Your first 90 days in Kyoto: ward office, residence cards & hanko

The first three months in Japan are a paperwork marathon. Do it in the right order and everything unlocks. Week one: take your residence card (在留カード) to your local ward office (区役所) and register your address. This single step unlocks health insurance, a bank account, and your My Number. Week two: enrol in National Health Insurance and get a hanko made. Week three: open a bank account, then set up a phone contract. Keep photocopies of your residence card and passport — you will be asked for them constantly.