Osaka, Japan Report of what it's like to live there - 07/10/18
Personal Experiences from Osaka, Japan
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No. Three prior assignments in the Middle East.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, DC. Long direct flight to Tokyo and then short domestic hop to Osaka. Or DC to LAX or SFO and then to Osaka. The connections are easy but the total travel time is quite long.
3. How long have you lived here?
Seven months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
US Consulate General Osaka-Kobe, direct-hire.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
The housing compound in Nishinomiya is where many of the families from the consulate live. It is a lovely, quiet neighborhood with a river, great walking trails and hikes, convenient restaurants and grocery stores, and even an "Irish" bar nearby. However, it is at least 50 minutes door to door to the consulate, and with a young family this is a challenge.
The apartments are spacious by Japanese standards and it is easy to entertain at home or at the compound pool. Family size is more important than rank in terms of housing assignment. There are a handful of two bedroom apartments, several 3 bedroom apartments, and three large houses. There is also a community garden and a park nearby, which is very convenient for pets.
The commute is worth an additional paragraph to describe in detail. There are two options at present: self-drive shuttle and the train. The shuttle takes 45 minutes or fewer in the morning and 50 minutes to an hour in the evening. The train is another, more flexible option. It takes 10-15 minutes to walk to the station, 25-30 minutes on the train, and 10-15 minutes to walk to the office. So in total it is 45 minutes to an hour commute. A few of the single employees live downtown in small (1.5 or 2 bedroom) apartments that are walking or biking distance to the consulate. A few other employees live on Rokko island near the Canadian Academy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Same as DC.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
There is a Costco here. No need to ship food items.
4. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No concerns.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO is pretty speedy. All mail routes through Tokyo first.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
All household help in Osaka and Kobe is from the Philippines and each employee must be officially sponsored by one family. Currently there is one woman who provides help for several families on a part time basis. The CLO in Tokyo can provide you with a detailed reference guide on this issue.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
There is a small gym at the consulate.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Cash economy, for the most part, but cards are also widely accepted.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Great English-language non-denominational church in Kobe, about 40 minutes from the housing compound in Nishinomiya.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
SO important. All positions should be language designated at the 2 level or higher. This is not Tokyo. English speakers are few and far between. Japanese is essential for everyday life. Spouses without Japanese are often frustrated.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes, but taxis are very expensive.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
Cars designed to drive on the left side of the road are easiest.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
It takes two to four weeks to complete installation upon arrival. No concerns on speed or billing.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Personal phones require a Japanese ID with your address, so most wait until they receive their driver's license to get a personal phone. Cells are issued by the consulate upon arrival.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
Talk to the CLO well in advance of arrival. Total time to complete import requirements is 6 to 7 months. That said, our dog is happy here and it wasn't too difficult to follow the detailed Government of Japan import requirements.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
There are three positions at the consulate. See the FAMER for details.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
None.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
No concerns.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
No concerns.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
No concerns.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
No concerns.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Similar to Washington, DC with hot and muggy summers.
Schools & Children:
1. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
International daycares do not accept children until 1.4 years old (I know, random age). This has been a big challenge for dual-working households. Even then, daycare typically runs from 9:00 am until 5:00 pm, challenging a full time work schedule. Nishinomiya International School is popular among consulate employees.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small and shrinking. Many companies are relocating to Singapore.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
The lack of daycare options...
