What you need to open a bank account in Japan
You can open a bank account in Japan with a valid passport and proof of a Japanese address. Most banks require both, though some accept a temporary address if you have just arrived. You do not need a work visa, a job offer, or Japanese citizenship — tourist visas, student visas, and working holiday visas all may have access to.
The process takes 10 to 30 minutes in person at a branch. You will fill out a form in Japanese or English (depending on the bank), show your documents, and receive your account number and card on the same day or within a few business days. Some banks mail the card separately, which can take one to two weeks.
The three largest banks — Japan Post Bank, Mizuho Bank, and MUFG Bank — have the most English-speaking staff and the widest branch networks. Smaller regional banks may have fewer English speakers but often have lower fees and faster service for new accounts. Online-only banks like Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank do not require you to visit a branch, but they have stricter address verification rules.
Key Takeaways
- You need a valid passport and proof of a Japanese address, which can be temporary if you just arrived.
- The account opens the same day you visit, though your card may arrive by mail within one to two weeks.
- Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, and MUFG have the most English support; regional banks are often faster but may have fewer English speakers.
- Online banks like Rakuten and Sony Bank do not require a branch visit but have stricter rules about proving your address.
- You will need a personal seal (hanko) or your signature for some transactions, depending on the bank.
Documents to bring to the bank
Bring your original passport and one proof of your current address. A proof of address can be a rental contract, a utility bill in your name, a letter from your employer, or a residence certificate (koseki tohon) from your local ward office. If you arrived within the last two weeks and do not have a utility bill yet, most banks accept a hotel booking confirmation or a temporary address letter from your accommodation.
Some banks also ask for a personal seal (hanko), which is a carved stamp used to sign documents in Japan. You can buy one at a convenience store or a stamp shop for 500 to 2,000 yen, or you can use your signature instead — ask the bank which they accept. If you are opening an account online, you will need to upload a photo of your passport and proof of address instead of showing them in person.
Bring your phone number and email address. The bank will use these to send you account information and fraud alerts. If you do not have a Japanese phone number yet, most banks accept a foreign number temporarily, though you should update it once you have a local SIM card.
Which bank to choose: branches, fees, and language support
Japan Post Bank has the most branches — over 24,000 post offices nationwide — and the most consistent English support. The account is free to open and has no monthly maintenance fee. Transfers within Japan Post Bank are free; transfers to other banks cost 100 to 200 yen depending on the amount. This is the easiest choice if you want maximum branch access and do not plan to transfer money often.
Mizuho Bank and MUFG Bank (Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group) are the other two megabanks. Both have strong English support at major branches in Tokyo, Osaka, and other cities. Mizuho charges 100 to 200 yen per domestic transfer; MUFG charges 50 to 200 yen depending on whether you transfer to another MUFG account or a different bank. Neither charges a monthly account fee.
Regional banks like Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC) have fewer English speakers but often process accounts faster and offer better rates on savings accounts. Fees vary by bank and region. If you live outside a major city, a regional bank may be your only option with a nearby branch.
Online banks like Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank have no branches but offer lower transfer fees (50 to 100 yen) and higher savings rates. They do not require you to visit in person, but they have stricter rules about proving your address — you may need to wait for a postcard from the bank before your account is fully active, which can add one to two weeks to the process.
Opening an account in person at a branch
Visit a branch during business hours — most are open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and closed on weekends and national holidays. Bring your passport, proof of address, and phone number. Tell the staff you want to open a new account (atarashii koza wo hirakinai desu). They will hand you a form in Japanese or English.
Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. You will choose a PIN (usually four digits) for your card and decide whether you want online banking access. The form also asks why you are opening the account — choose "personal use" (kojin yo). Sign or stamp the form with your hanko or signature.
The staff will verify your documents, take a photo for their records, and give you your account number immediately. Your debit card will arrive by mail within three to seven business days. Your account is active the same day, so you can start receiving transfers or deposits even before the card arrives. Ask the staff for your account number and bank code (ginko code) so you can give them to your employer or anyone sending you money.
Opening an account online without visiting a branch
Rakuten Bank and Sony Bank let you open an account entirely online. Download their app or visit their website, enter your personal information, and upload a photo of your passport and proof of address. The bank will review your documents within one to three business days.
If the bank approves you, they will send a postcard to your address with a PIN. You must receive this postcard and enter the PIN into the app to activate your account — this step usually takes five to ten business days from the time the bank mails it. Your debit card arrives separately, usually within one to two weeks after activation.
Online banks are faster if you do not want to visit a branch, but they are slower overall because of the postcard verification step. They also have stricter rules about what counts as proof of address — a hotel booking or temporary address letter may not work. Contact the bank before you upload documents to confirm they will accept your proof of address.
What happens after your account opens
Your account is active the day you open it, even if your card has not arrived yet. You can receive bank transfers, direct deposits from your employer, and government payments immediately. To send money before your card arrives, you can visit a branch and ask the staff to help you make a transfer, or you can set up online banking once you receive your login details.
Online banking (internet banking) is free at all major banks. You will receive a login ID and temporary password by mail or email. Log in, change your password, and you can transfer money, check your balance, and set up automatic bill payments from your phone or computer. Most banks let you transfer money 24 hours a day, seven days a week, though transfers to other banks may take one to two business days to arrive.
Your debit card works at ATMs and stores nationwide. Withdrawals at your own bank's ATM are free; withdrawals at other banks' ATMs cost 100 to 200 yen per transaction. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart have ATMs that work with most Japanese bank cards and charge 100 to 200 yen per withdrawal.
Common problems and how to fix them
If the bank rejects your proof of address, ask what documents they will accept. A utility bill is the strongest proof; a rental contract is usually accepted; a hotel booking or employer letter may not be. If you do not have any of these yet, visit the ward office (kuyakusho) and ask for a residence certificate (koseki tohon), which costs 300 to 400 yen and counts as official proof of address.
If your card does not arrive within two weeks, call the bank's customer service line and ask them to check the status. Cards are sometimes delayed by mail strikes or address errors. Ask the bank to resend it or to issue a replacement card at a branch if you need one urgently.
If you cannot open an account because you do not have a Japanese address yet, some banks will accept a temporary address (such as a hotel or a friend's address) for the first 30 days. After 30 days, you must update your address to your permanent residence. If you are staying in a short-term rental or a hostel, ask the staff for a letter confirming your stay — some banks accept this as temporary proof of address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account on a tourist visa?
Yes. Most banks do not check your visa type — they only require a valid passport and proof of a Japanese address. If you are on a tourist visa and do not have a permanent address, ask the bank whether they accept a hotel booking or temporary address letter.
Do I need a personal seal (hanko) to open an account?
No. You can use your signature instead. Ask the bank which they prefer when you arrive. If they ask for a hanko and you do not have one, you can buy one at a convenience store or stamp shop for 500 to 2,000 yen, or ask the bank to accept your signature.
How long does it take to receive my debit card?
Three to seven business days by mail in most cases. Your account is active the same day you open it, so you can receive transfers before the card arrives. If you need a card urgently, ask the branch whether they can issue a temporary card or arrange faster delivery.
Can I open an account if I do not speak Japanese?
Yes. Japan Post Bank, Mizuho, and MUFG have English-speaking staff at major branches. Smaller regional banks may not have English speakers — call ahead or bring a Japanese friend to help. Online banks have English apps and customer service, though the verification process may take longer.
What is the difference between a regular account and a savings account?
A regular account (futsu yokin) is for everyday deposits and withdrawals; a savings account (chokin) earns interest but has limits on how often you can withdraw. Most people open a regular account first. Interest rates on savings accounts are very low in Japan (usually under 0.1% per year), so the difference is small.