Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Guide in English
生活ガイド 英語版
2017 Edition
Welcome to the City of Iwamizawa,
This guide in English has been created for assisting foreign residents in Iwamizawa, in the hope that it will aid their lifestyles.
A number of topics has been covered in this guide, therefore, at the bare minimum, we ask that you read sections 1 to 4, as they are mostly likely to help you in your every day living.
Once again, we warmly welcome you to our city.
Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Contents
1. Emergencies
A) Fire, Ambulance & Rescue 1
B) Police 1
C) Utilities (gas and electricity) 2
D) Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies 3
2. Daily Living
A) Public Utilities (electricity, water, gas) 12
B) Garbage/Rubbish disposal 14
C) Telephone 15
3. Medical Services & Child Welfare
A) Doctors, Dentists & Hospitals 17
B) Child Welfare (vaccinations, benefits) 17
4. Banking and Postal Services
A) Banking Services (accounts, ATMs, etc) 18
B) Postal Services 21
5. Legal Procedures & Tax
A) Registration of Foreign Nationals 22
B) Personal Seal Registration (inkan) 23
C) Tax 24
Living Guide to Iwamizawa
6. Transport & Driving
A) Public Transport (trains, buses, airport, taxi) 25
B) Driving in Japan 30
7. Other Lifestyle Needs
A) Media & Entertainment (TV, newspapers, radio) 33
B) Foreign food 36
C) Festivals & Recreation 37
8. International Exchange Section 38
‹ Support for foreigners 39
9. List of nearby Consulates 40
10. About Iwamizawa 41
11. Conversion tables 43
Back of Guide:
Maps of Iwamizawa City
Disposal & Separation of Garbage/Rubbish sheet
Living Guide to Iwamizawa 1. Emergencies A. Fire, Ambulance & Rescue
Call 119, but only in the case of an emergency. Emergency operators only speak Japanese, so if you do not speak it, have a Japanese-speaking person make the call if possible. If not, speak clearly and slowly, giving the following information: First, state if there is a fire or if you need an ambulance. Next give your address, phone number and name. Have your address either memorized or written down in Japanese for quick reference.
For a Fire: “ Kaji desu! “ 「かじ です！」
For an Ambulance: “Kyukyusha onegai-shimasu!” 「きゅうきゅうしゃ おねがいします！」
B. Police
Dial 110. Police can be called in the case of threats, car accidents, or other emergency situations. Give your name and phone number, and describe the incident, location, and time. The police do not speak English, so you will have to explain in Japanese or have someone else do it for you. In the case of an accident, first call 119 if someone is hurt, then call the police on 110.
For a Traffic Accident: “Kotsujiko desu!” 「こうつうじこ です！」
In a non-emergency situation, call the Iwamizawa Police Department on: 22-0110
1 Living Guide to Iwamizawa C. Utilities
◎ Gas If you notice either of the following, there may be a gas leak; 〇 smell of gas 〇 the flame on your stove/cooker is long, thin and orange
In the case of a gas leak; 1. Immediately turn off the gas supply 2. Extinguish any open flames 3. Do not turn on any electric appliances 4. Open the windows 5. Call the gas company and the fire station
Important phone numbers:
Iwamizawa Gas: 22-2158 (Address: 2 jo Nishi 16-1) LP gas: (number of your LP supplier) Fire station: 119
◎ Electricity
If the electricity in your house goes out, first check the circuit breaker to see if any of them have switched off. Your breaker will most likely be in the foyer/hall (genkan) area. If you are unsure of where the breaker is, ask your landlord. If the breaker has switched to “off” [ 切 ], turn off the lights or electronic appliances you are using and flip the switch back to the "on" [ 入 ] position. If the electricity has gone out and all the breaker switches are on, or the electricity in your neighbourhood appears to be out of service, call Hokkaido Electric (Hokuden) in order to resolve the problem.
Hokuden Iwamizawa Office: 22-0601
It is advised to always keep a flashlight/torch in the foyer/hall area for such emergencies.
2 Living Guide to Iwamizawa D. Preparing for Disasters and Emergencies
１ Introduction
（１）The types of evacuation orders and appropriate actions The 3 stages of official announcements:
Type Situation Course of Action
Evacuation ○This is the phase for the ●Pay close attention to weather reports Preparation elderly and handicapped and status updates on the evacuation people to start their report. Be prepared to evacuate at a Information evacuation procedure as moment's notice（eg., contact your 避難準備情報 risk of natural hazard is family and relatives, prepare the plausible. emergency equipment and food）. ●The elderly and handicapped people who cannot evacuate in a timely manner should begin to evacuate.
Evacuation ○This is the phase for citizens ●Begin evacuating. advisory that can evacuate without problems to start the 避難勧告 procedure as the risk of natural hazard is evident.
○Very high risk of natural ●Immediately take actions to evacuate Evacuation hazard in areas near (those in the process of evacuating, Directive embankments and finish evacuating). vulnerable lands. ※In the event that there is no time or 避難指示 ○A very dangerous situation it is more dangerous to go outside, where there have been stay indoors and secure your reports of lost lives and safety. injuries due to the natural disaster.
3 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
２ General Preparedness
（1）Be aware of evacuation shelters and routes Inform yourself of the safest route to take in case of an emergency. （The Shelter's location is written on page 10 - 11）.
（2）Prepare emergency supplies in advance. In the event of a major natural disaster, the city's infrastructure could be compromised and having emergency provisions will greatly help in such extreme situations.
●Food - alpha preserved rice, canned bread, retort pouched food、cup noodle, etc. ●Water - 2L water bottle, emergency water supply bag, etc.
●Personal hygiene products - towel, blanket, soap, dental products
●Others - portable stove, disposable hand warmer, duck tape, etc.
(3)Gather Information Use the television, radio, and internet to find out pertinent information. The following information can be found through computers and smartphones.
Information found through Iwamizawa city disaster prevention mail ①Emergency alerts in the event of an imminent natural disaster in Iwamizawa ②Disaster prevention, crime prevention, snow removal notice ※Registration is free but data and messaging rates may apply.
Scan the QR code on the right to receive important announcements, updates, and reports. Registration ※Please be aware all the information given here is only available in Japanese.
In regards to the emergency alert mails… ・NTT Docomo, KDDI(au), and Softbank Mobile send alert mails to cell phones within the municipal district. ※There is no registration required. An alert mail will be sent automatically to the corresponding type of cell phone.
Accessing information through the internet
Weather Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory 〈http://www.jma-net.go.jp/sapporo/〉 information Iwamizawa Meteorological Information 〈http://www.agw.jp/iwamizawa/disaster/〉
Iwamizawa City homepage 〈http://www.city.iwamizawa.hokkaido.jp/〉 Disaster Hokkaido Disaster Prevention Information 〈http://www.bousai-hokkaido.jp/〉※English prevention Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism(MLIT) 〈http://www.mlit.go.jp/saigai/bosaijoho/〉※English Water levels MLIT 〈http://www.river.go.jp/〉
4 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
３ Disaster Support
Earthquake
（ １ ） Japanese Meteorological Agency Seismic Intensity Scale (Shindo)
Tremors that obstruct movement. shindo Tremors cannot be felt. shindo weak Dishes and books from shelves can 震度０ 震度５ 弱 fall. Very frightening tremors and walking Weak tremors that might be is difficult without holding onto shindo felt by those who are shindo strong 震度１ 震度５ 強 stationary and indoors. something. Furniture that is not secured can fall over. Slightly stronger tremors that Difficult to remain standing. Walls shindo are likely to be felt by those shindo weak 震度２ 震度６ 弱 and glass windows might break. indoors.
Tremors that can frighten Impossible to remain standing. Most shindo some. The dishes on shelves shindo strong 震度３ 震度６ 強 furniture will move and fall. might clatter.
Frightening tremors. Objects Impossible to move due to the tremor. shindo that are hanging, like power shindo Wooden buildings are likely to 震度４ 震度７ lines, will shake. collapse or become slanted.
（２）Emergency Earthquake Alert Information given when the meteorological board forecasts an earthquake bigger than shindo 4. There is only a small time lag between hearing or reading the emergency alert and feeling the earthquake. Try to secure your safety within that small time frame. When securing your safety, please make sure to stay calm and protect your head while moving away from a dangerous area. Depending on your surroundings or situation, the actions you should take will greatly vary. Assess situations in your daily life and plan your course of action in the event of an earthquake .
There will be alert sirens from televisions, cell phones, and emergency FM radios
5 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
（３）When an earthquake happens When there is a big earthquake, do not panic but calmly assess the situation and act accordingly.
■Secure the safety of your family and yourself ・Your life is the most important. When an earthquake occurs, first secure your own safety by going under a desk or chair. ・Do not panic and go outside in a rush. Move in a level-headed manner.
■Put out any fires immediately ・Once the shaking stops, put out any fires from the gas stoves and heaters. ・When evacuating, turn off all gas valves and circuit breakers.
■Open the door and secure the exit ・There are times when the doors get stuck due to earthquakes. Make sure to secure your exit.
■Helping your neighbour ・Call out to your neighbours to check if they are safe, especially to households with the elderly or handicapped.
◇Other things to watch out for: ●After a big earthquake, be cautious of aftershocks. ●Wear appropriate footwear to avoid unnecessary injuries. ●Check for updated information through the television or radio.
＊If you can live normally at your residence, do not feel compelled to evacuate to public shelters. ＊Do not enter buildings that have collapsed or are at the risk of collapsing.
Things to watch out for while evacuating during an earthquake!
□Do not go near narrow streets, particularly those lined with concrete walls (due to risk of walls and vending machines collapsing)
□Evacuate by foot. （Transportation by car is not only dangerous but can be an obstruction to
emergency vehicles）.
6 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Wind and Water Hazard
Begins raining （１）When advisory/warning is issued Chance of heavy rain Rain and wind conditions constantly changes. Be sure to check the television, radio, or internet for updated weather information, and instructions evacuation from the fire department
and city hall.
●Watch out for the weather report and changes in weather. Heavier Rain ●Do not go outside when a typhoon or heavy rain are imminent. ●Do not go near dangerous places. Advisory ●Keep a look-out for updated reports and prepare in advance for evacuation (especially those living in susceptible areas).
●Even without an evacuation order, evacuate if you feel imminent danger.
If heavy rain continues
（２）When evacuation information is given out Warning Evacuation information refers to an order given out to residents in areas susceptible to natural disasters. The order is divided into 3 stages: evacuation preparation (the elderly and handicapped
should begin evacuating), evacuation advisory and emergency
Weather becomes evacuation directive. severe → See page 3 for types of evacuation
●With rain boots, it becomes difficult to walk once water gets in so it is Evacuation recommended to evacuate with running shoes and easy-to-move Information attire. ●Be wary of where you are walking and check with a stick if the ground
under the surface of the water is safe while evacuating.
●Only bring essentials that can be carried in a backpack to leave both of your hands free. ●Help out your neighbour and try evacuating together in a group. ●Do not drive as it could obstruct emergency service vehicles if it gets
stuck after the street gets flooded.
●Assist vulnerable people who need support when evacuating.
7 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Emergency Don’t fall into a positive bias and assume you will be ok. It situation is important to evacuate when appropriate. Keep a lookout on the radio and television to prepare yourself for
a safe evacuation.
Immediately take action to protect your life! Special ●Follow the instructions of the city, and evacuate to a designated safe area Directive ●If it is dangerous to go outdoors, remain indoors but on the 2nd floor or other elevated areas.
（３）What Special Directive means
It is an order issued by the meteorological board in a situation that is deemed more dangerous than the regular orders given out. These are issued in situations where a certain region is expecting a once in a decade heavy Special Warning rain or hurricane-caliber natural disaster. Warning Be attentive on updated news and take the appropriate action to secure your safety Advisory immediately. risk allowances
■In order to protect your life Avoid evacuating when it proves to be more dangerous to do so and make safety as
your top priority. When the situation is dire, keep in mind evacuating to the 2nd floor
of your house (or other elevated areas) might be a better idea than heading out to the shelter.
Precautions when evacuating during strong winds and water-related hazards︕
□When 〔Evacuation preparation・Initiating evacuation process for the elderly and handicapped people〕is issued, get your emergency rations out and prepare to evacuate. Seniors and disabled people should begin evacuating.
□When 〔Evacuation advisory〕・〔Emergency evacuation directive〕 is issued, immediately
evacuate to a designated safe area like an emergency shelter.
□When evacuating, avoid dangerous areas and take a safe route. □When faced with urgent and imminent danger, do your best to secure your own safety. □When evacuating, it is recommended to call out for your neighbours to help with the process.
8 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
４ The rules in the evacuation shelter
Living in an evacuation shelter is not exactly comfortable. There are some who have their health deteriorate due to the stress and exhaustion. Also, life at the shelter is a communal one. It is essential to help each other out by respecting the rules and manners.
Communal life ●Have all your belongings gathered in one place. ●To prevent any unnecessary trouble, have your name written on your belongings. ●At the shelter, there are people sleeping due to exhaustion or poor health. Be considerate of others.
Keep your environment clean and hygienic ●Throw out the garbage at designated areas. Keep the toilet clean after use. ●Keep your space neat and clean.
Be considerate of those supporting the evacuation ●If possible, help out the elderly and handicapped people ●When changing diapers or prosthetics, you can help out by setting up a curtain to protect their privacy.
Food and Water ●At shelters, canned bread, alpha rice, and bento boxes will be given out. ●When the water supply is cut, bottled water will be given out. Some people will have trouble transporting it so, if possible, assist them.
Staying healthy at the shelter ■Be careful of infections and other contagious diseases. It is easy for colds, influenza, and other contagious diseases to spread. So take precautions by regularly washing your hands, gargling your mouth, and putting on a mask.
■Be careful of venous thrombosis If you stay seated in the same position for too long, it can form blood clots in the veins which can get loose and move to other parts of the body that can be life-threatening. To avoid this, make sure to move your body regularly.
9 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
List of Major Evacuation Shelters
Evacuation Shelter Evacuation Shelter No (Japanese) (Romanized Japanese)
1 第 一 小 学 校 Dai ichi shōgakkō (Elementary School) （緑町3丁目7番1号） (Midori machi 3chōme 7ban 1gō)
2 総 合 体 育 館 Sōgō taiikukan (Sports Centre) （北3条西12丁目2番16） (kita 3jō nishi 12chōme 2ban 16)
3 北 真 小 学 校 Hokushin shōgakkō (Elementary School) （稔町30番地7） (Minorichō 30banchi 7)
4 東 小 学 校 Higashi shōgakkō (Elementary School) （東町2条7丁目977番地5） (Higashi machi 2jō 7chōme 977banchi 5)
5 東 光 中 学 校 Tōkō chūgakkō (Middle School) （5条東14丁目1番地1） (5jō higashi 14chōme 1banchi 1)
岩 見 沢 小 学 校 Iwamizawa shōgakkō (Elementary School) 6 （2条東6丁目2番地） (2jō higashi 6chōme 2banchi)
7 中 央 小 学 校 Chūō shōgakkō (Elementary School) （6条西8丁目1番地） (6jō nishi 8chōme 1banchi)
生涯学習センターいわなび Shōgai gakushū sentā Iwanabi (Cultural Centre) 8 （4条西1丁目3番地4） (4jō nishi 1chōme 3banchi 4)
駒 沢 幼 稚 園 Komazawa yōchien (Kindergarten) 9 （6条西18丁目1番地） (6jō nishi 18chōme 1banchi)
10 市民会館・文化センター Shimin kaikan・bunka sentā (Cultural Centre) （9条西4丁目1番地1） (9jō nishi 4chōme 1banchi 1)
11 南 小 学 校 Minami shōgakkō (Elementary School) （9条東2丁目1番地） (9jō higashi 2chōme 1banchi)
12 光 陵 中 学 校 Kōryō chūgakkō (Middle School) （春日町1丁目10番37号） (Kasugachō 1chōme 10ban 37gō)
13 美 園 小 学 校 Misono shōgakkō (Elementary School) （美園5条4丁目4番1号） (Misono 5jō 4chōme 4ban 1gō)
14 日 の 出 小 学 校 Hinode shōgakkō (Elementary School) （かえで町2丁目1番1号） (kaedechō 2chōme 1ban 1gō)
15 岩 見 沢 東 高 等 学 校 Iwamizawa higashi kōtōgakkō (High School) （東山8丁目1番1号） (Higashiyama 8chōme 1ban 1gō)
16 志 文 小 学 校 Shibun shōgakkō (Elementary School) （志文町158番地2） (shibunchō 158banchi 2)
10 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Evacuation Shelter Evacuation Shelter No (Japanese) (Romanized Japanese)
17 清 園 中 学 校 Seien chūgakkō (Middle School) （志文町927番地5） (shibunchō 927banchi 5)
18 幌 向 小 学 校 Horomui shōgakkō (Elementary School) （幌向南2条1丁目180） (Horomui Minami 2jō 1chōme 180)
19 豊 中 学 校 Yutaka chūgakkō (Middle School) （幌向南2条1丁目59） (Horomui Minami 2jō 1chōme 59)
上 幌 向 中 学 校 Kamihoromui chūgakkō (Middle School) 20 （上幌向北1条4丁目745） (Kamihoromui kita 1jō 4chōme 745)
21 メ ー プ ル 小 学 校 Mēpuru shōgakkō (Elementary School) （上志文町107番地1） (kamishibunchō 107banchi 1)
23 朝日ｺﾐｭﾆﾃｨ交流ｾﾝﾀｰ Asahi komyunitī kōryū sentā (Community Hall) （朝日町176番地22） (Asahichō 176banchi 22)
24 毛陽ｺﾐｭﾆﾃｨ交流ｾﾝﾀｰ Mōyō komyunitī kōryū sentā (Community Hall) （毛陽町534番地11） (mōyōchō 534banchi 11)
25 北村ﾄﾚｰﾆﾝｸﾞｾﾝﾀｰ Kitamura torēningu sentā (Sports Centre) （北村赤川595番地1） (kitamura akagawa 595banchi 1)
26 北 村 中 学 校 Kitamura chūgakkō (Middle School) （北村中央202番地4） (kitamura chūō 202banchi 4)
27 北 村 小 学 校 Kitamura shōgakkō (Elementary School) （北村中央4725番地） (kitamura chūō 4725banchi)
33 栗 沢 文 化 セ ン タ ー Kurisawa bunka sentā (Cultural Centre) （栗沢町南本町23番地1） (Kurisawachō minamihonchō 23banchi 1)
34 栗 沢 市 民 セ ン タ ー Kurisawa shimin sentā (Community Hall) （栗沢町北本町168番地36） (Kurisawachō kitahonchō 168banchi 36)
44 栗沢 B&G 海洋ｾﾝﾀｰ Kurisawa B&G kaiyō sentā (Sports Centre) （栗沢町最上506番地1） (Kurisawachō mogami 506banchi 1)
47 美 流 渡 中 学 校 Miruto chūgakkō (Middle School) （栗沢町美流渡栄町58番地） (Kurisawachō miruto sakaemachi 58banchi)
48 美流渡ｺﾐｭﾆﾃｨｾﾝﾀｰ Miruto komyunitī sentā (Community Hall) （栗沢町美流渡栄町93番地） (Kurisawachō miruto sakaemachi 93banchi)
50 ホ テ ル サ ン プ ラ ザ Hoteru sanpuraza (Hotel) （4条東1丁目6番地１） (4jō higashi 1chōme 6banchi 1)
51 北 村 温 泉 Kitamura onsen (Hotel) （北村赤川156番地7） (kitamura akagawa 156banchi 7)
11 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 2. Daily Living
A. Public Utilities
For the following utilities there are various ways to sign up for their services: either fill in and post the necessary forms for each service, telephone the company, or visit the company in person. To discontinue service, call the utility company and give them any information requested.
◎ Electricity
Company name: Hokkaido Denryoku (also known simply as Hokuden) Supplies electricity for all of Hokkaido (and Iwamizawa) at 50Hz and 100volts. Address: Hokkaido Denryoku Iwamizawa Branch 9 Jo Nishi 1 chome 12-1 (Next to the main post office on Route 12) Call Center: Toll Free/Free phone 0120-12-6565
◎ Water and Sewage
Iwamizawa's Waterworks Department, located on the third floor of City Hall, maintains all water and sewage services. You can also pay your water bill here.
Tel: 23-4111 ext. 290
12 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ City Gas
There are two types of gas in Iwamizawa: City or toshi-gas and propane gas.
Address: Iwamizawa Gas 2 Jo Nishi 16 chome 1 Tel: 22-2158
1. Propane/LP (liquefied petroleum) gas
Propane/LP gas is serviced independently. If interested, ask your landlord or neighbours to introduce you to a company that provides this service. Important – propane/LP gas should only be used with appliances specifically made for it.
2. Kerosene/Paraffin [ toyu ]
Like propane/LP gas, kerosene is also provided by independent companies, including gas/petrol stations. The price per litre is relatively competitive between companies, so ask your neighbours for the best deals in your area. There are three main ways to heat your home. Make sure which type of heating your residence will need before purchasing a unit.
◎ Some people use a kerosene/paraffin fan heater. In this case, the heater cannot be used for extended periods of time, and your room will need to be well ventilated so as to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. ◎ A chimney stove is another type of kerosene/paraffin heater, but it uses an exhaust tube to vent exhaust up and outside, thereby eliminating the chances of carbon monoxide poisoning. For air intake, it uses air inside the room. ◎ Similar to the chimney stove is the FF, or forced flue type heater. Instead of the exhaust pipe leading straight up, an air intake/exhaust pipe leads directly out of the rear of the heater and outdoors. If you decide on an FF type heater, you will need to make a hole approximately 5 cm in diameter behind the unit at knee height in order to feed the air intake/exhaust pipe outside.
13 Living Guide to Iwamizawa B. Garbage/Rubbish Disposal
As with most areas in Hokkaido, garbage/rubbish is separated into different categories in Iwamizawa, and collection days differ from area to area, so ask your neighbours if unsure which garbage is to be disposed on which days. Garbage is only collected from specific collection stations, and should be put out before 8:30am. Burnable, non-burnable, and other garbage should be put into pink, green, and semi-transparent or clear bags respectively. All bags are sold at the convenience store or grocery store and have English written on it.
For further details on the categories that the garbage is divided, see the “Disposal and Separation of Garbage/Rubbish” sheet (at the back of this guide), and make sure you do not mix your litter. Large Garbage Items
Classification Processing Fee Number of Disposal Stickers ・Things that can`t fit into a 40 liters garbage bag (300 yen) (1 sticker) ・Being less than 1m at most in diameter and length Ex. Futon, Kerosene Heater, Electric Fans ・Being over 1m in diameter or length but less than 2m (600yen) (2 stickers) Ex. Bed, Dresser, Bicycles *You can buy Large Garbage Disposal stickers at supermarkets, home centers, convenience stores, etc
1. Check outside to see where you can put the large garbage items 2. Call and make a reservation. Number is 31-0053. (Scheduling a reservation can be made Mon.~Fri. Between 9AM-530PM only) 3. They will ask you some typical questions like Address, Name, Phone number, where you put your large trash, the contents of the trash (size, weight, what is it and so on) , If it`s possible to recycle or not.
4. They will give you a reservation number. REMEMBER this number and write the number with a black pen so it`s clearly visible on your disposal sticker. Tape the paper onto each one of your trash items. 5. Lastly, make sure you take it out by 8:30AM on the day they plan on picking up your large trash.
① Leave it out where you told them you`d leave your trash.
② Make sure your reservation number is visible on each of the items you are getting rid of.
③ Make sure your large garbage items don`t fall over from winds.
14 Living Guide to Iwamizawa C. Telephone
◎ Telephone Numbers
Telephone numbers in Japan are made up of three parts: the area code, the exchange number, and the line number. For example, the Iwamizawa City Hall number is as follows: 0126-23-4111
When calling this number anywhere within Iwamizawa city limits, it is not necessary to dial 0126. From anywhere else in Japan however, you will need to dial both the area code (0126) + the exchange number + the line number. Also, when dialling from a mobile/cellular phone, you will need to dial the entire number, including the area code. Moreover, when dialling from a mobile/cellular phone, it is always necessary to dial the first 3 digits no matter where you are (either 090 or 080 for mobile/cellular phones). When giving your number to someone outside of Japan, tell the person to leave off the first “0” in your area code. The international dialling code for Japan is “81”. Therefore, when someone calls your number from outside Japan, it should be something like this:
+81-126-XX-XXXX
◎ Domestic & Overseas Calls
Numerous companies in Japan offer domestic & international telephone services. As each company offers different services, discounts, plans, and methods of payment, it is best to check around and find the service that fits your needs.
For example, when dialling an overseas number, the method is as follows: Access code +010+ Country code + Area code + Local number Access codes for some of the major companies: KDDI: 001 NTT Communications: 0033
If you prefer not to dial the access code for each call, you can register with one company using “Myline.” For more information, see http://www.myline.org 15 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ International Country Codes for Overseas Calls
Canada:1 USA:1 Russia:7 S. Africa:27 Belgium:32 France:33 Spain:34 Italy:39 Czech:42 UK:44 Germany:49 Peru:51 Argentina:54 Brazil:55 Australia:61 Philippines:63 New Zealand:64 Thailand:66 Japan:81 Korea:82 China:86 Portugal:351 Ireland:353 Finland:358 Uruguay:598 Paraguay:598 Israel:972
You will be billed for overseas calls directly by the international company you use, and this bill will come separately from your domestic phone bill. Bills can be automatically withdrawn from your bank or postal account, or be paid at banks, post offices, or certain convenience stores.
◎ Phone Directories
There is a Japan version of the Yellow Pages online, which is an English-language telephone directory containing information on stores and businesses in Japan: http://www.yellowpage-jp.com
◎ Public Phones
There are several types of public pay phones in Japan: Pink: Only accepts 10 yen coins Green or Grey: Accepts telephone cards as well as 10 and 100 yen coins Change is not given for 100-yen coins. Telephone cards are available in either 500 or 1,000 yen denominations and can be purchased at most convenience stores or from vending machines next to the phone. Rates differ depending on the time of day, and are listed below:
8:00AM – 11:00PM: 10 yen per 60 seconds within the city. 11:00PM – 8:00AM: 10 yen per 80 seconds within the city.
If you go over the time limit without inserting more coins, your call will be cut off without warning. All public phones can be used for calls within Japan. Only certain phones can be used for international calls (such as the telephone box near the City Hall), so check before using them to make calls overseas.
16 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 3. Medical Services & Child Welfare
A. Doctors, Dentists & Hospitals Though there are a range of Medical centres, Dentists and Hospitals in Iwamizawa, it is not always guaranteed that the staff there are capable of speaking English. Therefore, the best way for you to find an English-speaking doctor is to speak to friends and other foreigners around you who could recommend you to places. It may be the case that there are more places available in Sapporo. Nonetheless, you can always ask your nearest Dentist or Medical centre in Iwamizawa if there is anyone there who can speak English, and they may be able to guide you from there.
B. Child Welfare
Raising a child in Japan, like anywhere else in the world, can be very challenging. Your best bet is to find someone whom you can confide in and trust if you find yourself in need of help.
◎ Vaccinations
In order to protect your child from various diseases and viruses, combined vaccinations for pertussis (whopping cough), diphtheria and tetanus, and vaccinations for second stage diphtheria, BCG, polio, measles and German measles are available. Depending on the type of illness, the method of vaccination and the place where they hold the vaccinations are different. For details, check with the clinic below to find out when and where to have your child vaccinated, as well as whether or not your child is eligible for vaccinations:
Hoken Center: 4 Jo Nishi 3 chome 1 Tel: 25-5540 Open daily, 9:00AM to 5:30PM
◎ Children’s Benefits
Benefits are available for those parents with children until they have graduated Junior High school [中学校 chuugakkou]. For more information, contact: Children & Families Section Tel: 23-4111 Ext. 364 or 212 Iwamizawa City Hall (1F)
17 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 4. Banking and Postal Services
A. Banking Services
◎ Types of Accounts
Although various types of accounts such as company and long-term savings accounts can be opened at the bank, the most commonly used type is the ordinary deposit or savings account (futsu-yokin).
◎ Opening an Account
You can open an account at a bank, credit union (shinyou-kinkou), post office, etc. To open an account, in order to prove your address, you will need some sort of personal identification such as your alien registration or your resident registration card. Also, most banks will require that you have your personal seal (hanko or inkan).
◎ ATMs and Cash Cards As in other countries, you can withdraw money from your bank or postal account at an automatic teller machine (ATM) using a cash card. You can also deposit money, make bank transfers, check your current balance, and conduct other transactions.
Although ATMs are open longer than normal banking hours, they are not usually open 24 hours as in other countries. Most close early in the evening, on certain holidays and sometimes even on weekends.
Generally, your ATM card can be used at most banks, although a surcharge will be added if you use your card at a bank other than your own, or at an ATM in a convenience store. Postal Savings cash cards can be used at any post office ATM machine in Japan.
18 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ How to Use a Japanese ATM
ATMs can differ greatly from bank to bank and even from branch to branch of the same bank, and for most, the options can be displayed in English by selecting the “English” button. But here are a few terms in Japanese that are often seen:
あんしょうばんごう ていせい 暗 証番号: PIN number 訂正: Correction
ひ き だ とりけし お引出し: Withdrawal 取消: Stop Transaction
あずけい かくにん お預入れ: Deposit 確認: Confirm Entry
お ふ り こ み まん お振込: Money Transfer 万: 10,000
ざんだかしょうかい せん 残高照 会: Current Balance 千: 1,000
つうちょうきにゅう えん 通 帳記入: Update bankbook 円: yen
◎ Domestic Money Transfers
Domestic money transfers can be made from any bank to any other bank account in Japan. There are both ordinary and telegraphic transfers available, with telegraphic transfers being slightly faster and more expensive. It is also cheaper to send money to an account within the same bank than to one in a different bank. In addition to filling out the proper forms and paying at a teller's window, it is also possible to make transfers using your cash card. The ATM will prompt you for the amount of money you want to send, then ask you for the bank, branch name or number, account type, and account number. You will need to know the bank and branch name in Japanese in order to do this, but it is an inexpensive and convenient way to make domestic money transfers.
19 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Automatic Payment of Bills
Payments for many public utilities can be made directly from your bank or postal account each month, eliminating worries about forgetting due dates and inconvenient trips to the bank. Among the bills that can be paid automatically are: water, electricity, gas, NHK TV service, other satellite TV services, taxes, and telephone (both domestic and international). Each utility has a separate form that will need to be filled out, requesting that your bills be automatically paid each month.
◎ Sending Money Abroad
Money can be sent to most countries from banks that offer foreign money transfers. You can also send money abroad through the main branch of the post office, or using private services such as Go Lloyds (http://www.golloyds.com).
◎ Exchanging Money
Money can be exchanged at the main branches of most banks, but check what currencies are available beforehand. Most main post offices are also equipped to exchange money.
20 Living Guide to Iwamizawa B. Postal Services
There are many Post Offices in Iwamizawa with different opening and closing times; however, in general Post Office opening hours in Japan tends to be shorter than what you may be used to back in your home country.
You can search for your nearest Post Office and check what times they are open on the Japan Post website (in Japanese):
http://map.japanpost.jp
For more information on Japanese Post Offices, their postal and banking services etc, see their Japan Post website in English at:
http://www.japanpost.jp/en
One of the largest Post Offices in Iwamizawa is near the City Hall:
Address: 9 Jo Nishi 2 chome 1-5
Their opening times are as follows;
OPENING TIMES Week days Saturdays Sundays & Holidays
Post/Mail Counter 9:00 – 19:00 9:00 – 15:00 Closed Banking Counter 9:00 – 16:00 Closed Closed ATM 8:45 – 19:00 9:00 – 17:00 9:00 – 17:00
Insurance Desk 9:00 – 16:00 Closed Closed
21 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
5. Legal Procedures and Tax A. Registration of Foreign Nationals As of 9th July 2012, the new residency management system will begin along with the abolishment of the alien registration system. This applies to all foreign nationals residing legally in Japan for the mid to long term with resident status under the Immigration Control Act.
◎ Issue of the Resident card On arrival in Japan you should already have been issued a resident card at the airport of landing, besides having a seal of landing verification stamped in your passport. The airports that provide this service are Narita, Haneda, Chubu and Kansai, and at other ports of entry, a description will have been added with your seal of landing verification in your passport and your resident card will be issued after you follow the residency procedure at the Citizen’s Service section in the City Hall.
Citizen’s Service Section, Iwamizawa City Hall, 1st floor Tel: 0126-23-4111 ext. 202 or 203
◎ Renewing, change of Residence & more Information For more information on the residency management system and for what to do on renewing your card, when you move etc., see the section on the Immigration Bureau of Japan’s website at:
http://www.immi-moj.go.jp/newimmiact_1/en/index.html
Alternatively, there are informative booklets in English available from the Citizen’s Service Section in the City Hall.
22 Living Guide to Iwamizawa B. Personal Seal Registration and Certification
The inkan, or personal seal, (also known as a hanko) is an indispensable part of everyday life in Japan, and is used in the same manner that a personal signature is in the West. Although foreigners can often make do with a signature, there are times when it may be either necessary or simply more convenient to use an inkan.
Any inkan that is to be used in an official capacity must be registered at the City Hall. In order to be registered, an inkan must have a diameter of between 9mm and 25mm, and it must include your name (or some portion thereof) as printed on your Resident Card, Alien Registration Card or Special Permanent Resident Certificate. Therefore, if the name on your card is written in Roman letters (romaji) you can not register an inkan that is a katakana representation of your name. For a person with the name “John Smith” printed on his Resident Card, the first row of examples on the next page can be registered, while the second row can not. (However, those residents who show that they have been using a katakana name for official purposes may be permitted to register a katakana inkan).
Registration is done at the Citizens' Service Section on the first floor of the City Hall. You will need to bring your Residence Card (or any of the stated above) with the inkan you want to register. After registering, you will receive an inkan tourokusyou or “Personal Seal Registration Card" (similar to a credit card). At this point, your seal is then known as a jitsuin.
When purchasing a car, entering into certain contracts, or in various other transactions, you’ll need to provide your jitsuin and a document that proves your seal has been registered. You can get this document by taking the aforementioned “Personal Seal Registration Card” to the Citizens’ Service Section of the City Hall and requesting an inkan touroku shoumeisho, or “Proof of Personal Seal Registration.” Each copy will cost you 400 yen.
23 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
◎ Examples of Inkans
Example: JOHN SMITH
P Can be registered:
JOHN JOHN SMITH J. SMITH SMITH
O Can not be registered:
ジョン ジョン スミス ジェイ. スミス スミス
C. Tax Your tax status depends largely on your nationality, how long you are staying in Japan and your occupation. Taxes are paid on income, property and consumption on the national, prefectural and municipal levels. To make sure you are up to date with the most recent information and to know more about the types of taxes and how to pay them, it is advised that you check on websites online on the current tax situation in Japan, such as on Japan-Guide.com:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2206.html
◎ Local Inhabitant Tax An important tax that one must not forget about during their stay in Iwamizawa is to pay local inhabitant tax [ 住民税 juumin zei ]. It is assessed by the prefectural and municipal governments, on income for the preceding year in accordance with the provisions of the Local Tax Law; in other words, its amount is based on your previous year's income. Iwamizawa City Hall will send out your inhabitant tax bill, so it is important to note that even if you move to another city in the meantime, you must still pay Iwamizawa City as your former residence. It may be the case that the inhabitant tax is withheld from your salary by your employer, so it is best to make sure.
24 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 6. Transport and Driving A. Public Transport
◎ Trains
There are 3 main types of trains: futsu or normal [普通] (stops at every station), kaisoku or rapid [快速] (faster, stopping at select stations), and tokkyu or limited express [特急] (fastest, only stopping at a few stations). Express and limited express trains are normally marked in bold. If there is a small airplane symbol, that train goes to the airport.
You can buy a ticket either at the JR office or from the ticket machines located inside the station. Fares are written next to the destinations on the map above the ticket machine. There are also special discount tickets you can buy to ride any of the three types of trains to and from Sapporo. These tickets are the S-kippu and S-kippu-4, which can be purchased at both the ticket counter and from the ticket machines. These discount tickets are usually only valid for a three-month period.
Most rapid trains will have cars/carriages that are labeled “Reserved” [指定席 shiteiseki], “Unreserved” [自由席 jiyuuseki] and that some that have half and half. Make sure you take a seat in the correct car/carriage according to whether you bought a reserved or unreserved ticket. If the seats have a little white cover with orange or blue writing in kanji, then that seat is a reserved seat. If you do not have a reserved ticket, the conductor will either make you move to a non-reserved seat or pay the reserved seating surcharge.
Note: Trains in Japan leave on the dot, so pay special attention to the scheduled departure time.
25 Living Guide to Iwamizawa Some useful travel words and phrases for Trains
片道: (kata michi) one way 往復: (oufuku) round trip 乗り換え: (norikae) change trains のりば: (noriba) platform 普通で: (futsuu de) by normal train 特急で: (tokkyu de) by limited express 禁煙: (kin’en) non smoking 急行: (kyukou) express 満員: (man’in) full/sold-out 料金箱: (ryoukin bako) fare box 算所: (seisan jyo) fare adjustment office 食堂車: (shokudou sha) dining car/carriage 寝台車: (shindai sha) sleeping car/carriage この電車は 札幌 行きですか? (kono densha wa Sapporo yuki desu ka?) Is this train bound for Sapporo?
26 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Buses
At the bus terminal, you can either buy a ticket at the ticket counter or take a numbered ticket from the ticket machine on the bus, paying as you get off. Some bus companies have prepaid books of ticket vouchers called kaisuken.
When getting on a bus, enter at the rear and exit through the front. There is usually a numbered ticket machine next to the door. This numbered ticket is a record of the place where you boarded the bus. As your journey progresses, you will see the numbers on a display in the front of the bus change according to the fare. When it is time to get off, look at the number corresponding to the number on your ticket. Place both the ticket and fare in the box next to the driver. The machine does not give change, so you’ll need to pay the exact fare. There will be a change machine next to the box, but on most buses the most you can change is a 1000-yen bill. You should also be aware that some buses are only equipped to change 500-yen coins, so if you need change, you should break it down before boarding.
27 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Transport Timetables
Free pocket-sized train and bus timetables can be obtained at JR stations and at the bus terminal. Bus timetables are also posted at the individual bus stops. Monthly train/bus/plane timetables for all of Hokkaido can be purchased at kiosks, newsstands, and bookstores for about 1,000 yen. Most timetables will be written in Japanese only.
Say you want to go from Iwamizawa [岩見沢] to Sapporo [札幌]. If you have a larger timetable, you can look at the map in the front find out which pages list the times for that route. If you have a smaller timetable, you will need to turn through the pages until you find the appropriate kanji. In the timetables on the upper left hand corner below the page number will be either the kanji “上り” (“inbound”) or the kanji, “下り” (“outbound”). The concept behind these kanji is you are either going toward or away from the main station on that train line. In our case above, you would look for the Iwamizawa kanji in the 上り section to go towards Sapporo. Conversely, from Sapporo, you would look in the 下り section for trains heading to Iwamizawa.
Bus timetables are read the same as train timetables. Fares are often listed down the side of the bus timetable or along the top. Looking at a bus timetable you may see two sets of times, one for weekdays [平日], the other for Saturday, Sunday, and public holidays [ 土、日、祝 ].
◎ Airport
In order to reach New Chitose airport, you would have to head to Sapporo station either by bus or train. Then at the station you can board the train headed to New Chitose airport to reach your final destination.
28 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Taxis
Taxis are readily available from almost anywhere. If you have been drinking, you can have someone else drive your car home while you follow in a cab by calling any taxi company and asking for daiko sahbisu. This service costs about twice as much as the normal fare.
Iwamizawa Taxi Companies:
Hokkou Taxi Tel: 22-2323
Hinode Tax Tel: 25-2121
Kogata Taxi Tel: 22-4500
Gankou Taxi Tel: 23-6633
29 Living Guide to Iwamizawa B. Driving in Japan
Driving in Japan can be very different from driving in your home country. Traffic laws, driving manners, and road conditions can differ slightly or greatly depending on where you are from, and winter road conditions can be treacherous, especially for those who are inexperienced at driving on snow and ice. Drinking and driving laws are exceedingly strict in Japan, and after consuming even a single alcoholic beverage, you should not drive. Hokkaido is notorious for high rates of both traffic accidents and fatalities, so if you do decide to drive, do so defensively. For more information on driving in Japan, please see the English section of the National Police Association website (http://www.npa.go.jp) or this website (http://www.japandriverslicense.com).
◎ International Driver's License
You can drive in Japan for 1 year if you possess a valid driver's license from your own country in addition to an International Driver's License. Anyone staying in Japan for more than 12 months and wanting to legally drive however must get a Japanese license. Driver's Licenses from Brazil, China, Germany, and Mexico are not valid in Japan (however, you can drive in Japan with a German driver’s license for one year after your arrival in Japan if you have an official translation from the Japanese Automobile Federation (JAF) and you carry your passport with you at all times when driving.)
30 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Getting a Japanese License
You can receive a Japanese driver's license upon presentation of a driver's license from your home country and successful completion of both a driving and written test. (People with licenses from many European countries, and Australia, New Zealand, and Canada do not need to do these tests.) Additionally, you must be able to prove that you have had your license for at least three months prior to entering Japan either by having it on the license itself or in the form of an official letter from your country/state/region’s Department of Motor Vehicles.
The written test in Hokkaido is only available in English and Chinese. When you go to the licensing centre (menkyo shikenjo) you will need to take the following items with you:
1. The original license from your home country 2. An official translation of the license 3. Residence Card (or Alien Registration card) 4. Passport 5. One passport size photo (3cm x 2.4cm)
It is also advised to have someone who speaks Japanese very well to go with you.
As mentioned above, you will need an official translation of your home country license, which can be handled by the Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) for 3,000 yen plus 500 yen shipping and handling fee. In addition to this, further administrative costs and fees can add up quickly to the tune of over 20,000 yen and the process can take weeks on end to complete, so patience is definitely necessary.
In general, there are two procedures to complete in order to get your license. To begin with, you’ll need to take the written test.
If for some reason you fail it, you can take it again the following week. About one to two weeks after passing the written examination, you will then take the driving portion of the test. After successfully accomplishing this, you will need to wait another three hours, after which you will be issued a new license.
Useful contact details:
31 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
JAF Sapporo Branch 1 jo 15 chome 8-1, Tsukisamu higashi, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo 062-0051 Tel: (011) 857-7155
Sapporo Drivers License Testing Centre 5 jo 4 chome 1-1, Akebono Teine-ku, Sapporo 006-0835 Tel: (011) 683-5770
Before going to the testing centre, it is always a good idea to call ahead and confirm any scheduled tests.
32 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 7. Other Lifestyle Needs A. Media and Entertainment
◎ Television
While Iwamizawa does not have its own TV station, you should still be able to pick up the following regular broadcast stations out of Sapporo:
• HBC: CH 1 • HTB: CH 6 • NHK Educational: CH 2 • TVH: CH 7 • NHK: CH 3 • UHB: CH 8 • STV: CH 5 ※ Remote control Number
With a small parabolic antenna and a decoder, you will also be able to receive satellite broadcast channels (BS channels etc.). Many newer televisions have built-in decoders. The antenna and decoder are sold at most electronics stores, and there is also a monthly fee for most of the channels.
A list of bilingual programs and movies shown on TV are published in the "What's On in Sapporo?" newsletter available from the International Plaza in Sapporo or on the web at: http://book.geocities.jp/hiwasince75/sub3e.html
33 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Newspapers
There are a number of English-language newspapers in Japan, with most being published by the major Japanese-language papers. In Iwamizawa, you can get them from local newspaper agents who deliver them to your door and come by once a month to collect subscription fees.
Dailies:
◎ The Japan News ◎ The Japan Times
Weeklies:
◎ The Japan Times ST ◎ New York Times Weekly ◎ Asahi Weekly ◎ Mainichi Weekly
Alternatively, you can of course read News articles on Japan online, such as the Japan Times at: http://www.japantimes.co.jp
34 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Radio
FM radio frequencies in Japan run from 76.0 MHz up to 92.0 MHz (although some wideband frequencies go up to 108 MHz in parts of Honshu), so make sure that your radio will pick up the stations you want to listen to first! FM Hamanasu, Iwamizawa’s local radio station, broadcasts regional information and music in Japanese. NorthWave and Air-G stations from Sapporo broadcast U.S. top 40 and a variety of other styles of foreign music.
◎ FM Hamanasu Japan: 76.1 MHz (Iwamizawa) http://www4.ocn.ne.jp/~hamanasu
◎ FM Air-G: 80.4 MHz (Sapporo) http://www.air-g.co.jp
◎ FM NorthWave: 82.5 MHz (Sapporo) http://825.fm/northwave
35 Living Guide to Iwamizawa B. Foreign Food
You may find foreign foods not available in regular Japanese supermarkets in online delivering companies such as the Foreign Buyer's Club (http://www.fbcusa.com) and Tengu Natural Foods (http://store.alishan.jp).
In addition, there are numerous stores in Sapporo that stock foreign foods and drinks, such as the following;
Costco warehouse KALDI Jupiter 1 jo 9chome A number of shops; see Bottom floor of JR Tower 3-1,Utsukushigaoka website for details. ‘ESTA’, in Sapporo Kiyota-ku, Sapporo URL: www.kaldi.co.jp station. URL: (also online shop) Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome, http://www.costco.co.j Chuo-ku, Sapporo p URL: www.jupiter-coffee.com
36 Living Guide to Iwamizawa C. Festivals and Recreation
There are number of festivals held throughout the year in Iwamizawa, such as the well-known Hyappei Matsuri festival held in September, and you can find information on times and dates in the Iwamizawa Kouho (a monthly Iwamizawa magazine) which you can also download from the Iwamizawa City website in Japanese:
http://www.city.iwamizawa.hokkaido.jp
Iwamizawa also has a lot of parks, a library, a zoo, an amusement park, swimming pools, tennis courts, a bowling alley and a variety of sports facilities. Winters in Hokkaido are long with plenty of snow, so there are many opportunities for winter sports in particular.
You can read up on these facilities, as well as more information on living in Iwamizawa on the English version of the City website:
http://www.city.iwamizawa.hokkaido.jp
37 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 8. International Exchange in the General Affairs Section
International Exchange in the General Affairs section is located on the second floor of Iwamizawa City Hall. The International Exchange is responsible for sister-city relations and organising events to promote better relations between Japanese and foreign residents, amongst other things, as well as publishing this guide.
For more information on International Exchange in Iwamizawa, such as our sister-city relationship, see the website below:
International Exchange in the General Affairs Section[庶務課国際交流] (shomuka kokusai koryuu)
General Affairs Division 2nd floor, Iwamizawa City Hall Tel: 23-4111 ext. 315 (Japanese or English) Email: [email protected]
38 Living Guide to Iwamizawa ◎ Support for Foreigners
One of the International Exchange Section's major responsibilities is assisting foreigners living in Iwamizawa. This assistance can take a variety of forms, including:
◎ Japanese-English interpreting at the City Hall (to assist with city services) or local hospitals (in case of emergency) ◎ Translating certain official documents such as birth certificates or marriage registrations ◎ Current information about activities taking place in the area ◎ Information on the International Exchange societies in Iwamizawa
Please contact us if you have questions about these services, or any other queries. We will do our best to assist you directly or find someone who can.
39 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 9. List of nearby Consulates
Office Address and Website URL Phone No.
Consulate General of Kita 1-jo, Nishi 28-chome 3-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 011-641-11 the United States http://sapporo.usconsulate.gov 15
Consulate General of Minami 13-jo, Nishi 23-chome 5-1, Chuo-ku, 011-563-55 the People's Republic Sapporo 63 of China http://sapporo.china-consulate.org/jpn Consulate General of Kita 2-jo, Nishi 12-chome 1-4, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 011-218-02 Korea (Republic) http://jpn-sapporo.mofa.go.kr/worldlanguage/ 88
Consulate General of Minami 14-jo, Nishi 12-chome 2-5, Chuo-ku, 011-561-31 the Russian Federation Sapporo 71 http://www1.odn.ne.jp/ruscons_sapporo Australian Consulate 17th Floor, Sapporo Centre Building 011-242-43 Kita 5-jo, Nishi 6-chome 2, Chuo-ku 81 Sapporo http://www.australia.or.jp/en/consular/sapporo
There are also a number of Honorary Consulates which you can look up on the Hokkaido Government website:
http://www.pref.hokkaido.lg.jp/foreign/english.htm
40 Living Guide to Iwamizawa 10. About Iwamizawa
A city of beauty and tranquillity, Iwamizawa lies in the central part of Hokkaido, approximately an hour’s drive northeast of the island’s capital of Sapporo.
Previously, Iwamizawa was a centre for warehousing and distribution for the area’s abundant coal industry. However, when the mines closed as a result of shifting energy demands, Iwamizawa was forced to undergo a painful and prolonged change in its basic economic structure. Today, agriculture has become the main industry in the area, with emphasis on crops such as onions and other row crops in addition to the normal staple rice crop. This agricultural diversity, along with growth in the service and consumer goods sectors and the development of public and educational institutions has given stability to the regional economy.
It is said that Iwamizawa got its name from labourers constructing railroads in the area as far back as the 1880’s. As these labourers would often go to a nearby river to bathe and relax, they began to call the area Yuamisawa, or “The Bath-Taking River”. Over time, the pronunciation changed to “Iwamizawa,” but to this day the surrounding rivers remain important natural assets.
41 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
Iwamizawa has made the dream of “Making A New Home Town” a reality. Numerous parks, open areas, recreational facilities, traditional shrines and local festivals reflect the deeply rooted cultural values of the people and their commitment to and respect for the environment.
On March 27, 2006, the neighbouring communities of Kurisawa and Kita merged with the city of Iwamizawa. Until the 1890’s, both Kurisawa and Kita had been part of the village of Iwamizawa, but it is only now, over 100 years since their separation that these communities have once again joined to start a new chapter in Iwamizawa’s history.
In 1985, Iwamizawa signed a sister-city agreement with the U.S. city of Pocatello, Idaho. A second sister-city agreement was established by the town of Kurisawa with the U.S. city of Canby, Oregon in 1989. Due to the merging of the town of Kurisawa with Iwamizawa, the sister-city exchange is now administered by the city of Iwamizawa.
42 Living Guide to Iwamizawa Conversion tables & Size charts
だんせい えり I. Men’s Shirts, Collars 男性シャツ、襟サイズ
Centimeter(cm) 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43
Inch 14 14.5 15 15.5 16 16.5 17 17.5
だんせいくつ II. Men’s Shoes 男性靴
Japanese 24.5 25 25.5 26 26.5 27 27.5
US 7 7.5 8 8.5 9 9.5 10
UK 5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8 8.5
AU/NZ 6 6.5 － 7 7.5 8 8.5
Europe 40 40 41 42 43 44 44
じょせいふく III. Women’s Suits 女性服
Japanese 7 9 11 13 15 17 19
US 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
UK 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
AU/NZ 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Europe 36 38 40 42 44 46 48
じょせいくつ IV. Women’s Shoes 女性靴
Japanese 22 22.5 23 23.5 24 24.5 25
US 5 5.5 6 6.5 7 7.5 8
UK 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6.5
Europe 35 35 36 37 38 38 39
43 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
りょう V. Volume 量
liter US UK
(l) gallon gallon
1 0.2642 0.2200
3.7853 1 0.8324
4.5459 1.2010 1
なが VI. Length 長さ
centimeter meter Kilometer inch foot Yard mile
(cm) (m) (km)
1 0.01 - 0.3937 0.0328 0.0109 -
100 1 0.001 39.370 3.2808 1.0936 -
- 1,000 1 - 3,280.8 1,093.6 0.6214
2.5399 0.0254 - 1 0.0833 0.0277 -
30.479 0.3048 - 12 1 0.333 -
91.440 0.9144 - 36 3 1 -
- 1,609.3 1.6093 - 5,280 1,760 1
おも VII. Weight 重さ
kilogram Metric ton ounce pound U.S.ton
(kg) (t) (oz) (lb)
1 0.001 32.270 2.2046 0.0011
1,000 1 0.0353 - 1.1023
0.0283 - 1 0.0623 -
0.4536 - 16 1 -
907.2 0.9072 - 2,000 1
44 Living Guide to Iwamizawa
ひろ VIII. Area 広さ
1 acre = 4,840 yd² = 4,027 m² =1,224 tsubo (坪) 1 km² = 247 acres = 0.39 square miles 1 jo (畳-tatami mat) = 1.66 m² = 0.5 tsubo (坪) 1 jo is 91cm X 182 cm (for most buildings)
りょうり IX. Cooking 料理
1 US Tablespoon (T) = 14.79ml 1 Japanese T (大さじ) = 15 ml 1 Japanese teaspoon (小さじ)(t) = 5 ml 1 Japanese Cup = 200 ml 1 Australian Cup = 250 ml 1 US Cup = 236.6 ml = 16T 1 liter = 1.06 quart 1 pint = 2 cups = 16 fluid ounces = 1/2 quart ※ 1 Japanese cup for measuring rice is 180 ml
45 Iwamizawa Area Map Asagiri Park Mizuho Park Daiichi Elementary School Okayama Tennis Hokushin Elementary & Soccer field ES：大型電気店 / Electronics Store Kita5jo street School M M：スーパーマーケット / Supermarket Baseball Field Ikushunbetsu General Gym★1 Midori Junior M River Kita3jo street High School To Asahikawa
JR Iwamizawa To Sapporo Station Higashi Elementary High School for ★1. General Gym School Physically ●いわみざわゆらら Yurara健康ランド Handi-capped M Students M Toko Junior Rosai 4jo street M High School Hospital★2 ES Kobushi Ceramic Art Center★3 7jo street Tonebetsu River M ES M Police Station ★2. Rosai Hospital 警察署 The Ground Self-defense City HospitalIwamizawa Route12 M Force“Jieitai” Shrine ●
City Hall Meisei Junior High School Misono Elementary Agricultural High School School Nishi High School Hinode Elementary School Horse Race Track To Asahikawa Ayame Fureai Center Kouryo Junior High School Route234 M ★3. Kobushi Ceramic Art Center ●玉泉館跡地公園 Komazawa ★ High School University of Education Japanese Garden 11 ★12. Ayame Park Ayame Park★12 Higashi High School
Ryokuryo High School
Interchange
To Sapporo Douo Expressway Walking Center★10 Iwamizawa Service Area
Taisho Pond★9 Moyo Center Shibun Station Seien Junior Shibun High School Virgin Forest To Mikasa Elementary Tonebetu City Hall School Camp ground★8 Moyo district Haginoyama ●スキー場 Hokkaido Greenland Ski Field Skiing Ground Nara-cho Iwamizawa Park★7 Asahi-cho Maple Lodge★4 ★10. Walking 北海道グリーンランド Iwamizawa Kamishibun-cho Center Hokkaido Greenland Amusement Park Conservatory★5 Park ●Maple Elementary School ★4. Maple Lodge Local Museum and Amphitheater“ Kitaon” ★6 Moyo Center Rose Garden ★11. Japanese Garden
★9. Taisho Pond
★8. Camp ground ★7. Iwamizawa Park ★6. Local Museum and Amphitheater “ Kitaon” ★5. Conservatory Moyo Colosseum (next to Maple Lodge)
Iwamizawa
〒：郵便局 / Post Office ￥：銀行 / Bank Y：教会 / Church M：スーパー / Supermarket Center Map ：公園 / Park ：交番 / Police Box Ｈ：ホテル / Hotel
★1. JR Iwamizawa Station ★ To Sapporo JR Iwamizawa Station 1 To Asahikawa JR 岩見沢駅 Community Plaza, Bus Terminal★2 イベントホール赤レンガ コミュニティープラザ・バスターミナル Event Hall “Akarenga”★3 ■. １条通 1-Jo Street 岩見沢小 商工会議所■ Iwamizawa Chamber of Commerce Elementary ★ School■
& Industry 4 Higashi 3-chome ■ Tax Office★5 〒 丁目
￥ 3 税務署 ★2. Community Plaza, 東 〒 であえ～る Bus Center ￥ M Deaeeru” Department 通4 条 4-Jo Street Ｈ Store
￥ ■ Ｈ ■ Hotel “Sun Plaza” Heiankaku M Ｈ ホテル・サンプラザ Event Hall 平安閣 Y 生涯学習センター「いわなび」 Fire Lifelong Learning Centerr Station (「Iwanabi」) 消防署■
■ Ｈ NTT 中央小 ★ 3. Event Hall Chuo Elementary School Art Hall■ 絵画ホール ガーデンテラス Garden Terrace★6 7 条通 7-Jo Street
Sorachi General 空知総合振興局 Subprefectural Bureau ★ 12 Chuo-Dori
N Tonebetsu River ishi10-chome 利根別川 Y Culture Hall Minami Elementary School “Manamiiru”★13 ★4. Chamber of Commerce 中央通 丁目 City Hospital★17 まなみーる 南小 & Industry
10 岩見沢郵便局 市立病院 温水プール 西 Central Post Office 〒 国道 12 号 Route12 ■Indoor Swimming Pool★8
警察署 東利根別川 ■Emergency Medical Center★10 Police Station★9 Higashitonebetsu River 夜間急病センター・保健センター 駅前通 Route 234 Route 岩見沢神社
号 Iwamizawa Shrine★16■ 市役所 ★5.Tax Office Ekimae Dori Ekimae 234 Agricultural High School City Hall 農業高校 ★14 国道
Higashiyama Park 東山公園 スポーツ センター
Sports Center ■Tennis Court ★6.Garden Terrace 庭球場 Nishi High School 西高校 Athletics Stadium 陸上競技場 M 〒
Koryo Junior 図書館 ★8. Indoor Swimming Pool High School Library★19 ￥ ■ 光陵中
★17. City Hospital
University of Education★18
教育大学 ★9. Police Station
★18. University of Education ★14. Iwamizawa City Hall ★12. Sorachi General Subprefectural Bureau
★10. Emergency Medical ★16. Iwamizawa Shrine Center ★19. Library ★13. Culture Hall
*Make sure to put out your garbage by 8:30am on the morning of the collection
BURNABLES（pink colored bags） NON-BURNABLES (green colored bags)
ò any types of paper ò Metal type items (e.g., umbrellas, pots & pans) ò wood scraps ò chinaware (e.g., bowls & cups)
ò cloth & clothing (must be 100% cotton) ò children’s toys ò thread (including synthetic fibres) ò electronic devices (e.g., shavers & hairdryers) ò tree limbs (must be shorter than 1 metre, please tie the limbs together with string) ò Leather ò types of un-recyclable plastic (e.g., cling film) PAPER (transparent colored bags) ò food scraps (dry vegetables etc out to get rid of moisture before disposing) Place paper which have the Japanese recycling paper mark ò Plastics(e.g.,buckets & tupperware) below in clear (see-through) garbage plastic bags. ò Cardboard (flatten and tie the bundle) ò Milk carton (flatten and tie the bundle) ò Miscellaneous (e.g., small boxes, tissue box, shredded paper, pare bag, etc.)
PLASTICS (transparent bags) CANS AND BOTTLES (transparent bags)
Only place plastics which have the Japanese recycling plastic Separate cans and bottles in different bags as categorized mark below in clear (see-through) garbage plastic bags. below: ò food packets & candy/sweets wrappers ò aluminum cans (アルミ缶) ò plastic tubes (ketchup, toothpaste, etc) ò steel / tin cans （スチール缶） ò plastic bottles (shampoo, dish/washing-up liquid, etc) ò plastic bottles （ペットボトル） ò plastic shopping bags ò clear glass bottles （無色透明びん） ò plastic nets (for vegetables & fruit) ò brown glass bottles（茶色びん） ò Styrofoam/polystyrene ò ‘other’ glass bottles （その他） NOTE: Plastic bottles have their own separate category → Please rinse out any food remains in There are certain garbage stations in plastic items before disposing of them. If Recycling Plastic Mark Iwamizawa which have boxes labeled stains do not come off, please dispose of them for each category, and so check to see if in Burnable. there are any nearby. Please rinse out any cans or bottles before disposing of them, and remove any plastic labels and bottle lids and dispose them in Plastics.
HAZARDOUS WASTE (transparent bags) LARGE GARBAGE
ò Aerosol cans For large garbage items such as furniture, blankets, skiing ò Batteries (coin-shaped lithium ion batteries should be equipment, gas stoves, bicycles etc, there are “large garbage” covered in tape and be disposed as non-burnable) collections after calling the call center and making a ò Mercury-in-glass thermometer scheduled pick up. Again, check page 14 for further details. ò Lighter ò Fluorescent bulbs
Iwamizawa City Hall | Environmental Policy Division Tel: 23-4111 Ext no. regarding garbage: 213, 214 or 215 (Japanese speaking only)
Editors: Iwamizawa International Exchange Section, City Hall English Edition, 2017