Registering at the town hall
Within 14 days of moving in, register your new address at the Residents Section (Jumin-ka) of Kimobetsu Town Hall. Bring:
- Your residence card, if you are a foreign resident
- Your My Number card, if you have one, and other ID such as a driving licence
- A moving-out certificate (tenshutsu shomeisho) from your previous town, if you are moving from elsewhere in Japan
At the same time, you may need to:
- join National Health Insurance, if you are not covered through an employer
- apply for or update child allowances, if you have children
- register your dog, if you have one
- start your water supply with the town hall's Construction Section, and set up electricity and other utilities with each company
Procedures at the town hall are in Japanese. If you are not sure what you need, ask us before you go.
Kimobetsu Town Hall: 0136-33-2211
Putting out the garbage
Take your garbage to the garbage station near your home on the right day. Burnable and non-burnable waste go in designated town bags, sold at the convenience stores and the supermarket in town. Food waste is collected separately and turned into compost.
| Day | What | How |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | — | — |
| Tuesday | Burnable waste | Designated town bags |
| Wednesday | Food waste | Bins inside the garbage station |
| Thursday | Non-burnable waste / PET bottles | Designated town bags / bags inside the station |
| Friday | Recyclables (plastics / paper) | Plastics in clear bags / paper tied with string |
| Saturday | Food waste | Bins inside the garbage station |
| Sunday | — | — |
The detailed sorting rules are in the town newsletter (in Japanese): Garbage sorting rules (PDF)
In an emergency
- Fire or ambulance: 119
- Police: 110. Also call 110 if you see a brown bear. Bears are sometimes seen in town, mainly from spring to autumn.
Kimobetsu sits at the foot of Mt. Yotei, an active volcano that is monitored by the Japan Meteorological Agency. Heavy rain can also cause floods and landslides. Before you choose where to live, check the hazard map, which also lists evacuation shelters.
Kimobetsu disaster hazard map (English, PDF)
Evacuation information is sent through the town's IP broadcasts, emergency alerts on mobile phones and other channels, mostly in Japanese. In winter, a power cut also stops most heating, so keep a kerosene heater that runs without electricity, a portable battery, and enough kerosene and food for a few days.
Questions? Ask us in English
The town's relocation coordinator replies by email within two business days. It is free, and a single question is fine.
Ask a question