[Sangetsu]

Wow, someone linking Kevin's videos... I'm sure he'll appreciate it.

The manager at your school should be able to help you get settled in. He (or she) should accompany you to the ward office to get your gaijin-card, and help you to open a bank account. He or she should also be able to call the utility companies to get you set up. You'll have to make an appointment with the gas company, as they need a 1000 yen deposit before they turn on your gas.

Paying utilities is simple, just as in Kevin's video. You can pay at pretty much any convenience store, but it's better to have the bills deducted directly from your bank account each month.

BTW, cell phones here are outrageous now, 30k to 55k yen, so put some money aside for one.