International Exchange Lounge
The International Exchange Lounge is not only an information center, but also a meeting place for Japanese and foreign nationals. Please take advantage of our services!
General information
| Location | International Conference Center Hiroshima 1F (Located in Peace Memorial Park) |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00 am – 7:00 pm (April 1 – September 30) 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (October 1 – March 31) |
| Closed | December 29 through January 3 |
| Telephone | +81-82-247-9715 |
| Fax | +81-82-242-7452 |
| golounge@pcf.city.hiroshima.jp |
International Exchange Lounge Leaflet [PDF, 840 KB, 2 pages]
What is available at the Lounge?
Information counter
A wide range of information is available at the counter, on things such as international exchange events and sightseeing spots. Our staff also offer information that foreign residents of Hiroshima may find useful.
Information can be provided in English and other languages with the cooperation of volunteer interpreters through the Trio-Phone Service. Download this flier for more information:
Trio-Phone Service (Multilingual Interpretation over the Telephone) [PDF, 209 KB, 1 page]
Meeting Corner
This space can be used by small groups for meetings and classes related to international exchange activities. (Reservations are required.)
To limit the spread of COVID-19, there is currently a 4-person limit on the Meeting Corner.
Newspapers & magazines
We have a wide selection of foreign newspapers and magazines for visitors to read.
Leaflets
Leaflets are available on events related to international exchange and cooperation. There is space for volunteer groups to place their newsletters or event leaflets. Feel free to promote your group’s activities here.
Information for foreign residents on life in Hiroshima
Information related to everyday life is available for foreign residents of Hiroshima in English, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, and other languages.
Bulletin board
The bulletin board has event schedules for international exchange and cultural activities, as well as useful information related to everyday life for foreign nationals.
Message board
You can leave a message looking for a language partner or similar. (Messages will be removed after 1 month.)
Sister & Friendship City Corner
Learn about the six sister & friendship cities of Hiroshima City.
Study area
Four small desks for individual study.
To limit the spread of COVID-19, there is currently a 3-hour time limit on study area use.
Volunteer Corner for Assisting International Cooperation with Used Stamps
You can volunteer your time for Assisting International Cooperation with Used Stamps by sorting out donated used stamps at the Lounge.
Free Internet access
The computer in the Lounge is for those who want to use the Internet to collect information on international relations and cooperation activities. Visitors may use the computer for up to 30 minutes in a single day.
Hiroshima Free Wi-Fi, provided by the City of Hiroshima, is also available at the Lounge.
Note: Using electric outlets in the Lounge is not allowed.
Library Corner
Book loan policy
Up to three books at one time may be borrowed for a two-week period. Borrowers must either live, work, or study within Hiroshima City limits.
To obtain a membership card, you need to bring identification which has your address, and for foreign residents, your period of stay in Japan. A driver’s license, student identification card, passport or residence card are examples of acceptable forms of identification.
For recommendations, see the monthly Library News.
Our foreign language books include:
- Novels
- Travel guidebooks
- Books on Japanese culture
- Japanese language textbooks
- Comic books
Our books in Japanese include:
- Books on international relations & cooperation
- Travel guidebooks
- Information on studying in Japan and other countries
- Dictionaries and foreign language textbooks
- Comic books
Online book search
With the book search function, you can search our book collection by title, author, publisher, etc.
Hiroshima City Consultation Service for International Residents
The Hiroshima City Consultation Service for International Residents provides consultation for non-Japanese residents who have questions or concerns about everyday life in Hiroshima. The service is free of charge and we maintain strict confidentiality. Feel free to talk to us!
Activities in the International Exchange Lounge
Assisting International Cooperation with Used Stamps & PET Bottle Caps
You can donate stamps, PET bottle caps and unsent postcards. Stamps can be used or unused, and we accept postcards with or without any writing on them. They are collected to contribute to international cooperation.
Another way you can contribute is to help sort out the donated used stamps at the Lounge.
Home Visit
Our Home Visit program gives foreign visitors to Hiroshima a chance to visit a Japanese family to learn more about Japanese culture and lifestyle.
You must apply in person at the Lounge information counter at least one day prior to the day you wish to do a Home Visit.
Free newspaper/magazine back issues and damaged/outdated books
Back issues of newspapers and magazines (twice a year), as well as damaged and outdated books (once a year) are given for free to anyone who wants them.
“Have a Natter!” with our Coordinator for International Relations (Q&A)
Have a Natter! is a monthly event where you can chat with our Coordinator for International Relations (CIR) and other participants.
Trio-Phone Service (Multilingual Interpretation Over the Telephone)
Call the Lounge to have a member of staff or volunteer interpreter help you get information in your native language. Please understand that you may need to wait a while to use this service, because of the time needed to find a volunteer or other unavoidable circumstances.
For more information, download this flier:
Trio-Phone Service (Multilingual Interpretation over the Telephone) [PDF, 209KB, 1 page]
