KOBE UNIVERSITY
All Rights Reserved. Published by Kobe University 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501 JAPAN
International Researchers' Handbook Introduction This handbook is for all international researchers who are preparing to come to Kobe University. It contains information concerning what to do before coming, while in Japan, and before leaving Japan.
Definition of “International Researchers”
A. Foreign Researcher Employed by Kobe University (Visiting Researchers)
B. International Collaborative Researcher Foreign researchers who work on collaborative research with Kobe University researchers.
C. Foreign Trainee People who undergo the official Researcher Development Program at Kobe University.
D. Foreign Participant in Symposiums in Japan Participants in meetings, symposiums and lectures organized by Kobe University.
E. Invited Foreign Researcher to Kobe University Foreign researchers who work on research activities at Kobe University for more than one month, and are accepted as “Invited Foreign Researchers to Kobe University” with the official approval of faculty.
※ Information contained herein is subject to change without notice. Hotels for Short Stay Before Coming to Japan Kobe University International Residence Visa and Status of Residence・・・・・・2 Kobe University International House (Fukae) Traveler's Insurance・・・・・・2 Other Housing・・・・・・20 Green Hills Rokko Arriving in Japan Others From Kansai International Airport to Education・・・・・・21 (Japanese Schools) Rokkodai Campus・・・・・・3 Nursery School Rokkodai Campus Kindergarten Fukae Campus How to Enroll in Japanese Schools Myodani Campus Senior High School Education Kusunoki Campus (International Schools) English/European Languages While in Japan Asian Languages Legal Matters・・・・・・7 On Campus・・・・・・22 Residence Card Transportation Change of Status Driver's License Extension of Stay Libraries Short Leave and Re-entry Wireless LAN Points-based System for Highly Skilled Foreign Professionals Security Export Control Visa and the Status for Family Kobe University CO-OP National Health Insurance Card In Case of Emergency・・・・・・24 Birth of a Child Police Station Childbirth Allowance Fire Department Subsidy for Households with Children Traffic Accidents Maps of Nearby Ward Offices・ ・・・・ 10 In Case of Earthquakes and Learning Japanese・・・・・・11 Other Natural Disasters・・・・・・25 KOKORO-NET in Kobe Earthquakes Hyogo International Association Typhoons Kobe International Community Center Evacuation・・・・・・25-27 Health・・・・・・12 Evacuation Sites Medical Center for Student Health Nearby Hospitals Before Leaving Japan FACIL, the Multi Language Center ・・・・・・Daily Life・・・・・・13 Moving out of Apartment 28 Utilities Disposal of Oversized Garbage Trash Collection Paying Utility Bills Opening a Bank Account Closure of Bank/Post Office Accounts ATM Cash Card Cancellation of Health Insurance Cell Phones Returning Residence Card Public Phones Useful Information・・・・・・29 Housing Information・・・・・・19 Japanese Holidays Kobe University Chobokan Phone Numbers Gakujiso A List of Useful Websites Note: Please keep in mind that the issuing of a Before Coming to Japan visa can take a while after the application is filed at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate. As part of Visa and Status of Residence the application process, Kobe University is also To enter Japan, one must apply for a Japanese required to issue various documents including visa at the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in his/ a letter of guarantee. Therefore, it would be a her home country. The type of visa required for good idea to start this application procedure each researcher depends on the activities he/ well in advance. Please verify which documents she will engage in, and the length of stay. Other are required at the nearest Japanese Embassy/ Before Coming to Japan than Temporary Visitor's Visa, the application for Consulate. a visa requires a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the regional immigration authority under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Justice. The hosting Traveler's Insurance university will apply for this certificate on behalf Since medical services can be very expensive, it of the researcher. is strongly recommended to sign up for traveler's insurance before coming to Japan. Be sure to read Status of Residence for Kobe the terms of the traveler's insurance carefully, for University Foreign Researchers there are illnesses and injuries that may not be covered by the insurance policy. Foreign researchers visiting Kobe University may enter and stay in Japan under one of the following three status of residence:
Professor This status is for a person who receives a stipend or salary from a Japanese university or educational/ research institution during his/her stay in Japan.
Cultural Activities This status is for a person who receives a stipend or salary from a non-Japanese university or educational/research institution during his/her stay in Japan.
Temporary Visitor This status is for a person who visits Japan for a short-term for such activities as attending a conference, lecture or symposium. A Certificate of Eligibility is not required for those entering Japan on a Temporary Visitor's Visa. Japan has bilateral Visa Exemption Arrangements with many countries, enabling temporary visitors from those countries to come without a visa. Under the Visa Exemption Arrangement, an eligible visitor can stay in Japan for up to 90 days. For details, please contact the nearest Japanese Embassy/Consulate.
2 Arriving in Japan From Kansai International Airport to Rokkodai Campus
By Railway Take JR (Japan Railways) Kansai Airport Line from Kansai Airport Station and get off at Osaka Station (time required: 1 hour). Change to JR Kobe Line and get off at Rokkomichi Station (5th station by express train, time required: 25 min.) When taking a train from Kansai Airport, go up to the second floor of the passenger terminal building and go through the passage to the concourse. Arriving in Japan Train Route Finder: http://www.jorudan.co.jp/english/
By Bus Take the Limousine Bus bound for Kobe Sannomiya from Kansai International Airport (time required: 65 min.) At Sannomiya, go to Hankyu Railways and get onto the Kobe Line concourse bound for Umeda. Take the local train to Rokko Station (3rd stop, time required: 6 min.) To use the limousine bus: go out of the passenger terminal building and buy a ticket for Kobe Sannomiya at the ticket counter; board the bus at No. 6 bus stop.
KATE Airport Limousine web site: http://www.kate.co.jp/pc/index_e.html
By MK Skygateshuttle Omnibus Take MK Skygateshuttle to your destination in Chuo-ku, Higashinada-ku, Nada-ku, Hyogo-ku in Kobe city from Kansai International Airport. Reservation by phone or by web is required 2 days prior to the date of use. When using the MK Skygateshuttle omnibus, go to the MK counter on the first floor of the passenger terminal.
MK Skygateshuttle web site: http://www.mk-group.co.jp/english/shuttle/index.html
3 Rokkodai Campus 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, 10 Kobe 657-8501 Japan
15 9 13 12 3 5 4 14 11 6 2 1 7
Arriving in Japan 8 35 30
32 26 28 23 16 24 21 22 36 20 33 31 25 29 17
19 18 27 34 37 40 38 39
1 Main Building 21 Science and Technology Research Building 1 (Graduate School of Economics / Faculty of Economics (Organization of Advanced Science and Technology) Graduate School of Business Administration / 22 Science and Technology Research Building 2
School of Business Administration) 23 Science and Technology Research Building 3
2 IDEMITSU SAZO Memorial Rokkodai Auditorium 24 Science and Technology Research Building 4 3 Graduate School of Law / Faculty of Low 25 Research Center for Environmental Genomics
4 Library for Social Sciences Biosignal Research Center
5 Research Institute for Economics and Business 26 Research Center for Urban Safety and Security Administration 27 Graduate School of Humanities / Faculty of Letters 6 Graduate school of International Cooperation Studies Library for Humanities
7 Student's Hall 28 Administration Offices 8 Academic Hall for Social Sciences (Secretariat / Medical Center for Student Health)
9 Frontier Hall for Social Sciences 29 Information Science and Technology Center (main)
(EU Institute in Japan, Kansai) 30 Information Science and Technology Center (annex)
10 Graduate school of Human Development and 31 Office of Collaborative Research and Technology Environment / Faculty of Human Development (Institute Development
of Human Development Support) 32 Office of Collaborative Research and Technology Library for Human Development Sciences Development (Venture Business Laboratory)
11 Graduate school of Intercultural Studies / Faculty of 33 Center for Supports to Research and Education Intercultural Studies Activities, Radioisotope Division
General Library / Library for Cross-Cultural Studies 34 Center for Supports to Research and Education 12 Institute for Promotion of Higher Education Activities, Cryogenic Division
13 School of Languages and Communication 35 Center for Supports to Research and Education 14 Student Center Activities, Instrumental Analysis Division 15 Gymnasium 36 Center for Environmental Management 16 Graduate school of Engineering / Faculty of Engineering 37 Kobe University Centennial Hall
17 Graduate School of System Informatics (Rokko Hall / International Student Center) 18 Graduate School of Science / Faculty of Science 38 Yamaguchi Seishi Memorial House
19 Graduate School of Agricultural Science / Faculty of 39 Takikawa Memorial Hall Agriculture 40 Chobo-kan (Guest House) 20 Library for Science and Technology
4 Arriving in Japan
Fukae Campus 5-1-1 Fukae-minamimachi, Higashinada-ku, Access to Fukae Campus Kobe 658-0022 Japan ・10 min. walk from Hanshin “Fukae” ・20 min. walk from JR “Konan-Yamate” ・15 minutes by taxi from JR “Ashiya” ・10 minutes by taxi from Hankyu “Okamoto”
5 Myodani Campus 7-10-2 Tomogaoka, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0142 Japan Arriving in Japan
Access to Myodani Campus Take the Kobe Municipal Subway to Myodani station. From Myodani, walk for 15 minutes, or take the Kobe Municipal Bus #78（6 minutes）, get off at “Tomogaoka-Chugakko-Mae”, and walk for 4 minutes.
Kusunoki Campus 7-5-1 Kusunoki-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0017 Japan
Access to Kusunoki Campus ・5 min. walk from Kobe Municipal Subway “Okurayama” ・7 min. by Kobe Municipal Bus #9 from JR “Kobe” and get off at “Daigaku-Byoin-Mae” ・5 min. by taxi from JR “Kobe” ・10min. by taxi from JR “Shin-Kobe”
6 moving-in notifi cation at the municipal offi ce of While in Japan your new residence. These two procedures must be completed within 14 days of moving to the Legal Matters new residence. Residence Card A residence card (Zairyu Card) will be issued to mid- to long-term residents when granted permission pertaining to residence, such as landing permission, permission for change of resident status or permission for extension of the period of stay. It will be issued at the airport* to non-Japanese nationals who plan to stay in Japan for more than 3 months. Those who have
received a residence card at a port of entry must While in Japan then bring the card to the municipal offi ce in the area where they reside within 14 days of settlement in order to be entered into the Basic If any change is made to information on the card Resident Registration System. The residence card, other than the address, such as your name or which is an offi cial form of identifi cation, must be your nationality because of marriage, you must carried on your person at all times. notify the Regional Immigration Offi ce of the *At Narita, Haneda, Chubu, and Kansai Airports, change within 14 days. besides having a seal of landing verifi cation In case your residence card is lost or stolen, stapmed in their passports, mid- to long-term please apply for a replacement card at a Regional residents will be issued a residence card. At Immigration Offi ce within 14 days. In case your other ports of entry/departure, a seal of landing residence card is severely damaged or defaced, verifi cation will be stamped in the passport and you must also apply for a replacement at the the following description will be made near the earliest opportunity. stamp. In this case, a residence card will be issued after a mid- to long-term resident follows the Change of Status residency procedure at the municipal offi ce of Any person holding the status of College Student the city/town/village. or Cultural Activity who is going to be employed by Kobe University as a researcher in Japan, must have his/her status changed to Professor at a Regional Immigration Offi ce before the expiration of their period of stay. To change your status, please contact a member of staff in the General Aff airs Section of your graduate school or faculty.
Extension of Stay The maximum period of stay with a residence card is fi ve years. Researchers staying longer than this period must apply for an extension at the Once you are registered in the Basic Resident regional immigration offi ce. Registration System, you can obtain a copy of the Certifi cate of Residence (Jyumin-hyo) at your Short Leave and Re-entry local municipal offi ce. When you leave Japan temporarily (e.g., during If you plan to relocate, i.e., change your address, the break), you must notify a fellow/partner you are required to bring your residence card to professor, and notify the administrative offi ce the municipal offi ce of your old residence and fi le in advance. You are not required to apply for a a moving-out notifi cation. You must also fi le a Re-entry Permit if you return within one year or
7 before the expiration of your period of stay. You The researcher might be asked to bring must remember to present your residence card additional documents. Please check with the to an immigration officer prior to departure. local immigration bureau for details.
Points-based System for Highly Skilled Once receiving the Certificate of Eligibility for each Foreign Professionals family member, send them to your family. Family In 2012, the Ministry of Justice has introduced a members should then bring the Certificate of points-based system for highly skilled professionals. Eligibility in to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate This system provides preferential immigration with other necessary documents to apply for treatment to highly-skilled foreign professionals the Dependent status visa. Requirements differ who satisfy the acceptance criteria. For more according to each country. Please contact the Japan information, please visit: http://www.immi-moj. Japanese Embassy/Consulate before your visit. in
go.jp/newimmiact_3/en/index.html National Health Insurance Card While Visa and the Status for Family A person who has joined the National Health If a researcher, who is in Japan alone, wishes to Insurance program will be given a National bring other members of the family to Japan, he/ Health Insurance card (Kenko Hokensho); the she must go to the Immigration Bureau in Japan researcher must show the card at the reception to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility on behalf of desk of hospitals or clinics at arrival. The cost of the family members. most medical services will be at 30% of the total cost under the National Health Insurance system, The required documents are as follows: except for the following: (1) Application form for the Certificate of (1) Medical services received outside Japan Eligibility for Dependent status for each (2) Normal conception, birth (however, maternal member of the family (downloadable from allowance is provided) the website) (3) Medical checkup (2) 1 ID size photo (4 x 3 cm) for each member (4) Vaccinations (3) A photocopy of each member’s passport (4) Original or official copies of documents Payment of Health Insurance Premium issued within 3 months indicating the The annual premium is paid in ten (monthly) relationship between the researcher and installments from June to March. Calculation of each member (e.g., marriage license, birth the annual premium is based on the applicant's certificate or family register) previous year's income in Japan. Once the (5) Photocopies of the researcher’s residence insurance premium is set, it does not change no card or passport matter how many times a policy holder receives (6) If the researcher receives an income medical treatment during the year. from Kobe University, you must bring the following documents: Methods of Payment a. Certificate of Employment (1) Automatic withdrawal from a bank or a post b. City and income tax receipt office account (Application necessary) (2) Manually paying with the payment slip at a If the researcher is not employed by Kobe bank, a post office or a City/Ward Office. University, you must bring the following documents: Promptly notify the National Health Insurance a. Certificate to prove scholarship payment Section of the local City/Ward Office in any of b. Certificate of bank balance in the the following cases: researcher’s name ・When a member of the household is deceased c. An envelope with 380 yen postage ・When a child is born stamp attached (will be used to send the ・When the insurance card is lost or stolen approved certificate of eligibility back to ・When joining or withdrawing from another you) public insurance plan
8 Birth of a Child If you give birth in Japan, please take the following steps: (1) Obtain a birth certificate (Shussei Shomeisho) from the hospital. (2) File an application to register the birth at the city/ward or town municipal office, where you reside, within 14 days of the birth. A Birth Registration Certificate will be issued based on the application. Japan The following items are required when applying in for a Birth Registration Certificate. a. Birth certificate b. Mother and Child Health Handbook While (Boshi-Techou) c. Applicant's stamp (inkan. Signature also acceptable) d. National Health Insurance Card
Please note that you must apply for a status of residence for your child at the Regional Subsidy for Immigration Office within 30 days of birth. Households with Children 1. Lump Sum Birth Allowance (Shussan Ichijikin) Childbirth Allowance Japanese National/Employees’ Health Insurance One of the benefits of National Health Insurance subscribers are eligible to receive this allowance. is a childbirth allowance (approx. 300,000 yen (Application is necessary) including stillbirths and miscarriages that occur 2. Free Check-Ups and Vaccination on or after the 85th day of pregnancy) and The City/Ward Office will send notifications of contribution for funeral and burial (50,000 - medical check-ups and vaccinations. Please go 70,000 yen). The Insurance also provides financial to the appointed hospitals or venue. assistance towards health care costs for specified 3. Child-Care Allowance (Jido Teate) illnesses. Families registered as foreign residents and have children 15 years old and under are eligible to receive this allowance for each child from the City/Ward Office. (Application is necessary, and there are certain limitations to this allowance.) For further details, please contact the City/Ward Office. 4. Discounted Medical Treatment for Children Japanese National/Employees’ Health Insurance subscribers are eligible for discounts on medical expenses for hospitalization and check-ups for children. For further details, please contact the City/Ward Office.
9 Maps of Nearby Ward Offices
Higashi Nada Ward Nada Ward Chuo Ward TEL: 078-841-4131 TEL: 078-843-7001 TEL: 078-232-4411 Konan Elementary Hio-cho School
Sannomiya Station Chuo Ward Office Rokkomichi Station Sumiyoshi Higashi Nada Sannomiya Station Station Ward Office Japan
Nada Ward Office in
Sannomiya- Hanadokeimae Station While Shinzaike Station Kobe City Office Boeki Center Sumiyoshihigashi-cho Station
Hyogo Ward Kita Ward Nagata Ward TEL: 078-511-2111 TEL: 078-593-1111 TEL: 078-579-2311 Nagata Station
Kosoku Nagata Station Kobe University
Kita Ward Office Nagata Ward Office Nishi-Suzurandai Hyogo Ward Office Station
Suzurandai-nishiguchi Kusunoki Senior High School Station
Minatogawa Station Suzurandai Station
Hyogo Police Station Shinkaichi Station
Suma Ward Tarumi Ward Nishi Ward TEL: 078-731-4341 TEL: 078-708-5151 TEL: 078-929-0001
Tamatsu Interchange Itayado Station Daini-shinmei Road
Nishi Ward Office Suma Ward Office Tarumi Ward Office
Tarumi Station Higashi-Tarumi Station
10 Learning Japanese
KOKORO-NET in Kobe KOKORO Cafe 2012 Programs KOKORO-NET in Kobe is a volunteer group that May Let's go on a hike! works toward offering enjoyable and fulfilling experiences for international students, and Jun Box lunch cooking international researchers and their families. Jul Yukata wearing Volunteer services include Japanese language Oct Studytrip to Osamu Tezuka Manga Museum classes which take place at Kobe University International Student Center, KOKORO Cafe Nov Flower arrangement which is an opportunity to gather with others to Dec Kimono wearing/Cooking for the New Year chat about Japanese and international culture Jan Tea ceremony and customs. Other fun activities include BBQs, cherry blossom parties, tea ceremonies and Feb Origami/Kimono wearing While in Japan many others. For more information, please visit Mar Cooking for Dolls' Festival the KOKORO-NET website. Website: http://www.geocities.jp/kokoronetinkoube/index_eg.html Address: 1-1, Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 657-8501 Tel/Fax: 078-803-5271 Email: [email protected]
Hyogo International Association Kobe International Community Center Hyogo International Association (HIA) offers Kobe International Community Center (KICC) was a variety of support to international residents established with the aim of making Kobe more who live in Hyogo including consultation for international, and an easier place for foreigners living needs and Japanese language education. to live. KICC offers various types of support To help children of foreign residents with programs including international language school education, HIA also organizes school exchange volunteer activities. study support programs in cooperation with At KICC, volunteers offer free one-to-one lessons other locally based international exchange in Japanese language, calligraphy and flower organizations. Japanese language classes for arrangement for foreign residents aged over 18 adults who want to learn Japanese for daily who are scheduled to live in Kobe City for at least necessity are also available throughout the year. seven months. (For more information, please visit Website: http://www.hyogo-ip.or.jp/ the KICC website.) Address: Website: IHD Center 5-1, 1-chome, Wakinohamakaigan- http://www.kicc.jp/kicc/index_eng.html dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 651-0073 Address: Tel: 078-230-3260, Fax: 078-230-3280 5-1-14-2F Hamabe-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan 651-0083 Tel: 078-291-8441, Fax: 078-291-0691
11 Health Medical Center for Student Health The Medical Center for Student Health is open mental health for students and university staff for a medical examination, first aid, consultation members. of any problems related to both physical and
Nearby Hospitals Specialty Clinic Hours Phone Address Holidays Internal 9:00-12:00 2-12-3 Sumiyoshi Honmachi, Tue, Thu, Kawara Iin 851-2206 Medicine 16:30-19:00 Higashi Nada-ku Sat PM Thu, Sat PM.
While in Japan Female Internal Ogawa Naika 9:00-12:00 10-1-3-101 Nadakitadori 805-3282 doctor, Medicine Clinic 16:00-19:00 Nada-ku English available Thu, Sat PM. La merveille Building 2F Female Kawaguchi 9:30-12:30 Gynecology 881-8221 7-1-30 Iwaya Kita Machi doctor, Ladies Clinic 16:00-19:00 Nada-ku English available Wed, Sat PM. 3bangai 1bankan 3F Hagino Seikei 9:30-12:30 The Last Plastic Surgery 842-7576 4-1-1-301-3 Bingo-cho, Geka 15:30-18:30 Wed of each Nada-ku month 10:00-12:30 Ophthalmology Yamanaka 2-10-13 Takaha-cho, Tue, Thu, Mon, Wed, Fri 851-0705 (Eyes) Gan-ka Nada-ku Sat PM 14:30-18:00 Rokko Eki-mae Building Dermatology Nishino Hifuka 9:30-12:30 Thu, 806-1112 5F 3-3-1 Miyama-cho, (Skin) Clinic 16:00-19:00 Sat PM Nada-ku Takahashi 9:00-12:00 3-3-29 Miyama-cho Thu, Dentistry 871-6545 Shika 14:30-18:30 Nada-ku Sat PM 8:30-11:30 5-1 Tsuchiyama-cho, Internal Medicine; Sat Nada-ku Surgery All Areas Rokko Byouin 13:00-16:00 851-8558 Plastic Surgery Call before your visit. Time may vary (Only Thu) by clinical specialty. 13:00-16:30 9:00-12:00 Internal Medicine/ 821-4151 Surgery/ 16:00-19:00 Nishi Byouin 3-2-18 Bingo-cho Nada-ku Sat PM Plastic Surgery/ Call before your visit. Time may Brain Surgery vary by clinical specialty. 3-11-15 Shinohara Kita 871-5201 * All Areas Kaisei Byouin 8:30-11:30 Machi, Nada-ku *Call before your visit. Time may vary by clinical specialty. 382-5111 Kobe International 7-5-2 Kusunoki-cho, All Areas University 8:30-11:00 Sat Patient Center Chuo-ku Hospital 382-6598
12 FACIL, the Multi Language Center Gas FACIL is a Kobe-based non-profit organization 1. To connect to this service, ask the gas providing fee-based translation and interpretation company (Hyogo Branch Office: Tel 0120- services as a community business. FACIL has 7-94817) to come and open the main valve. its roots in 1995 when the Great Hanshin Someone must be at home at the appointed Earthquake hit the Kobe area. Voluntary support time. for translating evacuation information into 2. Be sure that gas appliances are correctly multiple languages started and subsequently installed and match the type of gas* used. developed into FACIL. Today, FACIL supports up *There are two types of gas service in Japan: to 28 languages including English, Korean and city gas and propane gas. Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese). Services 3. The gas bill is calculated each month. include dispatching interpreters into areas Osaka Gas (city gas company): where urgent translation may be required (e.g., http://www.osakagas.co.jp/en/index.html hospitals). While in Japan Website: http://www.tcc117.org/facil/en/index.html Water Address: 1. To connect to this service, contact the local Takatori Community Center, 3-3-8 Kaiuncho, waterworks bureau (Kobe City Waterworks Nagata ward, Kobe city, Hyogo Prefecture, Japan Bureau). Contact number and required 653-0052 documents may differ according to the area TEL: 078-736-3040 FAX: 078-737-3187 of residence. Check with the landlord or real E-Mail: [email protected] estate agency. 2. Tap water can be used for drinking. 3. The utility fee is calculated every 2 months. Daily Life Utilities Trash Collection It is recommended to ask the landlord or real Kobe City requires all household refuse estate agency whether some of the utility fees (garbage/paper), recyclables (cans/bottles/PET are included in the rent. Utility fees can be paid at bottles/plastic containers) and non-combustible a bank, post office, or a convenience store. It can garbage be put out for collection at designated also be automatically withdrawn from a bank or pick-up stations near the residence between 5 postal savings account. a.m. - 8 a.m. on the designated garbage collection day. Electricity Use Kobe City designated bags (according to the 1. Electrical frequency differs between eastern classification written on the bag from 15L - 45L), and western Japan. In Kobe, the frequency is available in supermarkets and convenience stores 100V/60Hz. Be sure to buy and use electrical only. All other bags, including colorless, blue, appliances matching this frequency. black and plastic bags will not be collected. 2. To connect to this service, contact Kansai Newspapers, magazines and cardboard boxes Denryoku. should be put out in the district's recycle group (Kobe Branch Office: Tel 0800-777-8041) collection. Styrofoam food trays and milk cartons 3. The electricity bill is calculated each month. should be washed and put in recycle bins at nearby groceries whenever possible. Kansai Denryoku: Please follow the instructions given in the next http://www1.kepco.co.jp/english/index. few pages so that you may correctly sort and html dispose of your trash.
13 While in Japan
14 While in Japan
15 While in Japan
16 While in Japan
17 Opening a Bank Account Cell Phones A bank account is a convenient way to receive Cell phones can be purchased in cell phone living allowance or salary. It is also convenient shops around town. Required documents vary when paying utility bills, and conducting other with each retailer. The followings are the list of transactions. A residence card, passport, or major cell phone companies in Japan: another form of identification, and aninkan ( ) stamp will be needed to open a bank account. NTT DOCOMO Some banks will allow a signature to substitute http://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for the (inkan), so check in advance. If you already au have an (inkan) stamp (in kanji, hiragana or http://www.au.kddi.com/english/index.html katakana), do not forget to bring it. SoftBank http://mb.softbank.jp/en/ Banks Documents Signature Shinsei Refer to the website: While in Japan Public Phones Bank Kobe http://www.shinseibank. Allowed Financial com/english/powerflex/ With the popularity of cell phones, it is becoming Center oa.html more difficult to find a public phone to usein Japan. Public telephones are either green or gray, Sumitomo Certificate of Residence however, there might still be some pink ones in Mitsui Bank or National Health Allowed coffee shops. Rokko Insurance Card and the Branch passport The green and gray phones accept 10 yen, 100 A savings account at Japan Post Bank (Yuucho- yen and magnetic telephone cards, while the Bank, the banking branch of the Japanese postal older pink phone only accepts 10 yen. service) is also useful. The function and the Some telephone booths also allow one to make required documents are similar to that of a bank. international calls. Post offices are located throughout the city. Japan Post Bank Home Page: For details on how to make a public call, please http://www.jp-bank.japanpost.jp/index.html visit the website below.
ATM Cash Card Public Telephone Information If you apply for a cash card at either the bank or NTT West the post office, you can withdraw cash from your http://www.ntt-west.co.jp/ptd_e/ account through automated teller machines (ATM) placed in banks, post offices and some convenient stores. For more information, please ask at the counter when you open your account.
18 Housing Information
Hotels for Short Stay The following hotels are commonly used for short- term visitors such as symposium participants. Kobe Portpia Hotel Tel: +81 78-302-1111 http://www.portopia.co.jp/en/index.html
Hotel Okura Kobe Tel: +81 78-333-0111 http://www.kobe.hotelokura.co.jp/ ANA Crowne Plaza Kobe Tel: +81 78-291-1121 http://www.anacrowneplaza-kobe.jp/en/ Green Hill Hotel Kobe Tel: +81 78-222-0909 http://gh-hotel.co.jp/kobe/ Shin-Kobe Sunhotel Tel: +81 78-272-1080 http://sunhotel.royal-corp.jp/
19 Kobe University International House Other Housing (Fukae area)
While in Japan Room Type Space Square Charge 1DK ¥54,500 〜 ¥4,850 Rent ¥14,500 Single room 24.72㎡ Management 3DK ¥90,200 〜 ¥4,850 fee ¥31,500 Rent ¥23,100 Couple room 39.30㎡ Management fee ¥36,750 Rent ¥28,700 Family 50.50㎡ Management room fee ¥42,000
Others If none of the residence mentioned in this section is available, you may look for alternative accommodations such as weekly and monthly stay type apartments and hotels. Housing availability varies depending on your employment status at Kobe University. For details, ask a member of staff at the General Affairs Section of the appropriate graduate school or faculty.
20 Education How to Enroll in Japanese Schools In Japan, it is mandatory for all children to attend (Japanese schools) elementary school for six years and junior high Nursery School school for three years. All classes are taught in Nursery schools take care of children aged Japanese. No tuition fee is charged for schools run between 6 months and 6 years of age, until by the city, however, schools do charge for lunches they are able to attend elementary school. The and teaching aids. fee is determined according to their guardians’ Foreign children, who have no legal obligation income. There are public and private nursery to attend Japanese schools, can enroll in schools in Japan. public schools by going through the necessary Eligibility application procedures. Guardians must have a special need, such as work or illness. Both the child and guardian must
21 (International Schools) On Campus English/European Languages Transportation CANADIAN ACADEMY Public transportation is the most convenient Elementary to Senior High School way to commute to and from the campus. A 4-1 Koyo-cho Naka, Higashinada-ku, Kobe 658- Commuter Pass is available for 1, 3 or 6 months, 0032 Tel: 078-857-0100 and is available at train stations. Prepaid cards for http://www.canacad.ac.jp/ buses can be purchased at CO-OPs on campus or directly from the bus driver. Deutche Schule Kobe European School Pre-Kindergarten to Elementary School Driver's License Rokko Island 3-2-8 Koyochonaka, Higashinada- Cars, motorcycles and scooters travel on the left ku, Kobe 658-0032 side of the road in Japan. Drivers must fasten Tel: 078-857-9777 seatbelts in cars, and wear a helmet when riding While in Japan http://www.dskobe.org/ a motorcycle or a scooter.
Marist Brothers International School Only a limited number of parking spaces are Elementary to Senior High School available on campus, therefore commuting 1-2-1 Chimori-cho, Suma-ku, Kobe 654-0072 by car is not recommended. Motorcycles and Tel: 078 732 6266 scooters are also not recommended, however, http://www.marist.ac.jp/ should researchers choose to do so, please park it in the designated areas on campus. St Michael's International School Nursery-Elementary School Researchers who wish to drive in Japan are 3-17-2 Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650- required to hold either an International or 0004 Tel: 078-231-8885 a Japanese Driver's License. Motorcycle and http://smis.org/ scooter riders are also required to hold a driver's license.
Asian Languages An international license recognized under the Kobe Chinese School Geneva Pact is valid for use in Japan. This type Elementary to Junior High School of license is valid for one year from the date 6-9-1Nakayamate-dori, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0004 of issuance. Researchers staying longer than Tel: 078-341-7885 this period must apply for a Japanese Driver's http://www.tongwen.ed.jp/home/toppage.htm License. To obtain a Japanese Driver's License, the applicant must take an aptitude test and pass Kobe Korean Elementary & Junior High School the Japanese driving test. Kindergarten to junior high school 1-6-1, Wakihama-cho, Chuo-ku, Kobe 651-0072 For further driver's license information contact: Tel: 078-251-1104 Akashi Driver's License Examination Office http://www.kobe-korean.com/ 1649-2, Niyama-cho, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0842 Tel: 078-912-1628 (in Japanese only) Nishi-Kobe Korean Primary and Junior High School Kindergarten to Junior High School 1-2-6 Hamazoe-dori, Nagata-ku, Kobe 653-0024 Tel: 078-671-1963 http://www.nishikobe.org/
22 Libraries both on campus and when visiting other Kobe University Library has collected participating institutions. An eduroam account approximately 3,600,000 bibliographical can be acquired at the following URL: https:// materials. The Library is comprised of the General eduroamshib.nii.ac.jp/ Library and 9 subject-specific branches. The General Library and the Library for Intercultural Security Export Control Studies share the same buidling. To comply with Japanese security trade regulations, Kobe University has established the Rokkodai Campus Security Export Control Rules. These rules are 1. General Library applicable to all university personnel including 2. Library for Social Sciences faculty, staff, students and visiting researchers. 3. Library for Science and Technology Security export control involves various activities 4. Library for Humanities in academia such as a) shipping controlled materials/samples to other countries, b) carrying 5. Library for Intercultural Studies While in Japan 6. Library for Human Development Sciences controlled materials/samples in checked or carry- 7. Library of Research Institute for on luggage during foreign travel, c) providing Economics and Business Administration undisclosed research results or data to Non- residents, and d) disclosing controlled equipment Kusunoki Campus to Non-residents. For further information, please 8. Library for Medical Sciences visit the following website: http://www.kobe-u.ac.jp/info/project/security/ Myodani Campus pdf/brochure_en.pdf 9. Library for Health Sciences Kobe University CO-OP Fukae Campus The University CO-OP provides students and 10. Library for Maritime Sciences staff with various services. You can buy books and daily necessities at any of its stores, eat at its Kobe Digital Library system provides digitized cafeterias, make travel arrangement and apply collections for users on and off campus at the for insurance at the CO-OP. CO-OP members following URL: http://lib.kobe-u.ac.jp/www/ are entitled to a discount when purchasing modules/eng books. A refundable membership fee of 20,000 yen is required to become a member. For more In order to use university libraries, you need information visit: www.kucoop.jp/index.html a Library Card. To get the Library Card, please contact a member of staff at the General Affairs Section of the appropriate graduate school or faculty.
Wireless LAN If you wish to use the Internet on campus, configure your laptop’s network settings through one of the wireless LAN access points on campus. Certification is available with your network ID and password. eduroam Eduroam (educational roaming infrastructure), the secure, world-wide roaming access service, is available on Kobe University campuses. It allows students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to gain Internet access
23 In Case of Emergency Traffic Accidents The following emergency phone numbers can In the event of a traffic accident, those involved be dialed free of charge from any phone booth, are required by law to report it to the police. If an landline or cell phone. accident is not reported, the Certificate of Traffic Accident necessary for making insurance claims Police 110 cannot be obtained. Verify the name and address of the other party and contact the insurance Fire 119 company. In case of even slight injury, it is best to Ambulance 119 get a medical examination. If you do not know how to make an insurance claim, or how to settle matters out of court, Police Station (Dial 110) contact the prefectural traffic accidents office. 1. Traffic Accidents Consultation is free of charge and there are consultants in several areas of the prefecture. While in Japan Dial 110 to report traffic accidents to the police. For details, see the section on Traffic Consultation is in Japanese only, so if you do Accidents. not understand Japanese, ask someone who can interpret to come along. 2. Theft and Other Crimes Dial 110 to report theft and other crimes. Hyogo Prefecture Traffic Accidents Office Hyogo Prefecture Consultation Center Fire Department (Dial 119) Kobe Crystal Tower 6F 1. In case of FIRE 1-1-3 Higashi Kawasaki-cho, Chuo-ku A) Shout KAJI! (Fire!) to alert the neighbors. Kobe 650-0044 B) Dial 119. The fire service will ask whether Tel: 078-360-8521 the caller is reporting a fire or if it is an ambulance that is needed. Answer Kaji desu (There is a fire). Give your name, address, telephone number and any building in the neighborhood that will pinpoint the site. Cover mouth with a damp towel to protect against poisonous gas, and keep a low position when leaving the room. C) If the fire is not particularly threatening, and if there is a fire extinguisher nearby, use it to Accident Insurance put out the fire. The two types of insurance in Japan are compulsory insurance (required by law) and 2. Sudden illness or injury A) To call for an ambulance, dial 119 and say optional insurance. Compulsory insurance only Kyukyu desu (I need an Ambulance). Give covers injury and death of the other party involved the caller's name and address, and describe in the accidents caused by the insured. This form the injury or illness. The emergency service of coverage is not quite adequate. Therefore, it will find the nearest hospital that can treat is recommended that car owners buy optional the illness or injury. insurance, which provides full coverage against B) On holidays and in the evenings, hospitals loss and injury due to accidents, and damage to provide emergency treatment on a rotation vehicles, particularly since pedestrians are given basis. It might be a good idea to inquire at priority over drivers in Japan, so the amount of the nearest city or town hall for a list of clinics financial compensation for accidents can be or hospitals that can provide emergency treatment. extremely high. Please keep this in mind when buying a motorcycle or car. Select an insurance policy carefully and read the small print before signing.
24 In Case of Earthquakes and Other Typhoon Natural Disasters Storm and Flood Damage Earthquakes Typhoons often hit Japan during the summer and Earthquakes occur frequently in Japan. The autumn seasons. Usually damage (landslides and Great Hanshin Earthquake (Jan. 17, 1995) caused floods) is caused by strong winds and heavy rain. considerable damage in a short period of time. If the weather forecast mentions a typhoon heading Earthquakes can happen at any time without toward Kobe, take the following precautions: warning. Bear that in mind in order to keep damage to a minimum. Nearby evacuation sites 1. Prepare against strong wind and heavy are listed on pp. 26-27. Please familiarize yourself rain by closing all shutters and reinforcing with the location of the nearest evacuation site windowpanes with adhesive or vinyl tape. from your residence. 2. Any items in the garden or on the balcony that might be blown away should be fixed in While in Japan General Precautions place or brought indoors. 3. TV antennas should be reinforced with splints 1. Do not place objects in entrances, and wire. passageways and corridors that may obstruct 4. Houses situated in lowland areas may be at evacuation. risk from flooding, so move furniture and 2. Check the location of the nearest emergency electrical goods above ground level. shelter and hospital (and access routes). 5. In case of power failure during a typhoon, Information about shelters is available at the keep a flashlight and a portable radio in a nearest city, ward or town office. place accessible by all family members. If an Earthquake Occurs 6. Keep emergency items available, should an evacuation become necessary. 1. Ensure physical safety first. 7. Confirm the location and access routes to the 2. Turn off all gas appliances. Close gas main. nearest shelter. Information about shelters Turn off all other cooking and heating and Maps of Dangerous Areas (Kiken appliances that may be a fire hazard. If a fire Kashozu) are available at each ward office, breaks out, put it out immediately with a fire fire station and civil engineering office. extinguisher. 3. When the shaking stops, turn on the radio or TV to get the latest information, then Evacuation evacuate to open ground outside. 1. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. 4. Contact respective faculties/professors or Families with elderly, sick people and babies relevant administration offices as soon as should evacuate as soon as possible. possible so that family members can be 2. Be sure to wear a helmet or a thick hat when notified when they call the University. leaving home. 5. If an earthquake occurs while driving, do not 3. Check that gas appliances are turned off and brake suddenly. Reduce speed slowly and pull that gas mains are closed. over to the left side of the road. Do not stop 4. Turn off the electricity supply and close all near gas stations, high-pressure gas facilities, doors. or underneath a pedestrian bridge. 5. Do not approach fallen power poles or 6. There is the danger of aftershocks and dangling electric lines. Tsunamis. Get as much information as 6. Keep baggage to a minimum. Use a backpack possible through the radio, TV and Internet. instead of a tote bag to keep your hands free. 7. Collect the right information from television, radio or official reports from public offices.
25 Evacuation Sites
Area Evacuation Site Address Honjo Elementary School Playground 4-4-1 Ougi Higashinada-ku Honjo Junior High School Playground 4-4-2 Ougi Higashinada-ku Honjo Honjo Central Park 5-18 Ougi Higashinada-ku Tennis Courts of Kobe University 4-1 Ougi Higashinada-ku 4-4-28 Motoyamaminami-machi Fukuike Elementary School Playground Higashinada-ku Kotsu Koen Koyori Park 4-4 Motoyamaminami-machi (the previous "Motoyama Kotsu Park") Higashinada-ku Motoyama Junior High School Playground 3-3-1 Okamoto Higashinada-ku Motoyama Daini Elementary School Playground 1-3-1 Nishi-Okamoto Higashinada-ku Motoyama While in Japan Motoyama Minami Junior High School Playground 4-12-1 Tanaka-cho Higashinada-ku Temizu Park 3-16 Tanaka-cho Higashinada-ku Seto Park 1-2 Uozakiminami-cho Higashinada-ku Uozaki Uozaki Junior High School Playground 1-2-1 Uozakiminami-cho Higashinada-ku 4-1-31Sumiyoshihigashi-machi Sumiyoshi Elementary School Playground Higashinada-ku Sumiyoshi Sumiyoshi Miyamachi Park 3-2 Sumiyoshimiya-machi Higashinada-ku Sumiyoshi Park 3-3 Sumiyoshimiya-machi Higashinada-ku Mikage Elementary School Playground 3-1-1 Mikageishi-machi Higashinada-ku Mikage Junior High School Playground 5-1-1 Mikagenaka-machi Higashinada-ku Mikage Mikage Kindergarten Playground 3-13-1 Mikageishi-machi Higashinada-ku Mikage Park 5-1 Mikagenaka-machi Higashinada-ku Seitoku Elementary School Playground 1-3-1 Bingo-cho Nada-ku Yamato Yamato Park 5-1 Nakago-cho Nada-ku Seitoku Park 1-3 Bingo-cho Nada-ku Kobe University Attached Sumiyoshi 5-11-1 Sumiyoshi Yamate Higashinada-ku Elementary School Playground Uzugamori Kobe University Attached Sumiyoshi 5-11-1 Sumiyoshi Yamate Higashinada-ku Junior High School Playground Uzugamori Elementary School Playground 1-12-1 Uzumoridai Higashinada-ku Rokkodai Kobe University 1-1 Rokkodai Nada-ku Ouji Park 2-1 Ouji-cho Nada-ku Kamitsutsui Elementary School Playground 1-1-2 Nozaki-dori Chuo-ku Oji Tsutsuidai Junior High School Playground 1-1-3 Nozaki-dori Chuo-ku Fukiai High School Playground 1-1-1 Nozaki-dori Chuo-ku Nagisa Park 1-2 Wakihama Kaigan-dori Chuo-ku Maya Kaigan-dori Park 1-2 Maya Kaigan-dori Nada-ku Wakihana Kaigan-dori Park 4-2 Wakihama Kaigan-dori Chuo-ku HAT Kobe Saigo-gawa Kako Park 2-1 Maya Kaigan-dori Nada-ku Ikuta-gawa Park (HAT Yume Park) 3 Wakihama Kaigan-dori Chuo-ku Nagisa Elementary School Playground 2-4-1 Wakihama Kaigan-dori Chuo-ku Nagisa Junior High School Playground 2-1-1 Wakihama Kaigan-dori Chuo-ku Higashi Yuenchi Park 6-4 Kano-cho Chuo-ku Sannomiya Isogami Park 2-1 Yahata-cho Chuo-ku Minatonomori Park 3 Onohama-cho Chuo-ku Meriken Park Meriken Park 2 Hatoba-cho Chuo-ku
26 Evacuation Sites (cont.)
Okura-yama Park 7-4 Kusunoki-cho Chuo-ku Okura Yama Kusunoki Junior High School Playground 4-2-5 Kusunoki-cho Chuo-ku (Mt. Okura) Minatogawa Tamon Elementary School Playground 4-2-4 Kusunoki-cho Chuo-ku Minatogawa/ Minatogawa Park 1-20 Arata-cho Hyogo-ku Arata Arata Park 2-19 Arata-cho Hyogo-ku Yumenono-oka Elementary School Playground 10-1 Kikusui-cho Hyogo-ku Yumenodai Park Takiyama-cho Hyogo-ku Yumeno/ Egeyama Park 3 Egeyama-cho Hyogo-ku Egeyama Egeyama Haisuijou (Water Distribution Facility) 10 Minatogawa-cho Hyogo-ku Kikusui Park 3 Kikusui-cho Hyogo-ku Canal Town Square (Hyogo Station Front) 5-1 Ekiminami-dori Hyogo-ku While in Japan Hyogo Ekiminami Park 5-2 Ekiminami-dori Hyogo-ku Hyogo Shouken-cho Park 4-1 Ekiminami-dori Hyogo-ku Canal Town Square (West) 5-2 Ekiminami-dori Hyogo-ku Misaki Misaki Park 1-2 Misaki-cho Hyogo-ku Shin Minatogawa Park 1 Hosoda-cho Hyogo-ku Kagura Nagata Minami Elementary School Playground 1-4 Kagura-cho Nagata-ku Kagura Park 1-2 Hosoda-cho Nagata-ku Hasuike/ Hasuike Elementary School Playground 1-1-10 Oya-cho Nagata-ku Nishishiro Nishidai Hasuike Park Hasuike-cho Nagata-ku Wakamatsu Park 6-3 Wakamatsu-cho Nagata-ku Shin Nagata Komagabayashi Junior High School Playground 7-1-23 Wakamatsu-cho Nagata-ku Shin Nagata Station Square 4-2 Wakamatsu-cho Nagata-ku Myohoji River Park 1 Tomasa-cho Suma-ku Myohoji River West Bank Park 5 Ooike-cho Suma-ku Takatori/ Daichi Elementary School Playground 5-15-52 Ooike-cho Suma-ku Myohoji River Takatori Ekikita Park 5 Ooike-cho Suma-ku Shimo Nakajima Park 1 Nakajima-cho Suma-ku Kaihin Kouen Suma Kaihin Park 1 Wakamiya-cho Suma-ku Rikyu Kouen Rikyu Park 1 Mizuno-cho Suma-ku Sumaura Kouen Sumaura Park 5 Ichinotani-cho Suma-ku Shioya/ Shioya Junior High School Playground Ootani Shioya-cho Tarumi-ku Aoyamadai Aoyamadai Higashi Park 4-1 Aoyama-dai Tarumi-ku Tarumi Kaihin Shibahu Park 1 Hiraiso Tarumi-ku Center Hiraiso Ryokuchi 1 Hiraiso Tarumi-ku Marine Pia Kobe Marine Pia Kobe 12-2 Kaigan-dori Tarumi-ku Azur Maiko Azur Maiko 11 Kaigan-dori Tarumi-ku Maiko Boen Maiko Cemetery Park Maikoryo Tarumi-ku Maiko Junior High School Playground 3-1-1 Kariguchi-dai Tarumi-ku Maiko Nishi Maiko Elementary School Playground 3-1-2 Kariguchi-dai Tarumi-ku Yamotodai Park 2-7 Kariguchi-dai Tarumi-ku Suzuran Park 5-1 Minamigoyou Kita-ku Suzurandai Minamigoyou Elementary School Playground 3-1-1 Minamigoyou Kita-ku Hiyodorigoe 12-1 Nakaichiriyama Shimotanigami- Hiyodorigoe Cemetery Park Boen aza Yamada-cho Kita-ku
27 Paying Utility Bills Before Leaving Japan Do not forget to settle the electricity, gas, water, Moving out of Apartment telephone and other utility bills before leaving the country. Contact each company several days Private Apartment prior to moving out. If you wish to move out of a private apartment which you rent, notice must be given to the Closure of Bank/Post Office Accounts landlord or the real estate agency at least one When closing a bank or postal savings account, month prior to the date of moving out. If the bring the following: resident fails to do this, the next month's rent will 1) Residence card or passport be charged. The resident must leave the room in 2) Personal seal (inkan) the same condition as that when he/she moved 3) Passbook in. Cleaning and repairing fees will be deducted 4) ATM card from the deposit (Shikikin) the resident paid when he/she moved in. If the resident leaves the If you have registered for automatic utility Japan room in an unusually damaged condition, he/she payment service, check to see if all the utility bills may be required to pay additional expenses. have been paid before closing the account. Leaving
University Residence Facilities Cancellation of Health Insurance Those living in university residences should ask The National Health Insurance card must be Before the office or person in charge of accomodation returned to your local City/Ward Office several for details about the procedures regarding days prior to leaving Japan. Your residence moving out in advance. card is needed for the cancellation procedure.
Disposal of Oversized Garbage Returning Residence Card 1. Large Furniture & Bicycles When leaving Japan, unless the researcher/student Application for collection must be made by has a re-entry permit, the residence card must be telephone. returned to the immigration officer at the airport or port of departure. Kobe City Large Furniture Items & Bicycle Reception Desk: Tel: (078) 392-7953
2. Air Conditioners, Televisions, Refrigerators, Washing Machines Ask the store of purchase to take these items. Recycle fee will be charged.
Kobe City Environmental Bureau (Refer to pp. 16-17 of this handbook)
28 Useful Information A List of Useful Websites Japanese Holidays A List of Foreign Embassies http://www.mofa.go.jp/about/emb_cons/ January 1 - 3 New Year’s Holidays protocol/ 2nd Monday of Coming-of-Age Day January Immigration Bureau of Japan http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/english/ February 11 National Foundation Day March 20 or 21 Vernal Equinox Day Hyogo Prefecture http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/ April 29 Showa Day May 3 Constitution Day Kobe City http://www.city.kobe.lg.jp/ May 4 Greenery Day May 5 Children’s Day Hyogo International Association 3rd Monday of July Marine Day http://www.hyogo-ip.or.jp/ Japan O-bon holidays Hyogo International Association August 15 Most universities and Information and Advisory Service Center companies are closed http://www.hyogo-ip.or.jp/information_center/ Leaving
for two to three days en/ 3rd Monday Respect-for-the-Aged Day of September Kobe City Information Before September 23 Autumnal Equinox Day http://www.voiceblog.jp/kobeinfo_e/ 2nd Monday Sports Day Kobe International Communication Center of October http://www.kicc.jp/kicc/index.html November 3 Culture Day KOKORO-NET in KOBE November 23 Labor Thanksgiving Day http://www.geocities.jp/kokoronetinkoube/ December 23 The Emperor’s Birthday index_eg.html December 29-31 Year-end Holidays Multi-Lingual Living Guide http://www.hyogo-ip.or.jp/livingguide/ Phone Numbers Police 110 (Toll Free) Fire and Ambulance 119 (Toll Free) Telephone failure 113 (Toll Free) Directory assistance 104 (Toll Charged) (Domestic) Electricity failure, outage 078-392-6200 Gas leaking 0120-7-19424 Water leaking, outage 0120-976194 Osaka Immigration 078-391-6378 Bureau Kobe Branch Osaka Immigration 06-4703-2100 Bureau Information Japan Helpline 0120-46-1997 (18 languages/24 hours) (Toll Free)
29 KOBE UNIVERSITY
All Rights Reserved. Published by Kobe University 1-1 Rokkodai-cho, Nada-ku, Kobe 657-8501 JAPAN
International Researchers' Handbook