Settling-In Tips from
Staff at Crown Kobe

What is special or unique about your city?

Kobe is surrounded by sea shores and mountains. Downtown Kobe is only 500-600 meters wide between the foot of mountain and sea shore. This phenomenon produced the best sea port in Japan. Because of it, as soon as Japan opened up for foreign coountries in the end of Edo era, foreign people started to reside and create businesses in Kobe. The people in Kobe are very friendly to foreigners and love to speak with them Also, Kobe is in the area called Kansai, which includes Osaka, Kyoto, Nara etc., where many historical places have beautiful natural scenery. Compared to Tokyo, Kansai is more friendly and relax.

What are a newcomer's first impressions of your city?

Each city in Kansai is small enough to enjoy walking around. Transportation between cities is much easier than Tokyo.

Are these impressions likely to change?

You will not be disappointed with the life in Kobe and the longer you live here the more comfortable you will get.

What is the local language?

Japanese.

How easily could I live in this city without knowing this language?

There is little challenge for foreigners. Again people in Kobe are used to speaking with foreigners. And cities are filled with English directions, so after a couple of weeks you will be ready to enjoy the language challenge.

What are good things to remember in order to avoid offending the other residents of this city?

Learn Japanese politeness.

How might the local weather affect my daily life?

You can experience all seasons, from snow like Alps or Rocky Mountains to surfing like in Hawaii. In terms of climate condition, Japan is very unique and enjoys the best of all seasons.

Is there anything else I should know about the overall character of your city or its people?

Kobe/Osaka has less population than Tokyo, so people can easily relax and get comfortable with the area.

Useful Links

Kansai Window ; http://www.kansai.gr.jp/ Kansai Now ; http://www.kansainow.com/japanfactsheet.html Living Information ; http://www.ih-osaka.or.jp/enjoy/en/ Kobe City ; http://www.city.kobe.jp/index-e.html Kobe Chamber of Commerce & Industry ; http://www2.kobe-cci.or.jp/index_e.htm Hyogo Prefecture ; http://web.pref.hyogo.jp/english/index.html Osaka City ; http://www.city.osaka.jp/english/ Osaka Chamber of Commerce ; http://www.osaka.cci.or.jp/e/index.html Osaka Prefecture ; http://www.pref.osaka.jp/en/index.html Ashiya City ; http://www.city.ashiya.hyogo.jp/english/ Kyoto City ; http://www.city.kyoto.jp/koho/eng/ Kyoto City Intl Foundation ; http://www.kcif.or.jp/en/ Kyoto Prefecture ; http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/en/ Nara City ; http://www.city.nara.nara.jp/english/index.htm Nara Prefecture ; http://www.pref.nara.jp/english/index.html Hiroshima City ; http://www.city.hiroshima.jp/e/index-E.html Fukuoka City ; http://www.city.fukuoka.jp/index-e.html Kansai Now ; http://www.kansainow.com/japanfactsheet.html

 

As a foreign resident, what is my status in your country?

Every foreign resident must have a residence visa and also register as an alien with his or her local municipality

What kinds of visas are available?

Resident visas include the Working Visa for employed residents. These come in different categories -- such as "Specialist in Humanities" (for teachers, lawyers and other consultative occupations), "Business Manager" and other technology or scientific job related visas, as well as diplomatic visas. For family members, there are spouse and family visas. There are also student visas, entertainment visas and tourist visas. Depending where you are from, tourist visas are valid for one week to three months.

What is required to obtain these visas?

Work with Crown Kobe or an immigration attorney to obtain your visa. You will need documents such as diplomas, proof of employment, resumes, financial documents from the employer, etc. The visa process can be started at the Japanese Embassy or Consulate in the home country. Visitor visas can be changed to resident visas -- if proper documentation and circumstances exist.

Are spouses permitted and/or likely to find work?

Spouse work permits are possible, but these are limited by job qualifications and other factors. Many spouses do find unpaid opportunities with volunteer work and education. Foreign language tutoring is a popular option for some spouses as a part-time job. Spouse work permits generally only allow up to 28 hours of work per week, and the company must sponsor the employee.

What are the main forms of identification and how does a newcomer obtain them?

Visa in the passport, and an alien registration card. Once the visa is approved and issued to the transferee and family, her or she must then go to the local municipal office and apply for Alien Registration Card -- which must be carried at all times.

Are there any other important permits I must obtain, or places where I must register right away?

There are additional permits and licenses -- such as the driving license, bicycle license, pet permit, etc. These are not critical during the first weeks, however.

What items should I avoid bringing into the country?

Do not bring the usual banned items (weapons, illegal drugs and pornography). Also, certain drugs that are legally prescribed in other countries are not sold in Japan. Before moving to Japan, please check on the availability of prescription and even non-prescription drugs that are important to you and your family. Automobiles are also very difficult to import due to standards, etc.

Is there anything else I should know about entering and remaining in the country legally?

When flying in to Japan, please declare unaccompanied luggage (which includes your sea and air shipments). The airline will provide the necessary forms to fill out.

Useful Links

Immigration Information Center www.moj.go.jp/ENGLISH/IB/ib-18.html Customs ; http://www.customs.go.jp/index_e.htm Animal Quarantine Services ; http://www.maff-aqs.go.jp/english/index.htm Plant Protection Station ; http://www.pps.go.jp/english/index.html

 

What is the local currency?

The Japanese yen.

What denominations does it come in?

Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100, and 500 yen Bills: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, and 10,000 yen (Note: 2,000 yen note is not very common) Many vending machines accept notes as well as coins.

What is the best way to exchange currency?

Try airport and banks. Hotels tend to charge a higher fee.

What are commonly-used forms of payment for everyday purchases (such as groceries)?

Cash and credit cards are both used. However, small restaurants and shops often do not accept credit cards. In addition, paper checks are not used.

Will I be able to use my credit card around town? If not, list when I’ll need cash.

Always carry cash. You will use it for transportation, local shops and medical facilities. Department stores and some restaurants accept credit cards. It is recommend that upon moving to Japan, you apply for a Visa or American Express card from a Japanese bank.

By what method are bills (such as rent and utilities) paid?

Direct debit bank transfers are often used. Utility bills can also be paid at convenience stores such as 7-11 and Lawsons.

What are the requirements for opening a bank account? At what stage of the settling-in process should I open it?

For local banks, a home address is needed to open an account. Citibank is popular with foreigners for multiple currency accounts. Keep in mind that a working visa is required to open an account at Citibank.

Will foreign residents be able to find banking services in their native languages?

Yes. Citibank, UFJ Bank and Mitsui-Sumitomo all have English-speaking staff availability. However, not all branches of the Japanese banks will have an English speaker on staff.

Are there any restrictions on services for those who are new to your country?

There are no checking accounts.

What are typical banking hours?

9 a.m. to 5 p.m. After these hours, you can use ATM machines at convenience stores.

Are automatic teller machines (ATMs) available around the clock?

Not all bank ATMs are available 24 hours a day.

Is there any other money information that might help me?

Always carry cash in Japan.

Useful Links

Citibank www.citibank.co.jp/en/index.html Shinsei Bank www.shinseibank.com/english/index.html Currency conversion www.oanda.com/convert/classic

 

What are the top factors to keep in mind when searching for a place to live in your city?

Proximity to school or the school bus route is important to families. For all transferees, proximity to transportation is an issue. Certain neighborhoods have higher concentrations of foreigners, and thus shops and facilities catering to foreigners.

What are the most popular neighborhoods in your city for expats?

There are various area in terms of nature -- mountain, city, ocean, man-made island, quiet residential area. So all kind of people may find the neighborhoods similar to own home country.

Do expats tend to buy or rent their homes?

Renting a house will be much easier for a foreigner then to buy the property in Japan

Typically, will I be required to pay additional money up front (such as a deposit) before moving into leased housing? If so, how much is common?

Deposits equivalent to three to six months rent are common, and tenants also pay a commission to the real estate agent. This commission is generally equivalent to one month's rent.

Are utilities generally included in the price of rent, or are they extra?

Utility expenses are usually paid by a renter.

Are there special security concerns I should be aware of in regards to my home or choice of neighborhood?

Japan is a relatively safe country, but we suggest finding a house/apartment with 24 hours security.

I’m not sure if I should bring my appliances. What is the electric current, Hz and plug shape in your city?

100 Volt Alternating Current, 50 Hz cycle in Eastern Japan (Tokyo) -- and 60 Hz cycle in Western Japan (Kobe, Osaka area). Bringing large appliances is generally not a good idea, as the voltage may be different and many rental properties supply the necessary large appliances. Small appliances may not work correctly due to the difference in the current and/or the cycle. Some do work, others wear out quicker than they normally would and some may not perform as well as usual. It is a good idea to purchase hair dryers, vacuums cleaners, microwave ovens, etc. in Japan.

Do you have any other accommodation information that might help me?

Apartments and houses are usually renovated before the next tenant moves in. However, it is likely that you will be charged cleaning fee when you move-out if the owner finds wall/carpets/door stained/spotted/scratched. It is suggested that you check a house/apartment with the landlord when you move-in. Landlords do not provide curtains or drapes, and expect the tenant to remove them prior to vacating the premises.

Useful Links

Kobe Community House & Information Centre ; http://www.chickobe.com/welcome.htm Kobe Intl Center ; http://www.kicc.jp/e/index.html Nishinomiya Tourism Information ; http://www.nishi.or.jp/contents/00002954000401163.html

 

What types of schools do most expats in your city choose for their children?

Nearly all expats choose private international schools, as language barriers are too great at public schools.

What are some examples of these schools?

Canadian Academy Marist Brothers Intl School Osaka Intl School St Michael's Intl School Deutsche Schule Kobe Kansai Intl School Osaka YMCA Intl School Hiroshima Intl School Nagoya Intl School Fukuoka Intl School

Is there a lot of competition for spots in local schools?

no

Are pre-schools also widely available (for children approx. 2 to 5 years old)?

no

How are most kids transported to and from school?

school bus

When does the typical school year start and end?

Intl school - from the end of August to the begining/middle of June Local school - from Apr 1 to the end of March

Is there anything else I should know about local schools?

To attend Japanese public school, fluent Japanese would be required.

Useful Links

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology www.mext.go.jp/english/index.htm Canadian Academy ; http://www.canacad.ac.jp Marist Brothers Intl School ; http://www.marist.ac.jp/ Osaka Intl School ; http://www.senri.ed.jp/ Deutsche Schule Kobe ; http://www.dskobe.org/DSK/Topframe_01DE.htm Kansai Intl School ; http://www.kokusaigakuen.com/ Osaka YMCA Intl School ; http://www.oyis.org/index.htm St Michael's Intl School ; http:/www.smis.org/

 

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Crown Relocations has made every effort to present accurate information. However, regulations, rates and other variables are subject to change and Crown Relocations cannot accept responsibility for the errors that might result. Please contact your closest embassy or consulate for confirmation.