Before Leaving Japan: The Complete To-Do List (2026 Guide)
Leaving Japan can be exciting — but also overwhelming. Between paperwork, contracts, and packing your life into boxes, it’s easy to miss important steps.
This guide gives you a clear, practical checklist of everything you need to do before leaving Japan — so you can avoid unnecessary stress (and costly mistakes).
If you’re planning to return to Japan in the future, there are also a few important rules you’ll need to follow to avoid issues with re-entry.
1. Decide What to Do With Your Belongings
If you’ve been living in Japan for a while, you’ve probably built up a decent amount of stuff — appliances, furniture, and maybe even a few hobbies (manga, figures, etc.).
Best options:
- Sell online (recommended):
- Facebook groups like Sayonara Sales are your best bet
- You’ll usually get better prices than stores
- Second-hand shops:
- Hard Off / House Off
- Some locations offer free pickup for large items
Tip: Start selling early — last-minute selling rarely works.
2. Ship Items Back Home
If you want to keep your belongings, shipping is your main option.
Recommended:
- Japan Post (JP Post International)
Why:
- Reliable
- Cheaper than most alternatives
- English support available
⚠️ Important:
- Strict size & weight limits
- Check delivery times early
Always compare:
- Insurance options
- Cost
- Delivery speed
Check rates and delivery dates.
3. Cancel your apartment contract
Most Japanese rental contracts are 2 years.
If you leave early:
- You may pay:
- A cancellation fee
- Up to 1 month extra rent
Always:
- Give notice early (usually 1 month minimum)
- Check your contract end date
4. Cancel Utilities (Gas, Water, Electricity)
You’ll need to cancel:
- Electricity
- Water
- Gas
Important:
- Gas usually requires a final in-person visit
- Final payment is often cash
Some companies allow online cancellation, but not all.
Do this a few days before moving out.
5. Cancel All Monthly Subscriptions
This is where people lose money.
Make a list of:
- Internet
- Mobile contract
- Netflix / subscriptions
- Credit cards
⚠️ Important:
Mobile contracts often charge:
= ¥10,000 – ¥20,000 cancellation fee
6. Notify Your City Office (VERY IMPORTANT)
Before leaving Japan, you must submit:
👉 Tenshutsu Todoke (転出届)
Bring:
- Residence card
- Hanko (if you have one)
Failing to do this can cause problems later, especially if you return.
7. Transfer Money & Close Your Bank Account
Japanese banks can be expensive for international transfers.
Best options:
- Under ¥1,000,000:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
- Over ¥1,000,000:
- Sony Bank (lower fees)
Tip: Exchange rates matter just as much as fees.
8. Taxes and Pension (DO NOT SKIP)
Taxes
- Usually handled by employer
- If not, you’ll receive a bill from the city
You can pay at:
- Convenience stores (combini)
Pension (important)
You may be eligible for:
Lump-sum withdrawal
Key points:
- Max reclaim = 36 months
- Must apply within 2 years of leaving
- Tax is deducted but can be reclaimed
You’ll need:
- Passport copy
- Pension book
- Residence card
Check out the English support website for pension related issues. This includes explanation on how to fill out the form.
9. Set Up Mail Redirection
You might still receive important documents after leaving.
Use:
Tenkyo Todoke (転居届)
✔ Can be done online
✔ Redirects mail to a trusted contact
Here is the link to the mail redirection service.
10. Return Your Residence Card at the Airport
Before leaving:
- Ensure your visa is still valid
- If expired → apply for temporary visa
At the airport:
- Immigration will punch a hole in your residence card
⚠️ Important:
You may need it for pension claims
Keep your residence card safe.
Final Thoughts
Leaving Japan isn’t just about packing — it’s about closing everything properly.
If you:
- miss paperwork
- leave unpaid bills
- skip official procedures
It can cause serious issues if you ever return.
One Last Thing
Japan has a way of pulling people back.
So even if you’re leaving now —
make sure you leave the right way.
