Several domestic banking institutions are available for your needs in money management. Most banks offer similar services including deposits and withdraws with bank book and cash cards, transferring funds, foreign currency exchange, and other services. Normal banking hours for banks are weekdays from 9:00 a.m.to 3:00 p.m.

Large domestic banking companies include:

• Bank of Tokyo - Mitsubishi UFJ
• Mizuho Bank
• Sumitomo Mitsui Banking
• Resona Bank
• Shinsei Bank
• Japan Postal Bank

Some banks are favorable to international residents with convenient services that make the banking process simpler. Here are is a brief description of such banks:

Obtaining a credit card can be a tough task for international residents, so as an alternative, you can obtain a Mitsubishi UFJ Visa debit card. MUFJ only requires that you've been a resident in Japan for at least 6 months. Upon applying you will receive your debit card in the mail after 2 weeks. UFJ will also give you a bank book and a cash card to use at ATM’s (the debit card cannot be used at the ATM).

With Shinsei Bank you can open an account without ever having to visit a bank building. You can apply online, Shinsei will send you a packet to fill out, send it back, and then they’ll send you an ATM cash card. They also offer their services in English, something many banks in Japan still lack. Shinsei Bank also offers lines of credit such as Visa cards, mortgages, and auto loans. Their online banking is also in English.

JP Post bank is a good option, allowing people with shorter stays in Japan to open an account, but with some restrictions for the first six months, such as not being able to wire transfer between banks. This simple bank account will allow depositing and withdrawing to your account. After six months the restrictions are lifted.

Getting a bank account is one of the first tasks when living in Japan, as an account is required for paying for many services and utilities such as cell phones, and for setting up automatic payments. The banks you can apply for depend on your visa and the length of your stay. Some banks may not allow you to create an account if you have a visa for less than one year. Banks such as Shinsei and Japan Postal Bank are known to be accommodating to people with shorter stays. Work or Spousal visas will allow you more options for bank accounts.

Banks require different forms of documentation in order to open an account:

- Residence Card
- Passport
- A registered Inkan/Hanko (Name Seal)
- Residence Certificate
- Money to deposit

Depending on the bank you go to, their English services may be limited, so if you're not confident in your Japanese language capabilities, it may be good to go with a friend that can assist you with any questions that might arise.

• Bank ATMs

Cash cards can be used at many convenience stores and other locations but often with an ATM fee. Bank ATMs from the same bank will not charge you usage fees, however some close at night depending on the bank, while some others stay open 24 hours. Many banks have deals with certain convenience stores to waive the ATM usage fee. You can deposit, withdraw, view your balance, pay your bills, and get access to other services from bank ATMs.

• Bank Books

You will receive a bank book after creating a bank account. ATMs have a slot to insert your bank books which will automatically update the information in your bank book after a deposit or withdraw.