Who this guide is for

Use this if you are a new resident, student, worker, spouse, remote worker, or long-stay foreigner who has found housing in Hiroshima City or is about to move into it. If you live outside Hiroshima City, your city or town office may use different procedures, so confirm locally.

Before you arrive or before move-in

Prepare the documents and information you are likely to need before you start visiting offices. Requirements vary, so treat this as a planning list and confirm the final list with the official page or office.

• Residence card and passport.
• Your new address written in Japanese, including building name and room number if applicable.
• Move-out certificate if you moved from another Japanese municipality and were issued one.
• Lease, housing contract, dormitory document, or contact details for your accommodation.
• Phone number and email address you can access in Japan.
• Employer, school, or guarantor contact information if relevant.
• Cash or card for transport, printing, certificates, and setup fees.

Day 1-2: register your address and check city procedures

For most new residents, the ward office is the first administrative stop. Hiroshima City’s ward office page links to address registration, moving-in notification, moving-out notification, ward changes, My Number, resident records, personal seal registration, and related citizen services. Go to the ward office for the ward where you actually live, not simply the largest or nearest office.

Day 2-3: health insurance, pension, and My Number

Once your address is registered, ask which health insurance and pension procedures apply to your status. Students, employees, dependents, and self-employed residents may follow different routes. Do not guess from another person’s situation; ask the counter, your school, or employer.

Day 3-4: utilities, phone, and banking

Set up water, electricity, gas, internet, and a reachable phone number early because banks, schools, employers, delivery companies, and landlords often need them. Bank policies vary by institution, branch, visa status, and how long you have lived in Japan. If you are refused at one bank, ask what requirement is missing and try a branch that regularly serves international residents or students.

Day 4-5: garbage and neighborhood rules

Before throwing things away, read Hiroshima City’s garbage guidance and your local collection calendar. Collection days and details are local; your apartment building may also have its own garbage station rules. When unsure, ask your landlord, building manager, or ward office rather than leaving mixed bags outside.

Day 6-7: transport, healthcare, and emergency readiness

Save your home address in Japanese, nearest station or stop, nearest clinic, nearest pharmacy, and local evacuation site. Learn the difference between non-urgent clinic visits, after-hours care, and emergency calls. 119 is for fire and medical emergencies; 110 is for traffic accidents and crime.

Common mistakes to avoid

Most early problems come from doing steps out of order or copying advice from a different city.

• Opening a bank account before your address and phone number are ready.
• Going to the wrong ward office.
• Ignoring garbage collection calendars because another Japanese city used different rules.
• Calling emergency numbers for non-urgent paperwork or landlord issues.
• Relying on old blog posts for official deadlines, fees, or documents.

Related HiroshimaHub pages

• Official service directory
• Live in Hiroshima
• Emergency & Help

Official sources