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On wearing a bicycle helmet
With the partial revision of the Road Traffic Law, wearing helmets have become a duty to make efforts for bicycle riders since April 1st 2023.【Compliance for Bicycle Riders】
- Bicycle riders must try to wear helmets.
- When a bicycle rider puts a child on a bicycle or lends the bicycle to another person, he/she must try to have the other person wear a helmet.
- Parents and guardians must try to have their children wear helmets when they ride bicycles. ※ In Shiga Prefecture, bicycle insurance has become mandatory as of February 1, 2016.
Procedures for purchasing a motorcycle
If you purchase a motorcycle from a dealer, they will take care of all the procedures for you. However, if you receive a used motorcycle from a friend, or purchase one on online auction, you will need to change the name of the owner and complete the necessary procedures by yourself.Procedure for registering a change of name (Meigi Henkou)
How to register a change of name for motorcycle differs depending on the displacement of the motorcycle.☆For motorcycle (50cc to 125cc)
The procedure can be done at the city hall where the new owner is registered as a resident.☆For light motorcycles, medium-sized and large motorcycles (over 126cc)
The procedures will be done at the Road Transport Branch Office (Unyushikyoku) (Land Transport office (Rikuunkyoku)) that has jurisdiction over the new owner's address.Shiga Road Transport Branch Office (Shiga Unyukyoku):2298-5 Konohama-cho, Moriyama-shi
Registration and Inspection Procedures Guide:Tel 050-5540-2064
!The basic rule for private sales is that the buyer takes care of the change of name procedure, but if you are buying from a friend, you can go with him/her to the Land Transport Bureau or city office for the procedure.
Enrollment in Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance (Jibaiseki Hoken)
There are two types of motorcycle insurance, “Compulsory Automobile Liability Insurance” (Jibaiseki Hoken) and “Voluntary Insurance” (Nin-i Hoken).When you purchase a motorcycle, you are required to enroll in compulsory automobile liability insurance. Liability insurance is compulsory and covers bodily injury, and there are penalties for uninsured drivers.
In addition, although it is not mandatory, it is a good idea to have a voluntary insurance, which can compensate both the victim and the offender.
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Electronic Money Troubles
The number of victims abusing electronic money as well as cash as a method of payment for scam activities, such as false billing for nonpayment of internet pay site usage fees, has been increasing rapidly.※With electronic money such as prepaid cards, the value of the electronic money is transferred simply by giving the number and other information on the card, without having to hand the card to the other party.
- It’s a scam!
- "Buy an electronic money card at a convenience store and tell me your card number."
- "The usage fee has not been paid. If payment is not made by the end of today, legal procedures will be initiated." ※The term "legal procedures" is used to stir up the victim’s anxiety!
!Businesses, Ministry of Justice, courts, etc., will never ask you to purchase an electronic money card at a convenience store under the name of "payment of unpaid fees."
Money laundering (To make the person who has the money related to crime indiscernible) is illegal!
- It’s a scam!
- "I want you to transfer this money from your account. I will give you 10,000 yen."
!If you cannot determine whether the provider is illegal or not, please do not use that provider. Any provider that is not on the list of registered fund transfer service providers on the Financial Services Agency’s website is illegal.
To prevent harm caused by email and SMS (short message service), it is effective to set up a receiving rejection setting in advance.
!If you think something is wrong, immediately consult your family, friends, or the police #9110 (dedicated police consultation line)!
- Consumer Hotline 188 (Japanese)
- Consumer Hotline for Tourists 03-5449-0906 (English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, French, Japanese))
- Financial Services User Consultation Office 0570-016811 (From IP phone 03-5251-6811)
- English General Service email: equestion@fsa.go.jp
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Cycling around Lake Biwa while appreciating the rich nature and culture of the area is perfect way to enjoy the coming season!
A round trip around Lake Biwa is approximately 200 km long, and there are two designated courses.
“Slow course”
For beginners and intermediate level cyclist, such as a family. You can ride the shared path for pedestrians and cyclists to enjoy at a relaxed pace.“Advanced Course”
For advanced cyclists. Mainly ride along the roadway.For details on recommended courses and support information, please visit the "Wa no Kuni Biwako" homepage.
https://www.biwako1.jp/
CYCLE STATION PORT OF OTSU
This April, the Biwaichi Cycle Center opened at the Port of Otsu. It offers bicycle rental, bicycle repair and maintenance, and rental and sales of helmets, gloves, and all other items necessary for cycling. It also provides information on recommended cycling routes and information specific to bicycle sightseeing.Port of Otsu Passenger Terminal: 5 chome 1-7 Hamaotsu Otsu
https://oportable.jpWater Supply Spot at Nagisa Park
A water supply spot where you can refill your empty bottle with cold water is located in Uchide no Mori, Otsu Lakeside Nagisa Park.It will also help to reduce PET bottle waste, so please stop by while your break during Biwaichi.
Uchidehama Otsu
https://www.city.otsu.lg.jp/soshiki/080/2808/g/44087.htmlOmi Railway Cycle Train
Omi Railway has a cycle train that allows you to bring your bicycle on board.Bicycles can be carried directly onto the train for free (fare for the ride only).
Some sections do not offer this service, so please check the website for details.
https://www.ohmitetudo.co.jp/railway/fan/cycle/
Let's follow the rules and manners and enjoy cycling♪
- In Shiga Prefecture, bicycle users are required to enroll in bicycle insurance.
- Bicycles ride on the left side of the roadway.
- The blue line on the roadway is the Biwaichi road pavement markings.
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Based on “The Act Partially Amending The Civil Code”, the age of adulthood will be lowered from the current age of 20 years of age to 18 years of age on April 1, 2022.
Those over 18 years, under 20 years of age(born between April 2, 2002 – April 1, 2004)
→ Adult on April 1, 2022Those born on or after April 2, 2004
→ Adult on 18th birthdayPlease note that revision of the Civil Code will partially change the definition of an adult・a minor, changing age regulations for various applications such as status of residence and acquisition of Japanese nationality.
What will change when the age of adulthood is lowered?
- The age limit when changing status of residence to “Long-term resident” as “minor・unmarried biological child” will be for those under and not including 18 years of age.
- Age requirement for naturalization that was from 20 years of age will change to 18 years of age.
- The age at which a child recognized by a Japanese father to acquire nationality will be for those under and not including 18 years of age.
- For those with multiple nationalities, the age at which nationality must be chosen will change from before reaching 20 years of age (or by the age of 22) to before reaching 18 years of age (or by the age of 20).
- Contracts for smartphones and independent housing, credit cards, or loans such as to purchase a car can be made from 18 years of age without the consent of the guardian. (A contract may be denied if the loan exceeds repayment capacity.)
- The age of women to marry will be raised from over 16 years of age to over 18 years of age. Women over the age of 16 as of April 1, 2022 may still marry under the age of 18. Etc.
Under the Civil Code, contracts made by minors without the consent of the guardian may be void, however the revision of age of adulthood will permit those over 18 years of age to make various contracts accompanied with the responsibility for the contract that is made. Contracts should not easily be made and its content should be thoroughly examined before making the contract. It is also important to consult someone before making a contract.
Consultation desks for concerns related to consumer affairs
- Consumer hotline “188” (Japanese only)- Houterasu (multi-language service) 0570-078377【weekdays】9 a.m. ~ 5 p.m.
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The national treasure of Hikone castle, Azuchi castle built by Nobunaga Oda, and Hachiman castle built by Hidetsugu Toyotomi are famous tourist attractions.
【Tour of castles and castle ruins in Shiga 】
(Hachiman castle ruins・ Hachiman-bori canal → Azuchi castle ruins → Nobunaga-no-yakata → Azuchi castle archaeological museum → Hikone castle → Sawayama castle ruins → Nagahama castle historical museum → Odani castle ruins)
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There are rental shops throughout the prefecture if you do not own a bicycle, where some shops offer rentals for free.
Related Web page
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Rental farms are managed and operated by various organizations. Availability for facilities and services such as parking, equipment rental, and washrooms vary on the farm and organization. Please contact the agricultural department in your city hall or JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperatives) for inquiries.
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There are foreign books and magazines too!
Shiga Prefectural Library
〒520-2122 1740-1 Seta Minami-ogaya-cho, OtsuTEL:(077)548-9691
Access:Take the Teisan Bus or Oumi Bus bound for Shiga-Idai from JR Seta Station. Get off at Bunka-zone-mae (approx. 10 min. ride). The library is a 5-min. walk from the bus stop.
Open
〇Wed~Fri 10am~6pm〇Sat・Sun・public holidays 10am~5pm
Closed
〇Mon・Tues (open if a holiday and closed on Wed. of same week)〇Following day of public holidays (open weekends)
〇Year End & New Year / inventory period
◇Let’s make a library card!
A library card is required in order to borrow books. Fill out an application form along with personal identification to confirm your residence (driver’s license, health insurance card, student ID, etc.) at the reference service counter on the second floor to make a card.◇Let’s borrow some books!
Each individual may borrow up to 10 books and materials for 3 weeks. Children’s books, as well as foreign picture books are located on the first floor. Approximately 150,000 books ranging from practical to technical books are lined up on shelves in the general materials room on the second floor with language study material as well.Approximately 8,000 books in various foreign languages are available in the reference material room that may be borrowed at the service counter on the first floor.
◇Returning books
Books may be returned during hours of operation to each of the general, reference and children’s material service counter. When returning books after the library is closed, you can drop books off in the return slot located to the left of the main entrance of the library, or to your local library.*Please note, books borrowed at the Prefectural Library cannot be returned to Otsu Public Library or Kusatsu Public Library.
◇Other services are available!
Other than searching and making reservations for books and magazines through the internet at home, books may also be requested if it is unavailable. Books may also be borrowed through mail delivery for those who cannot come to the library due to a disability. If you have any questions in your daily life or have something you want to research, consult the library staff for assistance. Books in the prefectural library can also be borrowed through your local library. Please make use of the different services available at the library for your learning and enjoyment!Consultation contents
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Special Benefit for Single Parent Low Income Households “Teishotoku hitori oya setai rinji-kyufukin”
Eligibility for basic payment
Those who correspond to any of the following:- Those receiving child support allowance (jido-fuyou-teate) for the month of June, 2020.
- Those receiving public pension and the full payment of child support allowance (jido-fuyou-teate) for June, 2020 was suspended.
- Household income has drastically changed due to the effects of COVID-19 and income is the same standard as households receiving child support allowance (jido-fuyou-teate). ※Benefit payment for the month of June for those who apply has been transferred in August to households corresponding to ①. Application required for ② and ③.
Additional payment
Those corresponding to ①and ②above may apply for one-time additional payment.(Household finances drastically changed due to the effects of COVID-19, and income has declined.)Payment
Basic payment:50,000yen/household, additional 30,000yen/child for additional children.Additional payment:50,000 yen/household
Application
“Single parent special benefit” (child support allowance division) in your city/town hall.(Deadline Februrary 28, 2021)
Subsidy Program for Sustaining Business “Jizokuka-kyufukin” (for business operators)
Eligibility
Sales in one month declined by more than 50% compared to the same month the previous year due to the effects of COVID-19.Payment
2 million yen for corporations、1 million yen for individual business owners.※maximum payment is the amount of decrease in sales compared to total sales last year.
Application
“Sustainable Cash Benefit” online application(deadline January 15, 2021)
Out-of-Work Support Fund and Cash Handout “Kyugyou shienkin”
Eligibility
Those who meet the following 2 conditions:- Employees of small-medium sized companies instructed to take absence from work between April 1 and September 30, 2020 by their business owner.
- Those who did not receive pay for leave mentioned above (kyugyou-teate).
Payment
80% of wage before out of work (monthly maximum payment of 330,000 yen).Application
application formapplication method by post
Housing Security Benefit (rent directly paid to landlord) “Jyukyokakuho kyufukin”
Eligibility
Within 2 years of leaving a job・business shutdown, or decrease in income due to suspension of work, with similar conditions to those that have left a job.Payment duration
3 months in principle (maximum of 9 months)Payment
Amount equivalent to the rent is paid directly to the landlord from the municipalityApplication
City hall for those living in a city, social welfare council for those living in a townDetails
Information about the Housing Security Benefit★Shiga prefecture is accepting temporary occupants in prefectural housing.
Eligibility
Those dismissed from the workplace due to the effects of COVID-19 and had no other option but to leave their home.Duration
Maximum of 1 yearApplication
Housing Division, Department of public works and transportation(℡ 077-528-4234)If you have any concerns regarding your livelihood, please consult the welfare division or social welfare office in your city or town!
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Act on the 3 R's
1. Reduce: Reduce trash
Bring your own reusable bags. Avoid using plastic bags supplied at grocery stores to help reduce plastic trash. Eliminate food waste by only buying necessary ingredients. Starting July 2020, plastic bags at locations such as grocery and convenience stores will no longer be supplied free of charge.2. Reuse: Reuse items
Use the recycle shop or flea market to dispose of unnecessary items, or give away items to others. Use items with care.3. Recycle: Utilize the resources
Use items repeatedly as a resource. Unnecessary items may be used effectively by separating the different types of trash and recycling. Materials collected as resources will be reused as raw materials for new products. Separate the different types of trash for disposal and utilize the collection box at grocery stores.〇Sorting the different types of trash at home
Garbage collection and the way of sorting the things you throw away differ among regions. Ask your city hall or neighbors on how to sort out trash. Follow the garbage collection date, location, and regional rules before throwing things away.History of Eco-friendly Life in Shiga
- From long ago, an eco-friendly water culture called “kabata” exists in the district of Harie in Shinasahi-cho, Takashima city. Homes in this district have a system of driving spring water that originates from the mountains for use in the kitchen as shown in the diagram on the right. The spring water is not only used for drinking, but can also be accumulated in a basin called “tsuboike” to be used for cooking, washing, soaking vegetables for storage, and cooling. Water flowing out of the “tsuboike” goes into another basin called “hataike” where koi fish eat the remaining grains of rice and vegetable waste mixed in the water. The water will then flow out of homes into a canal.
- In 1977, there was an outbreak of red tide in Biwako due to phosphorus used in synthetic detergents. This initiated the “natural soap movement” to use natural powdered soap and to stop using synthetic detergents in order to protect the beauty of Biwako. The Biwako Ordinance was established in 1980 to keep Biwako clean, and to commemorate this day, July 1st was designated as “Biwako Day”. Around this day, all residents in the prefecture take part by cleaning their neighborhood, regions along the lakeside, and waterways. Please take part!
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- Those who are in Japan on a tourist visa or other short stay visa cannot open a bank account in Japan.
- A residence card, a My Number card or another identity document, a proof of current address and a personal seal (inkan) are required to open a bank account.
- Banks or money transfer service providers can be used when transferring money to another country. * Companies who transfer money without registration are operating illegally and must not be used.
- Contact the financial institution if the address, period of stay, status changes, after leaving the school or work, or if a bank book or cash card is lost.
- When the account will no longer be used because of a return to the home country, the account should be closed.
* When transferring money abroad, the My Number is required.
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Shiga Animal Care Center
℡ 0748-75-1911 136-98 Iwane, Konan CityShiga Animal Care Center
Otsu City Hall Health Department Health Center Animal Care Center
℡ 077-574-4601 1-chome 24-2 Oginosato, Otsu CityOtsu City Hall Health Department Health Center Animal Care Center
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★Be responsible for your pets: take them for a walk, feed them, and have them vaccinated. Discipline them so as not to cause any trouble to others. Clean up your pet’s feces and dispose of them at home. Letting your dog roam freely and releasing them while taking them for a walk in the park is prohibited.
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- Contact the city hall.
*The procedure may be different depending on the city, but some have a place for cremation of animals. In the case of dogs, follow the procedure for cancellation of registration at the city hall. (within 30 days) - There are also private companies dealing with pet funerals and graves.
- Burying the body of a dead animal in a private land is allowed, but is forbidden in rivers, parks, etc.
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- Agripark Ryuo 6526 Yamanoue, Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun
- Takano Strawberry Farm 3469 Yamanoue, Ryuo-cho, Gamo-gun
- Blume no Oka (Blumen Hugel Farm) 843 Nishioji, Hino-cho, Gamo-gun
- Rock Bay Garden 1431 Oroshimo-cho, Kusatsu City
- Makino Pick Land 835-1 Terakubo, Makino-cho, Takashima City
- Rakunoshya Nagomi no Sato Tourist Farm 2579 Shimokoga, Adogawa-cho, Takashima-shi
- Rosa and Berry Tawada Farm and Garden 605-10 Tawada, Maibara City
- Dainaka Kakimi Strawberry Farm 25 Dainaka-cho, Omihachiman City
- Minakuchi Technos Farm 5940-4 Minakuchi, Minakuchi-cho, Koka City
- Narita Ranch 696 Shinji, Konan-cho, Koka City
- Omimaiko Strawberry Orchard Minamikomatsu, Otsu City
Tel:0748-57-1311
Tel:090-9119-2850
Instagram: takanomaykgarden
Tel:0748-52-2611
Tel:077-568-3078
Tel:0740-27-1811
Tel:090-1150-3659
Tel:0749-54-2323
Tel:0748-32-1231
Tel:0748-63-5811
Tel:0748-86-3341
Tel:090-1155-1515
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For those who want to enjoy agriculture
Rent a farm. A rental farm is a small area of land that you can rent at a reasonable price where you can grow your choice of vegetables and flowers. It is your very own small farm.
There are rental farms such as allotment gardens managed by the city hall, JA (Japan Agricultural Cooperative), NPO corporations, private farms, etc. Please contact each one respectively as conditions may vary for each.
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Social Inclusion Support Center “Yorisoi Hotline”
Tel: 0120-279-338Related Web page
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2294 Konohama-cho, Moriyama City
Tel. 077-585-1255
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Regarding Japanese traffic rules, the book “Rules of the Road”, issued by JAF, is published in English, Chinese, Spanish and Portuguese.