How to open an account

To open an account at a bank or post office (JP Bank), you need to make an application at the desk. When you open a savings account (*futsu yokin koza*), you can receive a cash card (ATM card).

Items required to open a savings account

• ① Resident card
• ② Health Insurance Card
• ③ Student ID, Employee ID etc. (These items may be required depending on your status of residence)
• ④ Your seal (some banks accept signatures)

The required items may vary depending on the bank. Check to see what you need in advance.

Cash Card (at Automatic Teller Machine, ATM)

Cash cards are very convenient for depositing and withdrawing money. To access your account, you must enter your pin number (a four-digit number) at the ATM. ATMs are also available at convenience stores. Operating hours may vary depending on the bank. Check the hours that ATMs are available in advance.

Paying Utility Bills by Automatic Debit

You can pay utility bills including electricity, gas, and telephone bills as well as NHK subscription fee by automatic debit. To set up your automatic debit, your personal seal and your customer number (for electricity, gas, etc.) are requested when you apply.

From a bank

Required information to send money to overseas: Name of the recipient’s bank and its branch name, account type, account number, recipient’s name, address, and telephone number.

When you receive money, send the above information for yourself to the sender.

From a Post Office

International Remittance between Accounts

You can send money from your Japan Post Bank account to a bank account abroad. You can make international remittance via the Japan Post Bank Internet Banking Service “Yucho Direct” on a PC, a smartphone, or at the counter of post offices that handle international remittance as well as Japan Post Banks. Please note that this service is not available for some countries. Also, days required for completing a transfer vary depending on the country you are sending money to.

Saving Section (*chokin-ka*) of Kyoto Central Post Office

TEL：075-365-2511

Going to Post Offices

Days and Hours That Post Offices Are Open

The opening hours of post offices may differ depending on size. Check their business hours in advance.

Search for the locations of post offices and ATMs

Postal Services on Weekends, National Holidays and Late Night

Some post offices offer postal service 24 hours a day. A counter called “Yuyu Madoguchi” are open on weekends and national holidays.

Search for Yuyu Madoguchi

Sending Money by Post

Registered Mail for Sending Money (*Genkin Kakitome*)

You can send money (a maximum of ¥500,000) in a special envelope. Letters can be sent with cash. Purchase the special envelope at the teller and insert your money and letter.
＊You can also make postal money orders (*yubin kawase*) send them by regular mail.

What is a “postal money order” (Japanese)

Convenient Website

What you can do at a post office is explained in Japanese, English, Chinese, and Korean.

Practical Guide for International Students

Inquiry for international postal service:

Kyoto Central Post Office　TEL：075-365-2471