Daily Life
Table of Contents
Shopping
Convenience Stores
There are many convenience stores across Japan. Most are open 365 days a year. You can find nearly everything you need for daily life. Services offered include ATMs, copy machines, ticket reservations for sports events and concerts, payment services such as utility bills, mobile phone charges, and certain taxes, and parcel delivery or postal services.
Supermarkets, Drugstores
Japanese supermarkets typically offer groceries, and some also offer clothing and daily necessities.
At drugstores, you can purchase medications after consulting with a pharmacist. They also offer cosmetics, groceries, and daily necessities. There are many large drugstore chains, some of which sell items at low prices.
Shopping Malls, Department Stores
Shopping malls are commercial complex facilities housing a variety of businesses such as clothing stores, household item shops, restaurants, and movie theaters.
Department stores offer more upscale goods. Food sections are usually located in the basement, while the top floor often features a variety of restaurants.
Flea Markets, Garage Sales
Events where you can buy second-hand items in good condition at low prices are held in many locations. Near the University of Osaka's Suita Campus, a garage sale is regularly held at Expo ’70 Commemorative Park (Banpaku Kinen Kōen), usually two or three times a month, although the schedule may vary.
For schedules in other areas, please refer to: https://garagesale.co.jp/ .
IRIS, the Information Room for International Students at the CIEE, the Center for International Education and Exchange, of the University of Osaka, also provides information on flea markets, international exchange associations, and recycling centers: https://ciee.osaka-u.ac.jp/en/ .
Noise
Please be careful not to make loud noises, especially at night. Also, when inviting friends over, please keep voices down.
Such considerations are important in shared housing like private apartments.
Trash Disposal
Please separate household waste by type according to the rules of your municipality before disposal. In addition, you must place garbage at designated locations on the correct day and time, otherwise, it will not be collected.
Each municipality has its own regulations for sorting and disposing of waste, so be sure to follow them. Large items, regardless of whether they are burnable or not, are collected on specific days for a fee.
Below are contact numbers and websites for inquiries about garbage disposal: