PR · This guide contains affiliate links. If you sign up through them, we may earn a fee at no extra cost to you.
How-toMoving from Tokyo to Osaka: movers and checklist
The short answer
The key rule is to file a moving-out notice in Tokyo and a moving-in notice in Osaka within 14 days. Bring your residence card when you file in Osaka and its address is updated at the same time.
Before you move (in Tokyo)
- Get quotes from two or three movers. March and April are expensive and book up fast.
- File a moving-out notice at your ward office. With a My Number Card you can also do it online through Myna Portal, from about 14 days before you move (Setagaya City).
- Cancel electricity, gas, water and internet, and set them up in Osaka.
- Ask the post office to forward your mail.
Within 14 days of moving (in Osaka)
- File a moving-in notice at your new ward office. With your residence card, this also counts as your address notice to immigration (Immigration Services Agency).
- If you have National Health Insurance, join again at the Osaka ward office.
- Update your address with your bank, credit card and phone company.
- Tell your employer your new address.
- Check your new ward's trash rules.
Choosing movers
| Way | Good | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Quote comparison sites | Compare several movers at once | Many companies may call you |
| English-speaking movers | Easy to communicate | Many only work inside Tokyo. Ask whether they do long-distance moves to Osaka |
| Single-person packs | Cheap | Limited amount of luggage |
Next: renting in Osaka and phone and internet.
Next step
Your first 30 days in Osaka: checklist
The order is the same as in Tokyo, starting with registering your address at the ward office within 14 days of moving in. Osaka City has...
Read the guide