Foreigners’ Deadly Loop in Japan

Japan Life Guide by Sio

There’s a scary little urban legend that every foreigner hears before coming to Japan—and yeah, it freaks people out.

“To open a bank account, you need a phone and residence certificate. To get the certificate, you need an address. To rent a place, you need a phone and a bank account. To get a phone, you need a bank account.”

Before moving to Japan, I saw many posts about this loop and it really made me worry how I’d handle it.

Turns out, there are a few tricks to break the loop. I managed to settle in—so save these tips!

TRICK 1

Stay in a share house / Airbnb

Before getting a long-term place, use a short-term address to register your residence. You can update it later.

TIPS – Not all short-term stays allow this. Confirm before booking.

TRICK 2

Open a Japan Post Bank account

If you’ve been in Japan less than 6 months, big banks will reject you. Japan Post Bank is the safest choice—upgrade later.

TIPS – If you don’t speak Japanese, try applying via the official app. It takes about 2 weeks.

TRICK 3

Buy a prepaid SIM card

Without a bank account, phone contracts are hard to get. Easiest way: buy a prepaid SIM at Bic Camera or Yodobashi—no contract, no ID needed.

TIPS – Some only offer data, no calls or SMS. Always check before buying.

Sio

Resetting life in Osaka after years in the UK, France, Spain, Canada & Argentina. Seeing people and cultures from many sides.

Follow @anotherlifeclub and restart Another Life with me.