In general, we recommend that you open a savings account at a bank or a Japan Post Bank (Yucho Bank) close to your place of residence or your campus. As some scholarship foundations only send funds to designated banks, some scholarship recipients may be required to open an account with a specific bank. For example, MEXT Scholarship funds are deposited monthly into a Japan Post Bank account.
NOTES
The items required to open an account vary depending on the bank. For example, some banks require account holders to submit their Individual Number (“My Number”) in order to make international money transfers.
When closing a postal savings account, please follow the necessary procedures at the service counter of the relevant bank. Accounts should only be closed after ensuring that all outstanding debts have been paid. This is especially relevant to those who have arranged for utility bill payments to be automatically deducted from their bank or postal savings account.
(Important)
When you leave Japan to return to your home country or live in another country, be sure to close all
bank accounts that you opened in Japan. Never sell, buy, or give your bank account to another person,
or receive a bank account from another person. Using an account other than your own is prohibited by law.
Mobile phones can be purchased in mobile phone shops throughout Kyoto City. The documents required to open a mobile phone account vary depending on the provider. It is best confirm the required documents directly with the mobile phone shop. Most providers will require a Residence Card, passport, a Japanese Health Insurance Card, or a bank book.
Prepaid SIM cards can be purchased on the internet, at convenience stores, appliance stores, and at airports. Once purchased, SIM cards may be used immediately.
The types of internet services available at a property vary depending on the type connection facilities available. Please consult with the real estate agency or house owner about which internet service providers are available.
Kyoto University uses the Eduroam service (https://www.eduroam.jp/), which provides a wireless LAN roaming service across multiple universities and academic institutions. Persons visiting Kyoto University from another institution that uses Eduroam are requested to complete the necessary log-in procedures at their faculty/department of affiliation in order to use the service.
For further information:
Eduroam Information and Usage
(Website of the Kyoto University Institute for Information Management and Communication)
http://www.iimc.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en/services/kuins/wifi/use/eduroam.html
| Examples of issues for which consultation is available |
Consultation is available on legal issues, visas, tax-related matters, social insurance, pensions, work-related issues, and mental health.
Consultations are provided twice per month. A reservation is required.
Consultation time: 13:30–16:00 (Consultation duration: approx. 30 min.)
Schedule |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Language | Available in English and Chinese | ||
| Venue |
Kyoto City International Foundation (Kokoka) Access: Kyoto City Subway Keage Station |
||
| Fee | Free of charge | ||
| Reservations | Tel: 075-752-3511 (or apply in person at the Kokoka) | ||
Consumer Hotline for Tourist
https://www.cht.kokusen.go.jp/en/
The Consumer Hotline for Tourists offers telephone consultation for foreign visitors to Japan who
experience consumer issues involving stores, restaurants, bars, transportation, or lodging during
their visit.
| Examples of issues for which consultation is available |
Case 1: Purchase of defective or damaged goods. *Note: Consultation is not provided on matters other than consumer issues, such as tourist information, lost property, police matters, accidents, or medical issues. |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Hours |
10:00–16:00 (Weekdays) Closed: Weekends and December 29 to January 3 |
||
| TEL | 03-5449-0906 (toll charged) | ||
| Language | English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese | ||
Legal Information for Foreign Nationals
https://www.houterasu.or.jp/en/index.html
Accepts inquiries and provides free information about the Japanese legal system, bar associations,
and other relevant organizations.
| Examples of issues for which consultation is available | Inquiries are accepted on issues such as loans, divorce, work, accidents, visas, natural disasters, etc. | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Service Hours |
10:00–17:00 (Weekdays) Closed: Weekends and December 29 to January 3 |
||
| TEL | 0570-078377 (toll charged) | ||
| Language | English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Tagalog | ||
