Contents Foreword ............................................................................................................................... 1 A Message from the Editors .............................................................................................. 1 Random Facts and Advice ................................................................................................. 2 Hiroshima AJET ................................................................................................................ 5 National AJET ................................................................................................................... 6 The Jet Programme .............................................................................................................. 8 Hiroshima JETs ................................................................................................................. 8 Education in Japan ............................................................................................................ 9 Putting it into Practice ...................................................................................................... 10 Counseling, PAs, Block Leaders ...................................................................................... 11 Health ................................................................................................................................. 14 Sex .................................................................................................................................. 14 Women’s Health .............................................................................................................. 16 Doctors and Clinics.......................................................................................................... 20 Medical Issues and Insurance ......................................................................................... 23 Life in Hiroshima-Ken .......................................................................................................... 26 Monthly Expenses ........................................................................................................... 26 Finances .......................................................................................................................... 27 Taxes .............................................................................................................................. 32 Utilities ............................................................................................................................. 33 Mobile Phones ................................................................................................................. 34 Trash and Recycling ........................................................................................................ 35 Postal Services ................................................................................................................ 36 Mass Media ..................................................................................................................... 38 Internet ............................................................................................................................ 40 Public Transportation ....................................................................................................... 41 Driving ............................................................................................................................. 48 Owning a Car .................................................................................................................. 53 Getting a Scooter License ............................................................................................... 54 Travel Outside Japan ...................................................................................................... 59 Resident’s Cards and Re-entry Permits ........................................................................... 60 Household Issues ............................................................................................................ 61 Food and Restaurants ..................................................................................................... 65 Churches ......................................................................................................................... 71 Recreation .......................................................................................................................... 74 Festival Guide ................................................................................................................. 74 Places to Visit in the Prefecture ....................................................................................... 76 Onsen (Hot Springs) ........................................................................................................ 84 References ......................................................................................................................... 87 Sample Self-Introduction ................................................................................................. 87 Glossary of Useful Terms ................................................................................................ 88 Japanese Study Tools ..................................................................................................... 93 Japanese Language Tests .............................................................................................. 95 Useful Websites .............................................................................................................. 96 Useful Phone Numbers ................................................................................................... 99 Emergency Phone Numbers .......................................................................................... 100 FOREWORD Foreword A Message from the Editors Dear 2017 / 2018 Hiroshima JET Participants, Welcome to Hiroshima! Thanks for taking the time to read this guidebook for Hiroshima JETs. The information in this book represents the collective knowledge of generations of past JET participants. It is our hope that this perpetually updated tome will answer almost any question you may have during your stay in Hiroshima Prefecture and in Japan. The first part of the guidebook provides general information about life in Japan. Outside of a few region-specific items, most of the information here applies to the country as a whole. Any questions you may have about daily life, such as banking or hospital visits, are covered here. The second part of the guidebook dives into the nitty-gritty details of the major cities in Hiroshima Prefecture. From the island of Miyajima and the famous sake breweries in Saijō to the hidden gems tucked away in the most unexpected of places, come here to get the dirt straight from the people who live and work there. Although we tried to include as much as humanly possible in this guidebook, we have trimmed it down substantially compared to previous volumes and kept just the information that would be absolutely helpful to you. This is because there are vast resources to be found in your fellow JETs and your advisors, a great deal can be learned by using online resources, and it simply makes for an easier read. To the best of our knowledge, all information was accurate at the time of writing, but due to the reality of printed material, some of it may be out of date by the time you read this. Please refer to the Hiroshima Prefecture online magazine (The Wide Island View), Facebook pages such as “Hiroshima AJET,” and the seemingly randomly generated PA newsletters for more up-to-date information on events in and news about the prefecture. This guidebook answers many questions that a first-year JET may encounter, but even second- and third-year JETs may discover something new. Please keep this book in a safe place and refer to it as well as to your General Information Handbook when necessary. We wish you all the best in the coming year! 1 FOREWORD The 2017 / 2018 Hiroshima Prefectural JET Orientation Committee: Etsuko Matsuoka, Mitchell Plummer, Hiroshima Prefecture International Affairs Division Staff ALT / Fukuyama Block Leader Daniel Mackey, Ellie Murphy, CIR / PA ALT / Interim Fukuyama Block Leader Mark Walters, Meghan Gallaspy, ALT / PA ALT / Onomichi-Mihara Block Leader Kelsey Laszlo, Stuart Parsons, ALT / Hiroshima Block Leader ALT / Kure Block Leader Tara Yamashiro, Randall Yamaoka, ALT / HOT Block Leader ALT / Northern Kingdom Block Leader Special Thanks: to all previous Hiroshima Prefectural JET Orientation Committees Random Facts and Advice What is most obvious is often the first to be overlooked. The following is a collection of facts and advice from countless JETs who have lived and learned how to thrive in Hiroshima. Although you will often hear the phrase “every situation is different” (ESID) in Japan while on the JET Programme, you will find that some things are universal. Starting Off on the Right Foot Fact: As much as 65% of communication is non-verbal. This is comforting if you are less than fluent in Japanese. Body language and gestures can go a long way in helping you making yourself understood. Just remember that this works for negative body language as well. People will understand if you are in a bad mood whether you say anything or not. You will often be watched, and people will use your actions as a gauge to determine how to approach