Banks are generally open from 9:00am - 3:00pm, Monday through Friday. Some Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) (called cash corner in Japanese), however, are accessible during the night and on weekends, as well as on bank holidays.
To open a bank account, you need your I.D. such as your Alien Registration Certificate or passport, and your personal stamp/seal. Some banks allow foreign residents to use their signature instead of personal stamps/seal. When opening a bank account, it is advisable for you to apply, at the same time, for a cash card, with which you can use at ATM.
You can have your public utilities bills such as water, gas, electricity, and telephone bills paid directly from your bank account. With this convenient service, you do not need to go to banks for payments. To apply for this service, go to any of the banks where you have an account, with your bankbook, your personal stamp/seal and the previous month's receipt of the utility bill, and fill out the required forms.
In Japan, the post office also offers banking services. Post offices and mail boxes can be identified by a red "T" shaped mark (it looks like a T with an extra line on the top). Postage stamps and postcards are sold at post offices as well as other shops with the "T" mark. You can send and deposit money, or even apply for insurance at the post office.
Post office
Topics: Procedures
Relevant for: Tourists, Newcomers, Residents
Please note: While all efforts have been made to offer accurate and up-to-date information on this site, the information is presented as a guideline and is subject to change without notification. Phone numbers, addresses, and/or policies may have changed since this page was created. Please contact the appropriate section of the City Hall for confirmation of information and city policies.