KYOTO CITY INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

Ⅱ Starting a New Life

3. Accommodation

3-1 Finding a Residence

You can search for accommodation on the Community Houses’ website, “HOUSE navi http://house.kcif.or.jp”

Kyoto City International Foundation, Information & Programming Section (752-3511

＊You can find accommodation by consulting a real estate agent in the area of your choice. The introduction and viewing of a property is a free, no obligation service. If possible, have a Japanese person accompany you when you go.

◆Real Estate with Foreign Language Service

Real Estate		Language	Address	TEL
Elitz		English	329 Imadegawacho, Karasuma-Imadegawa Agaru, Kamigyo-ku	417-5551
Kyoto Jutaku Center Gakusei Jutaku	Kyodai Seimon Mae (Front of Kyoto U. Main Gate)	English Korean	3-8 Yoshida-Uhinomiya-cho, Sakyo-ku	751-1555
	Karasuma	English	322 Imadegawacho, Imadegawa-dori, Muromachi-higashiiru, Kamigyo-ku	415-1088
Bau	Saiin	English	41 Tatsumi-cho, Saiin, Sakyo-ku	325-0151
	Katsura	English	41-56 Katsuranozato- cho, Nishikyo-ku	382-3811
Flat Agency		English Spanish	9-1 Nishigoshoden-cho, Murasakino, Kita-ku	431-0669
Maruyoshi		English	11-1 Kazaki-Tokusei- cho, Sakyo-ku	761-8161

＊Students can consult the Foreign Student Center or Student Office at their respective universities. It is also possible to find accommodation through the university cooperative (Seikyo).

＊There are also many local magazines and information guides with listings of available rental properties. If you find suitable accommodation, directly consult the real estate agency in charge.

◆Public Apartments

Public housing mainly consists of Corporation Apartments, but also some City and Prefectural apartments. The rent for these types of apartments is cheaper than private housing. To apply for these kinds of housing, you should be registered as a foreign resident.

Name	Details	Contact Information
Urban Renaissance Agency (UR Chintai)	Applications are available at the Kyoto Office of the Urban Renaissance Agency Both individuals and families are eligible to apply. A monthly salary 4 times the amount of rent is required.	Accept applications at any time Online applications are also available. Urban Renaissance Agency, Independent Administrative Corporation (255-0499 www.ur-net.go.jp/kansai/
City Apartments	Applications are available at City Hall, Ward Offices, Branch Offices at the beginning of the designated recruitment month. Because there are so many applicants, people will be selected through a public drawing. Rent amount is based on income.	Accept applications four times a year (Apr. Jun. Sep. Dec.) Kyoto-shi Jutaku Kyokyu Kosha (223-2701 www.city.kyoto-jkosha.or.jp
Prefectural Apartments	Applications are available at the Kyoto-higashi PrefecturalTax Office Families only may apply (no individuals) Because there are so many applicants, people will be selected through a public drawing. Rent amount is based on income.	Accept applications six times a year (Jun. Jul. Oct. Nov. Feb. Mar.) Kyoto-fu, Jutaku Kyokyu Kosha (432-2018 www.kyoto-juko.jp/

※There is a booklet “Tips for looking for your accommodation in Kyoto” available at the Kyoto International Community House that provides information and practical advice on looking for and renting accommodation in Kyoto. The booklet is written in Japanese, English, Korean and Chinese.

3-2 Signing a Rental Agreement

◆Important facts to know when signing a rental agreement

① Guarantor (Hoshonin): A person who will take responsibility on behalf of the renter if any problems arise, for instance rent etc.

② Deposit (Shiki-kin):Generally equivalent to one to three months rent. Part of the deposit is returned at the end of the contract.

③ Key money (Rei-kin): A non-refundable fee or ‘gift money’ paid to the landlord

④ Agent's fee (Tesuryo): A fee of about one month’s rent paid to the agent.

＊Rental agreements are normally valid for one year.

＊When renewing the rental agreement, a renewal fee (koshin-ryo) of about one to three months rent is required. The monthly rental fee may be increased at that time.

＊Remodeling and additions cannot be done without permission from the landlord (For instance, painting or hammering a nail in the wall etc.)

＊According to Japanese law, it is not permissible to sublet your rental property without the landlord’s permission.

◆Looking for a guarantor（Only applicable to students）

① Asking an acquaintance to be a guarantor

There is an insurance policy called Comprehensive Renters Insurance for Foreign Students (Ryugakusei Jutaku Sogo Hosho). Signing up for this policy provides protection against certain damages, such as fire, and it also protects your guarantor against unexpected trouble. This makes it much easier for an acquaintance to accept the role of guarantor.

The Foreign Student Center at a university

② If you cannot find anybody willing to be your guarantor

There is a scheme called “Lenders Insurance Scheme for International Students in Kyoto region”. This scheme allows the organization to be the guarantor for a person who wishes to live in Kyoto Prefecture. Joining the “Comprehensive Lenders Insurance for Foreign Students” would be required.

The Foreign Student Center at your university

3-3 Signing up for Water, Electricity and Gas Utilities

◆Check with your landlord

Please check with the landlordas to what utility (electricity, water etc.) fees are included in your rent.

◆Automatic Payment System

It is convenient to use the automatic payment system at your bank or post office to pay for utilities. Otherwise late payments will incur a “late fee”.

Water

Tap water is treated by the city and is safe for drinking.

◆How to begin the water service

Contact: KyotoCity Water Works Bureau (Kyoto-shi Jogesuidokyoku Eigyosho)

http://www.city.kyoto.jp/suido/engtop.htm

(Japanese, English, Chinese, Korean)

Higashiyama Branch (Higashiyama-ku)	(561-7117
Yamashina Branch (Yamashina-ku,Fushimi-ku, Daigo)	(592-3058
Kita Branch (Kita-ku, Kamigyo-ku)	(462-3251
Marutamachi Branch (Nakagyo-ku, Kamigyo-ku)	(841-9146
Ukyo Branch (Ukyo-ku)	(841-9184
Nishikyo Branch (Nishikyo-ku)	(392-8791
Sakyo Branch (Sakyo-ku)	(722-7700
Kujo Branch (Shimogyo-ku, Minami-ku)	(682-3910
Fushimi Branch (Fushimi-ku, except Daigo)	(641-8301

What to take:

watermain number, address

Rates: The base rate depends on the faucet size and the amount of water used. Payment is made every 2 months.

※There should be a card “Beginning Water Service” placed at your front door. Please refer to this when contacting the waterworks.

◆How to terminate water service

Contact the waterworks bureau and quote your user code.

Electricity

◆How to begin electric service

Contact the organization in your area and follow the instructions given.

Kansai Electric Power Corporation (Japanese and English)

http://www.kepco.co.jp/

Kyoto Eigyosho (491-1141

Fushimi Eigyosho (611-2131

◆Use of electric appliances

There are 2 types of electrical frequencies (current) used in Japan, with both 60 hertz and 100 volts used in Kyoto. Using appliances which do not match the above current and voltage may cause damage to both the appliances and the circuits. Please be careful about using electrical appliances brought from overseas which may not meet Japanese specifications.

◆Rates

Rates depend on the amount of electricity used every month. Procedures for calculating monthly rates are noted on the back of your bill.

＊If you overload a circuit with too many appliances, the safety breaker switch will automatically cut off electricity to one room or a part of the house. If this happens, shut off or remove some of the appliances, then turn the breaker switch on to its original position to restore the flow of electricity.

Gas

There are two types of gas used: natural gas (city gas) and LP (liquefied propane) gas. First check which type is used where you live.

(1) Natural Gas

◆How to begin the natural gas service

Your request can be made by telephone.

State ①your name ②user code (shiyo bango) ③address ④telephone number.

※A service representative will come to your house to open the gas valve. You must be present at the time.

Osaka Gas Company, Kyoto/ Shiga Main Office

(Osaka Gasu Kabushiki-gaisha Keiji Jigyo Honbu) (0120-894-817

http://www.osakagas.co.jp/index.html (Japanese and English)

Gas appliances

The city gas used in Kyoto is type 13A. Make sure you use appliances which meet this standard. When using secondhand appliances, have the service representative do a safety check when he comes to open the valve.

◆Rates

Payment is made every month. If you don’t use the automatic payment system, a fee notice will be sent to you in the mail, followed by the bill one week later.

◆LP Gas

How to begin and terminate the LP gas service

Contact: The company marked on the tag attached to the meter.

Rates: Payment is made monthly.

Gas appliances using LP gas can be used anywhere in Japan, but they are not interchangeable with those that use natural gas. Please have the service representative inspect the appliance, and use only those designed especially for use with LP gas.

Kyo Pro Co., Ltd. (691-7161

Iwatani Co.,Ltd. (671-6363

Uehara Sei Shoji Co., Ltd. Kyoto (611-3293

＊You will need to have the appliance adjusted accordingly. (It costs about 10,000 yen)

＊There is a pamphlet explaining about gas usage available from any Osaka Gas office or the Kyoto International Community House. It is written in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese and Persian.

3-4 Telephones and International Calls

Landline

◆Telephone Installation (Application for Use)

Contact NTT (116

Location Nearest NTT Help Desk

Necessary Items Passport or Certificate of Foreign Residents Registration, Contract, Contract Fee (\ 800), Money to purchase a telephone landline (\ 37,800)

※There is also a company which rents lines as well. Lines may be rented for about \ 2,000 per month. This does not include call fees, which are charged separately. “Used” telephone lines may also be purchased. Check for available “used” telephone lines on the message board at the Community House, The Kansai Flea Market, and telephone directory.

◆Fees

NTT service is billed monthly. A line charge (\1,750 per month) and usage are included in the bill.

◆When telephone service is no longer needed.

The cost of purchasing a landline will not be refunded (\37,800), but there are companies which purchase used landlines. Contact information for these companies may be found in the telephone directory, etc

◆Telephone Directory

Subscribers to telephone service receive a complimentary telephone directory.

Hellopage Organized by 50 Japanese Syllables (General Residential Telephone Numbers)

Townpage Business Telephone Directory (Store and Company Telephone Numbers)

※Townpage is a convenient source of useful everyday information.

Townpage, English Edition http://english.itp.ne.jp

Mobile Phones

These are many mobile phone companies. You can sign up for new services by visiting the sales agent for a particular mobile phone service company. To get mobile phone service, you will need personal identification, a seal (hanko), and a bank book which displays your account number at a financial institution.

In Japan, using mobile phones is prohibited on public transportation, such as on trains and buses, and in certain buildings, such as hospitals. In addition, please note that you may not use a mobile phone when driving a car or riding a bicycle.

International Calls

There are numerous companies which provide international telephone services. Contact these companies by telephone for information about subscribing, rates, etc.

How to make an international telephone call from Japan

(International Code) - 010 - (Country Code) - (Area code excluding 0) - (telephone number)

〈Main International Telephone Companies〉

International Telephone Co.	International Code	Inquiries
KDDI	001	0057 (24-hour free service)
Japan Telecom	0041	0088-41 (24-hour free service)
Softbank Telecom	0061	0120-03-0061 (9:00 to 21:00 free service)
NTT Communications	0033	0120-506-506 (9:00 to 21:00 free service)

3-5 TV, Radio and Newspapers

◆NHK(Reception Fees)

NHK is a public broadcast station. Different from other TV stations, broadcasting is supported by television viewer funds.Everyone who has a TV set must pay NHK reception fees.

Contact NHK Kyoto Broadcasting Station (841-4321

Fees Bill collection at home \1,395/ Month

Satellite service \2,340/ Month

＊”Bill collection at home” is a service where an NHK representative comes to your house to collect the fee.

※It is cheaper to sign up for direct withdrawal from a bank account

◆When you want to watch a foreign TV program

Miyavision (864-2230

Sky Perfect TV (045-339-0202/ 0570-039-888

Wowow (0120-3-80805

＊CNNj, BBC, CCTV, KNTV, and Sports i are all available at no charge at the Kyoto International Community House.

◆FM brodacasts in foreign language (FM CO.CO.LO.)

FM CO.CO.LO. 76.5MHz, which airs foreign language broadcasts, is available in the main Kansai cities (Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, etc.). You can hear information about life and sightseeing, news, entertainment such as music programs, as well as emergency broadcasts in times of disaster and other emergencies, available in 17 languages, focusing mainly on Asian languages.

Every Monday at 2:22 PM a program focusing on Kyoto, “Kyoto City Information” is broadcast.

Kansai Intermeda (06-6615-7650

FMCOCOLO Programming Schedule http://www.cocolo.co.jp

◆Daily foreign language newspapers, home delivery

JAPANTIMES (771-1588

DAILY YOMIURI (761-0502

HERALD TRIBUNE/THE ASAHI SHINBUN (0120-456-371

Renmin Ribao (Chinese) Akioka Office (042-394-9738

The Chosun Ilbo (Korean) (03-3248-1251

OCS (OVERSEAS COURIER SESRVICE) (06-6473-2633

◆International newspapers and magazines are available for reading at the Kyoto International Community House Library/ Reference Room.

〈Foreign Newspapers at the Kyoto International Community House〉

China	People’s Daily, Beijing Youth Daily
Hong Kong	Ming PaoNews
Taiwan	United Daily News
Korea	The Chosun Ilbo, Nikkan Sports News
India	The Hindu
Thai	Thai Rath
Russia	Izvestija
United Kingdom	Guardian
United States	New York Times, Christian Science Monitor
International Press: Spanish and Portuguese Editions
Japan	Daily Yomiuri, International Herald Tribune The Asahi Shinbun, Japan Times, Nikkei Weekly

3-6 Garbage and Recycling

◆What to be aware of when throwing out garbage.

There are two types of garbage: household garbage and recyclable garbage. You must separate the different kinds of garbage and put them out for collection on the designated day. Day of garbage collection and garbage collection points vary by neighborhood. Ask a neighbor for information concerning garbage collection days and collection points.

Information about garbage collection is available on the home page of the Kyoto City Environmental Department, Department for the Promotion of a Recycle-based Society, City Beautification Promotion Section

City Beautification Promotion Section

http://www.city.kyoto.jp/kankyo/machibika/

◆How do I throw out garbage?

Place garbage in a specially-designated Kyoto CityHousehold-Use Garbage Bag. Each bag should have no more garbage than can be lifted with one arm. Tightly cinch the bag. Be aware that garbage disposed in non-designated bags will not be collected. Designated bags are sold at retail stores, supermarkets, convenience stores, and other such venues.

Household-use Bag 45 ℓ(Lg.) Set of 10- \450

Recyclable-use Bag 45 ℓ(Lg.) Set of 5- \110

◆Garbage Inquiries

City Beautification Promotion Section (222-3461

＊The pamphlet “Kyoto Garbage Reduction Glossary” contains detailed information about separating and disposing of garbage, and is available in English, Chinese, Korean, and North Korean Dialect editions. It is distributed at no cost and is available at ward offices, branch offices, and the Kyoto International Community House.

◆Further Instructions about garbage.

＊It is not necessary to use specially-designated garbage bags in locations such as mansions and apartments, where garbage is collected by private businesses. If you are unsure whether your garbage is collected by the city or by a private company, check with your superintendent.

＊Illegal disposal of garbage is a punishable crime. Be aware that disposing of garbage in any but the prescribed manner is punishable with jail time or a fine.

〈Garbage〉

Garbage Type	How to dispose
Household Garbage kitchen garbage, paper, plastic, cans, glass, etc.	Collected twice a week. ＊Place garbage at the designated collection point by 8:00 AM of the day it is scheduled to be picked up. However, you may not put the garbage out on the previous night.Please use garbage bags labeled「家庭ごみ用指定ごみ袋」(Household-Use Garbage Bag) ＊Before throwing out kitchen garbage, please rinse it thoroughly. ＊Throw out spray cans after their contents have been completely expelled, They may be thrown out with regular garbage. Do not puncture them. ＊Throw out matches, lighters, fireworks, and cigarette butts only after they have been completely extinguished and dampened. ＊Rinse soiled disposable diapers in the toilet before inserting them into a plastic bag and then into the designated trash bag. ＊In order to prevent injuries to sanitation workers, wrap sharp objects such as glass and razor blades in thick paper before throwing away.
Recyclables Empty cans, glass bottle and PET bottles.	Collected once a week. ＊Confirm the collection point for recyclable garbage as it may be different from kitchen garbage. Use garbage bags labeled 「資源ごみ用指定ごみ袋」“Recyclable-Use Garbage Bag” ＊Throw out glass bottles and PET bottles after emptying and rinsing them thoroughly, without their caps. ＊Do not place hypodermic needles, skewers, cigarette butts, or other foreign objects into cans, glass bottles, or PET bottles.
	＊Cosmetics and medicine jars and bottles, glass cups, and PET bottles containing liquids other than drinks and soy sauce are not considered recyclable. ＊Beer bottles and large sake bottles (Isshyoubin) can be reused. Wash them well and return to the store purchased.
Small Metal Items Pots, kettles, frying pans, other cookware.	Collected once a month. Place in a transparent bag, mark the bag metal (kinzoku), and place where recyclable garbage is collected.
Large Items Furniture, futons, etc.	By calling for an appointment, large items will be picked up for a fee. The fee will depend on the size of the item. First, measure the size of the item, and then call the Kyoto City Beautification Center to verify the price and make arrangement Kyoto City Beautification Center (Fee-based) (0120-100-530 (Toll-free) Everyday 9:00 AM to5:00 PM ※Open Holidays except for New Years Holiday (29 th Dec. – 3 rd Jan.) After verifying the price, collection day and collection point, purchase an “Oversize Trash Disposal Sticker” at a convenience store or other location, and affix it to the item you want picked up.
Picking up dead pets.	First place the body in a plastic bag and then place the bag in a cardboard box. Do not place collars or any non-burnable items in the box. Fee:4,600 Yen per animal ＊No charge for stray animals. Kyoto City Beautification Center (0120-100-921(Toll-free)

〈Recycling〉

Item Type	Method and Notes About Recycling
Air Conditioners, Televisions, Refrigerators, Washing Machines	By law, when you no longer need these appliances, you must return them to the place of purchase or a shop in your area. A disposal fee will be charged. Association for Electric Home Appliances (0120-319640 Recycle-oriented Society Promotion Division (222-4091 City Beautification Promotion Section (222-3461
Newspapers, Magazines, Cardboard	Organizing by type, bind them tightly with string. Methods of collection vary by area or apartment of residence. Ask your neighbors, landlord or superintendent for details.
Paper Cartons	Cut open, wash and dry. There are collection points at your nearby ward or city beautification office, elementary schools, supermarkets. Recycle-oriented Society Promotion Division (222-4091
Dry Cell Batteries	There are collection boxes at the Kyoto City Beautification Office, wards offices, branch offices, health centers, and city hall. To dispose of other batteries, such as nickel-cadmium and small watch batteries, consult your local city beautification office, ward office or branch office.
Used Tempura Oil	Pour into a PET bottle or other container, and bring to your local collection point.

◆For more information about Kyoto City recycling initiatives:

Recycle-oriented Society Promotion Division (222-4091

http://www.city.kyoto.jp/kankyo/machibika/

◆To obtain or hand over used goods for recycling:

It is possible to obtain or hand over used goods such as old furniture, etc. Contact the number below or go to their website.

Kyoto City Used and Recycled Items Information (241-0530

http://www.city.kyoto.jp/kankyo/recycle

◆Businesses assisting with recycling

Kyoto City recognizes businesses which promote recycling and waste reduction by awarding them the “Meguru-kun Shop” symbol. You can support recycling by shopping at these businesses.

Flea Markets

Clothes, daily goods, antiques, and various other items can be purchased at a low price at the following markets.

◆Toji・Kobo-san Market (TojiTemple)

(Minami Ward) 21^st of every month (691-3325

◆Kitano・Tenjin-san Market (Kitanotenmangu)

(Kamigyo Ward) 25^th of every month (461-0005

◆Hyakumanben Handmade Goods Market (Chion’in)

(Sakyo Ward) 15^th of every month (771-1631

◆“Kameno-ichi” Flea Market (Matsuo-Taisha)

(Nishikyo Ward) (871-5016

◆“Omoshiro-ichi” Flea Market (Tyokuni-jinja Shrine)

(Higashiyama Ward) 8^th and 18^th of every month, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

(Closed on rainy days) (090-1912-2290

◆Bizen Gallery Flea Market (Sakyo-ku Shirakawa Takaragaike Bizen Gallery)

(Sakyo Ward) 1^st Saturday of every month (711-0711

◆“Nishijin Rakuichi-Rakuza Momoyama Bunka-Mura” Handmade Goods Flea Market (MyorenjiTemple)

(Kamigyo Ward) 12th of every month (451-3527

◆Thrift Shop (Kyoto YWCA)

(Kamigyo Ward) 1^st and 3^rdSaturday of every month (431-0351

◆Shiyakusho-mae Flea Market (Plusone Network)

Once a month (229-7714

◆Yawata-san “Omoshiro-ichi” (Kyoto Goods “Mon” Market)

(Goshohachimangu, Nakagyo Ward) First Friday of every month 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed on rainy days)

◆Ume-koji Park“Ichi-moku Handmade Goods Flea Market”

(Shimogyo Ward) 1^stThursday of every month (except January and May) (771-1631

3-7 Community Associations

In Japan, there are organizations in each district that are generally referred to as chonai-kaior jichi-kai. The chonai-kaior jichi-kaiorganize or supervise the kairanban(a file containing notices from public offices or the community attached to a clipboard, etc), and also organize festivals and disaster prevention activities.

Membership fees collected from each resident cover expenses incurred in running these activities. If they are residents of the community, foreigners can also become members of the community organization. Please listen the next time an organization committee member visits you to talk about joining such an organization.

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