3. Life in Japan
There are certain rules that you should follow as a resident in Japan. Lack of knowledge may cause unforeseen troubles. Follow those rules and have an enjoyable student life.
(1)Garbage Collection
Rules for garbage collection differ with each residential area. Make sure to follow your local rules when you
dispose of garbage.
Kyoto City: Web Page for Garbage
Collection (in Japanese) (external website)
Kyoto city: How to separate
trash(in Japanese) (external website)
Kyoto city:Waste Reduction and Recycleing(in Japanese) (external
website)（external website）
Kyotanabe City: Web Page for Garbage and
Recycling (in Japanese) (external website)：
| Types of garbage | frequency of collection | Examples | Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Burnable garbage | Collected twice a week | kitchen garbage(paper that cannot be recycled; plastic, glass, etc. ontainers and wrappings that cannot berecycled | Yellow garbage bags designated by the city. |
| Cans, glass bottles, PETbottles | Collected once a week | Cans, glass bottles, PETbottles | Clear bags designated by the city for recyclable garbage. |
| plastic containers and wrappings | Collected once a week. | Trays, bags, wrappings, cling wrap, bottles, cushioning, cups, tubes, lids, caps etc. | Clear bags designated by the city for recyclable garbage. |
| Small size metal items, spray cans | Collected once a month | Pans, kettles, frying pans, kitchen utensils, spray cans, gas cartridges etc. | Clear bags |
Notes
- Use bags designated by the city for recyclable garbage.
- Put your garbage bag at the designated collection point by 8:00 AM on collection day, not the previous night. Use the garbage bags designated by the city.
- It is strictly prohibited to leave your garbage on the collection point on a day other than the designated collection day, as it will allow crows and stray cats to mess up the garbage and cause smells and inconvenience to residents in the neighborhood and in your apartment.
- Leaving your garbage in the corridor or other common areas of the apartment will also cause inconvenience to your neighbors.
- Kitchen garbage should be fully drained.
- Matches, cigarette butts, lighters and fireworks should be extinguished and dampened. Lighter fluid should be emptied from lighters before disposal.
- In order to prevent injuries to persons handling your garbage, wrap sharp objects such as glass or razors with thick paper and place in the middle of the garbage bag before disposal.
(2)Noise
There have been increasing troubles caused by noise such as music, speaking voices and telephone conversation. If you cause a serious noise problem, you may be evicted from the room. In Japan, the period between 10PM and 8AM is the time that you are advised to keep as quiet as possible. Be mindful especially when you come home late at night. Be careful not to disturb your neighbors with noise, not only in front of other people’s house but also in your room.
(3)Payment of Rent, Utility Charges and Other Fees
You are obliged to pay various fees such as rent, utility charges, phone bills, internet charges and National Health Insurance premiums without delay. If delayed and outstanding payments increase, it may lead to prejudice against foreigners and adverse effect on other international students’ housing rental contracts. Be sure to meet payment deadlines so as not to put other international students into trouble.
(4)Room Maintenance
Try your best to keep your room clean and in good condition. As the tenant, you will be responsible for the cost of repairing the stains, scratches and damages in the room that are pointed out at the time of moving out. Therefore, you should report any scratches or damages in the room that you noticed upon moving in to the real estate agent immediately.