[Misericordias]

Hello, it's almost time for me to depart to Japan, so some new questions are starting to pop up in my head. Right now, I need to apply for a credit card for Japan, but I am not too sure which one I should get. I heard Visa is accepted almost universally in Japan, but I am not too sure about that. Would it be best to apply for a credit card over there, or is that too risky/not worth it for a student staying only for a year?

Also, how should I approach banks? Since I need funds transferred from the US to Japan, I think an international bank like HSBC would be my best bet, but if there are other options that are simpler/easier, that would be great. I have been thinking about opening an HSBC account because they have banks in Japan, but how widespread is HSBC? Is the bank and its ATM machines only located in Tokyo and other metropolitan areas, or is it widespread? Would there be another international bank that would be better for me to use in Japan?

Thank you once again for taking the time to read and answer my questions!