Guide
Canceling Contracts When Leaving Japan: Phone, Internet & More
Last updated: March 2026
Leaving Japan involves more than packing your bags. You need to cancel or close numerous contracts and accounts — and doing it wrong can mean unexpected charges, frozen accounts, or bills sent to an address you no longer live at.
This guide walks through everything you need to cancel before departure, in the recommended order.
Start 1-2 months before your departure
Some cancellations require advance notice (internet is typically 1 month). Start the process early so you're not scrambling in your last week.
Departure Cancellation Checklist
- 2 months before: Cancel internet (fiber requires early notice)
- 1 month before: Notify landlord of move-out, cancel or transfer utilities
- 2-3 weeks before: Appoint tax agent (納税管理人), file pension lump-sum prep
- 1-2 weeks before: Cancel phone plan, cancel subscriptions
- Last week: Close bank account, file 転出届 at ward office, return NHI card
- Departure day: Return Residence Card at airport immigration
1. Phone / SIM Contract
Major carriers (docomo, au, SoftBank)
- Visit a shop in person with your Residence Card and phone
- Early termination fee: generally free since 2022 (carrier plans started after April 2022 have no ETF)
- Remaining device payments continue even after cancellation — pay the balance or return the device
- Port out your number to a MVNO first if you want to keep it temporarily
- Ask about final bill payment — some accept a final bank transfer, others mail the bill
MVNOs / budget carriers (Sakura Mobile, Mobal, IIJmio, etc.)
- Most can be canceled online or by phone — check your provider's website
- Return the SIM card if required (some charge ¥3,000 for non-return)
- Sakura Mobile and Mobal have English-language cancellation support
- Cancel auto-payment on your credit card after final bill
Cancel your phone last
Many other cancellations require a phone number for verification (bank, utilities, etc.). Keep your phone active until you've completed everything else.
2. Internet (Fiber / Pocket WiFi)
Fiber Internet (光回線)
- Call your ISP to cancel — most require 1 month advance notice
- Equipment return (ONU/router) is usually required — they'll send a return kit or schedule a pickup
- Some ISPs charge a removal fee (撤去費用) of ¥10,000-30,000 if you need the line physically removed
- Early termination fee varies: ¥0-10,000 depending on contract period
- NTT Flets / Plala, So-net, NURO Hikari — all have different processes, call your specific provider
Pocket WiFi / Home Router
- Return the device by mail or at a shop
- Non-return fee: typically ¥10,000-20,000
- If renting from Sakura Mobile or similar: English-language cancellation available online
3. Utilities (Electricity, Gas, Water)
Contact each provider to schedule a stop date. This is straightforward and can usually be done by phone or online.
| Utility | How to Cancel | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | Call or online | No fee. Specify your move-out date. Final bill is prorated. |
| Gas | Call (may need in-person inspection) | Gas company may visit to close the valve and do a final meter reading. Schedule in advance. |
| Water | Call or online | No fee. Contact the local water bureau. |
4. Apartment Lease
- Give 1-2 months written notice to your landlord or management company (check your lease for the exact period)
- Schedule a move-out inspection (退去立会い) — the landlord checks for damage beyond normal wear
- Deposit (敷金) refund: typically returned within 1-2 months, minus cleaning and repair costs
- If you need the deposit sent overseas, provide your international bank details or arrange a domestic transfer before closing your account
- Return all keys and any parking/mailbox access cards
Early termination penalty
If you leave before 1 year (or the period specified in your 短期解約特約), you may owe an early termination fee of 1 month's rent. Check your contract carefully.
5. Bank Account
Close your bank account last, after all other cancellations and final bills are settled.
Cancel all automatic payments (口座振替)
Rent, utilities, phone, subscriptions, NHI — remove them all before closing.
Transfer remaining balance
Send remaining funds to your home country via Wise or other remittance service. Do this before closing.
Visit the branch to close
Bring your bank book (通帳), cash card, Residence Card, and seal (印鑑) if registered. Closing is free.
Don't leave your account open
Japanese banks may freeze dormant accounts of non-residents. Reactivating from overseas is extremely difficult. Close it properly before you leave.
6. Ward Office Procedures
Visit your ward office to complete these before departure:
Moving-out notification (転出届)
File up to 14 days before your departure date. You'll receive a 転出証明書 (Certificate of Moving Out).
Return NHI card (if applicable)
Return your National Health Insurance card and settle any outstanding premiums.
Return My Number Card
Return your My Number Card (your number stays the same if you return to Japan).
Appoint tax agent (納税管理人)
File the form at the tax office to handle tax obligations after you leave (住民税, final income tax).
7. Pension Lump-Sum Withdrawal
If you contributed to Japanese pension for 6+ months, you can claim a lump-sum refund after leaving. Key steps:
- Get your pension handbook (年金手帳) number ready
- Provide your overseas bank account details for receiving the refund
- Appoint a tax agent to claim the 20.42% tax withholding back
- Submit the claim form after leaving Japan (within 2 years)
- Processing takes 3-6 months
8. Subscriptions & Memberships
Don't forget these commonly overlooked recurring charges:
Gym membership
Usually requires 1 month notice. Visit in person.
NHK (TV license)
Call 0120-151-515 to cancel. They may try to retain you.
Streaming (Netflix, Spotify, etc.)
Cancel online. Japan subscriptions won't auto-cancel when you leave.
Amazon Prime Japan
Cancel in account settings. Separate from other country's Prime.
Credit cards
Call the card company to cancel. Pay remaining balance first.
Insurance (renter's, etc.)
Cancel and request a prorated refund if paid annually.
9. At the Airport
- Return your Residence Card to the immigration officer at departure. They'll hole-punch it and return it as a keepsake if you ask.
- Tax-free shopping: If you bought items tax-free in your last days, customs may check at departure.
- Pocket WiFi return: Many airports have return boxes for rental WiFi devices.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about canceling contracts when leaving Japan. Specific fees, notice periods, and procedures vary by provider. Always check your individual contracts for exact terms.
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