LIVING IN KANSAI

Kobe (神戸)

International port city with cosmopolitan atmosphere, known for its mountains, harbor, and welcoming expat community.

• Kitano (北野): Historic foreign settlement, European-style houses, international community
• Sannomiya (三宮): Central business district, shopping, dining, excellent transportation hub
• Rokko Island (六甲アイランド): International schools, modern housing, family-friendly
• Ashiya (芦屋): Upscale residential area, excellent schools, quiet neighborhoods
• Suma (須磨): Beach access, relaxed atmosphere, more affordable housing

Osaka (大阪)

Dynamic business hub with vibrant culture, excellent food scene, and efficient transportation network.

• Umeda (梅田): Major business district, shopping, international atmosphere
• Namba (難波): Entertainment district, traditional shopping streets, central location
• Tennoji (天王寺): Cultural attractions, parks, family-friendly neighborhoods
• Senri-Chuo (千里中央): Quiet residential area, international schools, green spaces
• Osaka Bay Area: Modern apartments, waterfront living, Universal Studios access

Kyoto (京都)

Ancient capital offering rich cultural heritage, traditional architecture, and modern conveniences.

• Central Kyoto (中京区): Historic townhouses, traditional atmosphere, walking distance to attractions
• Sakyo Ward (左京区): Universities, intellectual community, cultural institutions
• Yamashina (山科): More affordable, easy access to central Kyoto and Shiga
• Arashiyama (嵐山): Scenic area, bamboo groves, quieter residential neighborhoods
• Kita-ku (北区): Family neighborhoods, good schools, temple districts

Railway Systems

• JR West (西日本旅客鉄道): Main intercity rail, connects Kobe-Osaka-Kyoto
• Hankyu Railway (阪急電鉄): Private railway serving northern routes
• Hanshin Railway (阪神電気鉄道): Coastal route connecting Kobe and Osaka
• Kintetsu Railway (近畿日本鉄道): Extensive network to Nara and southern Osaka
• Osaka Metro: Comprehensive subway system within Osaka city
• Kobe Municipal Subway: Two main lines serving Kobe

IC Cards & Passes

Contactless smart cards make travel seamless across all transportation:

• ICOCA (イコカ): JR West's IC card, usable on all Kansai transit
• PiTaPa (ピタパ): Post-pay card for private railways and buses
• Commuter Passes (定期券): Monthly/6-month passes for regular routes
• Kansai One Pass: Tourist pass covering multiple operators

International Schools

Kansai offers several accredited international schools with English instruction:

• Canadian Academy (神戸): IB curriculum, PreK-12, international community
• Marist Brothers International School (神戸): Catholic education, PK-12
• Osaka International School: IB World School, established 1991
• Kyoto International School: Ages 3-18, inquiry-based learning
• St. Michael's International School (神戸): Christian education, nurturing environment

Japanese Public Schools

Free education with high academic standards. Consider for language immersion:

• Elementary School (小学校): Ages 6-12, foundational education
• Junior High School (中学校): Ages 12-15, compulsory education ends here
• High School (高校): Ages 15-18, entrance exams required
• Japanese Language Support: Many schools offer additional support (日本語指導)
• PTA Involvement: Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) participation expected

Higher Education

Kansai hosts numerous prestigious universities with international programs:

• Kobe University (神戸大学): National university, strong international programs
• Osaka University (大阪大学): Top research institution, English courses available
• Kyoto University (京都大学): Premier research university, Nobel laureates
• Doshisha University (同志社大学): Private university, international liberal arts
• Kwansei Gakuin University (関西学院大学): Christian university, international exchange programs

National Health Insurance (国民健康保険)

All residents must enroll in Japan's universal healthcare system:

• Enrollment required within 14 days of establishing residency
• Coverage: 70% of medical costs (30% copay by patient)
• Monthly premiums based on previous year's income
• Coverage valid throughout Japan
• Children, elderly (75+) have lower copay rates

English-Speaking Medical Facilities

Several hospitals and clinics in Kansai offer English-speaking services:

• Kobe Adventist Hospital: Full English services, international patient support
• Yodogawa Christian Hospital (Osaka): English-speaking doctors, comprehensive care
• Kyoto City Hospital: International department with interpreters
• Kobe Central Hospital: Emergency services with English support
• Takeda Hospital (Kyoto): English-speaking staff, modern facilities

Emergency Services

Know these essential numbers and procedures:

• Ambulance & Fire: 119 (say "kyūkyū desu" for ambulance)
• Police: 110
• Japan Helpline: 0570-000-911 (English support 24/7)
• AMDA International Medical Information Center: 03-5285-8088 (medical advice in English)

Opening a Bank Account

Most employers and landlords require a Japanese bank account. Requirements:

• Residence card (在留カード) or proof of address
• Personal seal (印鑑 - inkan) or signature
• Phone number registered in Japan
• Some banks require proof of employment or student status
• Initial deposit (typically ¥0-1,000)

Recommended Banks for Foreigners

• Japan Post Bank (ゆうちょ銀行): Easy to open, English support available, nationwide ATMs
• SMBC Prestia: Multilingual services, designed for international customers
• Mitsubishi UFJ Bank: Major bank, some branches with English support
• Seven Bank: Simple account opening, convenient 7-Eleven ATM network
• Sony Bank: Online-focused, English interface, competitive rates

Supermarkets & Grocery Stores

• Kobe/Osaka: Daiei, Kohyo, Izumiya, Aeon (24-hour locations available)
• International Foods: Kaldi Coffee Farm, Seijo Ishii, Jupiter Coffee
• Kyoto: Fresco, Life, Izumiya
• Budget Options: Gyomu Super, Trial, Big Beans (wholesale pricing)
• Organic/Health: Bio-ral, Natural House, Tengu Natural Foods

Department Stores & Shopping

• Hanshin (阪神): Umeda flagship, food basement famous
• Hankyu (阪急): Upscale shopping, Umeda and Kobe locations
• Daimaru (大丸): Traditional department store, Kobe and Kyoto
• Takashimaya (高島屋): Premium department store, excellent food halls
• Loft & Tokyu Hands: Lifestyle goods, home accessories

Language Learning Resources

• Kobe International Community Center (KICC): Free Japanese classes, cultural events
• Osaka International House: Language exchange, volunteer programs
• Kyoto International Community House: Japanese lessons, cultural activities
• Private Language Schools: Berlitz, Gaba, ECC offer Japanese courses
• University Programs: Many universities offer Japanese courses for residents

Expat & International Communities

• Kobe Club: Historic international social club
• Kansai Scene Magazine: Events, news, and community information
• InterNations Kansai: Networking events for expats
• Meetup Groups: Sports, hobbies, language exchange
• Facebook Groups: Kansai Flea Market, Housing groups, interest-based communities

Cultural Etiquette Tips

• Shoes Off: Remove shoes when entering homes and some restaurants
• Bowing: Light bow for greetings and thanks (deeper for apologies)
• Quiet Public Behavior: Avoid loud phone conversations on trains
• Business Cards (名刺): Exchange with both hands, read carefully before putting away
• Gift Giving: Common for visits, moving, seasonal greetings (wrap nicely)
• Trash Separation: Strictly sort recyclables (schedule varies by area)
• Onsen Etiquette: Wash thoroughly before entering communal baths