Setting up an account is relatively easy although if you do not have a decent level of Japanese and choose to use a Japanese bank make sure you have lots of time and try to be patient. The foreign banks and foreign-friendly banks however are usually the fastest and most conveniently way to use when setting up an account.

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When setting up a bank account you will always need to bring your Gaijin Card, which is officially called, “Certificate of Alien Registration” (外国人登録証 – gaikokujin-tōrokushō); as a tourist you are not allowed to open up a bank account.

Banks commonly require that you bring a recent utility bill stating your current address. However some, for example Shinsei bank will not require a utility bill if you apply for a bank account at one of their branch offices. You can open an account in most banks by phone or by submitting anapplication by post however it is usually easier to just go down to nearest branch office.

Most Japanese use a Hanko (official seal) to open an account, but foreigners can usually get by with just a signature. Even if a signature usually is accepted it’s wise to get a hanko as even slight differences in how you write your signature could be cause for refusal as the bank will claim that it is a different signature.

Hanko

Hanko is a personal seal that bears your name (or your company name, INKAN) and serves the same purpose as a signature on official documents. It is common to have more than one seal: an everyday seal and a bank seal.

Everyday seals are normally machine-made and sold at a number of locations (you will find them in most stores that sell stationary). The bank seals are sold at special stores and are carved out by hand which makes them individually identifiable. When “signing” documents with your Hanko make sure that the seal is not smudged or only partially visible.

Paying bills

Probably the most convenient way to pay your normal bills (such as utility bills) is to go down to the nearest convenience store (conbini). There is no extra charge for paying your bills at the conbini. You can also pay bills at the post office and at your bank. Most of your everyday banking, including paying bills, can be taken care of at ATM machines. Bills or invoices that require you to transfer money to a bank account can be paid at an ATM or at your bank by an account-to-account transfer (furikomi) and depending on what bank you use a fee could be charged for the transfer.

Checks

Warning: If you can avoid it, don’t bring checks to Japan. Checks are not commonly used, and banks will charge heavy fees to cash them. The most common method to make large payments is by an account-to-account transfer (furikomi).

Post Office Account

It is also possible to set up a Postal Savings Account at most post offices in Japan. You need to bring your Alien Registration Card, Passport or other picture ID when setting up the account. After a few weeks you will receive your cash card and then you will be able to withdraw money from any post office in Japan and many ATM’s; post office accounts can also be used when transferring money.