Originally Posted by
jib71
The way I read it, Joe was stating that the student can open an account at Shinsei (since student visas aren't the same as "temporary visitor" status). However, for the sake of giving complete answer, Joe states that even "temporary visitors" aren't barred from opening accounts at other banks.
Exactly. With a student visa and alien registration certificate, one should be able to open a bank account anywhere in Japan.
I'm just noting that Shinsei has issues with customers who don't have working/student visas (counterintuitive, given that they're otherwise the most gringo-friendly bank in the country).
To the original poster: Make SURE to go to city hall as soon as practical after you arrive, register with them and get a certificate of alien registration. You need this to open a bank account anywhere, and you will also need it to get a cell phone (if that's on your agenda).