Moving to Karuizawa: A Foreigner's Guide軽井沢への移住ガイド

Karuizawa (軽井沢町), in Nagano Prefecture, is an increasingly popular place for international residents to settle. Here is what to expect when you arrive — and how ERISA helps you through each step in English and Japanese.

Your first steps at Karuizawa Town Hall

1. 1. Moving-in notification (residence registration)

   After moving to Karuizawa, file a moving-in notification (転入届) at the Town Hall, in principle within 14 days. Bring your residence card and the moving-out certificate from your previous address (or your passport if arriving from abroad). ERISA can accompany you and interpret at the counter.

2. 2. My Number & residence card

   Your My Number (individual number) is confirmed and your address details updated as part of registration; the address on the back of your residence card is also updated at the Town Hall. We explain each document as you go.

3. 3. National Health Insurance & pension

   If you are not covered by an employer's health insurance, you will enrol in National Health Insurance (国民健康保険) and National Pension (国民年金). We explain the premiums and payment options clearly.

4. 4. School enrolment for children

   Families with children complete school enrolment at the Town Hall. We help with the paperwork and with communicating with the school.

5. 5. Setting up daily life (bank, phone, housing)

   Alongside the Town Hall steps, we help you open a bank account, set up a mobile phone, and understand housing and local-community rules — getting your new life in Karuizawa started.

This guide is general information. Procedures and required documents can change — always confirm with Karuizawa Town Hall (軽井沢町役場). ERISA helps you prepare and accompanies you in person.