Destination Nagoya PDF

Destination
Nagoya Your Guide

To Living In
Nagoya 2013
Brought to you by
Destination Nagoya Brought to you by
Your Guide
To Living In
Nagoya
2013
A2 A3
Photo by Alexander Hadjidakis
Contents Brought to you by
Welcome Everyday Information
Compliments of H&R Group 1 Shopping 73

Grocery Stores 75
Introduction International Stores 79
100 Yen Shops 81
Doctors And Health 83
Introduction 3 Recommended Doctors And Clinics 90
A Brief History Of Nagoya 5 Schools 93
The People of Nagoya 9 Pets 99
Arts and Crafts 10
Entertainment And Dining
Getting Around
Arts and Crafts 105

Arriving in Japan with Unaccompanied Baggage 11 What To See And Do 107
Public Transportation In Nagoya 13 Tourist Information 111
Centrair – Central Japan’s Airport 15 Sightseeing 113
Local Food 131
Settling In Bars And Restaurants 133
Relocating With Relo Japan 21

Finding a Home With Japan Home Search 23
Renting a House or Apartment 25
Japanese Apartments 27
Rental Houses In Japan 29
Real Estate Agents: Japan Home Search 31
Where To Live in Nagoya and Beyond 39
Furnishing Your Home 49
Dealing With Garbage 54
Purchasing or Leasing a Car in Japan 57
Converting your Foreign License 68
Welcome
With compliments of H&R Group
While relocating to another country often turns out to be a wonderful,

life-changing experience, there are always some traumatic obstacles
and challenges that get in the way.
That is why the H&R Group is dedicated to being here for you every
step of the way – while you prepare for your assignment, when you
make the big move, during your time in Japan and as you prepare
to go home. We love helping people get the most out of their “Japan
Experience” and we are with you from beginning to end.
Our team of experienced, bilingual consultants are ready to help you

with every aspect of your time in Japan. We offer support finding short
or long term housing, relocation settling-in assistance and orientations,
visa processing, immigration guidance, obtaining furniture, finding a car,
helping you get a driver’s license and much more. Whatever you need
to know about your time in Japan, we have a wealth of experience and
knowledge to share. So, come and join the H&R Club!
The H&R Group believes in supporting the communities in which we

work and live. Once you are settled in, I hope you can join with me in
supporting some of the worthy charitable activities we are involved with.
As we welcome you to our community, we hope that you will enjoy your
time here by becoming part of it.
As we say at the H&R Group, we are “More Than Relocation” Thank

you, and I hope you enjoy this book!
Warmest regards,
Steve Burson
President
H&R Consultants K.K.
ReloJapan K.K.
1 2
Introduction
Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and the capital of Aichi Prefecture.

With a population of 2.26 million, the city dominates the region both
economically and culturally. It also lies nearly equidistant between Tokyo
and Osaka / Kobe, providing an excellent base from which to visit a
number of central Japan’s attractions. Wherever you want to go, be it
the mountain ranges of Gifu and Nagano, the Grand Ise Shrine or the
Suzuka racetrack in Mie, Nagoya is an ideally situated place from which
to get there.
Since Chubu Centrair International Airport opened in 2005, the city

has become even more international. To some, this surge of interest in
the region probably doesn’t come as much of a surprise. Nagoya lies
at the center of Japan’s manufacturing heartland, and has long been
associated with business and industry. In fact, a number of the area’s
ancient craft centers survive to this day, including Seto and Tokoname History buffs will know that Nagoya is the birthplace of the Tokugawa
(ceramics), Arimatsu (shibori dyeing) and Mikawa (textiles). shogunate, and is thus endowed with one of Japan’s most culturally
important collections from that period. No visit to the city is complete
Today, the city is the headquarters to some of Japan’s largest without a tour of the Tokugawa Art Museum.
manufacturing enterprises, most notably The Toyota Motor Corporation,
whose offices in the towering Midland Square opposite Nagoya station, While Tokugawa Ieyasu’s formidable bastion, Nagoya Castle, was never
dominates the city’s skyline and its economy. successfully attacked, it was destroyed during World War II. Today, it
is not much more than a concrete replica, but the grounds make for a
It’s not all work, however. When the sun goes down, the city’s fertile scenic day out and often you will encounter samurai warriors in ancient
nightlife revs into high gear. From the wildly popular iD bar to many costume ready to have your photo taken with them.
smaller late night venues the city has a surprisingly vibrant and
international music and clubbing scene. Hungry? You’re in luck – there is a wide selection of excellent local
cuisine to sample. Nagoya also offers up a diverse array of international
For anyone in search of some history and Japanese culture, Nagoya food. From steak to sandwiches, from Thai to Turkish, Nagoya has it!
offers a range of options. Though the city was largely destroyed during
World War II bombing campaigns, traces of its rich past remain. Of Unsurprisingly for one of Japan’s most affluent cities, Nagoya also
cultural significance is the austere Atsuta Shrine, one of the three most boasts excellent shopping - and, on a tangential note, is the birthplace
important shinto sites in the country, and the location of the ancient of that great money-sapping pastime, pachinko.
Imperial Sword, which has been presented to the Emperor by priests
during every imperial enthronement ceremony since 690. Whatever you are looking for, we hope this guide will help you find it.
3 4
Introduction
A Brief History of Nagoya

and the Tokai Region
The relatively sheltered position and comparatively mild climate in the
region around the Nobi plain in the Aichi and Gifu prefectures made the
flatland in the Tokai region an early area of settlement. There are records
of rice cultivation dating from the seventh century, while Nagoya’s
Atsuta Shrine, the third most important Shinto site in the country,
is believed to be about 1,900 years old. Dedicated to the sun deity
Amaterasu O-mikami, the shrine is said to hold one of the three sacred
Imperial treasures: the kusanagi no tsurugi or “grass-cutting sword.” (It
should be noted, though, that only the emperor and a few select Shinto
priests are in any position to confirm this rumor: the mythical sword is
strictly off-limits to the general public.)
A millennium or so later, in 1147, the Atsuta area was the birthplace of

Minamoto Yoritomo, the first shogun of Japan. Yoritomo would go on to
choose Kamakura, a city south of present-day Tokyo, as the seat of his
shogunate, well away from the Imperial government, which remained
in Kyoto. Transport links between the two cities were improved
accordingly, following a route that served as a precursor for today’s
Tokaido highway. The Nagoya area was a key stopover on this road,
being the point where the path split to head west, toward Kyoto, and
south, to the Grand Ise Shrine. Trade in the region flourished.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi
Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537 – 1598) was a daimyo, warrior, general
and politician of the Sengoku period. He unified the political factions
of Japan. He is noted for a number of cultural legacies, including the
restriction that only members of the samurai class could bear arms.
Hideyoshi is regarded as Japan’s second “great unifier”.
5 6
Introduction History
The Tokai region’s greatest claim to fame, though, would come a few
centuries later: samurai lords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi
were both born in what is present-day Nagoya (in 1534 and 1536,
respectively), while Tokugawa Ieyasu was born in nearby Okazaki in
1542. Together, these three men were responsible for unifying Japan,
bringing to a close nearly a century of unrest and civil war. The ruling
shogunate Tokugawa established would last 250 years, during which
time it reined in the country’s many samurai lords and provided Japan
with a hitherto unparalleled degree of centralization.
Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 as a residence for Tokugawa’s

ninth son, Tokugawa Yoshinao, and the city became the military and
administrative capital of the Owari province — the western half of what
is now Aichi. Agriculturally rich and with a constant influx of travelers,
the Tokai region continued to develop, securing its place as one of the
most important settlements in Japan by the early eighteenth century.
With the Meiji restoration of 1868, the focus shifted from agriculture
to industry, and the region rapidly began to establish itself as a
manufacturing center. As the Japanese military modernized, the areas
around Nagoya grew to meet the demand for machinery and metals.
In 1918, meanwhile, Sakichi Toyoda founded the Toyota Spinning
and Weaving Co., Ltd.— the business that would go on to spawn the
world-famous Toyota Motor Corporation.
The region’s role as an industrial hub made it an obvious target for

Allied bombing raids during the Second World War, and Nagoya was all
but obliterated. The city today bears scant resemblance to its past self:
its wide avenues and grid-based street system — a rare thing in Japan
— are strictly postwar inventions. So too is its sheen of modernity,
which alternates blandness with some truly audacious architecture.
7 8
Introduction Culture
The People Arts and Crafts

of Nagoya Aichi’s status as a center of manufacturing is by no means a recent
invention: it has been centuries in the making, and many of the region’s
Nagoya residents earliest industries continue to this day. Seto and Tokoname are two
tend to be earthy, of the nihon rokkoyo — a term used to refer to the six oldest pottery
practical and wholly centers in Japan. Seto’s output is, in fact, so well known that the word
unpretentious. Having setomono (literally “Seto thing”) is used as a general term for pottery.
a solid manufacturing Seto was the only one of the nihon rokkoyo to fire glazed pottery during
base to draw on meant the Heian and Kamakura periods, and to this day the area turns out
that Nagoya, and some stunning ceramics. Tokoname’s pottery, meanwhile, employs
iron-rich clay from rice fields to give its products a distinctive brownish-
Aichi in general, were
red hue. The attractive teapots produced according to this method
spared the worst of the
crop up in households throughout the country. Another craft that has
depression in the post- flourished here for centuries is the manufacture of shibori (tie-dyed)
bubble nineties, and the fabrics, which have been coming out of Arimatsu for the best part of
local economy continues 400 years. Shibori products were originally made, using cheap fabrics,
to thrive. Nagoyans are as towels to sell to travellers on the way to Edo. However, the art has
not ones to rest on their subsequently moved upmarket, and Arimatsu now manufactures high-
laurels, though: the city’s quality kimono material, ties and handkerchiefs. Seki has long been
inhabitants retain a strong known as a center for sword-making, while Obara is famous for its
work ethic that places Japanese-style paper (washi)
the job at hand before
most anything else. Quite
what happens to the fruits
of this labor is anyone’s
guess: the city has also
garnered a reputation as
being home to the thriftiest
people in Japan, albeit
ones who are not wholly
John Reynolds - 123RF Limited

averse to the occasional
uncontrollable shopping
spree.
9 10
Getting Around Clearing Customs
Arriving in Japan with

Unaccompanied Baggage
When relocating to Japan, it is necessary to fill out two copies of the
“Customs Declaration” form in duplicate which will allow your personal
effects to clear customs smoothly. With air shipment you may usually
receive your shipment within a week or so after your arrival to Japan
and submission of your custom forms. These custom forms are
available from the flight attendant inside the airplane. Failure to submit
these forms may delay the release of your personal belongings, and
you will be required to provide additional paperwork.
The customs officer will stamp both forms and return one form to you
which must be submitted to the local shipping agent so that when
your shipment has arrived, it can pass the customs clearance process.
Please be aware of importation quotas when sending medication,
cosmetics, over the counter drugstore items, or contact lenses; even
those for personal use. For example, importing even one Tylenol
containing codeine into the country would result in you being detained.
After retrieving your luggage, it is necessary to pass through the

customs clearance counter. Once you exit customs, you will most likely
transfer to either a bus or train to reach your final destination. One
thing to keep in mind is that almost any transportation in Japan will
require more walking than you think it will. Many people find that what
they thought was a manageable size or amount of luggage will rapidly
become a problem after arrival. After clearing customs, you may want
to take advantage of one of the baggage delivery services located
inside most major airports and avoid having to deal with carrying
luggage all the way to your final Japanese destination. Baggage can
be delivered as early as the following day for a nominal fee and is
recommended when taking public transportation such as a shuttle bus
or train, or when carrying a large amount of luggage.
 11 12
Getting Around Public Transport
Public Transportation In Nagoya Subway

Nagoya is easily accessible by all major means of transportation. It The subway system is the easiest and most convenient form of
has an international airport, is a stop on the Meitetsu, Kintetsu and JR transportation. Five main lines traverse the city and connect all major
rail lines - including the Shinkansen (bullet train) - and is easy to get to rail links and bus terminals. Subway fares range from ¥200 to ¥320.
via major highways. Prepaid cards are available for both the bus and
subway systems, and ticket machines take notes as well as coins.
By Bus
The main city bus terminals are at Nagoya Station, Sakae and
Kanayama. Standard bus fare is ¥200 for adults and ¥100 for children.
There are three main color-coded signs above the windshield of
each bus depicting where it is headed to or originating from: green
indicates Nagoya Station; purple indicates Sakae; and black indicates
Kanayama. For more information, check the information offices at Oasis
21, at Nagoya Station near the south ticket gate of the Higashiyama
line or the web page: www.kotsu.city.nagoya.jp
The city bus system also has two late night bus routes on weekdays
that follow the Higashiyama Line: Route L-1 departs Sakae Bus
Terminal [across from Mitsukoshi department store] Gate 21, bound for
Fujigaoka subway station at 0:45 and 1:30. The L-1 bus also departs
from Fujigaoka subway station, bound for Sakae Bus Terminal at 23:55
and 0:35. Route L-2 for Takabata departs the Sakae Bus Terminal Gate
22 at 1:30. Buses from Takabata subway station depart at 0:35 with
several stops on the way to Sakae Bus Terminal. The fare is ¥400 for
adults and ¥200 for children.
By Car
For those coming by car, Nagoya is the ‘mei’ (Kanji Character) in the
Meihan, Meishin and Tomei expressways. Areas around Nagoya can be
accessed by anumber of local highways such as Routes 41, 19 and 22.
 13 14
Getting Around Centrair Airport
Centrair – Central Japan’s Airport

The Chubu Centrair International Airport, situated roughly 35 km
(20 miles) outside of Nagoya on a manmade island off the coast
from Tokoname, services the Chubu area. While many international
airports boast a diverse range of facilities, few could claim to be tourist
attractions in their own right. Centrair however, is just that: you’ll meet
numerous day-trippers there whose journey will take them no further
than the airport itself. Since opening in February 2005, it has been a
surprisingly popular destination with locals, and you should expect it to
be busy even outside of peak season.
Indeed, the airport is a cut above your average, run-of-the-mill transport

hub. Not only is it attractively designed and defiantly modern - it’s also
got some superb (and somewhat unusual) facilities.
There is an impressive selection of restaurants, most of which are to

be found on the 4th floor Chochin Yokocho (Japanese) and Renga-dori
(Western) themed zones. These areas also house a lot of the airport’s
stores: both national chain outlets and ones run by local operators that
are perfect for last-minute omiyage (souvenir) shopping.
If you’re looking for some more esoteric entertainment, you can’t beat
Centrair’s Fu-no-Yu, on the 4th floor, a public bath from which you can
watch airplanes take off and land. Travelers who aren’t in need of a
wash can just head to the Sky Deck on the same floor, to enjoy some
impressive views of the runways, and the security guards who roll
around on their Segways in a somewhat comical fashion.
Last but not least, Centrair can even accommodate amorous couples
looking to tie the knot - just ask for details at the Queen Alice and
Turandot Wedding Salon (advance reservations required).
 15 16
Access
People traveling to and from the
airport will transit to the Access Plaza,
which links to the second (arrival)
and third (departure) floors of the
passenger terminal.
By Rail
The Meitetsu Airport Line runs regular
express and limited express services
from Centrair to Meitetsu Nagoya
station (¥850 one way), via Kanayama
(¥790) and Jingu-mae stations (¥730).
The journey from Centrair to Nagoya
usually takes 35-45 minutes, although
there is a special Rapid Limited
Express service available, for an extra
¥350, that can cover the distance in
as little as 28 mins. For timetables, go
to www.meitetsu.co.jp/english
By Bus
The only bus service available is to
Fujigaoka Station which is on the
Higashiyama and Linimo subway lines
(55 mins, ¥1400). The bus leaves from
the 1st floor of the passenger terminal.
By Taxi
Most of the major taxi companies offer
flat rates depending on what part of
the city you are traveling to. Prices
range from roughly ¥11,900 to Naka
ward, to ¥14,600 to Meito ward.
 17 18
All taxis will charge an extra fee Temporary Storage More Info
for using the bridge to the airport Coin lockers for small, medium Check out the
(¥350 for each way the driver and large bags, available for up Centrair homepage:
has to travel). If you want to get to five days use, are located at www.centrair.jp/en
into town quickly, you should ask nine locations in and around the
them to use the highway (kosoku), airport. Information is available
which incurs an additional charge in English over the phone
of ¥2150 and includes the bridge Money Exchange/ATM Service at: (0569) 38-1195
fee. There is a 20% surcharge for Money can be exchanged at (6:40-22:00 daily)
travel between 23:00 and 5:00. Travelex (7:00-22:30) at the
Major credit cards are accepted, Access Plaza, Travelex (7:00-
but it is a good idea to have 21:30) and the MUFG Bank (7:30-
sufficient cash available, just in 20:00 Teller / 7:00-23:30 ATM;
case. open to 21:00 on 2nd Sat of the
month) on the 3rd floor, and the
Baggage MUFG Bank (6:00-22:00) on
When arriving, you can send the second floor. A number of
your bags on to your destination banks offer ATM service near the
by courier (takuhaibin): just drop convenience store in front of the
them off at one of the delivery ticket gate in the access plaza.
counters in the arrival lobby (2nd
floor). Bags accepted by 11:00 Internet Access
will be delivered on the same day. The airport is fitted with coin-
When sending bags to the airport operated internet terminals in
prior to departure, you will need six locations throughout the
to arrange to have them picked passenger terminal building (¥100
up by noon the day before. Prices per 10 minutes). Wi-fi is available
are roughly ¥2,100 per bag for by contracting with certain service
departure, and ¥1,700 for arrival. providers. After passing though
For more information, contact the international flight security
ABC at the toll free number 0120- checkpoin, laptop computer
919-120. Centrair provides more desks equipped with AC100V
information on their website. power cords as well as seven free
internet terminals are available in
the departure lounge.
 19 20
Settling In Relocating
Once you have chosen where you want to live Relo Japan goes about
setting you up. From turning on the electricity and water to hooking up
your cable and internet – they do it all. Relo Japan aims to go beyond
what is expected, and furthermore they will be your first friends in
Japan. Relo Japan offers the following:
• Professional and comprehensive support to meet all of your relocation

needs
• The www.ReloJapan.com website, a vital source of information on

Japan. A recent extension of our “Log-In Center” provides you with all
the materials you need to relocate in a digitalized format
• Offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe
• Japan-wide coverage through three offices and affiliates in many

locations
• Access to all of the best properties available, through Japan Home

Search, a multi-listing real estate agency
Relocating With Relo Japan
• Short-term accommodation arrangements in furnished or serviced
Not knowing what you don’t know is just one of the many travails you apartments
endure when moving abroad. Anyone who has decamped to another
country will tell you that it is invaluable to have eyes and ears on the • Settling-in services for individuals, couples and families
ground in advance in order to help you prepare for all the changes that
are coming. • Repatriation support leading up to departure
Relo Japan has over 20 years of experience in Japan relocations, and • Visa and immigration support, including local government compliance
their multilingual consultants are ready with a wealth of information
about your destination, allowing you to put your focus where it belongs, • 24-hour Japan help line
on your work and family. Relo Japan takes care of all the little details of
your move including obtaining a visa, getting you orientated in your new • Tenancy management
location and arranging for the delivery of your things from your home
country. • Expense management services, including payment of utilities
 21 22
Settling In Real Estate
The Japan Home Search team prides itself on promptly answering all
inquiries, and strives to find properties that meet each individual client’s
needs.
The apartments and homes offered by Japan Home Search are pre-
screened to allow foreign tenants, and unlike a traditional real estate
agent, the entire rental process from start to finish is in English.
JapanHomeSearch.com offers the following:
• Multi-listing agent with access to thousands of rental properties
• Regularly updated “Hot Properties” featuring new and popular

housing options
• User-friendly interface allowing visitors to search for several properties

Finding a Home With Japan Home Search at once
While traditional real estate agents offer the vast majority of available • Comprehensive property details including features, interior and
properties in Japan, they are not all set up to be foreigner friendly. exterior photos, floor plans and much more
Many landlords find renting to foreigners is simply too much of a hassle, • Helpful information about popular expatriate areas
especially to those who do not speak any Japanese at all. Japan Home
Search is a real estate agency that caters specifically to expatriates • Personalized support provided by bilingual real estate consultants
relocating to Japan.
• Rent and condition negotiation to get you the best and most
It is powered by JapanHomeSearch.com, a comprehensive, English- competitive deal
language property search engine. This popular site lists thousands of
rental properties for a real-time snapshot of what is available on the • Bilingual assistance at your “move-in” and your “move-out”
market today.
• On-going assistance with any maintenance issues
The site features the “Pin Pointer” tool, which allows visitors to zoom in
on the areas surrounding potential properties, and now also features a • Lots of advice on the rental process in Japan, and what you can and
simplified web version for iPads and smart phones. cannot do!
 23 24
Renting a House or Apartment

Sometimes finding a place to live in Japan requires a willing suspension
of disbelief from a western mindset. As with so much in Japan, or any
other foreign country for that matter, things are simply done differently.
And no experience in Japan quite compares to the unique way that the
Japanese live and manage their living spaces.
For starters it bears repeating that space is at a premium. The more

space you want, the more of something else you will have to give up:
time, money or convenience. Choosing between renting an apartment
or a house means deciding what kind of lifestyle you prefer. Want to be
near the shopping and restaurants of the city? Space will be hard to
come by. Want a bit more green and a larger place to live? Prepare for
a commute. These choices are familiar to anyone who has lived in an
urban area. However Japan tends to put a lot more of a premium on
space. Even a big place in Japan might still seem small compared to How Japanese Apartments and Houses are Measured
what you are used to.
Japanese properties are typically measured according to how many
tatami mats fit into each room. While modern Japanese apartments
and homes are constructed with flooring and often do not have the
traditional straw mats or tatami; the tatami standard of measurement is
still used.
One jo means one straw tatami mat. The size of a tatami is roughly
85.5cm wide and 179cm (33.5” by 70.5”) If the room is 6 jo, it will be
about 8.6 square meters. (Tatami size varies according to whether it is
used in a free-standing house or apartment and also varies in different
locations of Japan.)
Tatami Square Meters (ft2)
4 5.8 / 62.4
6 8.6 / 92.6
8 11.6 / 124.9
10 14.5 / 156.1
 25 26
Japanese Apartments considered by Westerners to count as an “additional bedroom”, they

are counted as one bedroom amongst the three bedrooms in 3LDK.
Japanese apartments can be notoriously small, especially in Tokyo,
where even some high-end properties are as small as a den or even
a large bathroom in many western countries. However, as Japan
becomes more international, properties are becoming more and more
“western,” and although space is limited, “open spaces” are now more
popular than a number of tiny rooms, which is traditionally the case in
Japanese homes.
The situation in Nagoya is relatively better. Most rental properties tend

to be larger and are a better value. Apartments will generally not include
utilities in the rent, although some do include fees for water usage.
Parking is usually an extra fee which normally runs somewhere between
¥5,000 to ¥30,000 per month, depending on location.
Common Apartment Configurations
Apartments come in many sizes, and Japan has a unique alphanumeric

code for each type of apartment. For example a “1K” is a one room
apartment with a kitchen. A 1DK is a one room apartment with a dining
room with a joining kitchen. A 1LDK means that the apartment has an
adjoining living area as well and one bedroom. Thus the more numbers
an apartment has the more “rooms” it has. Just remember that LDK
(living, dining, kitchen) is generally one room, not three! The difference
from “K” to “DK” to”LDK” is the size of the room containing those
areas.
Here is a sample of a 1LDK floor plan. As you can see, the “LD”
portions occupy the same space.
Here is a 2LDK floor plan.
Larger apartments such as a 3LDK will often have one or more

rooms with tatami flooring, and while these rooms often wouldn’t be
 27 28
Settling In Renting Accomodation
Rental Houses In Japan

Houses in Japan tend to be smaller and simpler than those in other
countries, and most foreigners residing in Japan for work tend to
choose homes that could be described as “luxury” in the local market.
These properties are generally western-style homes with a full suite of
amenities not often found in Japanese houses. Clothes dryers, dish
washers, central heating, and multiple bedrooms are all features that
are now commonly available in upscale Japanese properties.
If the house comes with a garden it will be limited in scope, however

high-value rental properties will be located in more spacious
communities and often nearby a public park. The trade off is such
houses are often not close to train or subway stations and therefore the
use of a car is necessitated.
Expats with the benefit of a relocation company like Relo Japan, will
have someone take care of all the little details of the employee’s move,
including finding them a house or apartment, sourcing furniture and /
or cars for lease or purchase and arranging the delivery of the client’s
belongings from their home country. Generally, the company will pay for
these services, but a little bit of knowledge will help the employee get
the most out of them.
Finding an apartment on your own in Japan can be a daunting task if

you have never done it before. It seems like just about everything is a
little harder in here, and if you do not speak Japanese your options are
fairly limited. One of the first differences between Japan and the west is
that apartments and houses are rented through real estate agents and
the landlords designated “management company” or “representative”,
rather than directly with the landlord. This is why you rarely see “for
rent” signs in front of apartments, and when you do the contact
information is a local real estate branch office.
 29 30
Fees and Policies

Key Money
Key money or reikin is a one-time fee that a tenant may be asked to a

pay a landlord when a lease contract is concluded. This is considered
a gratuity for the conclusion of the lease contract. This business
custom dates back to an old Japanese tradition whereby wealthy
families in positions of power paid cash to a landlord as a gratuity.
Unlike a deposit, this payment will not be returned at the termination of
the contract. High rent property owners generally do not request key
money and instead, charge deposit plus one month advance rent.
While the “key money” tradition seems overly exorbitant, one must
Real Estate Agents: Japan Home Search understand that monthly rent is much lower in Nagoya than other
cities in Japan where key money is not so prominent, and there are
While traditional real estate agents offer the vast majority of available no penalties to canceling contracts at any point during the housing
properties in Japan, they are not set up to be foreigner friendly. contract. Contracts usually automatically renew in Nagoya, without any
Many landlords are simply not willing to rent to foreigners in general, renewal fees, so the key money you need to pay up front is simply a
especially to those who do not speak any Japanese. “different system” and the overall situation should be considered when
evaluating the initial costs of entering a new rental home.
As one foreign resident has recounted: “I remember hearing the
agent who helped me with mine say to my prospective landlords over Deposits
and over again, “He is foreign, but he is from the United States and
speaks Japanese. “ Usually, this was followed quickly by, “Oh, really? Deposits or hoshokin are standard for rental agreements and are
I understand, thank you for your time.” I felt bad for him watching the collected in advance as collateral to cover potential arrears in rent
list of properties he was able to show me get smaller, and smaller, until and property damage and/or future cleaning fees at termination of the
we were left with about 5; out of an original 25.” Getting a foreigner into contract. Typically 2~6 months rent will be charged as deposit. As in
housing can be a challenge in Japan. most other countries, the deposit is in principle refundable. However,
some landlords can be quite punitive in the damage they charge.
JapanHomeSearch.com specializes in serving the specific housing
needs of foreign client’s. The apartments and homes they offer are pre- Rent
screened to allow foreign tenants, and unlike a traditional real estate
agent, they can basically take you through the rental process from start Rent or yachin is usually paid monthly, in advance to the owner. In
to finish in English. some cases there is a late fee if payment is overdue.
 31 32
Maintenance Fee Pets
It is standard for the landlord to require kyoekihi a monthly fee for Many rental properties don’t allow pets, so having a pet is likely to
general building maintenance, including grounds, electricity for the reduce your rental options significantly. However, pets are now very
elevator and outside lighting as well as up-keep of the structure. popular in Japan, so we have seen relatively more properties in recent
years that will take your poodle or your Siamese beauty. Even when
Agent Fees properties are labeled “pet friendly”, it is common case-by-case
permission must be obtained from the landlord.
Most properties are found through a real estate company. The realtor
will charge an agent’s fee chukai tesuryo as payment for acting as Some properties, for example, will allow small pets, but not large dogs.
an intermediary, from the start of the home-finding process through Some places are OK with dogs, but don’t allow cats. Sometimes,
conclusion of the house contract and move-in inspection. The ceiling of additional deposits or rent can be required and there may be additional
the fee, regulated by law, is 1 month’s rent plus 5% consumption tax. “cleaning” or “disinfection” charges at the end of the contract.
Tenant Insurance Big dogs and cats are very hard to find places to live with. Less than
20% of properties will allow pets generally, and only around 5% would
Housing contracts often stipulate the tenant to take out tenant allow a big dog or a cat.
insurance jutaku hoken. There are very reasonable comprehensive
tenant insurance packages available which offer protection for the
whole family providing personal liability and damages caused fire, water
leaks, theft, lightning and earthquake.
Repairs
The responsibility for repairs is usually clearly outlined in the housing

contract. Owners are responsible for “general wear and tear” called
“shizen-shomo” in Japanese, while tenants are responsible for any
damage outside normal wear and tear. However, it is important
to understand that in Japan all repairs are generally done by the
owner’s stipulated management company or repairman. You become
responsible for the cost, but it is not custom in Japan that you conduct
your own repairs.
 33 34
Guarantor
Many companies act as lessee and enter into housing contracts on

behalf of foreign employee or “tenant”. In these cases no guarantor
is needed. However, if you enter into a private contract and will be
the signatory, you will also need a guarantor. The guarantor can be
a Japanese colleague or company established to provide just such
services. Recently, many owners are using “guarantor companies”
who will charge you a flat fee for this service. You will need to provide
documents such as copies of your residence card and visa stamp and
submit a Certificate of Employment from your company in order to
enter into a contract with the “guarantor company” which in turn allows
you to make a contract with the house property owner.
Contract Terms
Housing contracts in Japan are generally for a set two years and
include clauses for early termination and renewal. It is standard for Appliances and Furniture
contracts to automatically be extended unless a cancellation notice
has been submitted. When your assignment in Japan has ended, it When moving into a new apartment or house it is common that there
will be necessary to terminate the house contract and related services will be little, if anything, in the way furnishings and built-in appliances.
such as utilities. Most housing contracts require one-two months prior Often you may be required to buy lights, air conditioners, curtains and
written notice of termination. There will be a final inspection when other white appliance items that you might consider standard in rental
you move out at which time the owner, realtor and / or management properties elsewhere. Either way the utility of such devices and the way
representative will ascertain cleaning and damage fees to be deducted they work will need a little study to figure out.
from the deposit.
Washing Machines
In addition to standard two-year contracts, there are also fixed-term
contracts that are common if the owner is planning to return to their You should be aware that Japanese washing machines usually wash
property at some point in the future. Fixed term contracts cannot only with cold water, as there is not often hot water available for the
be renewed, so any extension of the initial contract would require a laundry areas of Japanese housing. Japanese clothes dryers are often
completely new contract. Fixed term contracts are normally for longer combination machines, or are separate units that are powered by
periods of four-five years, but the termination process remains the same electricity only, and therefore take hours to dry clothes fully. Powerful
as for standard two-year contracts. clothes dryers don’t tend to be common because the Japanese usually
dry their clothes outside on a line.
 35 36
Kitchen Appliances Toilets and Baths
A Japanese kitchen will be set up quite differently from its western Historically Japanese did not have a toilet in the bathroom and the
counterpart. An stand alone oven is uncommon and is usually part of two facilities had their own separately dedicated spaces. A traditional
an appliance that includes a microwave with an electric oven feature. Japanese bath requires that most washing is done out of the bath,
A lot of people use only a toaster oven in their apartments, as even a which is used primarily for soaking and relaxation. The bathing area
smaller “full size” oven will simply not fit. Many stoves burn propane was intuitively a “clean” space and the inclusion of a toilet effectively
gas, have two to four burners and include a fish grill that sides out from negated this concept. These days however you will find something
under the burners and operates as a small broiling oven. called a “unit bath” in smaller apartments. A unit bath will have both a
toilet and a bathtub with a shower attachment, effectively merging the
In larger western-style properties, larger ovens and white appliances are two functions in a nod to the reality that space is at a premium and
available, but in typical Japanese properties even a small dishwasher is some traditions must be sacrificed.
rarely included in the kitchen.
Japanese Toilets
The American equivalent of the “bathroom” or “restroom” is referred to

simply as “the toilet” (toire) in Japan, as in European countries. While
you will still find standard “squatting” toilets in public facilities and
older buildings, most modern Japanese toilets are quite superior in
technology and function to those you may have encountered in other
countries. Most will have heated seats and it is also common to include
both a bidet and “washlet” (posterior washing spray) functions utilizing
warm water. Some will also feature “blow dry” modes to limit the
amount of toilet paper that is used.
The Japanese Bath
As mentioned above, the Japanese have traditionally utilized the bath

for relaxation. As the body is washed outside of the bath in a shower
area, the water in the bath is often used by several people before it is
let out. Modern baths will allow you to re-heat the water for later use.
Showering is usually done sitting on a stool and for this reason you will
find that it is hung lower than you might expect. Most shower heads
are attached via a hose and can detach from the wall and be used
separately from their normal position.
 37 38
Settling In Where To Live
Meito-ku (Issha and Hongo)

This is a popular area for expats because of the large selection of
western-style houses with gardens. Issha and Hongo stations are
especially favored by expat families as they are located for good access
to The Nagoya International School, downtown Nagoya and other
places such as Toyota City. There are several major shopping centers,
a good number of sports facilities and some of the nicest parks in the
city. While the nightlife is more subdued there is a wide selection of
restaurants and cafes to choose from. There is a good selection of
English-speaking physicians and pediatricians located in the area.
Transportation
Both Issha and Hongo are stops on the popular Higashiyama Subway
Line. Commuting into the city is relatively quick and easy and takes
Where To Live in Nagoya and Beyond about 20 - 25 minutes. The entrance to the Tomei Expressway located
at Hongo and the Meinikan Expressway at Kamiyashiro provide
Nagoya straddles the line between medium-sized city and full-blown excellent vehicle access to the west for Ichinomiya, Kyoto and Osaka,
metropolis. The pace of life may not be as rapid as Tokyo or Osaka, but as well as to the east for Toyota, Okazaki and Tokyo, and the Chubu
the city is generally more livable. Because of this, you are more likely Centrair International Airport.
to find a place to live with a bit more space for less money than you
would in other cities. If you prefer to live in one of the many suburbs Chikusa-ku (Hoshigaoka, Higashiyama and Motoyama)
surrounding the metropolitan area, they are easily accessible via Notable for its 10 to 15 minute subway ride into the city center, Chikusa
Nagoya’s wide roads and modern highway network. Congestion is not is far enough away from downtown that the urban feel begins to
much of a problem and the roads are easy to navigate. Commuting is a wear off a bit and green areas attempt to retake the pavement. Such
viable option. proximity, however, means that the housing options tend towards
apartments rather than free-standing homes. Fortunately the closeness
Areas Popular With Expatriates to the vast Higashiyama Park, which includes the Nagoya Zoo and
Botanical Gardens, gives residents a decent respite from the clang
In general foreign residents of the city tend to live in five main areas of and bang of downtown. The Aichi International School is also located
the city. The most popular wards (ku in Japanese) are Meito-ku,(Issha here as are branches of the popular the Matsuzakaya and Mitsukoshi
and Hongo), Chikusa-ku, (Hoshigaoka, Higashiyama, and Motoyama), department stores.
Showa-ku / Mizuho-ku / Tempaku-ku (Yagoto, Irinaka), Higashi-ku /
Naka-ku (the downtown areas comprising Izumi, Marunouchi, Sakae Transportation
and Fushimi) as well as Nakamura-ku / Nishi-ku (Nagoya Station). The predominate subway line serving the area is the Higashiyama
Subway line, which traverses the city from Nagoya Station all the way
 39 40
east to Fujigaoka. It is intersected at Motoyama by the Meijo line which in the north and which stretch south to Yaba-cho. Fushimi, which is
loops around the city and connects to most of the city’s subway lines one stop east of Nagoya Station, is a center for business and nightlife
at some point. Once you hit the less desirable Imaike Station, which and boasts some of the city’s best known museums, restaurants and
connects to the Sakura-dori line, you are, for all intents and purposes, ex-pat bars. One stop further east is Sakae, essentially the city center
back in the city. At Chikusa station, the Higashiyama line connects to and one of the busiest parts of town. Sakae is famous for its vibrant
the JR rail line which serves Nagoya Station, Kanayama and Tsurumai nightlife, drawing people from all over the region on weekends. At night
as well as points farther from town. the area hums with the energy of an active dance club scene, pumping
out everything from hip hop to trance to techno and even Korean
Showa-ku / Mizuho-ku / Tempaku-ku (Yagoto, Irinaka) pop. Yaba-cho tends to be more of a shopping district, though dining
Regarded as one of the most affluent neighborhoods in Nagoya by options are ample as well. Accommodation in central Naka-ku is almost
most Japanese residents, Yagoto is near three major universities and exclusively limited to apartments which can be quite expensive and
has some of the priciest real estate in the city. Yagoto is popular with smaller than you are likely to find elsewhere. However those who value
Japanese executives so housing is mostly Japanese in style, but convenience and want a bit more nightlife will probably find it is worth
the homes and apartments are relatively luxurious and spacious in the trade-off.
comparison to what you will find elsewhere. Yagoto has the advantage
of being on the subway line connecting Nagoya with Toyota city, and Transportation
is convenient for those who prefer to live in Nagoya but have work in Fushimi is served by the Higashiyama and Tsurumai subway lines.
Toyota. The area has ample shopping and dining options, is abundant Sakae is served by the Higashiyama subway line as well as the
with green spaces and is home to Koshoji Temple, one of the only Zen Meijo subway line which also has a station at Yaba-cho. The Nagoya
Buddhist temples in the city, and the site of a five story pagoda. Expressway loops around the area with an entrance and exit at Toshin-
cho to the East.
Transportation
Yagoto is served by the Meijo subway line as well as the Tsurumai Nakamura-ku / Nishi-ku (Nagoya Station)
subway line which connects to the Meitetsu rail line as it travels east to While the Sakae area has traditionally been the center for nightlife and
Toyota city. Getting downtown via subway requires a change of trains shopping, the Nagoya Station area has mostly been relegated to its
to the Higashiyama line at either Motoyama in the east or Fushimi in the status as a transportation hub. With the completion of the JR Central
west. The main thoroughfares connect it to Nagoya University in the Towers at the end of 1999, all that changed and slowly but surely
north and with Irinaka to the west. The roads are quite heavily trafficked the area has attracted a great deal more restaurants and department
and the main intersection can be somewhat congested at certain times stores. The Midland Square building, built to house the offices of
of day. A car ride into the city takes approximately 30 minutes. The Toyota Motor Corporation is a mammoth structure that contains
upscale clothing boutiques, high-end restaurants and one of the city’s
Higashi-ku / Naka-ku (The downtown areas comprising Izumi, biggest multiplex theaters. Traditionally the area was a home to those
Marunouchi, Sakae and Fushimi) working at the fish market to the south-east and clothing manufacturers
Naka-ku offers the vibrancy and convenience of downtown living. The who kept shop in the area. It is only recently that the smaller
area is bisected by long series of parks which begin at Nagoya Castle neighborhoods that lined the old shopping streets around the west side
 41 42
of the station have started to sprout towering apartment buildings. Most

of these are categorized as city “residences” and feature all-mod-cons
Outside Of Nagoya
along with security services and parking. The west side of the station Toyota
has been traditionally linked with less reputable segments of society Koromo Town, the predecessor of present day Toyota, was a major
and is not considered a particularly desirable place to live. producer of silk and prospered from the Meiji Era through the Taisho
period. As the demand for raw silk declined in Japan and abroad, the
Transportation town entered a period of gradual decline. That decline encouraged
Living near the station has its advantages for those who need to get Kiichiro Toyoda to found the Toyota Motor Corporation. While the
in and out of the city often. The JR Shinkansen (bullet train) ferries International Headquarters of the Toyota Motor Corporation is located
passengers east to Tokyo and west to Osaka and beyond, whilst the in Nagoya, the city that now bears it’s name is still home to a number
main rail line to the Centrair airport departs from the Meitetsu train of offices and factories that are actively involved in the operations and
station beneath the Towers. All local JR, Meitetsu and Kintetsu railway management of the company. The city itself is low key and verdant.
lines converge here. The Higashiyama subway line stops here as does Notable for its smaller scale, Toyota is home to a number of foreign
the Sakura-dori line which connects again at Imaike. residents who tend to be connected to work for Toyota or one of the
many companies it does business with. If you are going to be working
Atsuta-ku (Kanayama) here then you may consider living here as well. Prices for renting a
The area straddling Atsuta-ku and Naka-ku is known as Kanayama, house or apartment are much more reasonable that what you will find in
and is located just one stop from Nagoya Station. The main Nagoya, and what Toyota City lacks in nightlife it makes up in access to
advantage to living in Kanayama is the easy access to subway and nature and a much more traditional Japanese way of life.
rail transportation via the recently renovated Kanayama station. The
station area serves as a large shopping mall featuring a wide variety of Transportation
dining and shopping options. What Kanayama lacks in terms of green Toyota is Japan’s Motor City and as such it is very much a “car” city.
spaces it makes up for in terms of its easy access to downtown and Access is via the Tomei expressway from the Nagoya Interchange
the popular Osu shopping district. located in Hongo or via the Nagoya Expressway’s Toshin-cho entrance
near Sakae. Travel time to Toyota is approximately 45 minutes from
Transportation Toshin-cho and about 20 minutes from Hongo. Toyota is also served
Kanayama is a major rail hub in Nagoya, second only to Nagoya station by the Meitetsu Toyota rail line which is connected to the Tsurumai line
in terms of the rail lines that connect here. JR Kanayama Station is a of the Nagoya city subway system. Passengers boarding the Tsurumai
main stop on the Chuo Line and the Tokaido Line. The other major line can take a train directly to Toyota, though some trains require you
railway serving Kanayama is Meitetsu which has three lines, the Nagoya to transfer at Akaike station. Travel time from Fushimi, near the centre of
line, the Inuyama line and the Tokoname line, which provides express Nagoya, is approximately 45 minutes.
access to the Centrair airport, a trip of less than 30 minutes. Kanayama
is also a stop on the Meijo subway line which loops around the city and Nisshin
connects to all major lines on the Nagoya subway system, including the Nisshin City is located in the center of Aichi Prefecture, bordered on the
Meiko line which originates here and goes to the Nagoya Port area. west by Nagoya, to the east by Toyota City and the town of Miyoshi, to
 43 44
the south by Togo and to the north by Nagakute. The Tempaku River Transportation
flows through the center of the city, and the flatlands of the rivers basin Okazaki has two primary train stations JR Okazaki station and The
forms large expanses of agricultural land. Nisshin has a number of Meitetsu Higashi-Okazaki Station. JR Okazaki station is on the
good cafes and offers a bit more in terms of dining than Toyota but as a Tokaido Main Line at the southern end of the city. The journey from
bedroom community is not as lively as Nagoya. Nagoya to Okazaki takes 30 minutes. The Higashi-Okazaki Station,
on the Meitetsu Line, is in the central part of the city. This station is
Transportation convenient for the main tourist sites, such as Okazaki Castle, Rokusho
The Tomei Expressway runs through the eastern part of the city, and Jinja, Iga Hachimangu, and Daijuji temple. Travel time from Nagoya
there is a Nisshin bus stop on the expressway itself, which is located in is approximately 40 minutes. This line also connects to the Chubu
Komenoki Town. In addition to the expressway, Nissin City is accessible Centrair International Airport, travel time is approximately 65 minutes.
via the major trunk roads which includes national highway #153 and the Naka-Okazaki station, which is on the Aichi Loop Line, is convenient to
prefectural roads, #57 and #58. Bus service within Nisshin is provided the Okazaki Castle area and the adjacent Ieyasu Museum in Okazaki
by twenty one Meitetsu bus routes as well as one Nagoya City bus Park. This station can be accessed via the JR Tokaido Main Line train
route. The cities of Nagoya and Toyota are linked to via the Tsurumai from Nagoya to Okazaki, after changing to the Aichi Loop Line
Subway Line and the Meitetsu Toyota Line. The three train stations
which serve the residents of Nisshin are Akaike, Nisshin and Komenoki Toyohashi
stations. Toyohashi, which initially derived its importance as a stop on the
Tokaido road linking Edo with Kyoto is today primarily known for
Okazaki its port, which is the biggest import and export hub in Japan for
With a population of around 400,000 residents, Okazaki has a small automobiles. The city has a population of over 330,000 and is an active
town feel with many tree-lined streets, few tall buildings and numerous manufacturing center. Of cultural significance Toyohashi is also home
parks. But while the city is small it still offers large shopping malls to Yoshida Castle, a modern reconstruction of the original flatland-style
and many of the services and attractions you would expect in a fortress which burned down in the late 1800s. The white sand beaches
larger metropolitan area. Okazaki is known for its special miso, sake, of the Atsumi Peninsula nearby are known locally as a surfing spot, and
fireworks, and as a key center for manufacturing. The city is also host are an important nesting habitat for the endangered loggerhead turtle.
to a prestigious national research institutes as well as a range of R&D
centers, laboratories and universities. Transportation
Toyohashi is a stop on the JR Tokaido Line, and is also the terminal of
You can also visit dozens of historic temples and shrines, enjoy some the Meitetsu Main Line from Nagoya and Gifu. Toyohashi is also a stop
of Japan’s most exciting festivals and explore the castle and town on the JR Shinkansen. The Hikari and Kodama trains make stops here
by bicycle or on foot. With its castle and crucial bridge it was also but the faster premier Nozomi trains do not.
a strategically important post town on the ancient Tokaido highway
linking Edo (now Tokyo) with the imperial capital in Kyoto. Unlike many Gifu City
cities such as Tokyo and Osaka that were almost completely destroyed The city of Gifu is located in the southern portion of the prefecture that
during WWII, many of Okazaki’s heritage sites have been preserved. bears its name and is the region’s largest municipality. The northern
 45 46
part of Gifu is bordered by tree-covered mountains and the southern Transportation

end is where you will find the city center. The picturesque Nagara River Yokkaichi is served by two major train stations: JR Yokkaichi station,
bisects the city, flowing from the northeast to the southwest and is the located on the JR Kansai Main Line, and Kintetsu Yokkaichi station.
predominate topographical feature. Gifu is well known for Cormorant Both stations offer connections to Nagoya. Kintetsu trains from Nagoya
fishing, which has been a feature of the Nagara river for over 1,300 take 35 minutes by express. By JR it takes 30 minutes on rapid trains
years. The season lasts from May to October every year and occurs and 40 minutes via local trains which stop at all stations in-between.
each night. Gifu Castle, which sits high atop Mt. Kinka, is notable for its
panoramic view from the top floor. The original structure was historically Hamamatsu
significant as Oda Nobunaga used it as a headquarters when unifying Blessed with the beauty of Hamanako lake and close proximity to the
Japan, however it was destroyed in 1601, after the momentous ocean, Hamamatsu offers a lot of nature by the standards of most
Battle of Sekigahara. The current castle was completed in 1956 and Japanese metropolitan areas. This city of over 800,000 is culturally
underwent a major renovation in 1997. Getting to the top of Mt. Kinka diverse, relaxed and blessed with a more temperate climate than its
requires either a ropeway ride or a hike. neighbours. While Hamamatsu enjoys a mild climate year-round, a
strong, dry wind called the karakkaze in Japanese blows from the
Transportation northwest in the winter making it feel colder than it actually is. One
Gifu is a station on the JR Tokaido Main Line and JR Takayama Line. popular spot to enjoy the seasons is at Kanzanji Onsen, a hot spring
Trains from Nagoya Station take between 18 and 25 minutes. The found at the tip of the Shonai Peninsula and jutting out into the
Meitetsu Railway runs trains from Nagoya to Meitetsu-Gifu Station northeastern part of Hamanako lake. Here you will find many modern
which take 30 minutes. Gifu-Hashima is a local stop on the JR hotels and traditional Japanese-style inns. But make no mistake –
Shinkansen in the city of Hashima, about 12 km southwest of Gifu, but Hamamatsu is a working town, and home to many prominent musical
Nozomi trains do not stop there. instrument and motorcycle manufacturers. Honda, Kawai, Roland,
Yamaha and Suzuki are just some of the corporations that do business
here.
Yokkaichi
Yokkaichi derives its name from “Market On The Fourth Day”, the fact
Transportation
that there was traditionally a market held on dates containing a four.
Shin-Hamamatsu is a stop on the JR Shinkansen between Tokyo and
During the Edo period it was the 43rd station on the Tokaido Highway
Nagoya. The JR Tokaido main line has five stops within Hamamatsu city
and as such was a frequent stop for travellers. Today it is an industrial
limits: Bentenjima, Maisaka, Takatsuka, Hamamatsu and Tenryugawa,
city that produces everything from textiles and chemicals to flash
and the JR Iida line cuts across the mountainous far northern edge of
memory and automobiles. The environment has suffered as a result
the city on its path between Toyohashi, Aichi and Tatsuno, Nagano.
though efforts have been made to ameliorate the effects of so much
industrial output. While Yokkaichi is less attractive as a place to live,
it is a major manufacturing and industrial hub for this reason a lot of Want more info on living in the Chubu region?
business is conducted here.
Check out www.JapanInfoSwap.com!
 47 48
Settling In Furnishing Your Home
Furnishing Your Home Due to the volume of clients we introduce to Fujika, we have arranged
Depending on your situation and budget, there are many options for
furnishing your home in Japan. a discount of 5% off any full-price item in their showroom. To take
advantage of this special discount, ask your relocation consultant for a
Shipping flyer. Present the flyer when you go to take advantage of this discount.
If you are coming to Japan for an extended period of time, your
company may ship your furniture to Japan and back for you. Being More Info Here: Fujikagu Kougyo K.K. www.fujikagu.co.jp
surrounded by familiar things is a great way to help you ease into life in
a new country. Buying Used Furniture
Like anywhere else, you can also purchase used furniture in Japan.
Be aware however that shipping can be a bit of a hassle and can take One popular way of finding what you are after is to check “sayonara
between six to eight weeks, not including any problems that may arise sales”, moving home sales by other foreign residents. Sayonara sales
at customs. Additionally some things simply may not fit into a Japanese are usually advertised by word of mouth, but you may find one by
apartment or house, so keep in mind what types of things you are searching on the internet. If you get lucky, this is the cheapest method
bringing and if they will suit your new place. Often the size of doorways of furnishing your house, but there is no way to guarantee that you
and elevators in Japan are smaller than back home and so it is best to will get your home furnished with any sort of expediency. In addition
confirm whether things will fit or not before you send them. What can running around and collecting things from people in a new city is a bit
you do with a refrigerator that won’t fit in your house after all? For this of a hassle.
reason it is a good idea to bring the measurements of any large items
you plan on bringing with you on a home-finding tour. Alternatively you can try one of the “recycle shops” which sells used
items. Think of them as permanent garage sales. You never know what
If you do decide to ship your household items you will need to decide you might find in them, and the prices can be much higher than you
for what to do while you wait for everything to arrive. You may choose would expect. Lastly there is the problem of ferrying things back to your
to stay in a hotel, or you could just make do living out of a suitcase residence. Some shops will deliver (depending on how much stuff you
on the floor. Alternatively Lease Japan offers a convenient short-term buy) but most will expect you to take what you buy home with you.
furniture rental service which can keep you comfortable during the
interval between when you arrive and when your stuff does. Most foreigners who live in Nagoya will tell you that sayonara sales
are worth checking out if there is something you can’t get elsewhere.
Buying New Furniture Roughly the same goes for used stores, though they tend not to be of
Another option is to buy all new furniture. We recommend a local shop, very good value.
Fujika, which offers a wide variety of furnishings in styles ranging from
modern to classic. They have a great selection of name brands items Leasing Furniture
from makers such as Ashley, Saltarelli, Sealy, and Songdream just to There are several reasons why leasing furniture is an attractive option
name a few. The shop also has friendly English-speaking staff and an for expats. One point to consider is that when it comes time to return
English-language home page. home you will either have to ship it home or otherwise get rid of it in
 49 50
Settling In Furnishing Your Home
Japan. If you can’t sell the things you have collected you will have to
dispose of them which can be quite expensive and time consuming.
If you wish to throw away large items you must reserve a pick up day
and pay a fee for anything that cannot be placed in a standard garbage
bag.
If you decide to lease furniture then it will be delivered and picked up

at your convenience. This is especially useful for people who want to
make a contract for the exact period of time that they will be in Japan.
You can even have your residence furnished and ready for you before
you arrive.
Lease Japan will furnish your home tastefully and quickly without
investing a lot of cash up-front. They do the work for you so that
you have time and energy to concentrate on getting settled in and
acquainted with your new environs. Their English-language service is
stress free and easy to use.
Here are some of the services that they provide:
• Tasteful furniture and appliances selected by you from their catalogue.

Order piece by piece, or one of their convenient packages, specially
selected to provide you with all the essentials.
• Delivery and installation of the items in your home.
• Continued support for maintenance and repair issues.
• Collection of furniture and appliances from your home at lease end.
• Service in English; including contracts and service documentation
• English appliance manuals, when possible.
For more information go to: www.leasejapan.com/furncatalogue.asp
 51 52
Settling In Garbage
Dealing With Garbage

Garbage collection in Nagoya is quite organized and regimented. In
order to dispose of trash you must sort it into one of the following
categories and place it in a specially designated bag.
• Burnable Garbage (Moeru gomi)

• Ignitable Hazardous Waste (Yuugai gomi)
• Non-burnable Garbage (Moenai gomi)
• Oversized or Large-sized waste (Sodai gomi)
• Recyclable Waste (Shigen gomi)
The bags have different colored writing in English and Japanese

depending on the type of things you are deposing of (Red for burnable
garbage, Blue for recyclable garbage and Green for non-burnable and
hazardous waste). These can be purchased at your local supermarket
or convenience store.
Every neighborhood will have different days for collection of specific

waste. Be sure to get information from your landlord or relocation agent
about when and where to dispose of your trash.
What Goes Where?

Burnable garbage (Moeru gomi)
Collected two times per week
Type of waste collected:

Garbage, grass and garden waste, paper diapers, rubber products,
fabrics, leather products, tissue paper, plastic products, etc.
Garbage must be put in a plastic bag specified for burnable waste. The
bags must be put out in specified collection place by 8:00 on the day of
collection. (by 7:00 for residents of Naka-ku)
 53 54
Settling In Garbage
Flammable hazardous waste (Yuugai gomi) on application. A fee is charged for collection and an application must
Collected two times per week (This same day as burnable garbage) be made in advance by telephone. Call the large-sized waste desk
at 0120–758–530 (from outside of Aichi and from mobile telephones
at 052–950–2581) with someone who speaks Japanese. Open 9:00
Spray cans, disposable lighters, solid fuel (in cans), lithium batteries.
to 17:00 from Monday to Friday (closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and
Empty contents and place into in a plastic bag specified for recyclable during the year end / new year)
waste, any clear or translucent bag where the contents are visible may
be used. Put out in the specified collection place by 8:00 in the morning Recyclable Waste (Shigen gomi)
on the day of collection. (by 7:00 for residents of Naka-ku.)
Household waste must be separated into burnable, non-burnable,
Place separately and away from burnable garbage. ignitable hazardous waste, large-sized waste and recyclable waste.
Non-burnable garbage (Moenai gomi) • Plastic containers and plastic packages are collected at each
Collected one time per week household as recyclable waste. Plastic recyclable waste must be put in
a plastic bag specified for recyclable waste.
Non-burnable garbage smaller than 30cm3
Glass and ceramics trash, small-sized metal products and other items • Bottles, cans, paper containers and paper packages, and PET bottles
that are otherwise inappropriate to burn. are collected as recyclable materials at your neighbourhood collection
station or recycle center.
Put in specified plastic bag for non-burnable waste. Put out in specified
collection place by eight in the morning on the day of collection. (by
seven for residents of Naka-ku) • Paper recyclable waste must be put in a plastic bag specified for
recyclable waste. Ask your neighbours or the designated person in
Oversized or large-sized waste (Sodai gomi) charge in your building or neighbourhood (chonai kaicho) about when
Collected one time per month (Application and fee required) and where recyclable materials are collected.
Applications must be received at least one week before collection.
Type of waste collected: Other Recycle Locations

Electronics and furniture larger than 30cm3 (excluding air conditioners, PET bottles are also collected at convenience stores, while PET bottles
television sets, refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers and paper cartons are also collected at public facilities and some
and personal computers). supermarkets. Please dispose of newspapers, magazines, corrugated
cardboard, and clothing appropriately, so that they can be collected by
Details such as the collection date, place and fee will be given to you
your local, community-organized recycling group.
 55 56
Settling In Leasing a Car
Purchasing or Leasing a Car in Japan

Purchasing a Car
First, the good news. You are spoiled for choice when purchasing a
car in Japan. Used cars are an especially good option as the Japanese
tend to be meticulous when it comes to maintaining and servicing their
automobiles. No matter what brand or model you are after, there is a
good chance you can find a car that suits your needs.
Naturally, purchasing a car involves registering the vehicle to get it on

the road. There are also permits to obtain for parking, as well as fees,
taxes and additional costs that will be added to that price you see on
the windshield. All-in-all though, if you have dealt with your department
of motor vehicles in your home country you can get through the hurdles
required to have your own wheels in Japan - but there is a lot to be
done!
The Basics
• First, register your inkan seal at city hall or your local ward office, and
get an inkan shomeisho or Certificate of Seal Registration.
• Next, find a car you would like from an individual or a dealer.
Buying a Car from an Individual
Go to your local police station and ask for the following:
• Hokan basho shomei shinseisho (Police Parking Application Form)
• Hokan basho shomei (Certificate of Permission For Parking Space)

The owner of your parking place must fill out and stamp this form to
prove you have a place to park the vehicle arranged.
 57 58
Location of parking lot and space: Vehicle Registration

Once you have received your approved documents from the police, and
This can often be obtained from the real estate agent, building owner
had the documents stamped by the previous owner, take the car and
or building management company. You will need a map that shows
all the documents to the kensa touroku jimusho (Inspection Registration
your parking space in relation to other property, as well as show the
Office).
dimensions of the space.
When you have completed the forms, take the documents and your Like any department of motor vehicles, everything at the Inspection and
inkan stamp to the police station and turn them in. You will have to pay Registration Office is bureaucratic, and will take some time. In addition
a fee, usually around ¥2,000, and you will be advised when to pick the to the long lines, you will be sent to many different desks and windows
documents up again. Some departments will charge you a fee, usually as the process continues. Plan on spending at least a few hours, and
¥500, to collect the documents when they are completed. bring a book.
Prepare forms to be signed by, or received from the seller. You will need Every location has different procedures, but in general you will need to
to go to a vehicle registration office and ask for: submit the papers gathered previously, fill out some other forms, and
pay any required fees, such as the following:
Meigi henkou (Re-Registration Form)
Both forms must be stamped or signed by the previous owner. A
• Taxes on the vehicle.
notarized signature is only valid for three months and cannot be
• If the car is from another prefecture, you will need to buy new plates.
renewed if the party has left Japan. The validity period for the certified
stamp varies, but is generally also three months.
After completing the procedures at the Inspection and Registration
Required forms to get from the seller: Office, the car will be registered to you, and a new shaken certificate
issued in your name.
• Ininjou (Power of Attorney)
• Joutou shomeisho (Certificate of Transfer / Bill of Sale) Buying a Car from a Dealer
The dealer should assist or instruct you on how to get the following
Both forms must be completed in Japanese, and all information must forms:
match the notarized signature form. This also applies to the seller’s
information. • Hokan basho shomei shinseisho (Police Parking Application Form)
• Hokan basho shomei (Certificate of Permission For Parking Space)
• Jidoushazei noufusho (Certificate of Vehicle Tax Payment)
This receipt must be kept as proof of payment of taxes, and given to
Vehicle Registration
the buyer if the car is sold.
Again, the dealer should do all the registrations at the Vehicle Inspection
• Shakkensho (Vehicle Registration Certificate) and Registration Office for you, and provide the new Shaken Certificate
This certificate must be kept current and with the car. It must be given in your name when they deliver the car to you. Some dealers may
to the buyer if the car is sold. charge a fee for this service.
 59 60
Leasing a Car
Because purchasing and registering a car in Japan can be complicated,
you may decide to lease a car instead. Lease Japan offers a
comprehensive service for foreigners who wish to obtain a car this way.
What is a Car Lease?
Automobile leasing means that you pay only the amount that a vehicle’s
value depreciates during the time you are driving it.
Depreciation is the difference between a vehicle’s original value and

its value at lease-end (residual value), and is the primary factor that
determines the cost of leasing.
Basically, you pay for the part of the car value that you use up during
the lease term. There are other costs that may be included in the lease
fee. These include insurance, registration fees and the addition of other
options such as GPS navigation systems.
The Advantages of Leasing with Lease Japan
• Fewer hassles
• Leases generally come with full service maintenance and full coverage
insurance policies included in the monthly lease fee.
• The lease company will be there to assist from the time of delivery
to the day the car is returned.
• Lease Japan specializes in providing services and contracts

in English.
• At Lease Japan, all of our consultants are bilingual in English and

Japanese and we boast a great mix of foreign and Japanese staff.
 61 62
• Lower Monthly Payments: as you only pay for the portion of the car • Bonus Service Bundles: different companies make leasing even
that you actually use, your monthly payments will be 30%-60% lower more attractive by bundling different services with their lease
than a purchase loan of the same term. packages. At Lease Japan, we offer:
• Lower up-front cash outlay: most leasing companies, including Lease • ETC Card (Electronic Toll Collection System): get an ETC card
Japan, require no down payment, which makes getting into a new without the hassles of a Japanese credit card. We will supply you
car more affordable and frees up your cash for other things. We with an ETC card without the need for applying for a Japanese credit
generally ask for the first and last month’s lease payment in the first card.
month, as we find this easier for the client, who will not have to make
a payment for the last month of the lease (and probably the last • 24 / 7 Emergency Help Line: When you lease a car from Lease
month of being in Japan). Japan, you will automatically be eligible for our 24/7 English Help
Line Assistance Service. If you have an accident or have any
This means you will not need to worry about making sure you still have problems with the lease car, you will be able to contact one of our
your bank account open to pay the last payment. You can focus on native English speaking consultants for immediate assistance.
more important last minute things whilst still driving your car until the
very last day. Easy Steps to Leasing a Car
• More Car, More Often for new car leases: Since your monthly • Request an estimate for your desired car type, grade, color,
payments are lower, you get more car for the same money and can options, etc.
drive a brand new vehicle every two to four years, depending on the
length of your leases. • An estimate is prepared and sent to you for verification. Changes
and new estimates may be requested at this point.
• Fewer Maintenance Headaches: most people like to lease for a term
that coincides with the length, in months, of the manufacturer’s • When everything is agreed upon, sign the estimate for your new
warranty coverage so that if something goes wrong with their car, lease car and return it.
it is always covered. At Lease Japan, we also offer free 1/6/18/24
month maintenance checks on all new cars. We will collect the car • When the signed estimate is received, your contract will be mailed
from your place of work or residence at a time that suits you, take to you. At this point, the lease agent will begin ordering and
the car to have its maintenance check and return the car the same registering the car.
day.
• To register the car, the lease agent will need some things from you:
• No Car-Selling Hassles: with leasing, the headaches of selling a used
car are eliminated. When your lease ends, you simply return it back to • A copy of your jyuminhyo (Residence Certificate)
the leasing company and walk away.
 63 64
• Hokan basho shomei (Certificate of Permission For Parking Space) between the estimated lease-end value of the car (the residual) and
The owner of your parking place must fill out and stamp this form to the actual market value of the car at the end of the lease. This could
prove you have a place to park the vehicle arranged. amount to a significant sum of money if the market value of your vehicle
has dropped or you drive more miles than expected.
• Your inkan seal on the registration paperwork
Often, the residual value for an open-end lease is set much lower than
Types of Leases: a non-business closed-end lease, which reduces your lease-end risk,
but increases your monthly payment amount.
Closed-end Leases
Closed-end leases, sometimes called “walk-away” leases, are the Lease Japan invites you to view our selection of new and used cars
most common consumer leases today. This type of lease allows you to buy or lease. We put you in the driver’s seat with comprehensive
to simply return your vehicle at the end of the lease and have no other leasing, purchasing, and after care services.
responsibilities. Closed-end leases are based on the concept that the
number of miles you drive annually is fairly predictable (12,000 miles Find out more at: www.LeaseJapan.com
per year is typical), that the vehicle will not be driven in rough or abusive
conditions, and that its value at the end of the lease (the residual) is
therefore somewhat predictable.
Open-end Leases
Open-end leases in the west are used primarily for commercial
business leasing. In this case the lessee, not the leasing company,
takes all the financial risks, which a business will simply count as an
expense. Annual mileage on a business lease is usually much higher
and less predictable than a standard 12,000 miles-per-year non-
business lease.
In Japan, however, the law forbids companies from taking out open-
end leases so they are primarily used by individuals as an alternative
method of financing a new car; like a car loan, but more complicated.
Open-ended leases are also popular with foreign ex-pats in Japan

because they are not usually eligible for normal car loans or financing
through Japanese banks.
In an open-end lease, the lessee (driver) is responsible for the difference
 65 66
Settling In Getting Your License
Converting your Foreign License

Like all countries Japan has its own peculiar rules of the road. Signs,
traffic laws and customary behavior are quite different from other
countries. For this reason, you will have to pass through their regulatory
system to drive legally. For some the path is wide and easy. For others
it is a bit more narrow; this is one thing you do not want to do on your
own.
Fortunately, Japan Driver’s License has bilingual experts on hand to

assess your place in the system and guide you through it. Essentially
foreign license conversion in Japan can be divided generally into two
groups, depending on what country issued the foreign license.
The Lucky Ones

The first group includes license holders able to convert their foreign
licenses directly to a Japanese license. For this group, conversion is a
shorter bureaucratic process that takes a couple of hours at the license
center; if your license was issued in one of these countries:
Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,

Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Portugal, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, The United Kingdom, Australia,
New Zealand, Canada, Taiwan and South Korea
...and it is valid (not expired, etc.), and you can prove residency in that
country for a minimum of three months after license issuance you are
not required to take either the written test or road test to convert your
license.
Let’s Take A Test!

The second group includes license holders who require both a written
and a driving test in order to get a Japanese driver’s license.
Valid foreign license holders from countries not listed above - held by
 67 68
people who can prove a minimum of three months residency in the • Passport and any expired passports; these are required to prove
country that issued the license after it was issued - may be allowed to that you were in the country that issued your license for at least three
convert their license only after filing paperwork, taking a short written months after you obtained your license.
test, and passing a driving test on an enclosed course at the testing
center in their prefecture. • One 3 x 2.4 cm photo; must be taken within the last six months.
If you are not in either of these groups, then the Japan Driver’s License • Previous Japanese license, if you have one.
consultants can advise you on the best way to go about being certified.
There’s a Sign For That!
If you do not speak Japanese it may be difficult to get through these Some of the road signs you will need to know when driving in Japan!
steps, and most centers require that you bring someone with you who
can speak Japanese.
Official Translation of Your Foreign Driver’s License

To start the process, both groups of license holders need to obtain
an official translation of their foreign driver’s license from an approved
source. This is most commonly done through the Japan Auto
Federation (JAF).
Gather Required Documents

After you obtain your official translation, you must go to the licensing
center that serves your area with the following documents:
Valid foreign driver’s license – and previous licenses, if you have

them; if the license does not show the date of issue, or if the license
was recently renewed, it may be necessary to submit additional
documentation.
• Japanese translation of foreign license, available from the Japan

Automobile Federation: http://www.jaf.or.jp/e/switch.htm or sometimes
at the embassy or consulate of the issuing country.
• Residence Card
• Jyuminhyo x2 (Certificate of Residence)
 69 70
Applying at the Driver’s License Center Considering that each attempt requires nearly a full day at the testing
The application procedure begins with an inspection of your documents center, fees and lost wages can make converting your license on
to make sure that you have lived in the country that issued your your own a time-consuming, expensive, and frustrating experience.
license for at least three months after issuance, and that all of your The average pass rate for Nagoya unassisted is 20%. Japan Driver’s
documentation is up-to-date and complete. License clients enjoy a greater than 70% first time pass rate, and 95%
pass by the second try.
Eye Test
Standard eye test; you will be required to point in the direction that the Once you pass the eye exam and written test, you will be scheduled
image is pointing (this will make more sense when you see it). Once you for your driving test. The test is not offered on the same day you apply;
pass the eye exam: you will have to come back to the testing center. Most likely; it will be a
testing block period, rather than a specific time.
• If you are in group one, you will usually receive your license that day
and you will be finished. You may be able to change this schedule on the spot or over the
phone later. You will usually also receive a map of the driving course,
• If you are in group two, once you pass the eye exam, you will take the which you will be required to drive from memory on test day. Take the
written test. Carry on! opportunity to walk the driving course before you leave if possible, it will
help you to memorize it.
Written Test
The written test for license conversion is much simpler than that Depending on the driving center, you may be required to pay an
given to people getting their first license. The test itself is available in additional car rental fee. Be prepared to spend a lot of time waiting.
English; however, the instruction session just prior to the test will be in When your turn comes, you will be required to get in the car and
Japanese. drive the prescribed course with an examiner, who will speak only in
Japanese. It is necessary to memorize all the turns and elements of the
The main point of the Japanese explanation to understand is that course in advance; you will not receive instructions from the proctor.
in Japan X means false and O means true, and that when you have
completed the test you may leave the room. The best way to study for If you make a “major” mistake you will fail on the spot. Whether or not
the test is to read the Japan Auto Federation’s English-language book, you passed, you will be instructed to go inside and wait for the results
“Rules of the Road.” with the other test takers. If you were not successful, you’ll be given a
paper with your next scheduled opportunity to try again.
The Driving Test
This driving test is infamous. The test itself is not difficult, but there If you are successful, you should receive your new license that day. This
are many simple sequences and processes that the test proctors are will entail paying more fees, getting your picture taken, and filling out
looking for, and if you are not aware of them, you will not pass. forms.
It is not uncommon for foreigners to take the driving test five times or If you are going to drive in Japan, especially if you are here for more
more, simply for the lack of a little knowledge, rather than a lack of than one year, you must convert your license.
actual driving skills.
 71 72
Everyday Information
Shopping also boast vast underground

shopping complexes, in which
Nagoya’s shopping culture sits at the uninitiated have been known
odds with its resident’s reputation to get lost for hours on end.
for thriftiness. The main shopping
centers suggest nothing less than Tokyu Hands, in JR Nagoya
lavish excess and, indeed, the Takashimaya, is an excellent
venerable Mitsukoshi department place to start for everything from
store in Sakae is the second beauty products to bicycles,
most profitable in Japan. though it’s by no means cheap.
For clothing, try Takashimaya and
The Meieki and Sakae areas are Melsa in Meieki, or Matsuzakaya
rife with shopping malls, running and Parco in Sakae. You will be
the gamut from ¥100 stores to able to find famous brand stores
high-end fashion boutiques. Both like Tiffany, Armani, Gap and the
ubiquitous Louis Vuitton in both
areas.
The younger crowd should

head to Kintetsu Pass’e,
in the Nagoya Station
area, or Osu, whose
covered arcades
offer a wealth of hip
fashion stores.
Osu is also something

of a mecca for
technology fetishists,
though its maze of
bargain electronics outlets
is not for the faint-hearted;
if you’re not sure what you’re
looking for, it might be better
to go to Bic Camera, on the
73
 73 74
Everyday Information Shopping
is because most people tend to Hongo

go to their local shop on a bicycle
or foot and that Japanese prefer Matsuzakaya Store Hongo
their food as fresh as they can 2-131 Hongo,
get it. Meito-ku, Nagoya
(052) 774-2838
For this reason you will probably
find a small food store near your Google Map:
house which purveys in basic http://goo.gl/maps/45CSg
items. Larger grocery stores may
not be in your immediate vicinity Chikusa-ku
but are usually quite accessible.
When you first move into a new Hoshigaoka
place in Nagoya be sure to
explore your local area; you never Mitsukoshi Hoshigaoka
know what you are going to find. 14-14 Hoshigaoka, Motomachi,
Be careful though; in Japan some Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
grocery stores do not accept (052) 783-1111
credit cards; cash is king.   
Google Map:
Here is a selection of http://goo.gl/maps/m4iDm
supermarkets located in areas of
Nagoya popular with expats: Chikusa
Meito-ku Max Valu Imaike

Taiko-dori side of Nagoya Station canned goods and prepared 1-5-15 Uchiyama,
first. meals will come away Issha Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
disappointed. (052) 733-4300
Grocery Stores Valor Issha  2-12 Kamenoi,
Another notable difference is Meito-ku, Nagoya  Google Map:
Shopping for food in Japan is that you will rarely come across (052) 709-6900 http://goo.gl/maps/L6aoz
an eye-opening experience. items in large volume packages
While there is a wide variety or containers. Japanese people Google Map: Frante Kakuozan
of exceptionally fresh items to tend to shop on a daily, rather http://goo.gl/maps/GYyXo 1-39 Okauecho,
choose from, those looking for than weekly basis. Perhaps this Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
 75 76
(052) 752-7201 Google Map: Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya

http://goo.gl/maps/FNVrn (052) 804-1181 Maruichi Store Misono
Google Map: 1-14−14 Sakae,
http://goo.gl/maps/tyMaL Yamanaka Mizuho Google Map: Naka-ku, Nagoya,
2-20-1, Sorocho, http://goo.gl/maps/G2pBm (052) 211-2545
Showa-ku Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
052-842-7881 Naka-ku Google Map:
Yagoto http://goo.gl/maps/YZLIa
Google Map: Nagoya Station Area
AEON Yagoto http://goo.gl/maps/TQ6pU
Toyota
2-1 Ishizaka, Hirojicho, AEON / Max Valu Taiko
Showa-ku, Nagoya Tenpaku-ku 1-19−42 Taiko,
AEON Toyota
(052) 836-7000 Nakamura-ku, Nagoya
Hara 1-1 Hirojicho,
(052) 459-3880
Toyota-shi
Google Map:
SUN-ACE Hara-ekimae (0565) 33-8111
http://goo.gl/maps/m5S5O Google Map:
Sidewing 401 1F, http://goo.gl/maps/JVp7L
1-401 Hara, Google Map:
Frante Yagoto
501-1 Yagotoishizaka, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya Maruichi Store Endoji http://goo.gl/maps/D7N4g
Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya (052) 808-5800 2-8-10 Nagono,
(052) 837-5155 Google Map: Nishi-ku, Nagoya Frante Toyota
http://goo.gl/maps/0VmCR (052) 565-1221 1-26−8 Jinnakacho, Toyota-shi
Google Map: (0565) 33-2581
http://goo.gl/maps/CLcI6 Hirabari Google Map:
http://goo.gl/maps/7TAeo Google Map:
Mizuho-ku Matsuzakaya Store Hirabari http://goo.gl/maps/UTYUV
4-206 Hara, Fushimi
Haruyama Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya
(052) 804-0789 SUN-ACE Fushimi
Feel Mikan-yama Misonoza Center Bldg. 1F 1-26-
1-10 Mikanyamacho, Google Map: 5, Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya
Mizuho-ku, Nagoya http://goo.gl/maps/SfJP1 (052) 220-2011
(0529 834-2116
PIAGO Hirabari Google Map:
2-1201 Hirabari, http://goo.gl/maps/NCkDm
 77 78
International areas will as well.

They stock a variety of exactly
Meidiya Sakae Bldg.
1F 3-2-9 Sakae,
Food Stores what you would expect to find; Naka-ku, Nagoya
international foods. Cheeses, (052) 241-2541
From the simplest of soups to the breads, wines, canned goods,
selection of simmered, pickled, and other ingredients used to Google Map:
grilled, deep-fried and steamed make a wide variety of recipes http://goo.gl/maps/Oyjyp
fare, from the wealth of rice from many countries. Here are a
dishes to the multitude of meats few locations to get you started: Seijo Ishii
and seafood, Japanese cuisine is
as inventive as any you’ll find in Yamaya The Seijo Ishii Meieki shop is
the world. located just outside the Hirokoji-
Yamaya is slightly out of the guchi exit of JR Nagoya Station.
At their best, Japanese dishes way, but has a great selection It stocks a wide selection of
embody the qualities of simplicity, of imported beers, wines, and imported food and drinks.
purity and restraint. Cooking foreign foods at great prices.
here is based on some very Cuisine Marche Eki, 1-1-4
straightforward principles: use Yamaya Fujigaoka Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya  
the freshest, most attractive Libre Fujigaoka Bldg. 052-587-2345
ingredients you can find, prepare 1F 128 Fujigaoka, www.seijoishii.co.jp
them to ensure optimum flavor Meito-ku, Nagoya
and texture, and present what 052-760-4811 Google Map:
you’ve prepared in a way that www.yamaya.jp http://goo.gl/maps/BYN39
will please the most demanding
aesthete. Google Map: Kaldi Coffee Farm
http://goo.gl/maps/gpaCi
And while the food experience Kaldi Coffee are popular for their
will doubtless be one of the most Meidi-ya selection of over 10,000 items
enduring memories of your stay in imported from over 90 countries,
Japan, sometimes you will simply This shop is conveniently located and can be found in many AEON
want something familiar. in Sakae and offers a wide malls.
selection of imported food, drink
International food stores are not and specialty items including Visit www.kaldi.co.jp/english for
hard to find; any big mall will mixes, soups and more. a store list and locations.
have one, and most big shopping
 79 80
items, they do sell cheap food and

shop to expansive multi-floor
drink, some of which are actually Google Map:
stores.
the same products you would see http://goo.gl/maps/YbtzW
in a regular convenience store.
Daiso Open 24/7. Mizuho-ku
Daiso is located on the 7th floor Website: www.99plus.co.jp Daiso Pare Marche-Horita
of the Skyle building in Sakae; Pare Marche-Horita 2F
they seem to have everything! Meito-ku 28-26 Shinkaicho,
Mizuho-ku, Nagoya
Daiso shops tend to be the most Daiso Meito-jiami (052) 884-3360
popular because they are often 7-151 Wakaba-dai,
bigger than other shops and Meito-ku, Nagoya
Google Map:
100 Yen Shops hence offer a wider variety of (052) 760-8901
http://goo.gl/maps/hjhHv
goods.  
100 yen shops are the equivalent Google Map:
Tenpaku-ku
of the dollar stores which have www.daiso-sangyo.co.jp http://goo.gl/maps/Qdpbz
become popular in the United Daiso Hirabari-Minami
States. Seria Chikusa-ku
5-1405 Hara,
Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya
In Japan 100 yen stores offer a Another good chain of shops Daiso Nagoya-Imaike
(052) 800-6775
wide variety of goods and often is Seria. While these shops are 3-12-12 Imaike,
the items on offer are of very not as big as Daiso, they are still Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
similar quality to those available in (052) 744-1202 Google Map:
pretty big and offer a wide variety http://goo.gl/maps/KoIzx
much more expensive grocery or of goods.
hardware stores. Google Map:
http://goo.gl/maps/VbDLO Naka-ku
www.seria-group.com  
You can find almost anything at
the larger stores including table Showa-ku Daiso Nagoya-Sakae Skyle
and kitchenware, tools, garden 3-4-5 Sakae,
items, stationary, household and Lawson 100  Seria AEON Yagoto Naka-ku, Nagoya
leisure goods and more. These 2-1 Ishizaka, Hirojicho, (052) 259-0160
shops are all over Nagoya and While these shops are more
Showa-ku, Nagoya
come in a variety of styles and similar to convenience stores and
(052) 833-5123 Google Map:
sizes ranging from the tiny corner do not offer as many household
http://goo.gl/maps/K5ND3
 81 82
Everyday Information Doctors & Health
major urban centers in Japan and generally is not available outside of

Japan’s major cities. Extended psychiatric care for foreigners in Japan
is difficult to obtain at any price.
Foreign prescriptions are not honored in Japan, so if you need ongoing

prescription medicine you should arrive with a sufficient supply for
your stay in Japan or enough until you are able to see a local care
provider. Certain medications, including some commonly prescribed for
depression and Attention Deficient Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), are
not widely available.
Emergency Situations
There are two major emergency numbers in Japan:
• 110 will connect you with the police
• 119 will connect you with the fire department and ambulance service.
Throughout Japan, an emergency phone call can be made free of

charge from any phone including public pay phones. In an emergency
you may not be able to convey the exact nature of what is happening,
especially if you do not immediately reach an English-speaking
The Japanese Heath Care System operator. However there are some basic things you can do in advance
to help you in case of emergency.
While medical care in Japan is good, English-speaking physicians and
medical facilities that cater to foreign expectations are expensive and • Write the relevant numbers down near your phone so you will have
not widespread. Japan has a national health insurance system which them at the ready in case you need them
is available only to those foreigners with long-term visas for Japan.
National health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation. Medical • Be able to describe your address or location in Japanese. Have your
caregivers in Japan require payment in full at the time of treatment or address written down in roman characters so that you will be able to
concrete proof of ability to pay before they will treat a foreigner who is read it to the operator or enlist a friend who can do so.
not a member of the national health insurance plan.
• Learn how to say your telephone number in Japanese
Western-style and standard psychiatric care can be difficult to locate in
 83 84
Here’s how to deal with emergency calls for ambulance or fire in Japan. What May Happen During Your Call
First Steps Dispatcher: Shou bou desu… Kaji desu ka? Kyu-kyu desu ka?
(Fire department... Fire or ambulance?)
• In case of emergency, dial 119
(may not work from cell phones) Caller: Kyu-kyu desu (Ambulance)
• In case of fire, say: Kaji desu Dispatcher: Dou shimashita ka? (What happened?)
(There’s a fire)
Caller: (see vocabulary below)
• To call an ambulance, say: Kyu-kyu desu
(Please send an Ambulance) • Bleeding: Shukketsu desu
• Broken bone: Kossetsu desu
• Do not hang up until the dispatcher understands your address and • Burn: Hidoi yakedo desu
telephone number • Difficulty Breathing: Kokyuu konnan desu
• Convulsions: Keiren Desu
• Send someone out to the nearest major intersection to meet the • Chest Pains: Mune ga taihen kurushii desu
ambulance or fire truck. • High Fever: Kou netsu desu
• Injury: Kega desu
• Poison: Dokubutsu desu
• Sick: Byouki desu
• Unconscious: Ki fumei desu
Giving Your Name, Number and Address or Location
My name is...Watashi no namae na (say your name)... desu.
My telephone number is... Denwa bango wa (say your telephone

number )... desu.
The emergency service people need to know how to locate you in order
to help.
The dispatcher may say: Jushyo wa? or Nani ku, Nani machi, Nan ban
desu ka?
 85 86
Explaining Your Location While exceptions abound, visiting a non-specialty clinic or doctor’s
office does not require an appointment. Simply present your insurance
Since many Japanese streets do not bear names and house / building card to the receptionist upon arrival and you will be seen in turn, much
numbers are not consecutive, it is very important that you learn how to like an emergency room. Wait times are usually less than an hour, but
give adequate directions to your residence in case you need to explain can be significantly longer at big hospitals. Specialists like dentists,
it to a dispatcher, usually guiding them by way of major landmarks. You psychiatrists, or OBGYN will more likely accept appointments.
can describe your location relative to recognizable landmarks using the
following vocabulary: Another difference to note is that clinics are not open every day of
the week, and many big hospitals offer specific services only on set
Front: Mae days. Additionally, the actual office hours will generally be divided into
Behind: Ura mornings and afternoons. Morning hours will generally run between
Diagonally In Front: Nana me mae nine and twelve. After morning hours the office will close until about
Next to: Tonari two, and be open again from then until six. For these reasons it is
Intersection: Koosaten especially important that you check the schedule before making your
plans.
One of the best tests to determine if you have the capability to guide
someone to your residence is being able to order a taxi, and not from While many doctors speak some English their staff and paperwork is
a company which has your information already programmed into its generally in Japanese. If you are not proficient in Japanese you may
computer. need to bring someone along to help you through the process.
Japanese neighbors are a great source of information - ask them to tell Following is a list of what to expect when you visit a doctor or stay in a
you, word by word, how they direct people to their residences. Practice hospital along with a list of medical clinics in your area that will generally
these directions on a regular basis and keep a cheat sheet by your offer some sort of English service, though to what extent will vary.
telephone for family, babysitters, or friends to use in case of need.
What To Expect
Assuming you are not calling from a mobile phone, just stay on the
line. Emergency operators at the fire department in most major urban Doctors in Japan, especially older practitioners, still subscribe to a
centers have the ability to trace calls to your location. “doctor knows best” philosophy that makes the relationship a bit
different from what you might experience in other countries. If you
Going to the Doctor’s Office are going to a small neighborhood clinic you should understand that,
especially with older doctors:
Nagoya has a number of large and quite modern medical facilities.
However chances are that you will never visit any of them unless you • Asking directly for a second opinion may be offensive. If you are
have first been referred by a clinic. unsatisfied with their diagnosis or treatment you should get one
somewhere else.
 87 88
• They may determine the best course of action and go with it, rather Recommended Doctors, Jusui-cho, Toyota-shi
than talking the options over with you. Clinics & Hospitals in Nagoya Location:
5 min by bus from Josui Station
• They can be curt to the point of seeming dismissive. Most are very The following accept National (Meitetsu Toyota Line)
busy, and though they have your best interest at heart they will want to Health Insurance unless (0565) 43-5000
hear the symptoms and diagnose; no chit chat. otherwise specified. All of the toyota.jaaikosei.or.jp
following require appointments
For day to day ailments, the Japanese medical system is top notch. unless otherwise specified. Mon. - Fri. and first and third Sat.
However If you have issues with a doctor you should stop going to of the month: 8:00 ~ 11:30
them and find another. Nagoya Daini Appointment Not Required
Red Cross Hospital
What to Bring Specialization: ASAKO Clinic
General Practice (Internist, Specialization:
If you are just going for a routine check-up, then all you need is your Surgeon, OBGYN, Pediatrician, Internal Medicine, Pediatrics
insurance information or national health system card. However if you Ophthalmologist )
are staying overnight or longer, you should bring your own towels, 1-1 Gokuraku,
slippers, tooth brush, tissues, and sundries. These items are often 2-9 Taemi-cho, Meito-ku, Nagoya
available at the clinic or hospital, but are expensive. Showa-ku, Nagoya
Location:
Families will often bring supplies to an admitted family member to keep Location: Bus from Hongo Station
costs down. If you are hospitalized for a lengthy period there will be a Yagoto Nisseki Station (Higashiyama Line)
number of items that you will be expected to have provided for you by (Meijo Line) (052) 705-0550
family or friends. (052) 832-1121 www.asako-clinic.com/
www.nagoya2.jrc.or.jp homepage.html
Mon. - Sat. 08:00 ~ 11:00 Mon - Fri. 9:00-12:00 /16:30 ~

Appointment Not Required 18:30, Sat. 9:00 ~ 12:00
Appointment Not Required
Toyota Kosei Hospital
Specialization: Kato Clinic
General Practice (Surgeon, Specialization:
Internist, Ophthalmologist, OBGYN
OBGYN, Dermatologist)
5-8 Tanabedori, Mizuho-ku,
500-1 Ibobara, Nagoya, Aichi
 89 90
Location: Location:
5 minute walk from Mizuho Near Nagoya Station
Undojo Higashi (Meijo Line) (052) 581-2447
(052) 836-7953 www.mn-ganka.jp
www.kato-clinic.jp
Mon - Sat. 9:00 ~ 12:00 / 16:00 Mon - Fri 10:00 ~ 1:00 / 14:00
~ 19:00 Wed. and Sat. 9:00 ~ ~ 18:00 (Closed weekends,
12:00 Only Wednesdays)
Appointment Required Appointment Required
Banno Clinic Nagoya Eye Clinic

Specialization: Specialization:
ENT Ophthalmologist Location:
15 min walk from Kamiyashiro Mon - Fri. 9:30 ~ 2:00 / 14:00 ~
2-1310 Mukaigaoka, Meitetsu Kanayama Dai 1 Bldg. Station (Higashiyama Line) 19:00, Sat. 14:30 ~19:30
Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya 3F, 25-1 Namiyosecho, Atsuta- (052) 771-9991 Appointment Not Required
ku, Nagoya
Location: Mon - Fri (Closed Thurs) 9:30 The Minoura Dental Clinic
Hirabari (Tsurumai Line) Location: ~12:30 / 14:30 ~ 19:30, Sat. Specialization:
(052) 802-6465 Kanayama Station (Meijo Line) 14:30 ~ 19:30 Dentist
www.katch.ne.jp/~bantatsu (052) 872-0490 Appointment Required
www.lasik.jp 2-5-12 Kita-ku
Mon - Sat. 9:00 ~ 11:30 / 17:00 Fairy Dental Clinic Nagoya
~ 19:30 Wed. and Sat. 9:00 ~ Tues. ~ Sat. 10:00 ~ 12:00 / Specialization:
11:30 Only 13:00 ~ 17:00 Dentist Location:
Appointment Not Required Appointment Required Kurokawa Station
7-5-10 Fujiyama-dai, on the Meijo Line
Meieki Nishikidori Ganka Terazuka Dental Clinic Kasugai (052) 912-8418
Specialization: Specialization: www.minoura-dental.com/en
Ophthalmologist Dentist Location:
10 min walk from Kozoji Station Mon - Fri. 9:00 ~ 13:00 / 15:00 ~
Nakamura-ku, Meieki Minami, 1-1417 Shin Bunkyodai, (JR Line) 19:00, Sat 9:00 ~ 13:00 / 15:00
1-17-25 Astor Building 6F Meito-ku, Nagoya (0568) 94-6480 ~ 17:00 (Closed Thurs.)
dcfairy.web.fc2.com Appointment Not Required
 91 92
Everyday Information Schools
Schools In Nagoya
Many expatriates feel that the Japanese education system is not well
suited to their children, and thus opt for an international school. The
good news is that international schools have opened in almost every
major city, thanks to the large numbers of foreigners with families
coming to Japan, and the desires of Japanese parents who place great
importance on an international environment for their children.
Schools tend to follow Western-style (North American) curriculums,

although a number offer the International Baccalaureate (IB)
certification. They have adopted a similar academic year, starting in late
August and finishing in June. School rarely spills over into the weekend,
with lessons scheduled between 08:30 and 15:00, Monday to Friday.
Applications are best made at least six months prior to entry. Entry
requirements vary, but it would be wise to request an unofficial
transcript from your child’s current school, which you can present in
Japan when applying. Entry applications are usually made at the school
office, although phone and email inquiries are generally welcomed.
Most schools will also request an up-to-date health examination.
Nagoya has many English-language school options to choose from.

The largest and perhaps most well-regarded is the Nagoya International
School. Set on a park-like 7.5 acre campus, over 300 students of
diverse cultural and national backgrounds study from preschool to high
school levels in English.
The following list has schools of various sizes and teaching methods,
but you can be assured that your child can continue to receive a quality
English-language education here in Nagoya. In some ways, you might
even find it better than home!
Alternatively, you could also enroll your child in the Japanese public
school system which is an entirely different educational experience.
Photo courtesy of The Nagoya International School
 93 94
International Location:
Hoshigaoka Station
Location:
Nagakute Town, to the east of
Location:
Irigaike Koen Station (Linimo)
Schools (Higashiyama Line) Nagoya
International Kids Academy
Nagoya International Beanstalk Grow International Preschool TSK Building 3-8-4 Kobai-cho,
School (NIS) International School 1F, 5-42 Meitohondori, Showa-ku, Nagoya,
2686 Minamihara, 2-1903 Motoueda, Meito-ku, Nagoya
Nakashidami, Moriyama-ku, Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya, (052) 858-3933
Nagoya (052) 734-6442 www.i-kidsacademy.com
(052) 808-9930 www.grow-school.com
(052) 736-2025 www.i-beanstalk.com Location:
www.nagoyais.jp/nis Location: Gokiso Station
Location: Hoshigaoka Station (Sakura-dori and Tsurumai Lines)
Location: Ueda or Hara Station (Higashiyama Line)
Kozoji Station (JR Chuo Line) (Tsurumai Line) Kakuozan International
Hisaya International Preschool Preschool
Abroad International School Chubu International Preschool Hasegawa Building 4F Izumi 3-4-1 Himeiko dori, Chikusa-ku,
Misonoza Kaikan 4F, 2-1-3 Hyogo, 1-14-3 Higashi-ku Nagoya Nagoya, Aichi 464-0055
1-6-14 Sakae, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Togo-cho, (052) 751-0725
(052) 962-0366
(052) 203-8087 (0561) 37-0388 www.hisayapreschool.com/ www.kakuozan-preschool.com/
www.ablc.jp www.cip-school.com/index.php eindex.php index-eng.htm
Location: Location: Location: Location:

Fushimi (Higashiyama and Akaike Station (Tsurumai Line) Hisaya-odori Station Kakuozan Station
Tsurumai Lines) (Higashiyama Line) (Higashiyama Line)
Discovery
Aichi International International School International Christian Kids International School (KIS)
School (AIS) 2-1415 Chohai, Academy of Nagoya (ICAN) 15-2 Nagaosa, Yazako,
3-4 Niji-ga-Oka, Nagakute-cho Aichi-gun Villa Yuzan 1F 205 Kibutake, Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun
Meito-ku, Nagoya, Nagakute-cho, Aichi-gun
(0561) 63-1222 (0561) 64-5064
www.nipais.com www.discoveryis.com/en/index. (0561)62-4196 www.ednet.co.jp/english
(052) 788-2255 html www.icanjapan.org
Location:
 95 96
Hanamizuki-dori Station (Linimo) Location:

Imaike Station (Sakura-dori and
Playpourri International
3-41-7 Maruyama-cho, Higashiyama Lines) or Fukiage
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Staion (Sakura-dori Line)

(052) 761-3188
Ueda International Preschool
www.playpourri.com
(Nagoya English Primary
Location: School)
Ikeshita or Kakuozan Stations
1-608 Uedahonmachi,
(Higashiyama Line)
Tempaku-ku, Nagoya
St George Academy (SGA)
201 Fuso Heights 1, (052) 807-0556
29-23 Imaike Minami,
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, www.nep2007.com
(052) 735-8959 Location:

www.sga.jp/St._George_
Academy/International_School_ Ueda Station (Tsurumai Line)
Nagoya_1_1.html
UPBEAT International School
Location:
2-13 Juichiban-cho,
Imaike Station (Sakura-dori and
Higashiyama Lines) or Fukiage Nakagawa-ku, Nagoya-shi
Station (Sakura-dori Line)

(052) 661-3135
Tree House ECE Program
201 Fuso Heights 1, 29-23 www.upbeatjapan.com
Imaike Minami,
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Location:
(052) 735-8959 Rokuban-cho Station (Meiko
www.treehouse.sga.jp Line)
Photo courtesy of The Nagoya International School
 97 98
Everyday Information Pets
Living in Japan With Your Pet

Many people who will be in Nagoya for an extended period will think
about bringing their pet with them. Importing a pet is a difficult decision
so before you make it you need to consider how your dog or cat will
fare on a long flight and a period of quarantine.
Importing Pets into Japan

Japan is a rabies-free island nation and it is particularly careful about
importing animals that may introduce the virus to the domestic animal
population. For this reason the Japanese government has implemented
a fairly strict quarantine system for those who wish to bring animals into
the country.
The Japanese Animal Quarantine Service (AQS) is the official source of

information regarding the import and export of pets in Japan. The full
procedure with timelines is outlined in their very helpful English website.
Essentially you must submit an advance notification of the planned date

of arrival, the number of animals and other items to the AQS which has
jurisdiction over your intended port of arrival. This must be completed at
least 40 days prior to arrival in Japan. Note that you may be requested
to change the date or place of import depending on the situation at
quarantine facilities maintained by the AQS.
Animals coming from Taiwan, Iceland, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji,

Hawaii, and Guam have an easier time. If you have a certificate for
the animal issued by the responsible government agency of the
point of export containing information such as the microchip number
for individual identification, the quarantine period will normally be
completed within 12 hours.
However, for all other countries the situation is a bit more complex. If
the aforementioned certificate, as well as dates of rabies vaccinations
and rabies antibody levels as well as a certificate stating that the animal
 99 100
underwent a period of isolation for 180 days in the country of export, Etiquette and Care Animal Health Care
the quarantine period will be completed within 12 hours. In all other Organizations
cases the quarantine period can be up to 180 days. You are required to walk your
dog on a leash at all times, and Nagoya City Animal
The Animal Quarantine Service will issue an “Import Quarantine if you live in apartment building, Protection Center
Certificate” on completion of the import quarantine. Anyone importing a you will usually be required to (052) 762-0380
dog is required to register their animal under the Rabies Prevention Law carry your pet in the communal www.city.nagoya.jp/kurashi/
and may need to take the Import Quarantine Certificate to their local areas and elevators at all times. category/15-7-2-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.
authorities once they have arrived. You must also clean up after your html
dog when out walking and your
It is the importer’s responsibility to take care of their animals during pet is required to have a rabies Aichi Animal
quarantine. The importation inspection which is carried out by the vaccination every year. The local Protection Center
animal quarantine officers is free, but the importer must cover the cost city ward office provides this (0565) 58-2323
of transportation, food, onsite veterinary treatment and other care. service every year in spring (you www.pref.aichi.jp/douai
Bear in mind that veterinary treatment has to be done at the quarantine would be responsible for any
facilities of AQS during quarantine. of the charges). Please call one Nagoya Vets Association
of the following vets for further (052) 263-0700
Note that the AQS is unable to grant exceptions and that animals which information. www.now.or.jp/jyuuishi
have not met all requirements as described on their website are subject
to being held for extended periods of quarantine, or may possibly Vets Aichi Vets Association
be deported back to the origin of the flight. Should the animal fail to (052) 961-3435
successfully complete the quarantine, the importer is responsible for These vets have English speakers www.aichi-vet.or.jp
the return or disposal of their animal. available:
Nagoya Veterinary
More information about how to import your cat or dog to Japan can be Washizuka Animal Hospital Cooperation Society (NAHTC)
found at the AQS website: www.maff.go.jp/aqs/english/animal/dog Showa-ku. Nagoya
(052) 831-4540 (052) 264-9382
Registration
www.nagoyaaht.com
Kuwahara Animal Hospital
You must register a dog, but not a cat, at your local city ward office. If Moriyama-ku, Nagoya
you brought your pet with you from overseas you will need to take the (052) 736-9948
Tokyo
Quarantine Certificate that you were given at the port of entry with you.
You only need to do this once in Japan, although if there is any change Japan Animal Welfare Society,
in status, for example, if the dog goes missing, dies, your address Tokyo (JAWS)
changes, or you plan to leave Japan, you must notify the ward office. (03) 3405-5681
 101 102
Japan SPCA, Tokyo (JSPCA) Flavor Main Shop (052) 771-0345 Japan Pet Sitter Service
(03) 3409-1821 2-6-11 Yomogidai, www.bogey.co.jp/works/c&d/ Nagoya ‘Gracy’
Meito-ku, Nagoya shushu/1.html 1-505 Yakiyama,
Veterinary Health Section, (052) 769-1881
Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya
Tokyo www.flavor.co.jp Pet Supplies, Salons
(03) 5320-4412 (052) 807-8670
Cucciolo Cafe
and Dog Runs www9.plala.or.jp/gracy
Citizens Conference for 2-23 Nekogahora-tori,
Pet Plaza DAN
Consideration of Nature & Chikusa-ku, Nagoya RETA Pet Sitter Service
Animals (03) 3391-1733 (052) 788-1296 Ark Bldg. 1F, 2-13-19
Moriyama Bldg. 1F, 3-22-11
www.cucciolo-cafe.com  Kamimaezu, Naka-ku, Nagoya
(052) 323-0077 Uchiyama, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
Restaurants and Cafes www.e-penet.co.jp (052)741-1515
that Welcome Dogs Golden Child Cafe
4-26-1 Chiyoda, www.reta-pet.com
Naka-ku, Nagoya Pet Smile
All of these establishments allow 2-917 Uedayama,
you to sit with your pet, usually (052) 331-8139 Pet Supplies
www.goldenchildcafe.com Tenpaku-ku, Nagoya
out on a terrace. Sometimes (052) 788-2225
there are special services www.pet-smile.com Magic Touch
available for them as well. Dog Café & Dining SHUSHU
1-7 Monzen-cho,
2-913 Yomogidai, Meito-ku,
Nagoya Pet No Ofuroyasan WONWON Naka-ku, Nagoya
2-16 Sosakucho, (052) 322-2481
Mizuho-ku, Nagoya www.magic-touch-pet.jp
(052) 859-2615
www.k4.dion.ne.jp/~wonwon PET TOWN
2-901 Takekoshi,
Heisei Pet
Chikusa-ku, Nagoya
3-2-1 Tsukasa-cho, Toyota
(0565) 29-1160 (052) 725-5678
www.heiseipet.co.jp www.pet-town.co.jp
Pet Sitters Pet Expo (Toyota City)

If you need someone to look after 3-67 Uwagoromo, Toyota City
your pet at your home while you (0565) 36-2011
are away try the following: www.homeexpo.jp/news/toyota
 103 104
Entertainment and Dining Regional Specialities
Arts and Crafts

Aichi’s status as a center of manufacturing is by no means a recent
achievement: it has been centuries in the making, and many of the
region’s earliest industries continue to this day.
Seto and Tokoname are two of the nihon rokkoyo—a term used to refer
to the six oldest pottery centers in Japan. Seto’s output is, in fact, so
well known that the word setomono (literally “Seto thing”) is used as a
general term for pottery. Seto was the only one of the nihon rokkoyo to
fire glazed pottery during the Heian and Kamakura periods, and to this
day the area turns out some stunning ceramics. Tokoname’s pottery,
meanwhile, employs iron-rich clay from rice fields to give its products a
distinctive brownish-red hue. The attractive teapots produced according
to this method crop up in households throughout the country.
Another craft that has flourished here for centuries is the manufacture
of shibori (tie-dyed) fabrics, which have been coming out of Arimatsu
for the best part of 400 years. Shibori products were originally made,
using cheap fabrics, as towels to sell to travelers on the way to Edo.
However, the art has subsequently moved upmarket, and Arimatsu now
manufactures high-quality kimono material, ties and handkerchiefs.
John Reynolds - 123RF Limited
 105 106
Entertainment and Dining Sightseeing
wide selection of heirlooms. The museum’s most jealously protected

asset is the twelfth-century illustrated hand scroll of The Tale of Genji, a
masterpiece of Japanese art. Visitors should note that they are unlikely
ever to get a glimpse of the scroll itself, however; due to its fragility, it is
only rarely exposed to public scrutiny.
For a taste of Shinto tradition, head to Atsuta Shrine; New Year’s is

the busiest time, but the place is a hive of activity year-round. While in
the area, go to Shirotori Teien, a beautiful water-themed garden that
represents the Tokai area and the Kiso River. Both are within walking
distance of Jingu-nishi Station on the Meijo subway line.
Anyone looking for a good place to take the kids should pay a visit to
Photo Courtesy of the Nagoya Omotenbashi Busho-Tai Secretariat

the Nagoya Public Aquarium, at Nagoya Port, a five-minute walk from
Nagoya-ko Station on the Meijo subway line. The aquarium boasts a
wide selection of fish and sea-dwelling creatures, and the dolphin show
should not be missed.
The Nagoya Zoo and Botanical gardens are also popular with young
children. Though the zoo is quite old and some of the animals are not in
ideal habitats, the facilities are being upgraded. Currently, an extensive
What to See and Do Around Nagoya renovation program is underway. New and enhanced exhibition spaces
are replacing the cramped quarters in which many of the animals had
The destruction of much of Nagoya during the Second World War been exhibited. Interestingly, the antique amusement park rides here
robbed the city of some of its prime attractions. The bombing of are a lot of fun and quite popular.
Nagoya Castle was a particular shame. Prior to the war the castle was
regarded as one of the best-preserved in the country, and the 1959 One certifiably world class tourist attraction in the Chubu area is
reconstruction that now occupies the site is but a pale imitation. A undoubtedly the Toyota Automobile Museum. Here you will find an
spectacular exterior, crowned by the two kin-shachi-jo (golden killer incredible selection of the world’s greatest and historic cars, even a
whales) that are the city’s symbol, gives way to a banal concrete Packard Limousine used by President Roosevelt.
interior, complete with elevator and gift shop.
The Nagoya Omotenashi Busho Tai is a group dressed as “welcoming
warlords”. The team dresses in full samurai costume to welcome
Fortunately Nagoya is home to the nearby Tokugawa Art Museum,
visitors. The group gives stage performances every weekend and on
which offers a very well presented collection of the holdings of the
national holidays on the Castle Grounds.
Owari Tokugawa family, including art, kimonos, swords, armor and a
 107 108
If you are willing to get up early, it is possible to make day trips to Ise (in
Mie Prefecture) and Takayama (in Gifu), both of which are held in much
higher regard among the tourist community than Nagoya itself. Ise
Grand Shrine is the most important Shinto site in the country, and the
city also boasts a mock Edo Period shopping quarter.
Car and motorbike enthusiasts should check out Suzuka Circuit, a stop
on the F1 tour and host of a number of motorbike races. Ise is about
an hour and a half from Nagoya, by either the JR Mie or Kintetsu train
lines. Suzuka is forty minutes from Nagoya on the Kintetsu line.
Further Afield
Takayama is known as a “Little Kyoto,” complete with temples and
Nearby Inuyama offers a number of attractions, including the wooden
three lovingly preserved streets of old shops and houses that have gone
Inuyama Castle, the oldest of its kind in the country. The castle has
virtually unchanged for more than two hundred years. At the nearby
remained intact since its construction in1537, when Oda Nobunaga’s
Hida Folk Village, just outside the city limits, a number of farmhouses
grandfather, Oda Nobuyasu, built it. For a long time, the pint-sized
and buildings from the surrounding area have been brought together
fortress—a far cry from its grandiose cousin in Nagoya—was famed as
to re-create the feel of a traditional Japanese farming community. No
the only privately owned of its kind in Japan.
one lives there, but that just serves to make the rural setting feel all the
more idyllic. The fastest (and, predictably, most expensive) way to get
Standing at the foot of the castle is another designated national
to Takayama is by the JR Limited Express Hida, which takes a little over
treasure, the Jo-an Teahouse, first built in 1618 by Nobunaga’s brother,
two hours.
Oda Uraku. It may look native to its current surroundings, but the
teahouse is surprisingly well traveled: after its initial construction in
Kyoto, it did stints in Tokyo and Kanagawa before being relocated to
Inuyama in 1972.
A similar trick has been played at Meiji-mura (Meiji Village), a 20-minute

bus ride from Inuyama Station. This open-air park contains over sixty
buildings dating from the Meiji Period, moved to the site from as far
away as Brazil and Hawaii. Meiji architecture employed both traditional
wooden building techniques and Western stone and brick-based
methods, and some of the structures on display—notably the Imperial
Hotel, whose entrance hall and lobby survive intact here—are utterly
singular in their skewed interpretation of European architecture styles.
The fact that such buildings are hard to find elsewhere in the country
only makes a trip to Meiji-mura all the more worthwhile.
 109 110
Tourist Located in Oasis 21

10:00-20:00 Closed on holidays
9:00-19:00 Tue-Sun.
Closed Mon.
Information (052) 963-5252
www.nic-nagoya.or.jp
in English (052) 581-0100
International
The Nagoya Convention and
Visitors Bureau operates several Centers Aichi International Plaza
Shiyakusho Stn, Meijo line
Tourist Information Centers around
Nagoya International Center 5 min. from Shiyakusho subway
the city. Information is available in
Kokusai Center Stn, Sakura-dori station.
English at the following locations:
line
Run by the Aichi International
Nagoya Station Tourist
The N.I.C. offers a wealth of Association, the Aichi
Information
information about the city. The International Plaza has an
Nagoya Stn, JR / Higashiyama /
library has a selection of English information counter offering
Sakura-dori / Kintetsu / Meitetsu
language books and newspapers. advice in English, Spanish,
lines
The information center, on the Chinese and Portuguese on
same floor, has live broadcasts issues concerning foreign
Located at JR Nagoya Station
of satellite channels, and offers residents, including labor, tax,
Central Concourse
internet access for a small fee. medical care and education.
9:00-19:00
Their multilingual help desk is They also have a library and live
(052) 541-4301
staffed by capable assistants who satellite broadcasts.
can help you find information on 10:00-18:00 Mon-Sat.
Kanayama Tourist
a range of topics. A community Closed Sun
Information
Kanayama Station, JR / Meijo / notice board carries adverts from
clubs, societies, people selling www2.aia.pref.aichi.jp
Meitetsu lines
used goods, and more. (052) 961-7902
Located at Kanayama Station
North Exit Interested In Sightseeing Around Nagoya?
9:00-19:00
(052) 323-0161 Hop on the “Me~Guru” Gold Bus and get NAGOYA SIGHTSEEING
ROUTE BUS
discounted entry to some of Nagoya’s most

Sakae Tourist Information interesting attractions!
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama / Meijo www.ncvb.or.jp/routebus
lines
 111 112
‘shachi’ (killer whales) adorning The Nagoya Noh Theater

the roof have become the symbol
of the city.
Currently, construction is
underway to rebuild the ‘goten’,
the prefectural lord’s residence.
When completed, it will house
more than 1,000 screens
representative of the Edo period.
Be sure not to miss The Nagoya
Omotenashi Busho Tai, a group
of men and women dressed as
“welcoming warlords”. The team
dresses in full samurai costume 10 minutes walk from Sengen-
to welcomes visitors. The group cho Stn on the Tsurumai line.
gives stage performances every
weekend and on national holidays Located in the front court of
on the castle grounds. Nagoya Castle and adjacent to
Tourist Spots Originally built in 1612 by the
legendary Tokugawa Ieyasu,
Meijo Park is the splendid Noh
Admission ¥500, Theater, which opened in April
Nagoya Castle Nagoya Castle’s main tower Under Junior High Free 1997. This 630-seat traditional-
Shiyakusho Stn, Meijo line was destroyed during a World
9:00-16:30 (last admission) style theater hosts regular
5 min. from Shiyakusho subway War II bombing raid. The current
www.nagoyajo.city.nagoya.jp/13_ performances of the ancient Noh
station. building is a concrete replica
english/ form of Japanese theater. The
dating from 1959, but other
(052) 231-1700 exhibition space is free to enter
structures such as the three
and is open 9:00 - 17:00 (052)
donjons gate, the stone fortress,
Meijo Park 231-0088
the tea house and the garden
Meijo Park, the park surrounding
are original.
Nagoya Castle, is famous for its Misonoza Kabuki Theater
over 1,600 cherry trees. It has Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama /
Now used as a museum, the
a number of athletic facilities Tsurumai lines
castle contains various paintings
and artifacts from the Edo including a public pool, baseball Located directly south of Fushimi
period. The twin 88 kg gold diamonds and jogging paths. subway station exit 6.
 113 114
Established jointly by thirteen the addition of a tea house

companies in the Toyota and full scale Noh stage. The
Group, this museum occupies 12th century illustrated scroll of
the factory site that was their the Tale of Genji, a designated
birthplace: an old building at National Treasure, is the star
the Toyoda Spinning & Weaving attraction, though it seldom goes
Co. Ltd. A variety of machinery, on public display.
used in everything from textile Admission ¥1200 Adults, High
manufacture to automobile School/College Students ¥700,
production, is on show. There Jr High/Elementary ¥500
Since its establishment in 1896, are also demonstrations of actual
the Misonoza Kabuki Theater equipment, a video library, a Tokugawa Museum 10:00-17:00 (last admission
has been the most important museum shop and a restaurant. 16:30) Tue-Sun. Closed Mon (Tue
stage for both traditional and The museum’s latest addition is Ozone Stn, JR / Meijo lines if Mon is a Nat. Hol.)
modern styles of Japanese a reproduction of the first Toyota Take the City Key Route Bus #2 www.tokugawa-art-museum.jp
drama in Nagoya. This historical automobile production plant. from Nagoya Station or Sakae (052) 935-6262
theater is the main showcase for Admission ¥500 Adults, Jr High Station to Shindeki Bus Stop.
Kabuki in the city. Grand Kabuki & High School ¥300, Elementary
performances feature Japan’s ¥2009:30-16:30 Tue-Sun. Closed Undoubtedly the most culturally
greatest actors in April and Mon (Tue if Mon is a Nat Hol) significant landmark in Nagoya,
October each year. the Tokugawa Art Museum
(052) 222-1481 (Call between www.tcmit.org/english/index.html was built in 1935 by the Owari
10:00 -17:00 for bookings) (052) 551-6115 Tokugawa Reimei Foundation.
The extensive collection includes
more than 10,000 artifacts and
Museums works of art from the inheritance
of the famous Tokugawa clan,
Toyota Commemorative who ruled Japan during the Edo
Museum of Industry period (1602 to 1867). There are Toyota Automobile Museum
and Technology enough swords, battle armor,
Noh costumes and tea ceremony Geidai-dori Stn, Linimo line
Kamejima Stn, Higashiyama line accoutrements to satisfy the Take the Higashiyama subway
Sako Stn, Meitetsu line most die-hard Japanophile. line to Fujigaoka station, transfer
3 min. from Meitetsu Sako Extensions and renovations to to the Tobu-Kyuro Linimo line.
station, 10 min. from Kamejima the museum in 1987 included Get off at Geidai-dori station.
subway station.
 115 116
Nagoya is well known for its Through its partnership with the
connection to the Toyota Motor Boston Museum of Fine Arts,
Company, and there is no better the Nagoya Boston Museum of
way to learn about the history of Fine Arts exhibits selections of
the motor car than by visiting this world class art, including great
unparalleled collection of classic masterpieces that have rarely
cars. The Toyota Automobile been seen in Japan. The museum
Museum exhibits one hundred presents several exhibitions
years of automobile development in a thematic perspective that
from the late 19th century, allows visitors to contemplate the
when the gasoline automobile relationships between various
was invented. The collection works and artists.
showcases everything from the • Aichi Arts Center The Nagoya City Art Museum
first car imported to Japan in 9:00-22:00 Daily. Closed 1st and
1899 to modern luxury cars. 3rd Mon Fushimi Stn.
(Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.) Higashiyama,Tsurumai lines
Admission ¥1,000 Students ¥600
Kids ¥400 Seniors ¥500 • Aichi Prefectural Located in Shirakawa Park
9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun. Last Museum of Art The Nagoya City Art Museum
admission at 16:30. Closed Mon Admission ¥500 Students ¥300 collection was begun in 1983
(Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.), Dec Kids Free May vary for special and focuses on the works of
29th - Jan 3rd exhibitions 10:00-18:00 Tue-Sun internationally recognized artists
www.toyota.co.jp/Museum/ (till 20:00 on Fri). Last admission from the Ise Bay area, such as
(0561) 63-5151 30 mins before close. Closed Tamiji Kitagawa, Setsuko Migishi,
Mon (Tue if Mon is a Nat. Hol.) Shusaku Arakawa and Tadaaki
Aichi Arts Center Complex www.aac.pref.aichi.jp Admission ¥1200 Adults, Kuwayama. The impact of the
(052) 971-5511 Seniors, Students ¥900 Ecole de Paris and the Mexican
Sakae Stn, 10:00-19:00 Tue-Fri, 10:00- Renaissance on Japanese
Higashiyama / Meijo lines Nagoya Boston 17:00 Sat, Sun, Nat. Hol. Last artists is represented in works by
Located in Sakae next to NHK Museum of Fine Arts admission 30 mins before close. Chagall, Tsuguharu Fujita, Jose
Closed Mon (Tue if Mon is a Nat. Clemente Orozco, Diego Rivera,
The Aichi Arts Center houses the Kanayama Stn, JR / Meijo / Hol.). Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo.
Aichi Prefectural Museum of Art, Meitetsu lines.
as well as theaters and a large www.nagoya-boston.or.jp Admission ¥300 Students ¥200
concert hall. West exit of Kanayama station (052) 684-0101 Seniors ¥100, Kids Free
 117 118
9:30-17:00 Tue-Sun (till 20:00

on Fri) Last admission 30 mins
Admission ¥800 Adults ¥500
High School / College Students
Temples and well as a number of stores selling
second-hand clothes and various
before close. Closed Mon. Junior High and under free. Shrines antiques from retro to really old.
At the other end of the shopping
www.art-museum.city.nagoya.jp Closed Mon and the third Friday arcade is Banshoji Temple, one
(052) 212-0001 of the month. of Nagoya’s oldest. Once called
Kigakusan, it was built in 1538
www.ncsm.city.nagoya.jp by Oda Nobuhide, father of the
(052) 201-4486 famous Nobunaga.
Nagoya City Museum Open Daily

(052) 231-6525
Sakurayama Station
Sakura-dori line
The Nagoya City Museum’s

Osukannon Temple
permanent collection features
art and artifacts of the Owari
Osu Kannon Stn, Tsurumai line
region (the old name for western
Osukannon station, exit 2
Nagoya City Science Museum Aichi). Part history museum, part
Visitors and residents alike
ethnography museum, this is a
flock to the Osukannon Temple
Fushimi Station superb collection of artifacts from
Antique Market, held every
Higashiyama/Tsurumai lines a bygone era.
month on the 18th and 28th.
The popularity of the event is due
Located in Shirakawa Park Admission ¥300 Adults, ¥200 Kiyosu Castle
to the amazing array of items
Opposite the art museum, the Students, Junior high school and
on display from Japan’s past.
recently renovated Nagoya City under free. There is an additional
Those looking for an authentic Shinkiyosu Station
Science Museum is now home fee for special exhibitions.
memento of their time in Japan Meitetsu Nagoya Main Line
to the world’s largest planetarium 9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30)
will easily find something unusual
in addition to exhibits such as a Tue-Sun. Closed Mon (Tue if
here. Prices can be quite high, Home to one of Nagoya’s finest
-30º celsius aurora room and Mon is a Nat. hol.),4th Tue of the
but skillful negotiation near specimen of Zen Garden, Kiyosu
eight-meter high screen through month, Dec 29th - Jan 3rd.
closing time (especially on rainy temple is a bit out of the way, but
which visitors can experience a
days) can lead to a bargain. well worth the trip. Consisting
virtual tornado. www.museum.city.nagoya.jp
The nearby shopping arcade of a castle, palace, garden, park
(052) 853-2655
contains used kimono shops as and museum, Kiyosu is a great
 119 120
place to spend a day immersed themselves and for the shopping

in Nagoya’s history. The castle street that leads to it. Every 21st
tower also features several fine of the month they hold a large
examples of Nagoya’s famous market where a wide range of
Shachihoko, mythical fish-like food, plants and merchandise are
gargoyles built right into the available. The shops nearby are
tower’s architecture - meant to noted for the youthful crowd they
ward off evil spirits. draw and the emphasis on Asian
food and products that they sell.
Open 9:00-16:30. Closed Open Daily
Mondays. Open Holidays. If a (052) 751-2121
Holiday falls on a Monday, the
castle will be closed on Tuesday
instead.
(052) 409-7330
Atsuta-jingu Shrine and the oldest stone bridge in the

Nagoya area, the Nijugo-cho Bashi
Koshoji Temple Jingu Nishi Stn, Meijo line built in the 1400s.
Jingu-Nishi subway station Open dawn till dusk.
Yagoto Station, Meijo / Tsurumai Set among stately 1,000-year- Museum: Open 9:00-16:30 (last
lines old Japanese cypress, Atsuta admission 16:10)
Nittaiji Temple Shrine is famed for housing the
Perhaps one of Nagoya’s finest Emperor’s sacred sword - one Admission Adult ¥300, Child ¥150
Kakuozan Station, Buddhist sites, Koshoji sits atop of the three divine symbols of
Higashiyama line a hill in the Yagoto area, has a the Imperial throne. Within the www.atsutajingu.or.jp
lovely graveyard, forests, a five- complex are a number of historical (052) 671-0852
Offering a wide vista and an story pagoda and a number of structures including the Nobunaga
interesting pagoda, this temple is impressive old buildings. Wall,built by Oda Nobunaga to
notable for the temple grounds 0120-851-078 commemorate his victory in 1560
 121 122
Sky Promenade one can lose hours checking out

the view amidst Sky Promenade’s
Nagoya Station, JR/Higashiyama/ unique light displays and color-
Sakura-dori/Kintetsu/Meitetsu lines shifting windows. Until mid-
September you can enjoy drinks,
The Midland Square building is live music on weekdays and
the 5th tallest in Japan and the snacks at the open-air Stardust
top few levels serve as the ‘Sky Lounge located next to the Sky
Promenade’ observation deck. Promenade.
Aside from holding the title of
highest open-air observation deck Open 11:00 - 22:00
in all of Japan, it is also one of Admission: Children ¥300 Adults
the most unique experiences in ¥700 Seniors ¥500.
Nagoya. One-of-a-kind, all-glass
elevators blast you to the top in
just 40 seconds - Once on deck,
City Views the 100 meter mark yields an

observation deck with a stunning
Nagoya Television Tower view of the city. Although the tower
no longer transmits television,
Sakae Station, Higashiyama, it has become a major tourist
Meijo, Meitetsu lines attraction.
Located right in the heart of Mon-Fri 10:00-21:00 (Last

Sakae, and impossible to miss, admission 20:40) Sat, Sun, Nat.
the Nagoya Television Tower, built Hol 10:00-22:00
in 1954, is the oldest television
tower in Japan. It stands 180 Admission: Children ¥300 Adults
meters high, towering over much ¥600 Seniors ¥500
of Nagoya. An elevator ride to (052) 971-8546
 123 124
Kids are chances to get close to the

animals at certain times during the
month, including feeding of the
giraffes, elephants and seals, from
14:00 every Sunday (the animals
rotate depending on which Sunday
it is). These sessions are free, but
numbers are limited to 70 people.
For those with ‘the fear’, there’s

also the children’s zoo, where
you can pet the cute and cuddly
animals that are smaller than you,
and used to children.
Higashiyama Zoo
Higashiyama Zoo:
Higashiyama Koen Station Open 9:00-16:50 (ticket counter
Higashiyama line open till 16:30) Tue-Sun . Closed
Mon (Tue if Mon is a Nat.Hol),
Nagoya’s Higashiyama Zoo is Admission: Adult ¥500, Senior
set in some of the best greenery ¥100, Jr High and under free.
in the city, and surrounding
attractions include the Sky Tower, Sky Tower:
the Botanical Gardens, and a Open 9:00-21:30 (last admission
quaint mini amusement park with 21:00) Tue-Sun. Closed Mon (Tue
death-defying carousels and ferris if Mon is a Nat.Hol), Admission:
wheels that will get bub’s nappy in Adult ¥300, Jr High and under
a twist (but more likely lull him to free, Senior ¥100.
sleep). And of course, there are the Combined Zoo & Sky Tower ticket
animals... and quite a lot of them, Adult ¥ 640, Senior ¥160.
too.
www.higashiyama.city.nagoya.jp/
The zoo runs the whole gamut, index.html
with lions, tigers and bears -
and of course the koalas. There (052) 782-2111
 125 126
SCMaglev and Railway Park free for children, while admission toddlers aged 2 or over) . survive, most of them ended up
for parents is ¥300. here. The expansive grounds of
Kinjo-futo Station Open 9:00-17:00 (Closed Access: take the Meitetsu Inuyama Meiji Mura are home to over 60
Aonami line Mondays, or Tuesday if Monday is line to Inuyama Yuen Station, and late-19th and early-20th century
a national holiday.) ride a bus, which takes you straight buildings, including sections of
Owned and operated by JR- to the park. Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous
Central, this museum, with its Admission: Adults ¥300 Imperial Hotel, Tokyo. A great place
numerous full-size trains and 0561-63-1110 www.japan-monkeypark.jp to get the kids outdoors.
other exhibits, allows visitors to (0568) 61-0870
trace the history of rail travel and Japan Monkey Park Admission: Adult ¥1600, High
technology in central Japan from School Student ¥1000, Jr High/
its steam beginnings to current Inuyama Yuen Station Elementary ¥600, Senior ¥1200
maglev technological marvels. Meitetsu Inuyama line
The museum itself is modern Opening Hours : Mar-Oct 9:30-
and spacious, making it highly A surprisingly diverse complex 17:00 (Mar-Oct) Open Daily, Nov-
recommended. featuring monkey houses from all Feb 9:30-16:00 ( Closed Mon in
over the globe, gentle rides for Dec, Jan, Feb)
Admission: ¥1000 Adults, kids and even rollercoasters for
¥500 Elementary - High School the monkey thrill-seeker in all of www.meijimura.com
Students, ¥200 children over 3 us, there’s also a petting zoo for (0568) 67-0314
Open:10:00 - 17:30 Closed Tue the little ones and even a monkey
ballet. Nagashima Resort
www.museum.jr-central.co.jp Meiji Mura
(052) 551-6115 Japan Monkey Park is normally Nagashima Onsen bus stop
open from 10:00-17:00 weekdays, Inuyama Stn
Aichi Children’s Center 9:30-17:00 weekends. Opening Meitetsu line Take the Meitetsu bus from
hours vary slightly according to the Meitetsu bus station (Nagoya
Ai Chikyuhaku Kinen Koen Station season; check website for details. A bus service to Meiji Mura runs station) or Oasis 21 (Sakae)
Linimo line Entry to the park costs ¥1600 for from outside Inuyama station
adults, ¥800 for children aged Japan slurped up Western Another top-notch park for the
The Aichi Children’s Center is 2-12. Rides are paid for separately, influences like a dry sponge during discerning family is Nagashima
located on the grounds of the huge or else visitors can opt for an all- the Meiji era (1868-1912), but few Spaland. It features two enormous
park that was home to the Aichi inclusive “passport” ticket (¥3,900 examples remain of the European- rollercoasters and a plethora of
EXPO in 2005, and is a great place for adults, ¥3,200 for elementary inspired architecture that sprang rides suitable for the kiddies, some
to take the kids for a day out - it’s school children, ¥2,400 for up in this period. Of those that did fun, others hysterical. Afterwards,
 127 128
head to Nagashima Onsen for a The hottest ticket at the Aichi

relaxing soak. EXPO, Satsuki and Mei’s house is
a replica of the Showa era house
Nagashima Spaland: featured in the anime film My
Opening times vary, generally 9:30- Neighbor Totoro.
17:00, ¥1600 admission (¥1000
after 15:00), ¥4100 for admission & Admission ¥500 (adults), ¥250
unlimited rides (¥2500 after 15:00) (children) 9:30-16:30
House closed on Mondays
Nagashima Onsen: (0561) 64-1130
Open: 9:00-21:00
¥2100 admission (¥1500 after Little World
15:00), ¥700 for Nagashima
Spaland ticket holders. Inuyama Stn
Meitetsu line
www.nagashima-onsen.co.jp
(0594) 45-1111 The Little World Museum of
Man is an earnest attempt at an
anthropological theme park, where
visitors can savor world cuisine,
stroll through architectural replicas
from other countries, and check Nagoya Aquarium Ocean. There are also daily
out souvenirs from far-away lands. performances (weather permitting)
Just don’t get offended by the Nagoyako Stn, Meiko line by dolphins and the beluga whale,
stuffed llamas, and keep an open running for about thirty minutes.
mind when sampling the ‘genuine’ Containing thousands of species
German sausages. of fish, and an impressive display Admission: Adults ¥2000,
of dolphins, penguins and an orca Elementary ¥1000, Kids ¥500
Admission: ¥1600 High School whale,the three-story Nagoya Port 9:30-17:00 (till 17:30 April 1st -
¥1000 Elem/Jr. ¥600 Kids ¥300 Aquarium is one of the largest in July 16th, July 17th - Aug 31st
Satsuki and Mei’s House Senior ¥1200 Japan and widely known for eco- open until 20:00) Closed Mon (Tue
9:30-17:00 Daily friendly programs. This facility if Mon is a Nat.Hol)
Aichikyuhaku Kinen Koen Stn focuses on five different aquatic
Linimo line www.littleworld.jp regions of the world, including www.nagoyaaqua.jp
(0568) 62-5611 Japan, Australia and the Antarctic (052) 654-7080
 129 130
Entertainment and Dining Bars & Restaurants
Local Food
Nagoyans’ reputation for eating “strange” noodles precedes them.
Called kishimen, Nagoya’s deviant noodles buck all current trends
by being flat and wide—revolutionary stuff, although most foreigners
will probably struggle to understand what all the fuss is about. Still,
kishimen—traditionally served in a soup flavored with concentrated
bonito stock—are perhaps the best known of the city’s culinary
specialties, and are definitely worth searching out. The tourist board,
interestingly, recommends the grubby eateries on the platforms of major
train stations as the place to start, although kishimen are available at
restaurants throughout the city.
Those in search of even heartier fare should sample misonikomi udon,

a miso-based soup with thick noodles, chicken, leeks, eggs and onion,
cooked and served in an earthen pot. Meat lovers will doubtless enjoy
tebasaki (spicy fried chicken wings) and miso katsu (deep-fried pork
cutlet served with miso sauce), while tenmusu (rice balls containing
shrimp tempura) make for excellent snacks. Nagoya also boasts a
number of distinctive sweets, of which uiro—steamed cakes made from
rice flour and sugar—are a good example.
Nagoya’s miso has been known to provoke strong reactions among

Japanese hailing from other parts of the country. Strong, sweet and
red in color, Nagoya miso is rather different from what you will find
elsewhere, and is something of an acquired taste.
 131 132
American watching sports on their wide

screen TV. The long bar and
Cafes Chinese
Saucisses comfortable seating create an Caffe Cino Dynasty
Hisaya-Odori Stn, Sakura-dori / inviting atmosphere. Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama/ Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama
Meijo lines Tsurumai lines Tsurumai lines
17:00-1:00 Mon-Fri
11:30-3:00 Sat, Sun An extensive variety of breads,
Pola Nagoya Building 2F, 2-9-26 cookies, cakes, pastries and
Sakae, Naka-ku other sweets, together with
(052) 202-7077 freshly brewed coffees and teas
are the highlights of this boutique.
Outback Steakhouse
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama / Meijo 9:00-22:00 Daily
lines 1F Hilton Nagoya, 1-3-3 Sakae,
Naka-ku
Homemade American food. (052) 212-1111 Incorporating concepts of feng

Serves beer, soft drinks, coffee shui, the elegantly-designed
and milk shakes. Everything Le Jardin Dynasty provides a unique space
available for take out or delivery in Fukiage Stn, Sakura-dori line where ancient and modern
the city center. style are mixed. Over a hundred
One of Nagoya’s nicest rooftop authentic Cantonese dishes are
11:00-21:00 Mon-Sat, 11:00- cafes. Enjoy sandwiches, pastas, on offer.
20:00 Sun/Nat.Hols soup and desserts, along with a
Nakazawa Bldg 1F, 3-18-12 reasonable selection of wine. 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:30
Marunouchi, Naka-ku A fun mix of the Australian 1F Hilton Nagoya, 1-3-3 Sakae,
(052) 961-7008 Outback and an American steak 10:00-19:00 Thu-Tue. Closed Naka-ku
house. The menu runs the gamut Wed (except Nat. Hol.)
Shooters from steaks and hamburgers to (052) 212-1111
Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama seafood, pasta and salads Fukiage History Bldg 7F, 7-24
Tsurumai lines Chikusa-dori, Chikusa-ku
Nishiki 324 Bld.B1F, 3-24-24
It’s easy to make friends here Nishiki, Naka-ku (052) 745-1631
while playing pool, darts or
(052) 968-7800
 133 134
Reisho the daily lunch specials are a pleasure. can always depend on getting
Sakae Stn, Higashiyama/Meijo great value. generous portions for reasonable
lines 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00 Daily prices.
11:30-14:00, 18:00-23:00 Thu- Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
If you hunger for real Taiwanese Tue. Closed Wed 52F, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00 Daily
dishes, head straight to Reisho Shinko Shinsakae Bldg 1F, 2-25- Hirokoji Daiichi Seimei Bldg B1F,
and sample some amazing dinner 3 Shinsakae, Naka-ku (052) 584-1105 3-1-1 Sakae, Naka-ku
dishes. Friendly service.
(052) 265-2002 Monsieur Kazu (052) 261-0986
17:30-4:00 Mon-Sat, 17:30- Hoshigaoka Stn, Higashiyama
23:00 Sun, Nat. Hols. Le Martin Pecheur line Maharaja
Walk Lion Bldg 1F, 4-11-16 Fukiage Stn, Sakura-dori line Nagoya Stn, JR/Higashiyama/
Sakae, Naka-ku Mushu Kazu (Monsieur Kazu) Sakura-dori lines
One of Nagoya’s best French consistently serves up sumptuous
(052) 262-5389 restaurants . A sleek and stylish French cusine. The service is
interior, great food and extensive quick without being rushed and
wine list. Meal sets include wines the interior is comfortable and
French tailored to each course. warmly lit.
18:00-24:00
Chez Toto 11:30-14:00, 17:30-21:00 Wed-
Shinsakae Stn, Higashiyama line Closed on Sundays and 3rd Mon. Mon. Closed Tue
6-15 Komatsu-cho, Chikusa-ku Royal Chateaux Nijigaoka 1F, 166
Meito Honmachi, Meito-ku
(052) 733-3373
(052) 781-0579 Maharaja’s tower location is
Mikuni Nagoya excellent as is the food. Anyone
Nagoya Stn, JR/Higashiyama/
Sakura-dori/Kintetsu/Meitetsu Indian who enjoys authentic Indian
cusine and spices will enjoy this
lines pleasant and friendly restaurant.
Akbar
Healthy and delicious dishes are Sakae Stn, Higashiyama/Meijo
lines 11:00-23:00 Daily
prepared in the spirit of cuisine JR Central Towers 13 F, 1-1-4
An informal brasserie serving up naturelle. Stylish art nouveau Meieki, Nakamura-ku
simple yet delicious food. The decor and a superb 52nd floor Akbar is a long-running fixture on
wine selection is excellent, and location add to your dining the Sakae dining scene, and you
(052) 587-5755
 135 136
International Higashiyama / Sakura-dori /

Kintetsu / Meitetsu Lines
superb restaurant’s mouth-
watering selections are far from
tempura and teppan-yaki
feature each chef’s on-hand,
The 59’s Cafe & Diner ordinary Italian cusine. personalized entertainment.
Sakae Station The popular Tokyo restaurant 11:30-14:00 Thu-Mon Private rooms are also available.
Higashiyama/Meijo lines comes to Nagoya - enjoy their 18:00-21:30 Wed-Mon
authentic Napoli-style pizza 1F, 1-20 Ooshima, Chikusa-ku 11:30-14:00, 17:00-21:30
baked in a kiln with a selection of 1F Hilton Nagoya, 1-3-3 Sakae,
Italian wines, cheese and dolce. (052) 762-3986 Naka-ku
11:00-15:30 Mon-Fri. (052) 212-1111

11:00-14:30, 14:30-17:00 Japanese
Midland Square 4F 4-7-1
Meieki, Nakamura-ku Ippudo
Fushimi Station, Higashiyama /
(052) 527-8820 Tsurumai lines
Il Vecchio Molino One of Nagoya’s most famous

Classic American sounds, a Ikeshita Station, Higashiyama line noodle restaurants, Ippudo is
range of tacos, pasta, salad justifiably popular - simply put, its
and more, and over 30 kinds Small restaurant, perfect for a Hakata-style tonkotsu ramen is
of beer to choose from. Great nice meal, set in the wooded absolutely delicious. No English
atmosphere, and it’s open late, foothills of Ikeshita. Excellent menu, but some staff can speak
too. atmosphere, conveying the sense a bit.
Ka-Un
of Italy. Italian menu available. Nagoya Stn, JR/Higashiyama/
17:00-4:00 Mon-Sat, 17:00- 11:00-3:00 Daily
24:00 Sun/Nat. Hols 3-22-26 Sakae, Naka-ku Sakura-dori/Kintetsu/Meitetsu
17:30-24:00 Tue-Sun. lines
Tower Bldg B1F, 3-15-10 Nishiki, 2-28-3 Ikeshita-cho, Chikusa-ku
Naka-ku (052) 269-2412
The most beautiful restaurant
(052) 752-0006 in Nagoya, Ka-Un recreates
(052) 971-0566 Genji
Fushimi Stn, Higashiyama/ the elegant ambience of Kyoto,
Vicino featuring kappo dishes, sushi and
Tsurumai lines
Italian Kakuozan Station tempura. Truly a feast for the eyes
Higashiyama line as well as the palate. Choose
Genji offers a large variety of
Isola dishes and seasonal specialties. from several intimate dining
Nagoya Station, JR / Casual and unpretentious, this spaces.
Individual counters for sushi,
 137 138
7:00-10:00, 11:30-14:30, 17:30- Kinboshi Fushimi 17:30-24:00

Suntown Bldg. 5F,
Mexican
22:00 Daily Fushimi Stn
Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel Higashiyama / Tsurumai lines 3-11-12 Meiki, Nishi-ku Jerry’s Uno
18F, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku Shinsakae-machi Stn,
Kinboshi specializes in ‘Kushi’, (052) 589-2090 Higashiyama line
(052) 584-1104 grilled meat or vegetables on a
skewer. Kinboshi also prides itself Teppan-Yaki Nakotei Jerry’s is open late and attracts
on its friendly staff.. Nagoya Stn, JR/Higashiyama/ a wide range of customers, from
Sakura-dori/Kintetsu/Meitetsu club-goers to people wanting to
17:30-23:00 Daily lines have a game of darts with their
Dia Palace Bldg 2F, 2-1-12 Naka- beer and teppan chorizo.
ku, Sakae Enjoy freshly cooked delicacies 11:00-15:00 Mon-Sat, 18:00-
and a wide selection of wines at 3:00 Daily
(052) 201-5531 this pleasant Marriott restaurant. 1-6-6 Shinsakae, Naka-ku
Masa 11:30-14:30, 17:30-22:00 Daily (052) 251-1139

Nagoya Stn, JR / Higashiyama / Nagoya Marriott Associa Hotel
Sakura-dori / Kintetsu/ Meitetsu 18F, 1-1-4 Meieki, Nakamura-ku Desperados
Kinboshi Imaike
Imaike Stn, Higashiyama/Sakura- Lines Shinsakae-machi Station
(052) 584-1106 Higashiyama line
dori lines
Torisei
This tiny yakitori-ya serves up
Sakae Stn
killer food.The staff don’t speak
Higashiyama/Meijo lines
English but the super-friendly
master is happy to help in any
A very popular yakitori joint that
way he can. Beer, soft drinks
serves up Nagoya specialties.
and a good selection of wine are
Wide selection and everything on
available.
the menu is superb.
17:30-23:00 Daily
17:00-23:00 Mon-Sat
5-4-9 Imaike, Chikusa-ku
Sansutendo Bldg 1-2F, 3-19-24
With an extensive menu including
Nishiki, Naka-ku
(052) 732-5421 California-style sushi, Masa is A full selection of great Tex-Mex
not to be missed. Located only favorites and a variety of quality
(052) 951-7337
minutes from Nagoya Station. tequilas and frosty beers.
 139 140
Hub is a popular British pub (052) 963-5333

18:00-23:00 Closed Sun Sukontha with an authentic menu and Elephant’s Nest
Fujimatsu Bldg 2F, 1-8-11 Sakae Stn, atmosphere. Come and join the Fushimi Stn,
Shinsakae, Naka-ku Higashiyama / Meijo lines party in Sakae while sampling the Higashiyama/Tsurumai lines
unique Hub ale and classic British
(052) 264-0663 If you are hankering for some food including fish and chips.
authentic Thai food, then look
no further. It has a loyal crowd of 16:00-1:00 Sun-Thu, 16:00-5:00
Thai Thai customers, and even Thai- Fri, Sat, Nat. Hol
language Karaoke! Ark Bldg. 3-22-7 Nishiki, Naka-ku
Sawasdee Sumiyoshi
Sakae Stn, 18:00-5:00 Daily. (052) 962-8682
Higashiyama/Meijo lines
Sakae Design Bldg 2F, 4-7-24 Mexigan
Sakae, Naka-ku Sakae Stn,
Higashiyama/Meijo lines This popular British pub serves
(052) 251-2582 up a full menu of pub favorites
and features a dart board and
large screen TV for sports
Bars broadcasts. A range of drinks
and eats, on a pay-as-you-go
Hub Sakae Nishiki basis.
Sakae Stn,
Higashiyama/Meijo lines 17:30-1:00 Sun-Thu,
The Sakae branch of the popular 17:30-2:00 Fri/Sat
Thai restaurant serves a full range 2F, 1-4-3 Sakae, Naka-ku
of traditional favorites. Open for
lunch and dinner in a pleasant Enjoy a selection of tacos and (052) 232-4360
setting. other Mexican-style cuisine at
reasonable prices. OXO Kanayama
11:30-23:00 Daily Kanayama Stn, JR/Meijo/
Takushoku Bldg. 2F, 3-9-30 17:30-2:30 Mon-Thu, Meitetsu lines
Sakae, Naka-ku 17:00-3:30 Fri, Sat,
17:00-23:30 Sun, Nat.Hol. The OXO Pub is located in the
(052) 242-7512 Asunal shopping complex -
 141 142
Entertainment and Dining
mere seconds from the train and Formal attire is suggested for
subway stations. Enjoy a pint entry. Entrance to the club is not
while watching sports on their particularly expensive, but a VIP
BIG screens! room provides luxury service for
parties with a little extra cash.
11:00-1:00 Mon-Thu Platinum consists of a central
11:00-2:00 Fri, Sat dance floor, VIP room, bar area
11:00-24:00 Sun and restaurant.
Asunal Kanayama 2F, 1-17-1 18:00 - 24:00 Daily

Nanayama, Naka-ku Angel Bldg. B1-B2, 3-15-20
Sakae, Naka-ku
(052) 331-1999
(052) 263-8999
Dance Clubs iD Cafe
Sakae Stn
Club Mago Higashiyama/Meijo lines
Shinsakae-machi Stn
Higashiyama line
Some of the biggest names in

dance have graced this Shin-
sakae club’s turntables.
Unryu Flex West Bldg B2F, 2-1-9
Shinsakae, Naka-ku
(052) 243-1818
Platinum
Sakae Stn Nagoya’s hottest nightspot for
Higashiyama/Meijo lines dancing. Five floors of unique
theme spaces.
Platinum is the choicest pick for 19:00-Midnight
club connoisseurs in Nagoya.
(052) 251-0382
 143
Credits Contact
Destination Nagoya Relo Japan Kobe Office
Published for Relo Japan Tokyo Office No. 503 YAYA Building
by Carter Witt Media 4-1-10 Goko-dori, Chuo-ku
2F EXOS Ebisu Kobe-shi Hyogo-ken 651-0087
Copyright 2013 1-24-14 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku Tel: +81-(0)78-242-3760
Tokyo 150-0013 Japan Fax: +81-(0)78-261-3261
Contributors Tel: +81-(0)3-5449-7220
Fax: +81-(0)3-5449-5830 www.ReloJapan.com
Doug Breath
Mayuko Sumida Nagoya Office
Rangi Thomson-McCall
Ray Proper 8F Nakato Marunouchi Bldg.
Carter Witt 3-17-6 Marunouchi, Naka-ku
Nagoya 460-0002 Japan
Tel: +81-(0)52-973-3973
Fax: +81-(0)52-973-9293
Photography Credits Carter Witt Media
The Nagoya City Convention And Visitors www.carterwittmedia.com

Bureau [email protected]
The Nagoya City Archives
Nagoya Omotenbashi Busho-Tai Secretariat Preciosa Mitsuke 105
The Nagoya International School 1-22 Mitsuke-cho, Chikusa-ku
Doug Breath Nagoya 464-0817 Japan
123RF Limited
iStockphoto Tel: +81(0)52-788-2123
John Reynolds Fax: +81(0)52-788-2124
Alexander Hadjidakis

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Destination

Nagoya Your Guide

Welcome Everyday Information

Compliments of H&R Group 1 Shopping 73

Arts and Crafts 105

Relocating With Relo Japan 21

With compliments of H&R Group

While relocating to another country often turns out to be a wonderful,

Our team of experienced, bilingual consultants are ready to help you

The H&R Group believes in supporting the communities in which we

As we say at the H&R Group, we are “More Than Relocation” Thank

Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and the capital of Aichi Prefecture.

Since Chubu Centrair International Airport opened in 2005, the city

A Brief History of Nagoya

A millennium or so later, in 1147, the Atsuta area was the birthplace of

Nagoya Castle was built in 1612 as a residence for Tokugawa’s

The region’s role as an industrial hub made it an obvious target for

The People Arts and Crafts

John Reynolds - 123RF Limited

Arriving in Japan with

After retrieving your luggage, it is necessary to pass through the

Public Transportation In Nagoya Subway

Centrair – Central Japan’s Airport

Indeed, the airport is a cut above your average, run-of-the-mill transport

There is an impressive selection of restaurants, most of which are to

• Professional and comprehensive support to meet all of your relocation

• The www.ReloJapan.com website, a vital source of information on

• Offices in Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe

• Japan-wide coverage through three offices and affiliates in many

• Access to all of the best properties available, through Japan Home

JapanHomeSearch.com offers the following:

• Multi-listing agent with access to thousands of rental properties

• Regularly updated “Hot Properties” featuring new and popular

• User-friendly interface allowing visitors to search for several properties

Renting a House or Apartment

For starters it bears repeating that space is at a premium. The more

Japanese Apartments considered by Westerners to count as an “additional bedroom”, they

The situation in Nagoya is relatively better. Most rental properties tend

Common Apartment Configurations

Apartments come in many sizes, and Japan has a unique alphanumeric

Here is a 2LDK floor plan.

Larger apartments such as a 3LDK will often have one or more

Rental Houses In Japan

If the house comes with a garden it will be limited in scope, however

Finding an apartment on your own in Japan can be a daunting task if

Fees and Policies

Key money or reikin is a one-time fee that a tenant may be asked to a

Maintenance Fee Pets

The responsibility for repairs is usually clearly outlined in the housing

Many companies act as lessee and enter into housing contracts on

Kitchen Appliances Toilets and Baths

The American equivalent of the “bathroom” or “restroom” is referred to

The Japanese Bath

As mentioned above, the Japanese have traditionally utilized the bath

Meito-ku (Issha and Hongo)

of the station have started to sprout towering apartment buildings. Most

part of Gifu is bordered by tree-covered mountains and the southern Transportation

If you decide to lease furniture then it will be delivered and picked up

Here are some of the services that they provide: