Links

 

Useful information for foreign residents

The content of this page was created for our English speaking foreign community. The Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) is a native English speaker and is located upstairs in Fujiyoshida's City Hall. The CIR is happy to aid and assist foreign residents with various functions of living in Fujiyoshida. Please stop by, call (0555-24-1236), at anytime during weekdays from 8:30 to 17:15. Or, you could email the International Affairs Section at anytime.

**NOTIFICATION OF OFFICE RELOCATION**

The Kofu Branch of the Tokyo Regional Immigration Bureau will be relocated effective FEB 20th, 2012. The new location will be near the NORTH ENTRANCE OF JR KOFU STATION. The telephone number will also change - 055-255-3350. The new location is only a three minute walk from the station. Public transportation is available and is encouraged to utilize. Click here for the pdf file: "Notification of Office Relocation"

 

**FREE JAPANESE CLASSES AVAILABLE**

The City Hall and Fujiyoshida International Friendship Association are sponsoring JAPANESE CLASSES for all Japanese learners. There are three classes held every week to accommodate all levels. Please call the International Affairs Desk at Fujiyoshida's City Hall to get more information. 0555-24-1236.

＊Various Topics are listed below in Alphabetical Order*

 

ALIEN (FOREIGN RESIDENT) REGISTRATION

Citizens General Affairs Section, Fujiyoshida City Hall.
(0555) 22-1111 ext: 141, 142, or 143
Alien Registration is required for all non Japanese residents living in Japan for more than 90 days.

Foreign nationals (as well as Japanese citizens) are required to register at their place of residence. It is necessary for you to register if you wish to seek government services. Upon registration, you will be issued a certificate of alien registration which you must have in your possession at all times.

New Registration: First-time registration is done at the Citizen's General Affairs Section on the first floor of Fujiyoshida city hall. Necessary documents: valid passport with visa and two passport-size photograpghs taken within the last six months. Once you have submitted your documents, you will be issued a receipt and told when to return to to pick up your card. The card is mailed from the Tokyo Immigration Bureau in approximately two weeks.

Change of Name or Address: When you change information on your registration, such as your name or address, you must notify city hall within fourteen days. Bring your alien registration card, passport, and all documents attesting to the change. When changing your address, you must re-apply for registration of your personal seal (hanko), national health insurance, and any other relevant municipal services.

Replacement Cards: If your alien registration card is lost, stolen, damaged, defaced, or has a typographical error, you may request a replacement card from city hall by submitting your passport and two passport-size photos.

ATHLETIC FACILITIES

There is one municipal sports center and two private health clubs in Fujiyoshida.

Kaneyama Municipal Sports Center (0555) 24-3633 - Located near the Kaneyama Hotel.

Core Sports Club (0555) 22-4646 - Located in Kamiyoshida near Hibari ga Oka High School.

Fujiyama Fitness Venus Life (0555) 23-8995 - Located in the Q-Sta Bldg at Mt. Fuji Station.

BANKING

  • Most banks are open Mon-Fri, 9:00-3:00
  • Opening a Bank Account: You will need to take proof of address and your hanko (personal seal) when you register for a new account.
  • Deposits and Withdrawals: To deposit money at a bank teller window, you will need to have completed a deposit slip and present the money for deposit along with your passbook. For withdrawals, you will need to take a completed withdrawal slip with your personal seal on it and your passbook to a teller window.
  • ATM: You can deposit and withdraw from your account at ATMs. Most are only in Japanese, but some have an English language interface. Many are not open on weekends, holidays, and after banking hours
  • For credit cards or foreign bank accounts:You may be able to use the ATM at the Fujiyoshida Central Post Office.

If you want to send funds overseas:

From the Post Office:

  • Postal Money Order: Yen is exchanged for foreign currency in the form of a cashier's check at a post office. The check can be made out to anyone but the sender. There is no maximum amount that can be sent, but each check must be less than 700 USD. A charge of 2000yen is levied to each check.

From a Bank or Credit Union:

  • Telegraphic Transfer (denkin sokin): Money is transferred between a Japanese bank and a specific bank account in a foreign country. It takes a week to arrive and costs 5000 to 10000 yen, with higher fees for sending yen.
  • Mail Transfer (futu sokin): Funds are changed to foreign currency in Japan, the amount of which is mailed overseas on a transfer statement. Upon arrival (up to 2 weeks later), the funds are immediately deposited. The service charge is 4000 yen with higher fees for sending yen.
  • Transfer by Check(sokin kogitte): This is a bank check, sent by mail and costs about 2500 yen
  • Travelers Check (ryoko kogitte): Can be attained from most banks.

International Money Transfer Services:

  • Various services can be set up to wire money to a pre-determined overseas account through an international wiring service. If you are planning on sending money home on a regular basis, this is definitely the easiest, fastest, and least expensive method. The most widely used service is Lloyd's TSB Bank.


COUNCELING SERVICES

Yamanashi Police Multilingual Counseling Service
(0552) 23-5050 Monday-Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm
If you are in trouble (i.e. being harassed, a victim of a crime, or in need of legal aid) please call! Service is available in Chinese, English, Korean, Persian, and Spanish.

Tokyo English Life Line: 03-5774-0992

DRIVER'S LICENSE (Click for an explanation)

EMBASSY AND EMBERGENCY NUMBERS (Click for the list of phone numbers)

ENGLISH ASSISTANCE

English Assistance and General Tourist Information.

International Affairs Desk (kokusai koryu shitsu), Fujiyoshida City Hall
(0555) 24-1236 Monday-Friday, 8:30am-17:15pm or e-mail iadfuji@city.fujiyoshida.lg.jp.

For general questions in English about city services, email, write or call the IAD; or visit the second floor of City Hall. A Native English speaker is available to assist foreign residents with the various services offered by the city

HANKO (personal seal) REGISTRATION

Ｉt is necessary to register a personal seal (inkan or hanko) to conduct various business transactions in Fujiyoshida. First, have a seal made, and then bring it along with your alien registration card to the Citizen's General Affairs Section of City Hall to complete the paperwork. A registration handbook (inkan toroku techo) will be provided. For 300 yen, a registration card (inkan toroku shomeisho) can also be ordered.

HEALTH INSURANCE 　(Click to read the explanation)

HOUSING　(Click to read the explanation)

LIBRARY

The Fujiyoshida Library was totally reconstructed to further serve community members with a host of great activities, new facilities, as well as a wide selection of books and materials.

Phone: (0555) 22-0706 Closed Mondays. Open Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun: 9:30am-5:00pm Tues, Thurs: 9:30am-7:00pm

  • Borrowing Books: Apply for a free library card by providing your name, occupation, and address. Bring an ID for confirmation.
  • Returning Books: Return all books at the front counter. Any books being returned after hours should be placed in the drop slot left of the front entrance.
  • Check-out Policy:Up to 5 books for 2 weeks, up to 2 magazines for 3 days.


MASS TRANSIT

  • To/From Fujiyoshida: Fujiyoshida is serviced by Fujikyu bus and train lines. The main access point for this public transtportation is available at Mt. Fuji Station. Call 0555-22-7131 or contact the bus company online for bus or train schedules and reservations Here.
  • Inside Fujiyoshida: As it runs between Otsuki and Kawaguchiko, the Fujikyu Train Line connects certain neihborhoods of Fujiyoshida. For areas not accessed by rail, there is a municipal bus service. New city maps (available at Fujiyoshida City Hall) include all city bus stop locations.

MOTORCYCLE REGISTRATION

  • Taxation Section (zeimu ka), Fujiyoshida City Hall - Phone: (0555) 22-1111 Ext. 123
  • Motorcycles up to 125 ccs in size mus be registered at City Hall to receive a license plate. Fill out the form and include the vehicle ID number. For larger motorcycles, you must apply at the Yamanashi Ground Transportation Office in Isawa. Phone (0552) 62-4747.


NATIONAL DISASTERS

  • DIAL 119 IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

    For Police Service, the emergency number is 110


    In case of a natural disaster, it is recommended that your prepare in advance an easy to carry bag with a selection of emergency supplies, including a flashlight, battery-operated radio, a three-day supply of drinking water, canned food, a can opener, candles, matches, medical supplies, and clothing.

    Earthquakes: Japan frequently experiences earthquakes and daily precautions must be exercised to prepare for emergency situations.It is recommended that you secure all heavy furniture to the wall or floor. It is also suggested that you and your family members discuss in advance where to evacuate in an emergency.

    If an earthquake strikes, do not panic. If you are cooking or using a heater, extinguish the flames immediately. Provide yourself with an excape route within your house or apartment by opening a door, then seek shelter under a sturdy table or desk. Do not rush outdoors. Follow the directions given by emergency personnel in disaster relief areas. Municipal disaster relief areas are located in most neihborhoods.

    Typhoons: Typhoon season is from June through September.In the event of a typhoon, pay special attention to radio and television broadcasts. Extreme caution should be taken while hiking, fishing, boating, or any other outdoor activity that involves water during a typhoon. When a typhoon is reported, make sure that all windows and shutters are secured. Typhoons are occasionally accompanied by power outages, water supply ruptures, and gas failures. Accordingly, you are urged to make necessary preparations of food, candles, flashlights, water, etc.


NOTIFICATION OF BIRTH

  • Citizen's General Affairs Section (sogo madoguchi ka), Fujiyoshida City Hall - (0555) 22-1111 ext. 141, 142, 143
  • Foreigners residing in Japan must inform City Hall within 14 days of giving birth. For notification of birth, it is necessary to present the birth certificate and maternity passbook. Notification can be done by either the father or mother, a person residing in the same domicile, or the doctor or midwife attending the birth. New alien registration for newborns must be done within 60 days of birth, and the parents' registration must be updated at the same time.


NOTIFICATION OF DEATH

  • Citizen's General Affairs Section (sogo madoguchi ka), Fujiyoshida City Hall (0555) 22-1111 ext. 141, 142, 143
  • In case of death, a relative or a person within the same domicile of the deceased must submit a notification of death form (shibo todoke) and a physician's death certificate to City Hall within 7 days of the death. The alien registration card of the deceased must be returned within 14 days of the death. The embassy of the deceased's native country must also be informed. If the body is to be cremated, an application for cremation must be submitted.


NOTIFICATION OF MARRIAGE

  • Citizen's General Affairs Section (sogo madoguchi ka), Fujiyoshida City Hall (0555) 22-1111 ext. 141, 142, 143
  • For notification of marriage between a Japanese and foreign national, the following documents must be presented:
    ・Alien registration card
    ・Passport
    ・Notification of Marriage Form (konnin tokoke) with the signatures or personal seals of two adult witnesses.
    ・Certificate issued by the foreign party's embassy or consulate attesting to fulfillment of that country's requirements for marriage, sometimes called a certificate of eligibility (if not written in Japanese, a Japanese translation must be attached with the translator's name, address, and personal seal).
    ・ Copy of Family Register (koseki shohon) for Japanese only.
    ・ In case of a marriage between foreign nationals, appropriate procedures must be followed at the embassy or consulate of the couple as well as City Hall. Embassy contact information here.


PREGNANCY REGISTRATION

  • Public Health Subsection (hoken gakari), Fujiyoshida City Hall - (0555) 22-1111 ext. 150
  • Pregnant mothers must register at the Public Health Subsection of City Hall in order to receive service for the protection of the health and welfare of both the mother and child.
  • Upon registering a pregnancy, a Mother and Child Handbook (boshi techo) will be issued. A record of the pregnancy, the baby's growth, and vaccinations will be recorded in this handbook. It must be submitted each time the child has a health check or vaccination.
  • Pre-natal classes (hahaoya gakkyu) involving instruction in childbirth techniques and child rearing are conducted by doctors and midwives. Contact the Fujiyoshida Health Center for further details. 0555-23-7360


RE-ENTRY PERMITS (Click to read the description)


UTILITIES

  • Gas: Two types of gas are supplied in Fujiyoshida, city gas and propane gas. Gas appliances are designed to use only one of the two types. Please be sure to check your appliances to use only the specified type of gas. It is quite dangerous to use the wrong type of gas. It may be possible to adapt your appliance to the type of gas supplied, but this adjustment should be made only by a representative of your local gas company.
    *Starting and Ending Service:If you are moving in or out of a house supplied with city gas, please contact the Yoshida Gas Company to have the gas valve opened or closed. When terminating the use of gas, be sure to contact your gas company so that one of their representatives can come to the house and turn off the gas. In the case of propane, ask your landlord or the nearest fuel shop location.
    * In Case of a Gas Leak or Suspected Leak: call Yoshida Gas Co. immediately! For propane, contact your propane supplier.
  • Electricity: Electricity in Fujiyoshida City is 100v and 50Hz. It is provided by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO). Tel: (0555)-22-3116.
    * Starting Service: Switch the breaker to ON and confirm whether the lights turn on. Then contact the Fujiyoshida office of TEPCＯ and notify *hem of your customer number (written on the postcard attached to the breaker), your name, and the date you moved in.
    * Ending Service: When you move you must make arrangements to terminate the supply of electricity. Call four or five days before moving, and someone from the electric company will come to your house the day you move and assist with the termination process.
    * If the Electricity Goes Out: Check the breaker to see if it is switched OFF. If so, turn off all appliances and then switch the breaker to the ON position. The lights should go back on. If lights still don't turn on, contact TEPCO at the number above.
  • Water:City plumbing is run by the City Department of Waterworks, Business Management Section (suido bu eigyo ka) 0555-22-111 Ext. 611
    * Preventing Frozen Water Pipes:Because temperatures dip below freezing from December to February,frozen faucets and burst water pipes are common. In order to prevent your water pipes from freezing, turn on all faucets to a constant flow before going to bed and then turn them off in the morning. Alternatively, one can purchase electiric heating coils at hardware stores. These coils warm exposed pipes and keep them from freezing. When leaving home for more than a day, it is recommended that you turn off the water valve in the winter. Ask your landlord for details.
    * Treating Frozen Water Pipes:If your pipes freeze, contact your landlord or plumber (phone numbers are listed in the winter commmunity newsletters).
  • If your pipes burst, wrap the damaged pipe in some kind of heavy-duty tape, and turn off the main water valve to prevent further leakage, and contact a plumber.