Global Major Cities Guide

Resources about community centers, libraries, and support services for residents and visitors.

Sections

1. Healthcare Services

Tokyo has a robust healthcare system that provides high-quality medical care to residents, including foreigners. Here’s what you need to know:

Public Health Insurance

National Health Insurance (NHI): Foreign residents staying in Japan for more than 3 months are required to enroll in the NHI or Employees' Health Insurance (EHI) through their employer.
Coverage: Covers 70% of medical costs for most treatments, including doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription medications. Patients pay the remaining 30%.
Cost: Monthly premiums vary based on income and location but typically range from ¥2,000 to ¥30,000.
How to Apply: Register at your local ward or city office (区役所, kuyakusho) with your residence card, passport, and proof of address.

Community Health Centers

Services Offered: Vaccinations, health check-ups, maternal and child health services, and disease prevention programs.
Cost: Many services are free or subsidized for residents.
How to Access: Visit your local health center (保健所, hokenjo). Bring your health insurance card and residence card.

Emergency Medical Services

Dial 119 for ambulance services (free of charge). Note that ambulances are only for emergencies and not for routine transportation to hospitals.

Cultural Considerations:

Many hospitals and clinics require appointments, and some may not have English-speaking staff. Look for international clinics or use translation apps.
Remove your shoes when entering certain clinics or hospitals.

2. Child Support Services

Tokyo offers extensive support for families with children, including financial aid, childcare facilities, and educational resources.

**Child Allowance (児童手当, Jidō Teate)**

Eligibility: Parents of children under 15 years old.
Benefits: ¥10,000–¥15,000 per child per month, depending on the child’s age and household income.
How to Apply: Submit an application at your local ward office with your residence card, bank account details, and proof of income.

**Daycare and Preschool (保育園, Hoikuen and 幼稚園, Yōchien)**

Types: Public and private daycare centers are available for children aged 0–6.
Cost: Public daycare fees are income-based, ranging from ¥0 to ¥70,000 per month. Private daycare is more expensive.
How to Apply: Apply through your local ward office. Applications are competitive, so apply early.

Parenting Support Centers

Services Offered: Parenting classes, counseling, play areas, and support groups.
Cost: Free or low-cost.
How to Access: Visit your local ward office or community center for information.

Cultural Considerations:

Respect the rules and schedules of daycare centers, including punctuality and participation in events.
Many daycare centers require parents to provide homemade lunches and snacks.

3. Senior Citizen Services

Tokyo provides a variety of services to support its aging population, including healthcare, social activities, and financial assistance.

Elderly Care Services

Home Care: Assistance with daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing.
Daycare Centers: Social activities, meals, and medical care for seniors.
Cost: Subsidized under the Long-Term Care Insurance system. Seniors pay 10–30% of the cost, depending on income.
How to Apply: Register for Long-Term Care Insurance at your local ward office.

**Senior Citizen Clubs (老人クラブ, Rōjin Kurabu)**

Activities: Cultural events, exercise classes, and hobby groups.
Cost: Membership fees are typically low, around ¥1,000–¥3,000 per year.
How to Join: Contact your local community center.

Cultural Considerations:

Respect for elders is deeply ingrained in Japanese culture. Be polite and patient when interacting with senior citizens.

4. Language Support for Foreigners

Tokyo recognizes the challenges faced by non-Japanese speakers and offers various language support services.

Multilingual Consultation Services

Tokyo Multilingual Consultation Navi: Offers advice on healthcare, legal issues, and daily life in multiple languages.
Cost: Free.
Contact: Call 03-5320-7744 or visit their website.

Japanese Language Classes

Offered By: Local community centers, non-profit organizations, and private schools.
Cost: Free to ¥10,000 per month, depending on the provider.
How to Enroll: Check with your local ward office or community center.

Translation and Interpretation Services

Tokyo International Communication Committee (TICC): Provides interpretation services for medical appointments and other needs.
Cost: Free or low-cost.
How to Access: Contact TICC directly.

Cultural Considerations:

Learning basic Japanese phrases can significantly improve your experience in Tokyo.
Bowing is a common form of greeting and shows respect.

5. Other Community Services

Tokyo offers additional services to support residents' well-being and integration.

Public Libraries

Services Offered: Free access to books, magazines, and internet. Some libraries have foreign-language sections.
Cost: Free.
How to Access: Register with your residence card at your local library.

Recycling and Waste Management

System: Garbage is separated into burnable, non-burnable, and recyclable categories.
Cost: Free, but you must purchase designated garbage bags.
How to Learn: Your ward office provides guides in multiple languages.

Disaster Preparedness

Services Offered: Free disaster drills, emergency kits, and multilingual alerts.
How to Participate: Contact your local ward office or community center.

6. Procedures to Access Services

Residence Registration: Register your address at your local ward office within 14 days of moving to Tokyo.
My Number Card: Obtain this card for identification and access to various services.
Health Insurance Enrollment: Enroll in NHI or EHI as soon as possible.
Bank Account: Open a Japanese bank account for receiving benefits and paying bills.

7. Costs and Budgeting

Healthcare: ¥2,000–¥30,000/month for insurance.
Childcare: ¥0–¥70,000/month for public daycare.
Language Classes: Free to ¥10,000/month.
Senior Services: 10–30% of service costs.

8. Local and Cultural Considerations

Punctuality: Being on time is highly valued in Japan.
Politeness: Always be respectful and follow local etiquette.
Shoes: Remove your shoes when entering homes, clinics, and some public facilities.
Language Barrier: While many services are foreigner-friendly, learning basic Japanese is highly recommended.

By understanding and utilizing these community services, you can navigate life in Tokyo more easily and integrate into the local community. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!