Volunteering Opportunities in Hyogo

For those who are interested in volunteering whilst on the JET Program, here are some opportunities for you! The organisations or initiatives currently listed are friendly for English Speaking people, so don’t be afraid to participate! If you would like to feature a particular volunteer initiative in Hyogo/Kansai – please comment or contact us! Charity […]

Running in Hyogo

This page is a resource for running (marathons, etc.) in Hyogo-ken and Japan. Running is quite popular in Japan and races tend to be well organized, heavily participated, and a lot of fun. Note that in Japanese the word “marathon” (マラソン) tends to be used to mean any length of race. Thus a マラソン could […]

Proficiency Tests

There are a number of proficiency tests for Japanese. The most well-known is the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (日本語能力試験 nihongo noryoku shiken), called the JLPT for short. There is also the Business Japanese Proficiency Test. The Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) The JLPT is held twice a year, in summer and winter. You can take […]

Japanese Classes

The Hyogo International Association in Kobe offers evening Japanese classes for foreign residents for a nominal price of 2,000 yen per semester: Hyogo International Association. (Find the English PDF at the middle of the page.) Sign-up is on a quarterly basis and first-come first-served. There are a number of other places in Hyogo Prefecture that […]

Japanese Etiquette

Workplace Etiquette Arriving & Leaving Work: When entering the teacher’s room in the morning, say “Ohayo gozaimasu” (Good Morning). You should also be punctual. Punctuality is viewed as part of being an adult member of society in Japan, so take the extra five minutes. When leaving at the end of the day, say “Osaki ni […]

Food Shopping

Foreign Buyers’ Club (FBC) You can buy almost anything from this store: salsa, olives, blueberry pie filling, lentil soup, cheese, contact lens supplies, condoms, cold medicines, vegemite…and so on. They have-mail order catalogues, and a good on-line site from which you can order, or you can journey out and visit their store on Rokko Island […]

International Airports

Kansai International Airport 関西国際空港 Kansai International Airport (KIX), pronounced Kansai Kokusai Kuko or Kanku for short, is the main international airport for western Japan. Extensive train, bus and ferry links provide access to Kansai Airport’s artificial island. Below is an overview of to get to the airport. Phone: 0724-55-2500 URL: http://www.kansai-airport.or.jp Getting to KIX By […]

Leaving the Country

Most JETs, at some point during their stay in Japan, will want to take a break to either go back home and visit family, or explore some of Japan’s neighboring countries. Either way, if you plan on leaving the country, make sure you… Notify Your School/BOE Most Contracting Organizations require very specific itineraries when you […]

Buses

Buses are a good way to travel long-distance, especially if you want to save on cash. If you want to save on a hotel as well, you might want to consider an overnight bus (夜間バス – yakan basu). Get on the bus in the evening, and arrive at your destination bright and early the next […]