
Living or traveling in Japan requires navigating the local banking system. This blog will be your roadmap, outlining the essentials of opening a Japanese bank account, from required documents to helpful phrases and essential vocabulary for smoother communication.
A Quick Jump To…
Opening a Japanese Bank Account
Who can open an account?
Local and foreigners residing in Japan with valid visas (e.g., work, study, dependent) can open accounts. Tourist visas might have limitations.
What documents do you need?
Prepare your passport, residence card (在留カード zairyu card), or My Number card, and proof of address (utility bill, apartment lease) and possibly employer verification. With those, you can most likely open an account with a valid Japanese phone number and email address through the bank’s mobile app.
Choosing a bank
Consider your needs. Megabanks like Mizuho, Mitsubishi UFJ, and Mitsuisumitomo offer extensive networks but might have higher fees. Regional banks offer local convenience and lower fees but limited networks. Japan Post Bank is also one of the favourites as it is easy to open a bank account there; in other words, it is a more foreigner-friendly option! Online banks like Rakuten are fee-friendly but have limited physical presence. Each bank has different campaigns and requirements, so look through them carefully before choosing one! Especially when you also want to apply for their credit card services!
ゆうちょ銀行 Japan Post Bank

みずほ銀行 Mizuho

三菱UFJ銀行 Mitsubishi UFJ

三井住友銀行 Mitsuisumitomo

楽天銀行 Rakuten

Getting started
Visit your chosen bank with your documents if you do not want to apply online. Fill out the application forms (often available in English at larger banks). Don’t be afraid to ask for help navigating the paperwork. Expect an initial deposit, usually ¥10,000-¥30,000.
Useful Japanese Phrases
- 銀行口座を作りたいんですが。 Ginkō kōza o tsukuritai ndesuga. – I would like to open a bank account.
- 印鑑は必要ですか? Inkan wa hitsuyōdesu ka? – Is a seal required?
- 外貨の両替ができますか。 Gaika no ryōgae ga dekimasu ka. – Can I exchange foreign currency?
- ATMの場所を教えてください。 ATM no basho o oshietekudasai. – Please tell me the location of the ATM.
- 普通預金口座がいいのですが。Futsu yokin kōza ga ii no desu ga. – I would like a checking account, please.
- 定期預金口座がいいのですが。Teiki yokin kōza ga ī nodesuga. – I would like a time deposit account, please.
- 口座開設には、どんな書類が必要でしょうか。Kōza kaisetsu ni wa, don’na shorui ga hitsuyōdeshou ka. – What documents do I need to open an account?
- キャッシュカードの発行手数料はいくらですか。Kyasshukādo no hakkō tesūryō wa ikuradesu ka. – What is the ATM card issuance fee?
- 入出金の限度額はいくらですか。Nyūshukkin no gendo-gaku wa ikuradesu ka. – What is the deposit and withdrawal limit?
- 金利はいくらつきますか。Kinri wa ikura tsukimasu ka. – What is the interest rate?
Essential Vocabulary
暗証番号 | あんしょうばんごう | Anshō bangō | PIN Code |
お引出だし | おひきだし | O hiki dashi | Withdrawal |
残高照会 | ざんだかしょうかい | Zandaga shōkai | Balance Inquiry |
お預入れ | おあずけいれ | O azuke ire | Deposit |
お振込 | おふりこみ | O furi komi | Money Transfer to Another Person’s Account |
通帳記入 | つうちょうきにゅう | Tsūchō kinyū | Passbook Update |
お振替 | おふりかえ | O furi kae | Money Transfer Between Accounts (Same Person) |
口座名義 | こうざめいぎ | Kouza meigi | Account Holder |
金融機関名 | きんゆうきかんめい | Kinyū kikanmei | Financial Institution/Bank Name |
支店名 | してんめい | Shitenmei | Branch Name |
店番 | てんばん | Tenban | Branch Code |
預金種目 | よきんしゅもく | Yokinshumoku | Deposit Type |
口座番号 | こうざばんごう | Kōza bangō | Account Number |
差引残高 | さしひきざんだか | Sashihiki zandaka | Remaining Balance |
出金 | しゅっきん | Shukkin | Withdrawal |
入金 | にゅうきん | nyuukin | Deposit |
Read this blog: How to Use a Japanese ATM – Kanji and Vocab for Using an ATM in Japanese – FULL GUIDE for more information regarding ATMs in Japan.
You Might Be Wondering…
Do I need a Japanese phone number?
Some banks require it for online banking access, but not all.
Are there fees for withdrawing money?
ome banks charge fees for using ATMs outside their network.
Can I send money internationally?
Yes, most banks offer international money transfer services.
How can I access my account online?
Most banks offer online banking platforms, often with English options.
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