This section is designed to aid foreigners living in Kagoshima with their daily lives. It is updated regualrly to take into account changes in procedures, times and costs, but always check with the relevant facility to prevent errors.
The purchase of housing in Japan is relatively expensive, and most foreigners choose to rent accommodation, usually a flat or apartment. However, houses for sale can be found through the newspaper, real estate agents (fudosan gyosha), or by asking friends or colleagues for help.
In Japan, housing is classified according to the number and type of rooms .
For example: 3LDK
If you are thinking of renting a house or apartment, then be aware that you will have to pay a rather substantial amount for various deposits, charges and rent in advance in cash.
There are three major costs which you should be aware of:
As with any legal document, take your time reading the contract, and make sure you understand the stipulations. You may have to ask a Japanese friend for help. It is also advisable to check with your landlord before buying a pet or making any structural changes.
Japanese flats are usually unfurnished. You will have to buy all the furnishings, including cooking equipment, lighting appliances and curtains. In some cases you may have to buy a kitchen water heater, so you should be prepared for considerable expenses.
If you plan to move you should inform your landlord at least one month in advance to ensure prompt settlement of any outstanding debts or refunds. When you do move, make sure to do the following:
Neighbourhood associations are units of a neighbourhood area which serve as a liaison between local government and the citizens. They organize various recreational events and help to further co-operation between neighbours. Their activities include cultural and recreational events, recycling campaigns, charity fund raisers, sport festivals and so on. Becoming a member is optional, but it does give you an opportunity to get to know your neighbours. If you are interested in joining you can apply directly to the head of your neighbourhood association or ask one of your neighbours.
There are two types of banking services available in Kagoshima, available through banks or the post office. If you have a cash card, it is possible to use any bank's Automatic Teller Machine (ATM), but you cannot use any credit society's ATMs or the post office ATM.
Banking hours are from 9:00am until 3:00pm weekdays. Unlike other countries, ATMs are not open 24 hours a day, and the hours vary slightly from bank to bank. Generally speaking, ATMs are open:
Monday to Friday
9:00am to 7:00pm at the main branches
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays
9:00am to 5:00pm at the main branches
Weekdays and Saturdays
9:00am to 5:00pm at smaller branches
POST OFFICE HOURS
Chuo (Central) Post Office
Monday to Friday
Teller operations
9:00am to 6:00pm
Automatic teller machines
8:45am to 7:00pm
Saturday, Sunday, holidays
Automatic teller machines
9:00am to 5:00pm
Higashi (East) Post Office
Monday to Friday
Teller operations
9:00am to 4:00pm
Automatic teller machines
8:45am to 7:00pm
Saturday, Sunday, holidays
Automatic teller machines
9:00am to 5:00pm
Other Post Office Branches
Monday to Friday
Teller operations
9:00am to 4:00pm
Automatic teller machines
8:45am to 7:00pm
Saturday
Automatic teller machines
9:00am to 12:30pm
To open an account at a bank or the post office you need your seal or signature, your alien registration card and of course, some money (\1000 is usually the minimum). After filling out the necessary forms, you will be either be issued with, or will be allowed to choose your PIN (personal identification number). You will also receive a cash card and a bank book.
Note: If you do decide to use your seal, then you will have to use it for all other teller transactions.
You can get the money automatically withdrawn from your account for your NHK television, electricity, gas, water and telephone bills. Please ask a staff member at the bank or post office for details.
The use of credit cards is becoming more widespread, but they are still refused at many places. There are three places where you can use a credit card to get cash advances:
Traveller's cheques are not widely accepted throughout Kagoshima. You can exchange them where ever you see a sign indicating an authorized money exchange location. You may have trouble, if the cheques are not in American dollars or Japanese yen, so please check before signing the cheques.
Authorized money exchange banks offer three methods for sending money abroad:
Post offices offer two ways of sending money abroad, either sending cash directly using registered and insured mail, or a postal money transfer. Both methods charge less than banks, but the banks' exchange rates may be better.
Note: Your money may be subject to additional charges when it reaches your home country, depending upon the amount, so check before you send.
You can change money at hotels, travel agents, and anywhere you see a sign with Authorized Money Exchange written on it. Not all currencies are accepted.
The Postal Symbol in Japan is a small T-shaped symbol, similar to the Japanese katakana character for te. Mail boxes in Japan are red and generally the international mail and the domestic mail is divided. To tell the difference the international mail sign is written in red and domestic in blue. During the period leading up to the New Year, one of the slots may be changed to accept only New Year greeting cards, so please check.
Delivery post offices are open from 9:00am until 7:00pm on week days and 9:00am until 3:00pm on Saturdays. Non delivery offices are open from 9:00am until 7:00pm on weekdays , but are closed on Saturdays. All post offices are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
When sending domestic mail, addresses written in romaji will be understood, if written clearly.
International mail is classified by delivery speed, which depends on the country: Intel post (0-1 days), EMS (2-3 days), airmail (3-8 days), SAL mail (2-3 weeks) and surface mail (up to 3 months).
If a parcel or package which needs a signature or seal arrives while you are out, a notice of undelivered mail will be left in your mail box. The post office will keep the item for up to ten days. You have two options for obtaining the mail during this time:
You can have your mail forwarded for up to a year. You fill out a change of address form (tenkyo todoke) and submit it to the post office, and they will automatically redirect your mail to anywhere in Japan.
For further information about the post office services, there is an English guide book available at all the major post offices. It is called the POST OFFICE GUIDE.
Chuo P.O. near Nishi Kagoshima Station
252-4448
Higashi P.O. near the City Hall
222-6283
Minami P.O. in Taniyama
268-2042
Installing a telephone in Japan is expensive, because it actually involves paying for a telephone line. It is possible, however, when you leave to sell the line and get at least part of the money back. In order to apply for a line then you need identification and money to cover the installation fee, which depends on the type of phone services you require. Enquiries for NTT can be made on 0120-09-7116.
When you want to discontinue use of the telephone, call NTT on 116.
To make a domestic call you need an area code and the telephone number. For example: (area code) XXX and then (telephone number) XXX-XXXX. If you are within the city limits, then you don't need to dial the area code.
You will receive a monthly bill, consisting of a basic telephone charge, the cost of the calls and consumption tax. Besides NTT there are three other telephone companies, listed below, that offer discounts on local calls. If you wish to use their services, you simply have to register with them.
JT (Japan Telecom)
0120-008-882
DDI (Daini Den Den inc.)
0120-11-0077
TWJ (Teleway Japan Corporation)
0120-03-0070
There are discount periods for long distance calls, ask your telephone company for details.
There are two methods of payment, you can either:
Dial 106 to make a collect call. If you are using a pay telephone then you must put in 10 yen or a telephone card, which will be returned after the call. You then state your name, and the name and telephone number of the other person. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
You pick up the telephone receiver, insert 10 yen,100 yen or a telephone card to get a dial tone and dial the number. You don't need to dial the area code if it is a local call. Ten yen will last about three minutes for a local call. If no additional coins are inserted, the line will be cut off without warning. No change is given for partially used coins.
Telephone cards can be purchased at stations and bus terminals, department stores and from vending machines. They can be purchased in values of 500 yen (50 units) and 1000 yen (100 units). A digital display on each public telephone shows how much credit you have left.
Using a KDD international telephone card, you can make international calls from all push button telephones. NTT telephone cards may only be used to make international phone calls from designated international public telephones.
To make an international call from your home telephone, you will have to register with an international telephone company. There are a number of telephone companies that you can use. The three main companies are KDD ( 001), IDC (0061) and ITJ(0041). All dialling charges are calculated in 6 second units and the prices vary slightly between the three companies. You can make direct international calls by dialling the prefix and the number you wish to call.
KDD (Kokusai Denshin Denwa)
International Operator
0051
International Direct Dial
0056
IDC (International Digital Communications)
0120-030061
ITJ (International Telecom Japan)
0120-440041
Operator assisted calls are offered through KDD only. The service includes person to person calls, station to station and collect calls. Simply dial 0051 and tell the operator the number and name of the person who you want to call. This is a costly service.
Your monthly bill will list the date, time, country, telephone number and the length of the call. The domestic and international telephone bills are sent separately, but can be paid in the same way.
Domestic telegrams can be sent by dialling (115. Just tell the operator your telephone number, the recipient's name, address and the message. International telegrams can be sent by calling KDD (03-3344-5151) toll free. Urgent messages are sent as regular telegrams, with a base rate and additional charges for each word. The cost will be added to your monthly telephone bill.
When you move in to an apartment, the electricity will have been turned off at a circuit switch. To receive the flow of electricity, you simply flip the switch, fill out the accompanying post card and send it to Kyushu Denryoku. If, after doing this, the electricity fails to switch on, then contact the power company.
Kyushu Denryoku
1-55-15 Kamoike
telephone: 253-1111
Call Kyushu Denryoku as soon as you have fixed a moving date. Payment of the amount due and any transfer arrangements have to be made before you move. When you call, state your customer number, which should be printed on your bill or receipt.
Electricity meters are read on a monthly basis and a notice slip informing you of the amount of power you used is left in your mail box. The bill is made up of a minimum basic fee plus an additional use charge for any electricity used exceeding the basic allowance.
You can pay
If there is a sudden power failure in your whole house, first check if it is just your home or the whole neighbourhood. If it is
There are two types of gas for household use, general household gas (hereafter referred to as gas) and LP gas. If you have a gas tank outside your home's kitchen area, it is likely you are being supplied with LP gas. Most apartments and flats do not use LP gas. Please check this before you buy household appliances such as stoves and ovens, as some can only operate on a certain type of gas.
When you want to start using gas, contact the Nihon Gas Company. A service man will switch on the gas and check the gas outlets and the appliances which are being used.
Nihon Gas
Chuo-cho 8-2
255-1181.
Nihon Gas requires notification at least five days in advance of discontinuation. You will have to mention your name, present and future address, your customer number and the date of the move. A gas man will be sent on that day to turn the gas off.
Gas meters are read monthly and a notice slip of the amount used is put in your letter box. Gas rates consist of a basic rate plus the rate for the amount used.
You can pay
If you smell gas (which is scented for this purpose) or the alarm goes off, please do the following:
If the gas doesn't come on at all, contact Nihon Gas.
If you use LP gas then contact the Prefecture LP Gas company Association or an LP gas company.
Prefecture LP Gas Association
5-6 Kamoike Shinmachi
telephone:250-2532
To make a water connection, you may either contact the waterworks and tell them when you want to start using water and your user number, or send to the waterworks the postcard attached to your tap, filled in with your details.
Please give five days notice prior to moving.
The water meter is read bimonthly and are you are billed accordingly. Sewerage charges are calculated in proportion to the amount of water used, and the charges are included in your water bill.
You can pay
If you have any enquiries or problems with blocked drains or out of order sewer pipes please contact the waterworks.
Kagoshima Waterworks Bureau
1-10 Kamoike Shinmachi
telephone:257-7111
It is important to be aware of the methods for disposing and collecting rubbish in Japan. There should be a sign close to where you live or in your apartment building indicating where you should put your rubbish. You should put your rubbish out on the designated day before 8:00am. For exact collection days, it would be best to ask your neighbour.
Collectible rubbish falls in four categories:
Sanitation Bureau
telephone:238-0201
Waste Management Department
telephone:224-1111
Southern Incineration Plant
telephone:261-5588
Living next to a volcano has its plusses and minuses and unfortunately on the minus side Kagoshima City, due to the wind direction, is regularly showered with volcanic ash from Sakurajima during summer. In Winter, however, the winds reverse directions and blow towards the Osumi peninsula. The amount of ash varies from year to year.
Ash is generally not in itself harmful, and is said to be very good for plants. In large amounts though it can cause some hassles - keep your home ash free.
After the city has been showered with ash, it is necessary to clean up, and for this, a system has been devised by the Road Repair Division of City Hall.
Every household is responsible for the area surrounding their home. Please sweep up the accumulated ash as often as possible.
| Machinery | Ash is bad for moving parts of machinery. If you have anything outside like a washing machine or bike, try to cover it if possible, or you may run the risk of grinding important bits and pieces into even smaller bits and pieces |
| Contact Lenses | Ash and contact lenses are a painful combination. I can't speak from experience myself, but from the tears running down friends faces I gather it is not a pleasant experience getting ash caught between your contact lens and the surface of your eyeball. If you have glasses wear them. |
| Washing | Hang your washing inside unless you enjoy coming home to find all your clothing has become a uniform shade of grey. You can avoid mistakes like this by watching the morning weather forecast which will give you the wind direction on that day. If it is coming toward the city, put off your washing for a day. |
| Driving | Ash (and particularly ash and water) is an unexpectedly slippery combination. Keep this in mind when driving or riding your bike. |
| Ash invasions | Ash will get into your house no matter what you do. Your air conditioner will filter out a lot, but ash manages to get in through closed windows anyway. Dust and vacuum often. |
| Health | In rare cases ash has been know to cause allergic reactions. If you think you are experiencing ash realted health problems, consult a doctor, or one of the health centres listed below for a free consultation |
Chuo Health Centre
2-25-1-11 Kamoike
telephone: 258 2321
(consultations on first, second and third Mondays in the month)
Yamashita Health Centre
10-5 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 224 1111
(consultations on first, third and fourth Tuesdays)
Taniyama Health Centre
5-26-7 Taniyama Chuo-cho
telephone: 268 2315
(consultations on first and third Thursdays)
To dispose of the ash after sweeping up, you are requested to put it in bright yellow plastic bags. If you have no ash plastic bags, then an ordinary shopping bag is fine. Ash is collected regularly at designated ash collection depots, which are recognisable by the sign below:
There are six TV stations in Kagoshima: two NHK (Nippon Hoso Kyokai) public television channels and four commercial channels.
NHK (general)Channel 3
NHK (educational)Channel 5
MBC Channel 1
KKB Channel 32
KTS Channel 38
KYT Channel 30
In order to receive satellite broadcasting, offered by NHK, you need a satellite tuner and antenna. Contact NHK for details at
Nippon Hoso Kyokai
19-20 Tenpozan- cho
telephone: 259 4111
As there are no commercials on NHK, television owners are required to pay a television fee to pay for programming. This bi-monthly fee is 2740 yen or 4580 yen if you also receive NHK satellite broadcasts, and is collected door to door.
NHK broadcasts news programmes in English and Japanese at 7:00pm and 9:00pm weeknightly, and at 7:00pm on weekends. Unfortunately, you can only receive them if your television or video player can broadcast both languages. There are also several seasonal shows and movies that are broadcast bilingually. You will see a message on the corner of the screen at the beginning of each bilingual program to inform you that it is being broadcast in two languages.
There are six major radio stations in Kagoshima City. They are all broadcast in Japanese:
NHK- Dai ichi, general 576 KHz
NHK - Dai ni, educational 1386 KHz
MBC 1107 KHz
NHK - FM 86.5 MHz
FM Kagoshima 79.8 MHz
Friends FM 76.2 MHz
There are four English newspapers published in Japan all of which are available in Kagoshima City. They can be readily bought at Nishi Kagoshima Train Station and major hotels.
If you would like to subscribe to any of the above, contact the respective newspaper agency.
Four newsletters are published in Kagoshima for the English speaking community, providing information related to daily life and events in Kagoshima city and prefecture. They are available free of charge.
A municipal newsletter concentrating on city events and activities. It is published four
times a year (January, April, July, October) by the Kagoshima International Citizens' Society (K.I.C.S.) and is available at their office in City Hall, the alien registration counter, the International Exchange Plaza and Update Centre, and other locations throughout the city that are frequented by foreigners.
A monthly newsletter of events in the city and prefecture. Available free of charge on the ground floor of Kagoshima Chamber of Commerce and Industry building (I'M Biru). If you are interested in receiving this newsletter by mail, there is a \1000 annual postage charge payable at the Update Centre.
A bilingual (Japanese/English) newsletter detailing local exchange events and information of interest to resident foreigners. It is published four times a year (March, June, September, December).
A biannual English newsletter published in March and September, aimed at promoting Kagoshima abroad.
Both South Wing and Wink are published by Kagoshima International Exchange Association.
There are five city bus companies in Kagoshima City: JR, Kagoshima Kotsu, Hayashida, Nangoku and Shiei (City managed). Using the bus system can be very confusing at first, but once you have figured it out, transportation is very convenient. Not all busses have numbers, rather, the route is written on the front and the side of the bus. Each stop is announced as the bus approaches it.
The minimum bus fare within city limits is 180 yen. For children's fares, see the table below. Each fare is rounded up to the nearest 10 yen.
Legend number Category and Fare
Coupon tickets (kaisuken) can be bought from the driver, department stores or at bus centres. If you have any questions then please contact one of the below:
Kagoshima City Transportation Bureau
257-2111
Kagoshima Kotsu Transport Co. Ltd.
223-1110
Hayashida Sangyo Kotsu
223-1122
Nangoku Kotsu Transport Co. Ltd.
255-2141
JR Kyushu Bus
247-2056
If you are worried or confused about which bus to catch, don't hesitate to ask a nearby person. Kagoshima people are renowned for their friendliness.
There are twelve different companies which operate expressway busses from Kagoshima to various locations throughout Japan.
Kagoshima is one of five cities left in Japan which still run trams on public roads. There are two lines in operation, the Korimoto line and the Taniyama line. Line one, which has a blue sign, runs from Kagoshima Station to Taniyama. Line two, or the red line, runs from Kagoshima Station via Nishi Kagoshima to Korimoto.
There is a flat rate of 160 yen, no matter how long or how far you ride on the one tram. You may purchase a one day unlimited pass for 600 yen, which you can also use for the City View bus and all city run busses. You can buy coupon tickets for the trams which can also be used for city run busses. There are also monthly and quarterly tram passes, which work out to be economical if you intend to use the tram regularly. You pay as you leave the tram. You can get change from the change making machine, near the driver at the front of the tram.
Note: The trams start at 6:00am and finish relatively early at 10:30pm.
For more information, contact the Kotsukyoku.
Kotsukyoku (Transport Department)
Korai-cho 43-41
telephone: 257-2111.
There are eleven JR train stations around Kagoshima City. The main one is Nishi Kagoshima Station which provides connections to the rest of Japan. The station has just been redone in preparation for the expansion of Kagoshima and for the Bullet train, which is being planned to come through in the next ten years.
Nishi Kagoshima Information Centre
256-1585
Nishi Kagoshima Booking Window
255-1616
Taxis are plentiful in Kagoshima and fairly reasonably priced. The flagfall is 560 yen, with the fares rising 20 percent between the hours of 10:00pm and 5:00am. Please be aware that most taxi drivers don't speak English, so it is advisable to have your destination written down in Japanese if you do not speak much Japanese.
There are three ways to hail a taxi in Japan:
Note: Any taxi with the red Chinese characters for kusha appearing on the left hand side of the wind screen is vacant. A green light or green sign means that the car is occupied. Most foreign passengers are not used to the doors opening and closing automatically, so please be careful when getting in or out of a taxi. Tipping is not customary in Japan.
The other major form of transport in Kagoshima is the ferry. There are two types of ferry- the regular ferry, and the toppy, which is a faster version. There are several different companies leaving from Kagoshima for various destinations. As the destination times and prices change seasonally, it is best if you find out for yourself by contacting the ferry company directly.
Sakurajima ferries run every fifteen minutes throughout the day, every half an hour between 8:30pm and 10:00pm and on the hour between 10:00pm and 5:30am.
Kagoshima Prefectural Ferry Kyokai
telephone: 222-2352
Blue Highway Line Co., Ltd.
(Kagoshima-Osaka, Shibushi-Osaka)
telephone: 222-4511
Oshima Transportation Co., Ltd.
(Kagoshima-Oshima-Okinawa)
telephone: 224-2111
Amami Kaiun
(Kagoshima-Kikai-Oshima-Okinoerabu)
telephone: 224-2126
Orita Kisen
(Kagoshima-Yakushima)
telephone: 226-0731
Nankai Yusen
(Kagoshima-Tarumizu)
telephone: 254-8880
Toshima Mura
(Kagoshima-Toshima-Oshima)
telephone: 222-2101
Mishima-Mura
(Kagoshima-Mishima)
telephone: 222-3141
Sakurajima Town Enterprise Section
(Kagoshima-Sakurajima)
Telephone: 293-2525
Marix Line
(Kagoshima-Oshima-Okinawa)
telephone: 226-2121
Ryukyu Kaiun
(Kagoshima-Okinawa)
telephone: 226-1652
Kagoshima Shosen
(Kagoshima-Yakushima-Tanegashima)
telephone: 256-7771
Kyushu Shosen
(Kagoshima-Tanegashima)
telephone: 222-8271
Sanwa Shosen
(Nagashima-Amakusa)
telephone: 0996-73-2103
Tencho Ferry
(Nagashima-Amakusa)
telephone: 0996-86-0775
Nangoku Kotsu Kaiun-bu
(Akune-Akune Oshima)
telephone: 0996-72-0028
Jet Foil Booking Agency
telephone: 255-7888
Kagoshima Airport is located about 50 minutes' drive away in Mizobe-cho. There are both domestic and international terminals, which provide convenient access to destinations within the country and overseas, with six airline companies servicing Kagoshima Airport.
For specific flight details and reservations, consult a travel agency.
Kagoshima Airport
822 Mizobe-cho Fumoto
telephone: 0995-58-2113
There are two bus services which operate between the airport and Kagoshima City, the airport limousine and a bus provided by Nangoku Kotsu. The airport bus and limousine both stop at Nishi Kagoshima Train Station, Tenmonkan, in front of Kagoshima City Hall and at Yoshino, leaving at ten minute intervals. It takes about 50 minutes to get to the airport, and tickets can be bought either at the bus terminal or on the bus. The fare one way is 1200 yen for an adult and 600 yen for a child.
Airport Limousine
226-2151
Nangoku Kotsu Airport Limousine
255-2141
The Japanese education system consists of six years of primary school, three years of junior high school and three years of high school. The first nine years of schooling are compulsory. There are two options for tertiary education: junior college and university. Preschool education is provided by nurseries and kindergartens.
There are three terms to a school year: summer, winter and spring, which are each followed by a vacation period. The school year begins in April and ends in March of the following year.
There are no international schools in Kagoshima City, however foreign children may enroll in a Japanese language course offered through Meizan Primary School.
Meizan Primary School
6-43 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 224-7126.
To be admitted to any of Kagoshima's schools, one must have valid Alien Registration.
Nursery schools take care of young children while their parents or guardians are working. Kindergartens offer three, two and one year programmes, which meet the needs of three, four and five year old children respectively. Enrollment depends on what kind of course the parents wish to enter the child. In order to enroll, the child must have reached the appropriate age for the course being entered into by April 1 of the entrance year.
In order to enter elementary school, the child has to be six years or older as at April 1 of the entrance year.
To be able to enter into junior high school, the child must have graduated from a primary school. Similarly, in order to enter high school, the child must have graduated from a junior high school and must pass an entrance examination.
In order enter university or college, the student must have graduated from high school and must have passed an entrance examination.
There are several schools for the physically and mentally impaired, with enrollment into each depending on the degree of disability. For more information, contact the City Board of Education.
Many adult education courses are offered at community centres throughout Kagoshima. Contact the City Board of Education for specific details.
In addition to the above, there are special training schools and miscellaneous schools. Both offer training in specialized fields, skills and professions.
For more information about education or enrolling in school, or schools in your area, call the City Board of Education.
City Board of Education
6-1 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 227-1941
English is spoken.
Medical treatment is available at both public hospitals and private clinics. With the exception of dental care, consultations function on a first come first serve basis, but there are exceptions, so please check with your clinic before arrival.
Consultation hours are generally from 9:00am to 12:00p.m. and 2:00pm to 5:00pm, Monday to Saturday, but vary between hospitals. Medical care is very expensive in Japan, so please make sure you arrange health insurance coverage as soon as possible.
Don't hesitate to ask questions. The Japanese doctors may not be used to being asked questions, but it is your body and health, so it is your right to ask questions if you want to.
Note: This whole procedure may take two or three hours, especially if it is your first visit.
Holidays and weekend treatment
Medical: Holiday and Weekend Clinic (8 clinics)
Treatment Hours 9:00am to 6:00pm
Medical Care Telephone Information Tape
Dental: Holiday and Weekend Clinic
Prefecture Dental Centre
Treatment Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm
telephone: 223-0378
Internal Medicine, Paediatrics
City Evening Emergency Clinic
telephone: 225-1499
weekdays 7:00pm to 7:00am
weekends 6:00pm to 7:00am
External Medicine and Obstetrics Roster Clinics
Treatment Hours: 6:00pm to 8:00am daily
Recorded Message Service
City Dental Roster Clinic
Treatment Hours: 6:00pm to 11:00pm daily
Recorded Message 222-0574
Public health centres are set up by the city government to improve and promote public hygiene. They provide various medical check ups for adults and mother and child health care programmes. Some of the services are listed below, but for more information please call the health centre closest to you.
Chuo Health Centre
25-1-11 Ni-chome, Kamoike.
telephone: 258-2321
Yamashita Health Centre
10-5 Yamashita- cho (in front of City Hall)
telephone: 224-1111
Taniyama Health Centre
Taniyama Chuo-cho 5-26-7
telephone: 268-2315
Japan has one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, with the concern for the welfare of the expecting mother and the new born given great priority. Various services are offered and a hand book is provided for the expecting mother to keep track of health matters.
Note: In order to receive full benefits, you must be registered as a foreign resident with City Hall.
If you become pregnant while you are in Japan, notify your local public health centre to take advantage of the various medical services offered. You will receive:
You will also be able to take advantage of the following services:
For more details contact the public health centre near you.
You are required to register the baby's birth within 14 days at the Citizens' Registration Division of City Hall.
Please bring the following:
If the baby is going to stay in Japan for longer than sixty days, he or she must be registered as a foreign resident. Also remember to register you baby with your embassy.
For those who wish to be vaccinated, the following inoculations are available at the locations listed free of charge.
Chuo Health Centre
2-25-1-11 Kamoike
telephone: 258-2321 extensions 121, 122, 123
Child birth expenses will be partly covered by your health insurance. Contact either your place of employment (if insured through it), or the National Health Insurance Division of City Hall when you register the birth.
There are three categories of health insurance in Japan, with eight separate health insurance systems in Japan. They can then be divided into three categories.
The National Health Insurance System is set up to provide benefits for those who have fallen ill or been involved in an accident, provided that Insurance fees have been paid.
For those living within Kagoshima City who are not registered in an employees' Health Insurance Plan or a private life insurance plan, National Health Insurance is compulsory. Contact the National Health Insurance Division of Kagoshima City Hall.
National Health Insurance Division of Kagoshima City Hall
11-1 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 224-1111
If you fall in to either category 1 or 2 above, you employer will provide the appropriate enrollment form and deduct the monthly payments. If you are not eligible for either of the two categories, then you can apply to the National Health Insurance at the National Insurance Division of City Hall.
Regardless of which system you are registered with, you will receive a health insurance card, which you must present at the admissions desk of the clinic you attend in order to receive benefits. It is advisable to carry the card with you at all times, in case of an emergency.
Category one and two cover 80 percent of the medical costs for the principal member, whether treated as an out patient or hospitalized. If other family members are hospitalized, 80% of the medical costs are covered and 70 percent if treated as an out patient. The National Health Insurance system covers members and their dependents for 70 percent. There are some exceptions where the coverage is higher. For further details contact the National Health Insurance Division of City Hall for details.
Whether you may own a pet or not firstly depends on your lease and housing situation. It is a good idea to check with your real estate firm first.
It is not necessary to register cats, but all dogs must be registered with the city. Dogs must also be vaccinated against rabies. You can register your dog at a veterinarian clinic at any time of the year or during the period of April to June at the public health centres around the city. Before buying a dangerous pet, such as a snake or a monkey, you must obtain permission from the public sanitation section at the Central Health Centre.
Chuo Health Centre
2-25-1-11 Kamoike
telephone: 258-2321
Animal Control Office
4420-2 Tagami-cho
telephone: 264-1237
If your dog bites someone or you are bitten, report it to the Animal Control Centre immediately. Have the dog examined for rabies by a veterinarian. Please take extra care during the mating season. If you have a problem with a stray dog, report it to the Animal Control Centre.
If you lose something, go to the nearest police box or station and notify a police officer. If you think you have lost something in a bus, train, tram or department store then you should contact the respective company as soon as possible. The law also requires that a cash reward is given to the finder, it is usually 5 percent to 20 percent of the value of the item returned.
If you find something, take it to the nearest police box or station. If you find something while shopping or using public transport, take it to the nearest clerk. In both cases make sure you get some proof of finding.
The Kagoshima Central Police Station offers information regarding road rules and help with daily lifestyle questions. An English service is available.
Kagoshima Central Police Station
17-26 Shinyashiki-cho
telephone: 222-0110 extension 235
At the Kagoshima Legal Affairs Bureau there is an area provided to help with citizens' legal questions. If you are having any general legal difficulties or have been subjected to an invasion of your civil rights, you can contact them. English interpreters are available.
Kagoshima Legal Affairs Bureau
1-2 Kamoike Shinmachi
telephone: 259-0680
One of Japan's most active volcanoes, Mt. Sakurajima, is located just four kilometres from the city. Living on an active volcano may not alarm you, but an eruption is something you should be prepared for, just in case. In recent years, Mt. Sakurajima's activity has taken the form of showering the city with huge amounts of ash. The last major eruption was in 1914, when the Osumi peninsula was joined to Mt. Sakurajima island by the lava flows. While there is no present danger, it is a good idea to know what to do in case a major eruption takes place. If Mt. Sakurajima does erupt you will hear sirens and bells to alert the public. Turn on your television or radio to get more detailed information.
This is the procedure you should follow:
For people who live on Sakurajima: Do all of the above and then board an evacuation boat.
Kagoshima is located in a place prone to typhoons. The typhoon season occurs between June and September, with August and September being particularly prone to typhoon action. If there is a typhoon approaching, please listen to the weather forecasts and be careful if you have to go out.
If a Typhoon comes...
Television reports will show charts like the one to the right. The current position of the typhoon is the lowest circle marked with an "X". The next circle northwards is the predicted position of the typhoon center in 12 hours time. The outer circle represents the extent of strong wind influence, while the inner circle shows the area covered by extremely high winds. The position of the typhoon in 12 hourly intervals are indicated by the addition of further circles. Usually only 12 or 24 hour predictions are given.
City Hall Disaster Prevention and Measures Division
11-1 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 224-1111
Earthquakes are very common in Japan, but they are reasonably rare in Kagoshima.
Just in case....
City Hall Disaster Prevention and Measures Division
11-1 Yamashita-cho
telephone: 224-1111
If an earthquake happens...
Most of the Kagoshima's rain falls between the months of June and July. The characteristic heat and humidity causes food to rot and encourages mould growth, especially on bedding, clothes and shoes. The rainy season in itself is not a natural disaster, but there is the danger of flooding, landslides and other side effects. Due to large amounts of rain, it is quite common for public transport to be either delayed or stopped. Please allow extra time to get places.
How to cope.....
Necessary
water, tinned food, instant noodles , a torch, first aid kit,
a copy of your pass port and your alien registration card, can opener, candles and a radio.
Good to have
10 yen coins- the telephones only accept 10 yen or 100 yen coins, clothing and change of underwear.
Money and/or bankbook and seal, disinfectant
CATHOLIC
PROTESTANT