Sapporo

1. Key Local Government Offices in Sapporo

The main government office in Sapporo is the Sapporo City Hall, but there are also Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho) for each of the 10 wards in the city. These offices handle most administrative services for residents and visitors.

Main Offices:

• Sapporo City Hall (札幌市役所)

  • Address: 1 Chome-2 Kita 1 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-8611
  • Phone: +81-11-211-2111
  • Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
  • Closed: Weekends, national holidays, and December 29 – January 3 (New Year holidays)

• Ward Offices (区役所, Kuyakusho): Each ward in Sapporo has its own ward office. Examples include:

  • Chuo Ward Office (中央区役所): Central Sapporo
  • Kita Ward Office (北区役所): Northern Sapporo
  • Toyohira Ward Office (豊平区役所): Southeast Sapporo
  • Minami Ward Office (南区役所): Southern Sapporo
  • Higashi Ward Office (東区役所): Eastern Sapporo
  • Nishi Ward Office (西区役所): Western Sapporo
  • Atsubetsu Ward Office (厚別区役所): Eastern suburbs
  • Shiroishi Ward Office (白石区役所): Eastern Sapporo
  • Teine Ward Office (手稲区役所): Northwestern Sapporo
  • Kiyota Ward Office (清田区役所): Southeastern suburbs

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2. Services Offered by Local Government Offices

The services provided by Sapporo City Hall and Ward Offices are categorized into several key areas:

A. Resident Registration (住民登録, Jumin Toroku)

• Who Needs It: All residents, including foreign nationals staying in Japan for more than 90 days.
• Services:
  • Moving-in/out notifications (転入届/転出届, Tennyu Todoke/Tenshutsu Todoke)
  • Change of address within Sapporo (転居届, Tenkyo Todoke)
  • Issuance of Residence Certificates (住民票, Juminhyo)
• Required Documents:
  • Passport
  • Residence Card (在留カード, Zairyu Card)
  • Notification form (available at the office)
• Cost: Free for registration; ¥300–500 for issuing certificates.
• Tips: Notify the ward office within 14 days of moving to or within Sapporo.

B. My Number Card (マイナンバーカード)

• What It Is: A personal identification card for residents in Japan.
• Services:
  • Application and issuance of My Number Card
  • Updates to card information
• Required Documents:
  • Residence Card
  • Passport
  • Application form (if applying for the first time)
• Cost: Free for the first issuance; replacement fees apply for lost cards.
• Tips: My Number Cards are essential for tax filing, health insurance, and other administrative tasks.

C. Tax-Related Services (税金, Zeikin)

• Services:
  • Payment of local taxes (住民税, Juminzei)
  • Issuance of tax certificates (課税証明書, Kazei Shomeisho)
  • Consultation on tax matters
• Required Documents:
  • Residence Card
  • Tax payment slips (if applicable)
• Cost: ¥300–500 for certificates.
• Tips: Tax payments can also be made at convenience stores or banks.

D. National Health Insurance (国民健康保険, Kokumin Kenko Hoken)

• Who Needs It: All residents not covered by employer-provided health insurance.
• Services:
  • Enrollment in National Health Insurance
  • Premium payment consultations
• Required Documents:
  • Residence Card
  • Passport
  • Proof of income (if applicable)
• Cost: Premiums vary based on income.
• Tips: Enroll within 14 days of moving to Sapporo.

E. Visa and Immigration-Related Matters

• Note: Visa-related services are handled by the Sapporo Regional Immigration Bureau, not the ward offices.
  • Address: 12 Chome-1-1 Kita 5 Jonishi, Chuo Ward, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005
  • Phone: +81-11-261-7502
  • Services: Visa extensions, status changes, re-entry permits
  • Required Documents: Varies by visa type; check the Immigration Bureau website.
  • Cost: ¥4,000–¥6,000 for most applications (revenue stamps required).

F. Childcare and Family Services

• Services:
  • Child allowance applications (児童手当, Jido Teate)
  • Enrollment in daycare or kindergarten
  • Birth registration (出生届, Shussei Todoke)
• Required Documents:
  • Residence Card
  • Birth certificate (for newborns)
  • Bank account details (for allowances)
• Cost: Free for registration; daycare fees vary.
• Tips: Birth registration must be completed within 14 days of the child’s birth.

G. Other Services

• Issuance of various certificates (e.g., marriage, divorce, death)
• Garbage and recycling information
• Disaster preparedness resources

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3. Procedures to Access Services

1. Visit the Appropriate Office:
   • For most services, visit the ward office of your residence.
   • For city-wide matters, visit Sapporo City Hall.
2. Take a Number:
   • Upon arrival, take a ticket from the automated machine and wait for your number to be called.
3. Submit Documents:
   • Ensure all required documents are prepared in advance.
4. Pay Fees (if applicable):
   • Payments are typically made in cash. Some offices accept credit cards.
5. Receive Confirmation:
   • Keep receipts and confirmation documents for your records.

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4. Costs

• Most basic services (e.g., registration) are free.
• Certificates typically cost ¥300–500.
• Visa-related services at the Immigration Bureau cost ¥4,000–¥6,000.

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5. Business Hours and Public Holidays

• Business Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:45 AM – 5:15 PM
• Closed: Weekends, national holidays, and December 29 – January 3.
• Tip: Arrive early to avoid long wait times, especially on Mondays and after holidays.

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6. Local Considerations and Tips

• Language Support: Most ward offices have English-speaking staff or translation services. Bring a Japanese-speaking friend if you’re unsure.
• Cultural Etiquette:
  • Be polite and patient; Japanese offices are highly organized but can be busy.
  • Bow slightly when greeting staff.
• Transportation: Most ward offices are accessible by subway or bus. Use the Sapporo Subway system for convenience.
• Online Services: Some services, such as certificate requests, can be done online or via mail. Check the Sapporo City website for details.
• Emergency Numbers:
  • Police: 110
  • Fire/Ambulance: 119

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By following this guide, you should be well-prepared to navigate the local government offices in Sapporo and access the services you need. Let me know if you need further assistance!