After Arriving at Your New Residence: Registration

  • Register at Your New Municipal Office: Within 14 days of moving, you must register your new address at your new municipal office. Bring the following: Your “zairyū card” (residence card) or “special permanent resident certificate.” Your “tenshutsu shōmeisho” (if applicable). Your “inkan” (personal seal), if registered.
  • National Health Insurance and National Pension: If you’re enrolled in the National Health Insurance (kokumin kenkō hoken) or the National Pension (kokumin nenkin), you will need to update your information at the municipal office.
  • Update Your Zairyū Card: It is very important to update your address on your residence card at the municipal office.

4. Setting Up Utilities and Other Services

  • Set Up Utilities: Contact the electricity, gas, and water companies to establish services at your new address. They will typically schedule a visit to turn on the utilities.
  • Internet and Phone Services: Contact your internet and phone service providers to transfer or set up new services.
  • Update Your Address with Other Entities: Inform your bank, credit card companies, insurance companies, and other relevant organizations of your new address. If you have a drivers licence, you must change the address at a drivers licence center.

Helpful Tips:

  • Plan Ahead: Moving can be stressful, so start planning and preparing well in advance.
  • Municipal Office: The municipal office is your most important resource. Don’t hesitate to ask them questions.
  • Language Support: Many municipal offices have multilingual support or interpretation services.
  • Checklists: Using checklists, can be extremely helpful to ensure that all needed actions are completed.

By following these steps, you can simplify the moving process and settle into your new Japanese home with ease.