Informational Newsletter for English-Speaking Residents “Hiroshima NOW” October 2025 (English No. 42)
Informational Newsletter for English Speaking Residents
The latest volume of Hiroshima NOW is here! ➡ PDF [5.11MB]
Articles in Hiroshima NOW are excerpts from Hiroshima Shimin to Shisei, a free newspaper produced by the City of Hiroshima. This monthly newsletter is published in English, Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Simplified Japanese.
Hiroshima Shimin to Shisei is available to view on the city’s website. It can also be translated via an automatic translation app into various languages.
🎃 Table of Contents
1. Seasonal events information
2. The main keep of Hiroshima Castle is closing March 22, 2026
4. Child-rearing Consultation Service “Furatto”
5. What you can do to sleep better
6. Municipal housing applications
7. Holiday trash collection schedule in October and November
1. Seasonal events information
Hiroshima Kagura 2025
Date & Time：Every Wednesday 7 pm-7:45 pm（Opening time 6 pm）
★ Performance days in October：1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd and 29th
Venue：Hiroshima Kenmin Bunka Center（1-5-3 Ōte-machi, Naka-ku）
Access：3 minutes walk from either Kamiya-cho Nishi or Hondori streetcar stop
Inquiries：Hiroshima Kenmin Bunka Center Tel. 082-245-2311
Ticket Prices：
【Advance】Reserved seat 1,200 yen ／ Non-reserved seat 1,000 yen
Ticket office：Ticke PIA https://t.pia.jp/
▶ If you buy a ticket with an in-store device at a convenience store, please enter P-code (562-446).
▶ You can purchase an advance ticket until 5 pm on the day of the performance.
【At the door】1,500 yen
Ticket office：Hiroshima Kenmin Bunka Center Lobby
▶ Tickets will be available from 6 pm on the day of performance.
Kangetsu Tea Ceremony 😊 Kangetsu means “moon viewing”
Date & Time：Monday, October 6 3 pm-7 pm (Reception closed）
Venue：Shukkeien Garden（2-11 Kami-nobori-cho, Naka-ku）
Access：3 minutes walk from Shukkeien-mae streetcar stop
Fee：1,300 yen（Tea ceremony）、800 yen（Nodate, Open-air tea ceremony）
▶ Admission fee for the garden is required separately.
【Admission fee】
Adults: 350 yen
University students: 150 yen
High school students and younger: Free
▶ On October 6, the garden will extend opening hours.
【Opening hours on October 6】9 am-9 pm（Entry allowed by 8:30 pm）
Inquires：Shukkeien Tel. 082-221-3620
Day of Sister & Friendship Cities Events: Chongqing Day ★Chongqing is a city in China
Date & Time：Saturday, October 18 1 pm-4 pm
Venue：Hiroshima City International House (Ryūgakusei Kaikan), Nishi-kojin-machi, Minami-ku
Access：5 minutes walk for JR Hiroshima Station South Exit
Fee：Free
Programs: Learn about Chongqing, taste Chinese food, watch traditional Chinese performances, and more
Inquiries：Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, City Diversity & Inclusion Division
Tel. 082-242-8879 URL: https://h-ircd.jp/
Traditional Japanese Music Concert
Date & Time：Sunday, October 19 ① 10:30 am- ② 1:30 pm-
Venue：Shukkeien Garden（2-11 Kami-nobori-cho, Naka-ku）
Access：3 minutes walk from Shukkeien-mae streetcar stop
Fee：3,000 yen
▶ Admission fee for the garden is required separately.
【Admission fee】
Adults: 350 yen
University students: 150 yen
High school students and younger: Free
Inquires：Hiroshima Hougaku Renmei Tel. 082-228-8693
Hiroshima Mikoshi Parade 😊A Mikoshi is a portable shrine
Date & Time：Sunday, November 9
Venue：Tōshogū Shrine、Nigitsu Shrine、Shiribuka Park (Futabano-sato Daini Park)
▶ Located around JR Hiroshima Station North Exit
Access：8 minutes walk from JR Hiroshima Station North Exit
Programs：
🌀Mikoshi Parade
Departure ceremony（at Tōshogū Shrine） 10:35 am-10:45 am
Parade（from Tōshogū Shrine to Nigitsu Shrine） 11 am-11:40 am
Ritual（at Nigitsu Shrine） Noon-12:30 pm
Parade（from Nigitsu Shrine to Tōshogū Shrine） 1 pm-1:40 pm
🌀Hiroshima Edo Festival
Venue： Tōshogū Shrine
Time： 11 am-4 pm
Program： Traditional cultural performance, stalls, cultural experience booth, etc.
🌀Nigiwai Hiroba
Venue： Shiribuka Park (Futabanosato Daini Park)
Time： 10:30 am-4 pm
Event： Stalls selling food, merchandizes, etc.
Inquiries：Organizing Committee Tel. 082-261-2954（Available from 9 am to 5 pm）
International Festival 2025
Date & Time：Sunday, November 16 10 am-4 pm
Venue：International Conference Center Hiroshima & Peace Boulevard Green Zone
Access：Get off at Heiwa Kinen Koen Mae bus stop
Program：Stage performance, culture and information exchange meetings, workshops, international food stalls,
and more!
Consultations for non-Japanese residents such as issues regarding residency status will be available
for free
★Some activities at the festival require reservations. For further information,
please check the website.
Inquiries：Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation, City Diversity & Inclusion Division
Tel. 082-242-8879 Email: internat@pcf.city.hiroshima.jp
URL: https://h-ircd.jp/
2. The main keep of Hiroshima Castle is closing March 22, 2026
The main keep of Hiroshima Castle was built first in the Azuchi-Momoyama period (1567-1600). It long looked over and protected the city of Hiroshima until it was destroyed by the blast wave of the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima City on August 6, 1945. The castle gates and watchtowers were also burnt down.
In 1958 the castle keep was rebuilt from reinforced concrete, now serving as a museum. It has long been a fixture of Hiroshima since then, however due to the eventual deterioration of the concrete structure and other issues, the keep will be closed from March 23 of next year.
After the keep’s closure the museum will be inherited to the San-no-maru Hiroshima Castle History Museum. Up until its closure there are a variety of planned events, so please take this chance to visit the keep in its prime.
The outward appearance of the castle keep is not planned to be affected by this change at this time.
Hiroshima Castle Keep (21-1 Moto-machi, Naka-ku)
Access: Hiroshima Tourism Route Bus “Meipuru-pu” (via the Orange route or the Lemon route)
6 minutes walk from the Hiroshima Castle (Gokoku Jinja Mae) bus stop
Closed: December 2, December 29 – December 31
【Admission fee】
Adults: 370 yen
Adults (Over 65): 180 yen
High school students: 180 yen
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Inquiries: Cultural Promotion Department (Bunka Shinkō Ka) Tel. 082-504-2869
3. The E-library is open
The “Hiroshima E-library” service has begun. The service can be accessed from anywhere using your smartphone or tablet device. As of September 2, around 3700 e-books and 600 audiobooks have been made available on the service.
Residents of Hiroshima City, or those working or being schooled here, may access the service for free by applying for the use of any municipal library in Hiroshima city. That being said, the burden of data costs still falls on the user.
How to use
📖 Those who have an account with a municipal library
① From the municipal libraries website navigate to the “My Library” portal and log in.
▶Those who do not recall their password please inquire with Central Library（Tel. 082-222-5542）.
② You can use the service by selecting the “KinoDen” banner.
📖 Those who have not yet made an account with a municipal library
Go to a nearby municipal library’s window and apply, or apply from the municipal libraries website.
Note: After applying from the website, within 2 weeks please receive a library card from a municipal library.
From September 1, City Central Library is closed due to special circumstances. So please collect this library card from another municipal library.
Inquiries: Hiroshima City Central Library (Chūō Toshokan)
Tel. 082-222-5542 https://www.library.city.hiroshima.jp/
4. Child-rearing Consultation Service “Furatto”
The regional child-rearing consultation service “Furatto” can help you with concerns and worries over pregnancy, giving birth, and any other things about child-rearing. “Furatto” is located in each 16 child-rearing open spaces in Hiroshima City.
Consultation is received from pregnant women, guardians of households with children, and children largely under 18.
”Furatto” does not accept consultation by phone, email, or social media. Those who want to consult with them should go directly to their local “Furatto” branch.
To find your local branch or opening hours, please check the City’s official website.
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/kosodate/1021253/1025913/1036424.html (Japanese)
Inquiries: Child and Youth Support Department (Kodomo Seishonen Shieni Bu) Tel. 082-504-2973
5. What you can do to sleep better
The key to better sleep is quantity (time) and quality (restfulness). If your sleeping hours are too long or too short, it can become detrimental to your health. Waking up feeling well rested is a sign of good sleep.
Tips for better sleep (by age)
🌷Children
◼Elementary school children need 9-12 hours of sleep. Middle and high school children need 8-10 hours.
◼Enjoy the sun in the morning, remember to eat breakfast, and exercise throughout the day.
Be wary of staying up too late at night.
🌻Adults
◼Sleep preferences vary by person, but try to get at least the 6 hours of necessary sleep.
◼Be careful as poor sleep and/or consistently not felling rested can be a sign of illness.
🌼The Elderly
◼Try to stay in bed for under 8 hours.
◼To protect your sleep, avoid long naps during the day and exercise properly.
🌸Tips for all ages
◼Avoid smartphone use in bed.
◼Increase the chance of restful sleep by monitoring your daily eating and exercise habits.
Reconsider your bedtime and sleeping hours.
🖢 If poor sleep continues despite changes to daily routine and cutting out luxuries like caffeine, alcohol, and/or smoking, you may have a sleep disorder, and should consult with a doctor.
Q&A on good sleep
Ｑ１ What can I do for a smooth wakeup?
Ａ１ Bask in the morning sunlight to boost your brain’s sense of wakefulness.
Ｑ２ What should I be careful of before bed?
Ａ２ Before bed avoid screens – television, games, and smartphones.
Ｑ３ Is it okay for me to sleep in on days off?
Ａ３ It is important to wake up at the same time even on holidays.
Inquiries: Health Promotion Division (Kenkō Suishin Ka) Tel. 082-504-2980
6. Municipal housing applications
Municipal housing is available for residents who are registered with the city, currently living within city limits, and meet the requirements, including the number of family members, as well as income limit. For more details, including eligibility and application procedures, please contact the relevant office or check the City’s official website:
Official City of Hiroshima website (in Japanese):
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/jyuutaku/6265.html
Municipal Housing Applications in FY 2025 (August 2025 – May 2026)
| Selection Month |
Application Forms Available Beginning |
Application Period | ||
| Online | Post | In-person | ||
| November 2025 |
November 4 (Tue) | 11/4 (Tue) –11/12 (Wed) | 11/10 (Mon) – 11/12 (Wed) |
|
| February 2026 |
February 2 (Mon) | 2/2 (Mon) – 2/12 (Thu) | 2/9 (Mon) – 2/12 (Thu) |
|
◍ Couples with Partnership Certificates/Cards can apply for municipal housing that is located in the city or town where the Partnership Certificates/Cards have been issued.
◍ For individuals who wish to apply for housing outside of the above mentioned submission schedule, applications will be accepted once there are openings. For more information, please check the City’s official website (Japanese):
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/jyuutaku/6267.html
Applications
Where to find applications:
▶ City of Hiroshima Housing Policy Division (Jūtaku Seisaku Ka) (Address: City Hall Main Building, 5F), Architecture Division (Kenchiku Ka) of ward office, various wards’ branch offices
Hours: 8:30 am-5:15 pm (Monday – Friday)
Closed: National/public holidays, August 6, December 29-January 3
▶ City Hall Service Corner (Waterworks Bureau Moto-machi Office Building 1F)
Hours: 8:30 am-6:30 pm (Mon-Fri)
9:00 am-6:30 pm (Saturdays, Sundays, national/public holidays, and August 6)
Closed: December 29-January 3
Notes:
▪ Please check with either the Hiroshima Prefecture Government Office’s Reception Desk (1F), or Housing Division (5F).
▪The lists, application guidelines, and forms can also be found on the official City of Hiroshima website: Municipal Housing page mentioned below.
Information Regarding Available Municipal Housing
For information regarding the types of housing available, please refer to housing applications or the city website. You can check the location using the Hiroshima City Municipal Housing Map feature.
Municipal Housing Page (Japanese only):
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/jyuutaku/6265.html
Municipal Housing Map (Japanese only):
https://www.midori-gr.com/hiroshima-shiei/info/map.html
Application process
1 Choose a residence from the Municipal Housing Selection List
2 Fill out the required information on the application form
3 Submit your application to your nearest ward office’s Architecture Division (Kenchiku Ka) via one of the following:
Notes:
A copy of your Resident Record (住民票の写し//Jūminhyō no utsushi) and certificate of income (収入証明書//Shūnyū shōmeisho) are not required at the time of application. Only those who are selected as a candidate for municipal housing residents will be requested to submit these documents at the second screening process.
(1) Apply online
You can apply online on the website (available only during the application period).
Note:
▪ On the first day when the application forms are released to the public, applications will be accepted from 8:30 am.
(2) Apply via post
Place the completed application form and designated application notice postcard in the designated envelope and send in them to the Architecture Division of the ward office where the housing you apply for is located. Don’t forget to put a stamp (110 yen) on your envelope.
Notes:
▪ The application form, designated envelope, and postcard are included in the Application Guideline packet.
▪ The application deadline is the last day of the application period. Applications must be postmarked by this date.
(3) Apply in-person
You can bring your application to the Architecture Division of your nearest ward office between 9 am to 5 pm on weekdays during the application period.
From application to move-in
1. First-screening
Examine submitted applications. If the applications are incomplete, you will be asked to fix the applications. If you do not submit a complete application by the designated deadline, you will lose your eligibility.
2. Public lottery
A public lottery will be held at the end of each application month.
Notes:
▪ All applicants will be notified of the results by mail.
▪ Those who are selected as a candidate for municipal housing residents will be requested to submit an application form, a copy of your Resident Record (住民票の写し//Jūminhyō no utsushi) and certificate of income (収入証明書//Shūnyū shōmeisho) at the second screening process.
3. Second-screening
In the end of the month following the application month, a second-screening will be held at Architecture Division (Kenchiku Ka) of the ward office where the housing you apply for is located.
Notes:
▪ If you do not meet the requirements or do not attend the second-screening without notice, you will be ineligible.
▪ Those who are selected as a municipal housing residents will be requested to prepare documents needed in order to moving-in.
4. Moving-in formalities and briefing
The moving-in formalities and briefing will be held two months after the month you apply. Detailed schedule will be notified by the Architecture Division of ward office.
5. Moving-in
Two months after the month you apply
Application Submission and Questions
Please contact the Architecture Division (Kenchiku Ka) of your nearest ward office with any questions or concerns.
| Ward | Telephone | Ward | Telephone |
| Naka | 082-504-2578 | Asaminami | 082-831-4954 |
| Higashi | 082-568-7744 | Asakita | 082-819-3937 |
| Minami | 082-250-8959 | Aki | 082-821-4928 |
| Nishi | 082-532-0949 | Saeki | 082-943-9744 |
7. Holiday trash collection schedule in October and November
○・・・Garbage collected ✖・・・Garbage is NOT collected
| National Holiday | Burnable Trash/Plastic Bottles /Recyclable Plastics in your local ward |
Recyclable & Harmful Waste/ Non-combustible/Other in your local ward |
| October 13 (Monday) Sports Day | ○ | ○ |
| November 3 (Monday) Culture Day | ✖ | ○ |
| November 24 (Monday) Substitute holiday for Labor Thanksgiving Day | ✖ | ○ |
🖐For more information about waste disposal guidelines, please visit the City of Hiroshima’s official website:
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/kateigomi/363649.html
Inquiries: City Office Environmental Bureau, Operation Division I
(Kankyō Kyoku Gyōmu Dai-ichi Ka) Tel: 082-504-2220
