Arriving in Japan for the First Time — Your First 30 Days Checklist (2025)
The first month in Japan involves a specific sequence of administrative tasks, most of which build on each other. Doing them in the right order saves enormous frustration. This checklist walks you through everything you need to do in your first 30 days in Japan. At the Airport (Day 0) Clear Immigration Present your passport and visa (or Certificate of Eligibility) at the immigration counter. If you’re arriving on a work visa, your residence card (zairyu card) is issued here at Narita, Haneda, Kansai, Nagoya, or Fukuoka airports. At smaller airports, you receive a stamp and collect the residence card from a ward office later. ...