1. TOP
2. Campus Life
3. Information for International Students
4. Daily Life(Electricity,Gas,Garbage Disposal,etc.)

Electricity

[When Using Electricity]

• In Japan, the voltage is 100 volts, with frequencies of 60 hertz in western Japan and 50 hertz in eastern Japan. In Hyogo Prefecture, the frequency is 60 hertz. Note that some electrical appliances may not work properly if they are designed for a different frequency.

• If you use too many electrical appliances at once, you may exceed the contracted amperage, causing the breaker to trip. In such cases, reduce the number of appliances in use, reset the breaker by turning the knob, and turn it back on.

[How to Pay Your Electricity Bill]

• Pay the amount shown on your bill at a bank, post office, or convenience store by the due date. Alternatively, you can arrange for automatic debit from your bank or post office account.

Gas

[When Using Gas]

● There are two types of domestic gas: city gas and propane gas, which vary by region. Using appliances incompatible with the gas type is dangerous, so ensure compatibility before use.

[How to Pay Your Gas Bill]

• Pay the amount indicated on your bill at a bank, post office, or convenience store by the due date. You can also opt for automatic deduction from your bank or post office account.

Water

[When Using Water]

• Contact the local water department to start using water services. If you experience issues such as no water supply or leaking pipes, contact the water department for assistance.

[How to Pay Your Water Bill]

• Pay your water bill at a bank, post office, or convenience store by the due date, or set up automatic deductions from your bank or post office account.

Garbage and Recycling

• Household garbage is collected by local governments. Rules for separating and disposing of garbage vary by area. Consult your neighbors or inquire at your local city, ward, or town office for information on collection points, days, and times.

[How to Separate Garbage]

• Some areas require separation of burnable and non-burnable garbage, while others may be separated further by material. For detailed guidelines, check with your local city office or neighbors.

[Disposing of Bulky Waste]

• Disposal methods for large items (e.g., furniture, appliances) vary by region. Some areas have specific collection days, while others require advance arrangement and payment of a collection fee. Contact your local office for instructions.

[Disposing of Unwanted Air Conditioners, TVs, Refrigerators, and Washing Machines]

• These items are not collected as bulky waste. Arrange recycling through the retailer where you purchased the item or a new retailer. A recycling fee and transportation cost will apply. If this is not possible, contact your local city office.

[Collection of Recyclable Items]

Items like newspapers, magazines, cans, and bottles may be collected separately. Rules vary by region, so consult your local city office or neighbors.

Cars

• To drive in Japan, you need a Japanese driver's license or an international license (valid for one year). After this period, you must either transfer your foreign license or obtain a Japanese license. Driving without a license is a punishable offense.

Bicycles

• Always use a registered bicycle. Riding abandoned or unregistered bicycles can lead to police questioning. Register your bicycle at the store of purchase or at the local police station.

• Bicycle Rules in Hyogo Prefecture:

Enrolling in bicycle liability insurance is mandatory. This insurance covers damages caused to others in bicycle accidents. Check if your current insurance includes this, and if not, choose a suitable policy.

Enrolling in bicycle liability insurance is mandatory. This insurance covers damages caused to others in bicycle accidents. Check if your current insurance includes this, and if not, choose a suitable policy.

For details, refer to: Hyogo Bicycle Ordinance.

Traffic Rules

• Pedestrians walk on the right, while vehicles drive on the left. Always use crosswalks and follow traffic signals. Look both ways before crossing.

For detailed rules: Hyogo Prefectural Police.

Postal Services

[Domestic Mail]

• Postcards and stamps are available at post offices or stores displaying the postal symbol "〒." Use 7-digit postal codes for accurate delivery.

[International Mail]

• Options include EMS (Express Mail Service), airmail, economy air (SAL), and seamail. Fees and restrictions depend on size and weight. For details: Japan Post Services.

Telephone

[International Calls]

• You can make international calls from mobile or public phones. For public phones, use those marked "International calls available." The calling format is: 010 + country code + recipient's phone number.

[Mobile Phones]

• Major providers include NTT Docomo, au, and Softbank. Plans vary by service and cost.

[Paying Mobile Phone Bills]

• Pay at banks, post offices, or convenience stores, or set up an automatic debit from your account.

Banking and Remittances

[Opening a Bank Account]

• Required documents include a seal and proof of identity (e.g., passport, residence card). Accounts may include features like ATMs and international remittance options.

[ATM Usage]

• ATMs support cash deposits, withdrawals, and transfers. Some machines offer instructions in foreign languages like English and Chinese.

[International Remittances]

• For details, refer to:

・Japan Post Bank Sumitomo
・Mitsui Banking Corporation

Cooling-Off Period

• Contracts signed through door-to-door sales can be canceled unconditionally within 8 days of signing under the "cooling-off period." For malicious solicitation, contracts can be canceled even after this period under the Consumer Contract Act.

• For assistance, contact the Hyogo Prefectural Consumer Life Science Center:
  TEL: 078-303-0999.