Opening an account at a bank/post office

How to open a bank account

When you open an account at a bank, you need to submit (1) your passport, (2) certificate of direction on alien registration ("Gaikokujin toroku genpyo kisai jiko shomeisho") issued at City Hall, and (3) your name seal. You can apply for an account at the counter of a bank by filling out an application (https://jp-bank-kaisetsu.japanpost.jp/account_open/0010.php). A cash card/bank card can also be applied for at the same time. (Office hours are 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on normal working weekdays.)

How to open a postal savings account at a post office

When you open a postal savings account at a post office, you need to submit (1) your passport, (2) residence card, and (3) your name seal. You can apply for an account at the counter of a post office by filling out an application. A cash card/bank card can also be applied for at the same time. (Office hours for postal savings services are 9:00 am to 4:00 pm on normal working weekdays.)

What do I need to do after being in Japan for six months?

Under the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Act, banks are required to confirm that transactions such as exchange transactions conducted by non-residents do not fall under the category of regulated transactions, etc. Due to this confirmation process, as for domestic money transfers to non-residents who have been in Japan for less than six months, the funds may arrive in the recipients' bank accounts later than the scheduled payment dates.

However, the above does not apply if you request a change in your account settings ｗhen you have fulfilled the requirements for resident status such as having been in Japan for six months. Therefore, please be sure to do so at the bank counters, bringing required documents.

Please click here (internal access only) for more information on how to change bank account settings at Japan Post Bank.

Daily life

How to classify garbage

Classification of garbage differs by municipality. Aizu-Wakamatsu City classifies garbage into four categories of (1) burnable, (2) non-burnable, (3) recyclable, and (4) bulky waste. Garbage is collected on designated days. For garbage in classifications (1) to (3), please take out to the garbage station by 8:30 am on the morning of the designated day. A specific garbage bag designated by the city must be used for the disposal of garbage (bags given at the supermarkets are also applicable). For more details, please click here

How to dispose of bulky garbage

When you would like to dispose bulky garbage such as furniture, etc., please contact the Recycle Section of the City Hall at 27-3961 at least one day before the designated collection day. The bulky garbage should be left in front of your house by 8:00 am on the designated collection day. The number of bulky garbage items is limited to 3 at one time.

An explanation of tax reports

For those who earn any income, please submit a tax report to the municipal tax office between February 16 and March 15 every year. If you have overpaid income tax, the difference will be refunded. Even if you do not have an income, submission of a simplified tax report to City Hall is strongly recommended. Simplified tax reports are accepted by post. This report may reduce the amount of the premiums you pay to the national health insurance plan.

Driving and Traffic Guidelines

• Never drive without a license or drink and drive.
• Do not exceed speed limits.
• Wear a helmet when you ride a motorcycle.
• Do not carry a passenger on a bicycle or a 50cc motorcycle.
• Cars, motorcycles and bicycles must be parked in a designated place.
• When you are involved in a traffic accident, call 110 and the insurance company. Also contact University (Student Health and Welfare Services Section 0242-37-2515).

【Realated Link】 ・Driver's License and Traffic Regulations (CLAIR)　 ・Traffic Safety Guidelines ( English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese)