On Arrival
If you have recently arrived in Japan we hope the information here will help in making the transition and settling in process a little easier. There are more than 9,000 Australian citizens resident in Japan and the secret to successful integration is knowing the system and doing some advance planning.
Formalities
Upon arrival
Visit your local Ward Office - they can provide information on alien registration cards, health, insurance, garbage collection, marriage, emergency measures and other helpful hints.
Japanese Visas and Immigration
If you need to extend or alter your visa you will need to contact the Japanese Immigration authorities. Offices are located in most major cities.
The Embassy is unable to assist with this. If you plan to work in Japan, you must have a work visa and be sponsored by your employer. If you apply for a change of status, in most cases you will have to leave Japan to have the new visa issued.
More information on Japanese Visas and Immigration
Taxes
Taxes are handled by the Regional Taxation Office. English language information is available.
For advice about Australian taxation issues you should contact the Australian Taxation Office in your home state. Embassy staff are not qualified to advise on tax matters.
The Law
Japan is generally a safe place to live. Police are effective and make it their business to know about everyone living in their area of responsibility. The judicial system is tough on drug offenders.
Driving in Japan
Providing you have a current Australian driver's licence, you can drive in Japan on an International Driving Permit for a maximum period of 1 year from the date of first arrival in Japan. Your Australian licence must also have been valid for 3 months or longer before your arrival in Japan.
For more details check with the driving licence issuing office in your area. There is a zero tolerance policy on drink-driving, this also applies to bicycles.
More information on Driving in Japan
Mobile phones
Most Australian mobile phones do not work in Japan. GSM phones do not work as there is no GSM network. Some 3G models may work in Japan. You will need to check with your mobile phone provider whether your mobile phone will work before travelling to Japan.
Many companies provide rental mobile phone services at the airports on arrival into Japan.
Prepaid mobile phones cannot be bought by travellers on tourist visas, since the purchase of a prepaid mobile phone requires proof of a Japanese residence such as a Japanese driver's license or an alien registration card.
Long term mobile phone subscription plans are only available to foreigners with resident visas, and require an alien registration card and a Japanese bank account.
More information on mobile phones
Advance Planning
Natural Disasters
Japan is prone to natural disasters, particularly earthquakes. The Australian Government, through its consular officers, endeavours to assist Australians in emergency situations.
This does not, however, diminish the obligation of citizens to prepare for their own welfare.
The Embassy and Consulates are not evacuation centres and are not equipped to serve as refuges for significant numbers of Australians.
Please refer to the Earthquake Preparedness information page.
Health
Health services in Japan can be very expensive. Remember that Medicare does not cover you for these costs for any period outside Australia.
Depending on your Japanese visa status you might have some medical emergency health cover - you should clarify this through your local ward office.
Private health insurance is available in Japan. Please consult your local phone book for private companies offering health insurance.
For doctor referrals, the Association of Medical Doctors for Asia can assist and arrange telephone translations.
Association of Medical Doctors for Asia
Tel: 03-5285-8088
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL) is a valuable reference in a personal crisis and a good information source on a wide range of matters.
Tokyo English Lifeline (TELL)
Tel: 03-3968-4099
Other tips while living in Japan
- Keep a phone card in your pocket (preferably a card that allows both local and international calls)
- Carry your Japanese alien registration card (or passport) and health insurance card at all times
- Open a bank account and obtain a cash card to allow you to make ATM withdrawals
- Keep your passport current - apply for renewal about 6 months before expiry
- If appropriate, apply for renewal of your Japanese visa 1 month before expiry
- Maintain health and/or travel insurance
- Know the location of your nearest hospital
Embassy Consular Services
Consular services include:
- Issue and renewal of passports
- Notarial services, including witnessing and certifying of documents (some functions such as signature confirmation and affidavits can also be handled by a local Notary Public). Fees apply.
- Issue of a "Certificate of No Impediment" (mushogai shomeisho) to allow application for marriage in Japan to be processed
- Facilitating voting in Federal and some State elections
- Assistance in the case of serious illness or death, including notification of next of kin
- Contact information for local doctors and lawyers
- Visiting you if you are arrested (if requested) and contacting your family (if requested)
- Help during emergencies such as natural disasters
When travellers enter a foreign state, they become subject to the laws of that state. In the event Australian citizens find themselves in difficulties, Australian Embassy staff seek to ensure Australians receive the benefit of the same laws and protections which the foreign state affords its own citizens.
Consular services do not include:
- Making travel / hotel bookings;
- payment of hotel, medical or other bills or becoming involved disputes about these expenses;
- provision of funds to pay any legal costs or fines you may incur;
- getting you out of jail;
- provision of interpreters, translators or translation of documents;
- representing you at legal proceedings or giving legal advice;
- obtaining preferential treatment for you in dealings with local authorities;
- obtaining work or a work permit for you;
- renewal of your Japanese visa or seeking issue of a visa for you to enter another country;
- or receiving, sending or holding personal mail on your behalf.
Registration with the Embassy or Consulate
If you plan to be in Japan for longer than 3 months, we encourage you to register with the Embassy or Consulates. Short term visitors are also welcome to register.
This information is used only when there is a need to contact you in Japan, or your family in Australia, following an accident or emergency such as after an earthquake. Your privacy is assured.
There are several ways to register:
- Online at http://www.orao.dfat.gov.au
-
The Consular Section of the Embassy can send you a registration form
Tel: 03-5232-4111 - Email: auscitzreg.tokyo@dfat.gov.au
If you know other Australians who might not have registered, please encourage them to do so.