Life in Hiroshima
1. Garbage
2. Water, Sewage, Electricity, and Gas
3. Housing
4. Mail
1. Garbage
Separating Garbage
In Hiroshima City, household waste is divided into 8 categories:
1. Combustible Waste
2. PET Bottles
3. Recyclable Plastics (plastic from packaging)
4. Other Plastics (plastic other than recyclable plastic)
5. Non-combustible Waste
6. Recyclable Waste
7. Harmful Waste
8. Large Waste
For more details, see the Household Waste Disposal Guidelines. The guidelines are also available in multiple languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese) on the official City of Hiroshima website. For a copy of the guidelines, see: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/living/gomi-kankyo/1021277/1003072/1026095/1026096/1003182.html
🍋 Household Waste Disposal Guidelines
Garbage Collection
Put your garbage out at your designated collection point by 8:30 am on the collection day (specific day of the week when household waste is collected) for each category. You may ask your neighbors or contact the Sanitation Office to find out where your designated collection point is.
Collection days differ according to category and residential area. For more information about collection days in your area, see:
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/life/1/11/81/
Disposing of Large Waste (Fee-based)
Items 30 cm or larger are classified as Large Waste, and cost money to dispose of.
You will need to apply for collection through the Large Waste Information Center before disposal.
Applications via telephone (Japanese only)
Tel: 0570-082530 (expenses are not covered by flat rate calling plans)
* For flat rate calling plan subscribers, please call 082-544-5300 (Japanese only).
Apply at least three days before the Large Waste collection day in your area (count from the day before the collection day excluding days closed).
Online applications
https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/site/kateigomi/13279.html
Apply at least five days before the Large Waste collection day in your area (count from the day before the collection day excluding days closed).
The Large Waste Information Center will be closed on Saturdays, Sundays, August 6, and December 29-January 3.
2. Water, Sewage, Electricity, and Gas
Water and Sewage Services
1. Turning the water supply on and off:
If you want your water supply turned on or off, contact the Hiroshima City Waterworks Bureau Newly Moved Customer Advice Center at least three to four days in advance.
Waterworks Bureau Newly Moved Customer Advice Center
Tel: 082-511-5959 Fax: 082-228-8861 You may also apply via the Waterworks Bureau’s official website:
https://www.water.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/5/401.htm
2. Questions about water bills and sewage fees:
Contact your local Waterworks Bureau Service Station if you have questions about your water bill. Contact the Management Division, Sewerage Bureau, the City of Hiroshima if you have questions about your sewage fees.
Management Division, Sewerage Bureau
Tel: 082-241-8258
Electricity
1. Turning the electricity supply on and off:
Chugoku Electric Power (If your electricity is not provided by Chugoku Electric Power, please contact your provider directly)
Area: Naka Ward, Higashi Ward, Minami Ward and Nishi Ward
Name: Hiroshima Energy Sales Center
Tel: 0120-297-510
Area: Aki Ward
Name: Hiroshima Energy Sales Center
Tel: 0120-525-079
Area: Asaminami Ward and Asakita Ward
Name: Hiroshima-kita Energy Sales Center
Tel: 0120-516-830
Area: Saeki Ward
Name: Hatsukaichi Energy Sales Center
Tel: 0120-517-270
2. If you experience power outages:
Contact your local Chugoku Electric Power Transmission and Distribution Center
Area: Naka Ward, Higashi Ward, Minami Ward and Nishi Ward
Name: Hiroshima Transmission and Distribution Center
Tel: 0120-748-510
Area: Aki Ward
Name: Hiroshima Transmission and Distribution Center
Tel: 0120-525-089
Area: Asaminami Ward and Asakita Ward
Name: Hiroshima-kita Transmission and Distribution Center
Tel: 0120-516-850
Area: Saeki Ward
Name: Hatsukaichi Transmission and Distribution Center
Tel: 0120-517-370
Gas
Turning the gas supply on or off, or if your gas appliance is faulty/broken:
Hiroshima Gas Customer Center (If your gas is not provided by Hiroshima Gas, please contact your provider directly).
Tel: 0570-002-888 or 082-251-2176
In case of gas leakage:
Hiroshima Gas Security Command Center
Hiroshima Gas customer service is available in English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Thai through external interpreting services and mobile devices.
Tel: 082-251-3219
For propane gas, contact a propane supplier in your area. Ask your realtor or contact Hiroshima Gas Propane for more information about local propane suppliers.
Tel: 082-821-3634
3. Housing
Finding a place to live
Housing is usually found through real estate agents. If you are studying at a university, your university may be able to provide relevant information.
To rent housing, you must sign a lease contract. Lease contracts usually require a guarantor (hoshōnin). Lease contracts also usually include things unique to Japan, such as key money (reikin) and security deposits (shikikin). For more information, contact a real estate agent or, if you are a student, your university.
Be sure to register your address once you have found housing. → Click to check it HERE.
🏠 List of cooperative real estate companies (Japanese)
We have put together a list of cooperative real estate companies to make it easier for foreign nationals to find housing in Hiroshima City.
You can find the list on the City of Hiroshima’s website: https://www.city.hiroshima.lg.jp/soshiki/144/350817.html
🏠 Municipal housing
If you either a) are a registered resident of Hiroshima City who actually lives here and meets criteria including those related to family members and income; or b) work in Hiroshima City and meet criteria including those related to family members and income, you can apply to live in municipal housing.
You can apply in two ways: one is available throughout the year and the other is available during application periods that happen four times a year (in February, May, August, and November). For more information, contact the Architecture Division of your local ward office.
4. Mail
Japanese post offices are not only responsible for the mail; they also provide savings and insurance services. If your address changes, submit a change of address notification form to the post office. After submission, mail sent to your previous address will be forwarded to your new address for one year.
Customer Service Consultation Center
Tel: 0120-23-2886 (landline users) // 0570-046-666 (mobile phone users)
For services in English, please call 0570-046-111. Postal and package inquiries: 8 am-9 pm (daily)
💻 Visit the following website for information about mail in English: https://www.post.japanpost.jp/index_en.html
