2. Useful Information for Daily Life | Life in Hiroshima 2024
2-1 Garbage
1) Separating Garbage
In Hiroshima City, household waste is divided into 8 categories:
- Combustible Waste
- PET Bottles
- Recyclable Plastics (plastic from packaging)
- Other Plastics (plastic other than recyclable plastic)
- Non-combustible Waste
- Recyclable Waste
- Harmful Waste
- Large Waste
For more details, see the Household Waste Disposal Guidelines (see page 55). The guidelines are also available in multiple languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese) on the official City of Hiroshima website. For a copy of the guidelines, see: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/kateigomi/363649.html
2) Garbage Collection
Put your garbage out at your designated collection point by 8:30 am on the collection day (specific day of the week when household waste is collected) for each category. You may ask your neighbors or contact the Sanitation Offices (see page 48) to find out where your designated collection point is. Collection days differ according to category and residential area.
For more information about collection days in your area, see: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/life/1/11/81/
3) Disposing of Large Waste (Fee-based)
Items 30 cm or larger are classified as Large Waste, and cost money to dispose of.
You will need to apply for collection through the Large Waste Information Center before disposal.
Applications via Phone (Japanese only)
Tel: 0570-082530 (expenses are not covered by flat rate calling plans)
v For flat rate calling plan subscribers, please call 082-544-5300 (Japanese only).
Apply at least three days before the Large Waste collection day in your area (count from the day before the collection day excluding days closed).
Online applications
Apply at least five days before the Large Waste collection day in your area
Count from the day before the collection day excluding days closed.
The Large Waste Information Center will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays,August 6, and December 29-January 3. See page 59 for information about how to pay for and dispose of Large Waste.
2-2 Water, Sewage, Electricity, and Gas
1. Turning the water supply on and off:
If you want your water supply turned on or off, contact the Hiroshima City Waterworks Bureau Newly Moved Customer Advice Center at least three to four days in advance.
Waterworks Bureau Newly Moved Customer Advice Center
Phone: 082-511-5959 Fax: 082-228-8861
You may also apply via the Waterworks Bureau’s official website: https://www.water.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/5/401.html
2. Questions about water bills and sewage fees:
Contact your local Waterworks Bureau Service Station (see 7. Places to Get Useful Advice and Information)
If you have questions about your water bill. Contact the Management Division, Sewerage Bureau, the City of Hiroshima if you have questions about your sewage fees.
Management Division, Sewerage Bureau
Phone: 082-241-8258
2) Electricity
1. Turning the electricity supply on and off:
Chugoku Electric Power (If your electricity is not provided by Chugoku Electric Power, please contact your provider directly)
|
Area |
Phone |
Name |
|---|---|---|
|
Naka Ward, Higashi Ward, Minami Ward, Nishi Ward (except Shinjo-cho), and part of Minaga in Saeki Ward |
0120-297-510 |
Hiroshima Energy Sales Center |
|
Aki Ward (except Terayashiki) |
0120-525-079 |
Hiroshima Energy Sales Center |
|
Asaminami Ward, Asakita Ward, Shinjo-cho in Nishi Ward, part of Nukushina and Fukuda in Higashi Ward, and Shimo in Yuki-cho (Saeki Ward) |
0120-516-830 |
Hiroshima-kita Energy Sales Center |
|
The rest of Saeki Ward |
0120-517-270 |
Hatsukaichi Energy Sales Center |
2. If you experience power outages:
Contact your local Chugoku Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Center
|
Area |
Phone |
Name |
|---|---|---|
|
Naka Ward, Higashi Ward, Minami Ward, Nishi Ward (except Shinjo-cho), and part of Minaga in Saeki Ward |
0120-748-510 |
Hiroshima Transmission and Distribution Center |
|
Aki Ward (except Terayashiki) |
0120-525-089 |
Yano Transmission and Distribution Center |
|
Asaminami Ward, Asakita Ward, Shinjo-cho in Nishi Ward, part of Nukushina and Fukuda in Higashi Ward, and Shimo in Yuki-cho (Saeki Ward) |
0120-516-850 |
Hiroshima-kita Transmission and Distribution Center |
|
The rest of Saeki Ward |
0120-517-370 |
Hatsukaichi Transmission and Distribution Center |
3) Gas
Turning the gas supply on or off, or if your gas appliance is faulty/broken:
Hiroshima Gas Customer Center (If your gas is not provided by Hiroshima Gas, please contact your provider directly). Phone: 0570-002-888 or 082-251-2176
In case of gas leakage:
Hiroshima Gas Security Command Center
Hiroshima Gas customer service is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Thai through external interpreting services and mobile devices.
Phone: 082-251-3219
For propane gas, contact a propane supplier in your area. Ask your realtor or contact Hiroshima Gas Propane for more information about local propane suppliers.
Phone: 082-821-3634
2-3 Housing
Finding a place to live
Housing is usually found through real estate agents. If you are studying at a university, your university may be able to provide relevant information.
To rent housing, you must sign a lease contract. Lease contracts usually require a guarantor (hoshōnin). Lease contracts also usually include things unique to Japan, such as key money (reikin) and security deposits (shikikin). For more information, contact a real estate agent or, if you are a student, your university.
Be sure to register your address once you have found housing （see 3. Important Paperwork）.
List of cooperative real estate companies (Japanese)
We have put together a list of cooperative real estate companies to make it easier for foreign nationals to find housing in Hiroshima City. You can find the list on the City of Hiroshima’s website:
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/144/350817.html
Municipal housing
If you either a) are a registered resident of Hiroshima City who actually lives here and meets criteria including those related to family members and income; or b) work in Hiroshima City and meet criteria including those related to family members and income, you can apply to live in municipal housing.
You can apply in two ways: one is available throughout the year and the other is available during application periods that happen four times a year (in February, May, August, and November). For more information, contact the Architecture Division of your local ward office (see 7. Places to Get Useful Information).
Etiquette
Noise
Keep in mind that when living in housing complexes or apartments, the noise you make in your house or apartment might be heard by your neighbor, potentially resulting in issues. Try to keep noise to a minimum, especially late at night and early in the morning, as this might annoy your neighbors.
(For example, be careful of the volume of televisions, radios, musical instruments, speaking in loud voices, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, showers/baths, opening and closing doors, etc.)
Use of shared areas in multi-dwelling housing
Hallways and stairs are communal areas. In an emergency, such as an earthquake or fire, these are used for evacuation. Do not leave your personal items there.
Neighborhood/community associations
Neighborhood/community associations (chōnaikai or jichikai) are formed independently by the community and allow residents to help each other and build friendships. Membership is voluntary. Joining such an organization will help you access information about life in the community. Moreover, they offer help in times of emergency, such as in the event of a disaster, and more. To find out how to join your neighborhood/community association, ask someone in charge, such as the chairperson, or contact the Community Revitalization Division of your local ward office (see 7. Places to Get Useful Information).
Pet care
Dog registration
If you own a dog that is 91 days old or older, you must register them. You only need to register once, and registration can be done at the Animal Care Center or any private veterinarian. A license tag will be issued after registration. You must contact the Animal Care Center in the following cases:
- The dog’s owner changes.
- The owner’s address changes.
- The dog dies.
- The dog bites someone.
Rabies vaccination (once a year)
If you own a dog, you must vaccinate them against rabies. Vaccinate your dog at a group vaccination or at a private veterinarian. Group vaccinations are held every year in Hiroshima City between April and May. Once your dog has received a rabies vaccination, you will receive a vaccination certificate.
Note: Dogs must wear their license tags and vaccination certificates.
Microchipping dogs and cats
As of June 1, 2022, dogs and cats sold at pet stores and breeders are required to be
microchipped. In other words, your new pet would already be microchipped at the time of purchase, and you will need to register your particulars and update the information on the microchip.
If you receive or pick up a dog or cat without a microchip and decide to keep it as a pet, you will have to register your particulars when you bring your pet to a veterinary clinic to be microchipped.
Animal Care Center
Address: 11-27 Fujimi-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city
Phone: 082-243-6058
2-4 Mail
Japanese post offices are not only responsible for the mail; they also provide savings and insurance services.
If your address changes, submit a change of address notification form to the post office. After submission, mail sent to your previous address will be forwarded to your new address for one year.
Customer Service Consultation Center
Phone: 0120-23-2886 (landline users) // 0570-046-666 (mobile phone users)
For services in English, please call 0570-046-111.
Postal and package inquiries: 8 am-9 pm (daily)
Visit the following website for information about mail in English:
2-5 Rules of the Road
In Japan, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles keep to the left and pedestrians walk on the right. Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks.
1) Bicycles
When riding a bicycle, please follow these five safety rules:
- In principle, stick to the road and keep to the left. Only ride on sidewalks when permitted and yield to pedestrians.
- Obey traffic signals and stop signs at intersections and check if it is safe to proceed.
- Turn on your bicycle lights when cycling at night.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol.
- Wear a helmet.
Note:All bicycle users are obliged to make an effort to wear bicycle helmets while riding. Likewise, when riding an adult bicycle with a child seat installed, bicycle users are obliged to make an effort to ensure that the onboard child fastens their seat belt and wears a helmet. This rule came into effect starting October 6, 2022 and applies to children below elementary school age.
Protect yourself by getting a bicycle insurance
In accordance with the Hiroshima Prefectural Ordinance, it is mandatory for bicycle users (excluding minors) to purchase bicycle insurance.
Dangerous cycling behaviors to avoid
- Riding a bicycle while wearing earphones or headphones and listening to loud music
- Using your phone while riding
- As a general rule, riding tandem on a single-seater bicycle is not allowed
- Riding two abreast
For safety purposes, be sure to have your bicycle undergo regular inspection and maintenance checks.
Unattended bicycles and motorcycles
Make sure to park your bicycle or motorcycle in a designated parking space. Bicycles and motorcycles left unattended in other places not only get in the way of pedestrians but can also cause accidents and obstruct emergency services.
All bicycles and motorcycles parked in areas marked with the sign to the right will be removed and impounded immediately. If your bicycle or motorcycle is impounded, be sure to claim it from the impound lot.
Hiroshima City West Bicycle and Motorcycle Impound Lot
Phone: 082-277-7916
- Hours
-
Everyday 10:30 am - 7 pm
(excluding national holidays and December 29 to January 3)
- Fees
-
- 2,200 yen for bicycles
- 4,400 yen for scooters (50cc or less)
- 5,500 yen for motorcycles
- Required Items
- The vehicle’s key and some form of identification (e.g. driver’s license, student ID, health insurance card, etc.)
Vehicles are stored for one month. Vehicles not claimed within one month will be disposed of by the City.
2) Cars and motorbikes
- To operate a car or motorcycle in Japan, you need to possess any one of the following documents:
- Japanese driver's license
- International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic
- Driver’s license issued in recognized countries and regions that allows for driving in Japan with an attached Japanese translation translated by an embassy or consulate (currently available for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan)
- Note: (2) and (3) will allow you to drive in Japan for up to one year at most.
- You need a license to drive a car or motorcycle. Do not drive if you do not have your license in your possession (if you have forgotten it at home, etc.).
- Drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts.
- Children under 6 years old must be placed in child car seats.
- You must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol. There are particularly strict penalties for drunk driving. Do not drink and drive.
3) Public transport
It is good to be aware of the following etiquette when riding the bus, train, or other public transport:
- Wait in line for public transport; do not cut in front of people who have been waiting longer than you.
- Do not smoke on public transport.
- Try not to talk on the phone while riding public transport.
- Keep the volume of music (etc.) to a minimum
Using public transport
Start Hiroshima produces videos about a variety of useful topics, including public transport.
Produced in Japanese
Subtitles available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.