5 Tips for Your First Week in Tokyo

Arriving in Tokyo for the first time is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming. New city, new language, new routines. As a caregiver starting your journey in Japan, a smooth first week sets the tone for everything ahead. Here are five things to do right away.

1. Register at Your Local Ward Office (区役所)

Within 14 days of arrival, you are legally required to register your address at the nearest kuyakusho (ward office). Bring your passport and residence card (zairyu card). This registration unlocks everything else: your bank account, health insurance enrollment, and official correspondence. Your employer or placement coordinator will often guide you here, but confirm the appointment within your first two days.

2. Get a Suica or Pasmo IC Card

Tokyo's train and subway network is world-class but complex. Pick up a rechargeable Suica or Pasmo IC card at any major station (JR East machines support English). Tap in, tap out—no need to calculate fares every time. These cards also work at convenience stores, vending machines, and many restaurants, making everyday life significantly easier while your Japanese skills are still developing.

3. Open a Bank Account Early

Your salary will be deposited directly into a Japanese bank account. Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行) is the most accessible option for new residents—post offices are everywhere and the account opening process is more foreigner-friendly than most city banks. You will need your residence card and address registration slip from step 1. Some employers work with a specific bank, so check with your facility first.

4. Download These Three Apps

• Google Translate with Japanese camera mode — photograph menus, signs, and documents for instant translation.
• Japan Official Travel App — offline maps and train route planning that works without mobile data.
• LINE — Japan's dominant messaging app. Your colleagues, coordinators, and care facility staff almost certainly use it for daily communication.

5. Connect with the Nepali Community in Tokyo

You are not alone. There are active Nepali communities across the Greater Tokyo area, particularly in Edogawa, Adachi, and Saitama. Joining a local Nepali association or WhatsApp group gives you a trusted network for advice on everything from grocery shopping (look for Nepali/Indian stores in Nishi-Kasai and Shin-Okubo) to navigating workplace situations. J&N graduates already placed in Japan are also a great resource—ask your coordinator to make introductions.

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Your first week in Tokyo is about building your foundation. Handle the paperwork, learn the train system, and find your community. The rest—the language, the routines, the confidence—grows from there. J&N Caregiver Training prepares you for exactly this transition. If you have questions before your departure, reach out to our team.