Rules & Etiquette

2. Neighborhood / community associations

1. Etiquette

Noise

Keep in mind that when living in housing complexes or apartments, the noise you make in your house or apartment might be heard by your neighbor, potentially resulting in issues. Try to keep noise to a minimum, especially late at night and early in the morning, as this might annoy your neighbors. (For example, be careful of the volume of televisions, radios, musical instruments, speaking in loud voices, vacuum cleaners, washing machines, showers/baths, opening and closing doors, etc.)

Use of shared areas in multi-dwelling housing

Hallways and stairs are communal areas. In an emergency, such as an earthquake or fire, these are used for evacuation. Do not leave your personal items there.

2. Neighborhood / community associations

Neighborhood/community associations (chōnaikai or jichikai) are formed independently by the community and allow residents to help each other and build friendships. Membership is voluntary. Joining such an organization will help you access information about life in the community. Moreover, they offer help in times of emergency, such as in the event of a disaster, and more.

To find out how to join your neighborhood/community association, ask someone in charge, such as the chairperson, or contact the Community Revitalization Division of your local ward office.

3. Pet care

Dog registration

If you own a dog that is 91 days or older, you must register them. You can register your dog at the Animal Care Center or any private veterinarian. A license tag will be issued after registration. You must contact the Animal Care Center in the following cases:

● The dog’s owner changes.
● The owner’s address changes.
● The dog dies.
● The dog bites someone.

Rabies vaccination (once a year)

If you own a dog, you must vaccinate them against rabies. Vaccinate your dog at a group vaccination or at a private veterinarian. Group vaccinations are held every year in Hiroshima City between April and May. Once your dog has received a rabies vaccination, you will receive a vaccination certificate.

Note: Dogs must wear their license tags and vaccination certificates.

Microchipping dogs and cats

As of June 1, 2022, dogs and cats sold at pet stores and breeders are required to be microchipped. In other words, your new pet would already be microchipped at the time of purchase, and you will need to register your particulars and update the information on the microchip.

If you receive or pick up a dog or cat without a microchip and decide to keep it as a pet, you will have to register your particulars when you bring your pet to a veterinary clinic to be microchipped.

Animal Care Center
Address: 11-27 Fujimi-cho, Naka-ku, Hiroshima city
Tel: 082-243-6058

4. Rules of the road

In Japan, cars, motorcycles, and bicycles keep to the left and pedestrians walk on the right. Pedestrians have the right of way at crosswalks.

1) Bicycles

When riding a bicycle, please follow these five safety rules:

① In principle, stick to the road and keep to the left. Only ride on sidewalks when permitted and yield to pedestrians.

② Obey traffic signals and stop signs at intersections and check if it is safe to proceed.

③ Turn on your bicycle lights when cycling at night.

④ Never ride under the influence of alcohol.

⑤ Wear a helmet.
Note: As of April 2023, all bicycle users are obliged to make an effort to wear bicycle helmets while riding. Likewise, when riding an adult bicycle with a child seat installed, bicycle users are obliged to make an effort to ensure that the onboard child fastens their seat belt and wears a helmet. This rule came into effect starting October 6, 2022 and applies to children below elementary school age.

Protect yourself by getting a bicycle insurance

In accordance with the Hiroshima Prefectural Ordinance, it is mandatory for bicycle users (excluding minors) to purchase bicycle insurance starting in April 2023.

Dangerous cycling behaviors to avoid

① Riding a bicycle while wearing earphones or headphones and listening to loud music

② Using your phone while riding

③ As a general rule, riding tandem on a single-seater bicycle is not allowed

④ Riding two abreast For safety purposes, be sure to have your bicycle undergo regular inspection and maintenance checks.

For safety purposes, be sure to have your bicycle undergo regular inspection and maintenance checks.

📝 Unattended bicycles and motorcycles

Make sure to park your bicycle or motorcycle in a designated parking space. Bicycles and motorcycles left unattended in other places not only get in the way of pedestrians but can also cause accidents and obstruct emergency services.

All bicycles and motorcycles parked in areas marked with the sign to the right will be removed and impounded immediately. If your bicycle or motorcycle is impounded, be sure to claim it from the impound lot.

Hiroshima City West Bicycle and Motorcycle Impound Lot
Tel: 082-277-7916
Hours: Everyday 10:30 am – 7 pm (excluding national holidays and December 29 to January 3)
Fees: 2,200 yen for bicycles / 4,400 yen for scooters (50cc or less) / 5,500 yen for motorcycles
Required Items: The vehicle’s key and some form of identification (e.g. driver’s license, student ID, health insurance card, etc.)
※ Vehicles are stored for one month. Vehicles not claimed within one month will be disposed of by the City.

2) Cars and motorbikes

● To operate a car or motorcycle in Japan, you need to possess any one of the following documents:

① Japanese driver’s license

② International Driving Permit issued under the Geneva Convention on Road Traffic

③ Driver’s license issued in recognized countries and regions that allows for driving in Japan with an attached Japanese translation translated by an embassy or consulate (currently available for Switzerland, Germany, France, Belgium, Monaco, and Taiwan)

Note: ② and ③ will allow you to drive in Japan for up to one year at most.

● You need a license to drive a car or motorbike. You must not drive your vehicle if you do not have your license in your possession (if you have forgotten it at home, etc.).

● Drivers and all passengers must wear seatbelts.

● Children under 6 years old must be placed in child car seats.

● You must wear a helmet when riding a motorbike.

● It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving or to drive under the influence of alcohol. There are particularly strict penalties for drunk driving. Do not drink and drive.

3) Public transport

It is good to be aware of the following etiquette when riding the bus, train, or other public transport:

● Wait in line for public transport; do not cut in front of people who have been waiting longer than you.

● Do not smoke on public transport.

● Try not to talk on the phone while riding public transport.

● Keep the volume of music (etc.) to a minimum.

📝 Using public transport

Start Hiroshima! produces videos about a variety of useful topics, including public transport.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZuk9nZf0COsZyJxHg2YBLA
Produced in Japanese; subtitles available in English, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.