Hyogo AJET provides general information only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Japanese visa laws and policies may change, and individual circumstances vary. Always verify information with official sources such as the Immigration Services Agency of Japan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, or a licensed immigration professional (行政書士). What is your Period of […]
Tag: settling in
Residence Card
When you land in Tokyo, fresh-faced and blurry-eyed, as you fumble your way through customs and immigration, you will be given a Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Ka-do). It will have personal details such as your name, date of birth and photo, and you will need to carry it around with you at all times, for the rest […]
Paying Up Front
Imagine these scenarios. There’s an upcoming work conference and your school takes care of your shinkansen ticket and hotel room reservation, and then asks you for money. Or, without giving you a single yen, they ask you to take care of it all yourself. Or perhaps one day someone at your school comes up to […]
Paychecks
Once a month, when you get your paycheck, your school (or CO) will probably also give you a piece of paper describing it in detail. Here’s an explanation for those of you wondering how everything adds up.For most JETs in Hyogo, Payday will be on the 15th/16th of any given month. Salary (報酬額) The official […]
Contracting Organizations: Explained
Congratulations, you’ve made it through the interview and finally got accepted into the program. When you receive your placement notice, you may notice that alongside the Placement Prefecture (which prefecture you’ll be working in), there is also Placement Contracting Organization. Although JET participants are members of the JET Programme, each JET is actually employed by […]
Hanko (Personal Seal)
In Japan, a hanko (判子) is a personal seal in red ink representing your signature on most documents, mainly official ones. You’ll often hear hanko and inkan (印鑑) used interchangeably, but technically speaking, the cylindrical object made of wood, plastic, etc. is your hanko, and the inkan is the red seal that you make on […]
Airports and Air Travel
Kansai International Airport 関西国際空港 Kansai International Airport (KIX) is the main international airport for western Japan. Opened in 1994 to alleviate the demand experienced at Itami Airport, it’s become the third busiest airport in Japan. It provides both domestic and international flights to many destinations. The airport was completely renovated for the Expo, so a […]
Find English Medical Services and Resources in Hyogo
Last updated: October 2025 The following resources should assist you in finding an English speaking doctor, dentist or specialist. Hyogo Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System The Prefectural Medical Facilities Information System provides an extensive list of hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, drug stores, and midwifery centers in Hyogo with staff that speak foreign languages. The medical facilities […]
Getting Car Insurance
Hyogo AJET provides general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or insurance advice. Insurance policies, coverage, premiums, regulations, and requirements in Japan may change, and individual circumstances vary. Hyogo AJET takes no responsibility for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the information provided. Always verify details directly with insurance providers, official authorities, or […]
Driving in Hyogo
This is a one stop shop combining all the previous blog posts for all things relevant to driving in Hyogo. Although a long post, it contains everything from road rules, parking driving in winter and DUI. Hope this is a helpful guide for your current or future driving endeavors. Road Rules Unlike most countries, Japan […]