Japan is a country divided into 9 regions, which are then further split into a total of 47 prefectures. As of 2015, Japan is calculated to have around 790 cities, 795 towns, and 183 villages; so while many do tend to gravitate towards the more populous cities like Tokyo and Osaka for work and school, there are plenty of other options out there for those thinking of moving to another part of Japan.

However, if you are planning to move to a different prefecture, there are some things to bear in mind, one of which is the administrative procedures that you’ll have to go through and reacquaint yourself with. Each prefecture has its own set of rules and regulations for its local residents so it’s best to be aware of this prior to moving.

If you’re considering moving into a Village House property, we have over 1,000 accommodations throughout most of the 47 prefectures in Japan, so be sure to ask about the rules and regulations in the area you’re interested in.

Registration at Your New City Hall

In Japan, obtaining a tenshutsu-todoke or a moving-out certificate is a must when moving. This can be applied for at your local city hall or ward office and is a necessary piece of documentation for moving to a new address. If you do forget to get this and have already moved, you can send in an application by mail but remember that the city hall or ward office needs to be notified of your moving out within two weeks of doing so. You also need to “check-in” to your new prefecture and ward within the same timeframe.

Other Procedures

In lieu of signing off on important documents with a signature, many people in Japan use an inkan or hanko, an official seal or stamp, which they register at the local ward office. Prior to moving, you’ll have to de-register your hanko by bringing in your hanko registration certificate and registered inkan to city hall or the ward office.

If you live with furry friends, they’ll have to be de-registered at the old address and registered to the new municipality of your new address.

Private car owners will also need to change their car registration content, cancel their parking space contract, and obtain a new parking space certificate, which should be issued by the local police department.

Lastly, one should remember to change the address on your driver’s license, national health insurance, and pension. If you’re currently studying at an academic institute, don’t forget to submit a school transfer notification.

Utilities

Before moving to your new address, you’ll need to notify your gas, power, and water companies that you’re moving. Depending on what is available, you can either request a transfer of your account to your new address or cancel your current account.

You’ll also have to request for all utilities to be shut off on your moving date so you don’t incur any additional bills. Make sure to also request for utilities to be turned on at your new address so you’re not stuck in the dark with no running water or gas when you move into your new place.

Internet Connection

Similarly to utilities, you’ll have to ask your internet service provider to either transfer or cancel your account. This will depend on whether your current ISP services the new property you’re moving into and whether the apartment/building has the necessary wiring, cables, optic fibers etc. to accommodate the internet package you want.

Moving Companies

When researching moving companies, there are some factors that should be taken into consideration:

• Cost – try obtaining moving quotes from at least 4 different moving companies to compare and contrast their services and features
• English language support – if this is a requirement, make sure to check if the company has an English website, responds to inquiries in English, etc. However, be aware that moving companies with English support tend to charge higher prices.
• Services provided / included in moving costs – will they help disassemble and assemble furniture? Install white goods such as washing machines and fridges. Do they provide cardboard boxes and padding for fragile goods?
• Insurance and compensation – if moving delicate and fragile items, what kind of insurance and compensation do the moving companies offer?
• Service area – does the moving company provide services nationwide or are they limited to a prefecture or region? If you’re planning to move from say, Kanto to Kansai, be sure to find a moving company that offers services nationwide.

Village House offers moving support for clients so if you’re unsure, take advantage of this service and consult with a Village House member of staff to see what moving company would best suit your needs.