What you need before you walk into a Japanese bank

Japanese banks require a residence card (or visa stamp in your passport if you arrived very recently), proof of your current address, and a personal seal called an inkan. The residence card is the single document that matters most — without it, most banks will turn you away. If you have been in Japan fewer than 90 days, some banks will accept your passport and visa stamp instead, but this window closes quickly.

You will also need to choose a personal seal. This is not optional in Japan the way a signature is in other countries. You can buy an inkan at a convenience store (usually 100 to 300 yen) or a stationery shop, or order one online before you arrive. The seal does not have to be your name in English — many foreigners use their name in katakana, which the bank will accept. Bring the seal with you to the bank; you will use it to stamp documents during the account opening process.

A few banks now accept a thumbprint instead of a seal if you do not have one, but this is not standard. It is simpler to buy a seal beforehand.

Key Takeaways

  • Your residence card is the document Japanese banks require most; without it, you cannot open an account at most institutions.
  • You must bring a personal seal (inkan) or be prepared to use a thumbprint, proof of your current address, and your passport.
  • The account opening process takes 20 to 40 minutes in the bank, but the card and passbook arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
  • Major banks like Mizuho, MUFG, and Sumitomo Mitsui have branches nationwide; regional banks and post office accounts are simpler for short-term stays.
  • You can deposit money when ready after opening the account, but you cannot withdraw or use the card until it arrives in the mail.

Which bank to choose: major banks versus post offices versus regional banks

Megabanks (Mizuho, MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui) have the most branches and ATMs across Japan. They offer the full range of services — international transfers, credit cards, investment accounts — but their staff speak less English, and the account opening process is more formal. If you plan to stay longer than a year or need to send money internationally, a megabank is the standard choice.

The Japan Post Bank

Regional banks (Sumida Bank, Aeon Bank, SBI Sumishin Net Bank) are middle ground. They have fewer branches than megabanks but more services than the post office. Some regional banks, particularly online banks like SBI Sumishin, have English-language websites and customer support, which matters if you need to troubleshoot later.

Your choice depends on how long you are staying and what you need the account for. If you are here for six months or less and only need to receive money, the post office is fastest. If you are staying a year or longer, a megabank is worth the extra paperwork.

The account opening process, step by step

Walk into the bank or post office during business hours (typically 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays; many close on weekends). Tell staff you want to open a new account. They will hand you an process form in Japanese. If you do not read Japanese, ask for English information — most branches have at least one staff member who can help, though response time varies.

Fill out the form with your name, address, phone number, and occupation. You will be asked whether you want a passbook (a paper record of transactions), a debit card, or both. Most people choose both. You will also choose a PIN for your card and sign (or seal) the form.

Hand over your residence card, passport, proof of address (a utility bill, rental agreement, or residence certificate from your ward office), and your inkan. The staff member will photocopy your documents and stamp them with your seal. This takes 15 to 30 minutes. You will receive a temporary receipt with your new account number.

You cannot use the account when ready. The debit card and passbook arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Until they arrive, you cannot withdraw money or check your balance at an ATM. You can, however, have money deposited into the account number on your receipt — employers and other people can transfer funds to you right away.

What happens after you leave the bank

Your card and passbook will arrive in a sealed envelope at your registered address. Open them and visit an ATM to confirm the card works. The first time you use the card, you may be asked to change your PIN at the ATM — follow the on-screen prompts.

Once your card is active, you can withdraw cash, check your balance, and transfer money to other accounts. If you need to send money internationally, you will have to visit a branch in person or use online banking (if your bank offers it). International transfers take three to five business days and cost between 2,000 and 4,000 yen depending on the amount and destination.

If you move to a different address while your account is open, you must notify the bank within two weeks. Visit a branch with your residence card and fill out a change-of-address form. If you do not update your address, the bank may freeze your account or send mail to an old address, which can cause problems later.

Opening an account if you do not have a residence card yet

If you arrived in Japan within the last 90 days and have not yet received your residence card, you can open an account using your passport and visa stamp. However, this window is narrow — once your residence card is issued, you must update your account information within a set timeframe (usually 30 days). Some banks will not accept this arrangement at all, so call ahead.

The post office is more flexible with this situation than megabanks. If you are waiting for your residence card and need an account urgently, the post office is your best option. Once your residence card arrives, visit the bank to update your information.

Common problems and how to avoid them

The most frequent issue is arriving at the bank without a seal. Many foreigners assume a signature will work — it will not. If you do not have a seal, buy one at a convenience store before you go. Some branches will let you use a thumbprint instead, but this is not may provide.

The second issue is bringing the wrong proof of address. Utility bills work, but they must be recent (usually within three months). A rental agreement works if it shows your current address. A residence certificate from your ward office (available for a small fee) is the safest option because it is issued by the government and always accepted. If you are staying in temporary housing or a shared apartment, ask your landlord or building manager for a document showing your address.

The third issue is trying to use the account before the card arrives. You cannot withdraw money or use online banking until the physical card reaches you by mail. Plan for one to two weeks of waiting time. If you need cash when ready, ask your employer or a friend to transfer money to your account, then withdraw it using the temporary account number you received at the bank.

Closing the account when you leave Japan

If you are leaving Japan, you should close your account before you go. Visit a branch with your card, passbook, and residence card (or passport if your residence card has been returned). Staff will process the closure, and any remaining balance will be transferred to a Japanese bank account you specify or mailed to you as a check.

If you leave without closing the account, the bank will eventually freeze it due to inactivity. You can reopen it later, but it is simpler to close it while you are still in the country. Some banks charge a small fee to close an account, though most do not.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a bank account if I am on a tourist visa?

No. Banks require a residence card, which is only issued to people with a long-term visa (typically 90 days or longer). Tourists on a short-term visa cannot open a standard account. If you are staying fewer than 90 days, you will need to wait until your visa is upgraded or use alternative methods like prepaid cards or money transfer services.

What if the bank staff do not speak English?

Most megabank branches have at least one English-speaking staff member, though you may wait. The post office is often better for English support. You can also bring a Japanese friend or hire a translator for the appointment. Many banks offer forms in English, but the process itself is conducted in Japanese, so some language ability or information helps.

Do I need a Japanese phone number to open an account?

Most banks ask for a phone number on the process form, but it does not have to be a Japanese number. A mobile number from your home country will usually work. However, if the bank needs to contact you later, a Japanese number is more reliable because international calls are expensive and slow.

Can I open an account online without visiting a branch?

Some online banks like SBI Sumishin Net Bank allow online account opening, but you still need to mail in copies of your residence card and proof of address. The process is not faster than visiting a branch in person. Most traditional banks require you to open an account in a physical branch.

What if my address changes after I open the account?

You must notify the bank within two weeks of moving. Visit a branch with your new residence card and fill out a change-of-address form. If you do not update your address, the bank may send important notices to your old address or freeze your account.