View Leaving Japan:Before You Go
Turnover of foreigners in Japan is very high. If you plan to return home, don’t assume that it will be an easy experience. Think about how much needs to be done before you go home on holiday, and the strange feelings you have when you get there. Leaving Japan for good carries those same feelings, plus the inevitable sadness that comes with leaving something behind, however good or bad your life in Japan has been. Western women who have left Japan recommend preparing as far in advance as possible.
Give yourself ample time to do and see all the things you missed but wanted to do. Forget about the expense just go do it. It’s not likely you will be back for a visit as soon as you think. And take that trip to the souvenir shop that you always do for your friends and family when you go back on holiday and this time stock up for yourself.
Before you leave, research your destination as well as you researched Japan before coming, whether you are returning home or going to a different place. Let people know you are coming well in advance, including prospective employers, as well as friends and family.
In terms of practicalities, you may need to hand in your notice for your job and apartment is polite and in some cases mandatory that you do this about three months in advance. Unnecessarily leaving in a rush and on bad terms won’t help your feelings when you look back on your life in Japan. Utility companies need to be contacted, bills settled, bank accounts closed, and debts paid (including ward tax). Your telephone line and household furniture you will not be taking with you can be sold via classified advertisements. Plan this well in advance and just give it away if you can’t sell it.
You are supposed to submit your alien registration card at the airport, one final act showing that you really are leaving Japan. When you submit your alien registration card, your ward tax record will be checked and you will be required to pay any money owing.