Japan Digital Nomad Arrival Checklist (2026)

Your Complete Timeline: From Planning to Landing

Moving to Japan isn't complicated — it's sequential. Do the right things in the right order and everything falls into place. Skip a step or do things out of order and you'll waste days fixing avoidable problems.

This checklist covers the full timeline from 3 months before departure through your first week in Japan.

2–3 Months Before

[ ] Check DN Visa eligibility: 49 eligible countries, ¥10M annual income requirement, valid passport with 6+ months remaining
[ ] Gather income documents: Tax returns (2 years), employment/freelance contract, bank statements showing consistent income
[ ] Research health insurance: Decide between private international policy or National Health Insurance (NHI) enrollment upon arrival
[ ] Book flights: Avoid peak periods — New Year (Dec 27–Jan 4), Golden Week (Apr 29–May 5), Obon (Aug 13–16)
[ ] Book first accommodation: 1–2 week short-term rental via Airbnb or Booking.com — don't commit to long-term until you've seen the neighborhood

💡Apply for your visa BEFORE booking non-refundable flights. The full process (COE application + visa issuance) typically takes 1–3 months. Start early — the COE review alone can take several weeks, and the final visa stamping adds another 5–7 business days.

1 Month Before

[ ] Apply for DN Visa: Via Japanese embassy/consulate in your country of residence (COE route, typically 5–10 business days)
[ ] Research cities: Tokyo (huge, expensive, everything available), Osaka (cheaper, food culture, friendly), Fukuoka (startup hub, affordable, beach access)
[ ] Join online communities: Reddit r/digitalnomad, Discord servers for Japan nomads, Meetup groups in your target city
[ ] Download essential apps: LINE (messaging), Google Maps, Navitime (train navigation), Tabelog (restaurants), PayPay (payments)

2 Weeks Before

[ ] Arrange SIM/eSIM: Sakura Mobile (delivery to hotel), Ubigi or Airalo (eSIM activation), or plan for airport kiosk pickup
[ ] Budget for airport transfer: Suica/PASMO IC card (¥1,000–2,500 for initial charge) or pre-book airport shuttle
[ ] Get medical certificate: Required for controlled medications — carry doctor's letter in English + Japanese translation
[ ] Book coworking day pass: Know where you'll work on day 1 — WeWork, Regus, or local spaces in your target area
[ ] Inform your bank: Notify home country bank of Japan travel dates to prevent fraud alerts blocking your cards
[ ] Prepare cash: Plan to withdraw ¥30,000–50,000 on arrival (7-Eleven ATMs accept international cards)

1 Week Before

[ ] Pack work essentials: Laptop, charger, external keyboard/mouse, headphones, power bank
[ ] Final accommodation check: Confirm address, WiFi details, check-in time and instructions
[ ] Download offline maps: Google Maps offline for Tokyo and your target city (WiFi may not be immediate)
[ ] Charge all devices: Laptop, phone, power banks — fully charged before departure
[ ] Prepare document folder: Passport, visa approval, accommodation confirmation, insurance documents, 2 passport photos

Day of Travel

[ ] Passport: Valid with 6+ months remaining, visa sticker/approval
[ ] Insurance cards: Travel insurance and/or international health insurance documents
[ ] Document copies: Passport copy, credit card emergency numbers, accommodation address in Japanese (for taxi)
[ ] Power adapters: Japan uses Type A/B plugs (same as US) — if coming from EU/UK/AU, bring adapter
[ ] Cash: ¥5,000–10,000 for immediate airport expenses (train, food, SIM if buying at airport)

⚠️Write your accommodation's address in Japanese characters and keep it on your phone AND on paper. Taxi drivers and station staff may not read English addresses.

Day 1: At the Airport

[ ] Immigration: Have passport, visa, and accommodation address ready — immigration may ask where you're staying
[ ] Get SIM/eSIM active: Airport kiosk or activate your pre-purchased eSIM once you have WiFi
[ ] Get IC card: Buy Suica or PASMO at the train station (¥500 deposit + ¥1,000–2,000 initial charge recommended)
[ ] Withdraw cash: 7-Eleven ATM in the airport (¥30,000–50,000 recommended)
[ ] Get to accommodation: Train (cheapest), airport bus (easiest with luggage), or taxi (fastest — from Narita: ¥19,000–27,000+; from Haneda: ¥6,000–11,000)

First Week: The Critical Setup

This is the week that determines whether the next 6 months go smoothly or not.

Day 1–2: Settle In

[ ] Test WiFi speed at accommodation (need 25+ Mbps for video calls)
[ ] Locate nearest konbini, supermarket, and train station
[ ] Get your garbage collection schedule from landlord or building notice board (you'll need this for Day 2–3 ward office visit)

🗑️ Deep dive: Japan Garbage Separation — The Rules That Will Save You From Your Neighbors → — Full guide to categories, ward-specific rules, and how to avoid fines. Review after getting your local schedule.

Day 2–3: Admin

[ ] Visit ward office (区役所) for resident registration (住民届) if staying 90+ days
[ ] Open ward office to get garbage guide in English
[ ] Register at local immigration bureau if required by your visa type
[ ] Get National Health Insurance card if enrolling in NHI

Day 3–5: Work Setup

[ ] Test your coworking space — visit, buy a day pass, test WiFi and power outlets
[ ] Set up PayPay (phone payment) — add your international card
[ ] Download and test Navitime or Google Maps for train navigation
[ ] Establish your daily commute route

Day 5–7: Safety & Community

[ ] Attend a meetup or coworking event — start building your local network

🌏 Deep dive: Japan Earthquake Preparedness for Digital Nomads → — Alert apps, evacuation routes, emergency kit checklist, and what to do during/after shaking. Complete this guide early.

This guide is informational only. Visa requirements, fees, and procedures change. Verify current requirements with your nearest Japanese embassy/consulate and official MOFA website before applying. Not legal or immigration advice.

Back to the full guide: Japan: The Ultimate Digital Nomad Guide (2026) →