Visitors

When You First Arrive at WPI-SKCM²

On your first day at WPI-SKCM², please come to see one of our staff members on the 1st floor Secretary’s office of VBL. A staff member will take you to the support office to complete any necessary administrative procedures.

Contact Details

General Inquiries

Should you have any questions or issues during your stay in Hiroshima, please contact the Secretary’s Office during Japanese working hours M-F 8:30 am – 5:15 pm.

Email: chiral-secretary*office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp (Please replace * with @)
Phone: +44 (0) 824 24 7881

Please be aware that during Japanese holidays, there might be a delay in email responses.

Emergency Contact Numbers in Japan

110 (Police)
119 (Fire, Ambulance, Emergency rescue)
For more details on calling for help in Japan: https://jp.usembassy.gov/services/calling-for-help/

Practical Information

Climate

Hiroshima experiences four distinct seasons. We recommend checking the current weather forecast before your visit to ensure you come well-prepared for the prevailing conditions.

Weather in Higashihiroshima

Tap Water

Tap water is safe for drinking in Japan. Hence preparing a refillable water bottle may help in cutting down costs for drinking water. Vending machines are also readily available in Japan to purchase hot and cold drinks.

Food Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements

In Japan, awareness of food allergies and dietary restrictions is not as widespread as in some other cultures. As a result, accommodating special dietary needs, including serious food allergies, may not always be possible.

If you have a food allergy or dietary requirements, you may like to print off a copy of this card in Japanese for local restaurants to understand your requirements: https://foodallergycardjapan.com/

A website called Happy Cow provides information on vegan and vegetarian restaurants: https://www.happycow.net/asia/japan/

Please note: whilst some dishes in restaurants are indicated as vegetarian, they may contain ingredients such as bonito, dried sardine etc. in soup stock.

For more information: https://boutiquejapan.com/dietary-requirements-japan/

Insurance

WPI-SKCM² strongly advises purchasing short-term travel insurance for your trip to Japan to ensure coverage for accidents or illnesses.

It’s possible to purchase insurance at most international airports after you’ve arrived in Japan. Insurance companies have desks in the international airport (Narita International Airport, Haneda Airport, Kansai International Airport, Central Japan International Airport). There are also vending machines at the airport that sell insurance policies. The Japan Tourism Agency recommends Tokyo Marine Nichido, which can also be purchased online.

Some credit card companies also offer travel insurance coverage. Please ask your card provider for further details on the insurance coverage before leaving.

Technology

Outlets in Japan

Japanese electric outlets accept two-prong chargers, resembling the outlets in North America. However, the voltage in Japan is 100 Volts, which is different from 120 Volts in North America. Some North American equipment will work fine in Japan without an adapter and vice versa; however, certain equipment, especially equipment involving heating (e.g. hair dryers), may not work properly or even get damaged. Please note this difference and bring a converter if necessary.

Phone/ Internet in Japan

When considering phone or data options for your trip, you have a few choices:

Hiroshima University Wi-Fi

Hiroshima University has eduroam. If you do not have access to eduroam, please contact the Secretary’s Office upon your arrival and they can issue you a guest account for University Wi-Fi.

VBL: The WPI-SKCM² Building

Our regular hours are from 8 am to 6:30 pm, Monday through Friday, during which the doors remain unlocked. On weekends and holidays, the doors are closed throughout the day.

Coffee & Tea Time 3 pm Every Weekday

WPI-SKCM² is pleased to offer a daily Coffee & Tea Time every weekday in the VBL break room. Grab a cup of coffee, engage in stimulating conversation and build community. Additionally, we occasionally feature short talks by our students and postdocs. These sessions are a great way to learn about the exciting work being done within our community.

Hiroshima University Food Establishments, Libraries, etc.

Campus Map

Campus Maps

Cafeterias and Food Stores

There are several cafeterias and convenience stores (Co-op shops) available on campus where you can find a very affordable and healthy Japanese meal
(https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/explore_hu/life/cafeterias)
The closest cafeteria to Mirai Crea is The University Hall Cafeteria (大学会館食堂).
For breakfast, generally the North 1 (北1カフェテリア食堂(理食)) and West 2 (西2カフェテリア食堂(総食)) cafeterias are open.

Opening hours: https://vsign.jp/hiroshima/maruco/shops (Dates marked in red indicate closure)
Please note that the cafeterias only accept Japanese yen in cash.
Please note that most on-campus food establishments will be closed from Dec 28-Jan 3, but please check the shop information at the website provided above.

Other Food Establishments on Campus

Mirai Crea Mikawaya Coffee ☕: Cafe
Mermaid Cafe: Cafe
La Boheme: Restaurant

Local Food Establishments & Groceries within Walking Distance from Campus

お好み焼き 鉄板焼き 中村屋 本店 (Nakamuraya): Hiroshima-style Okonomiyaki (Japanese savory pancake)
cafe bar THE EARTH: Cafe bar, Bal
Tandoor: Indian Curry
Pasta Amare : Italian, French
Sukiya: Gyudon (beef bowl)
Hakuwa Hotel “Pan Clair”: Cafe, Bakery
McDonald’s
Yume Town (Grocery, Pharmacy & Food Court)
Convenience Store: Seven Eleven (Food, snacks, ATM, copier/ printer, and much more)

Libraries

There are three libraries on campus. Please refer to the campus map for locations. The opening hours can be found here: https://www.lib.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/index.php?lang=english

Please note that Hiroshima University is a nonsmoking campus.

Local Transportation to Hiroshima University

There are 3 main local routes to come to Hiroshima University – via air to Hiroshima Airport or via Shinkansen Bullet Train to Hiroshima Station or HigashiHiroshima Station. For more detailed information, please see How to get to Hiroshima University.
*Please note: Buses do not accept credit cards. Only cash or Mobile Transit Cards (IC card, ex. Suica/ PASMO/ ICOCA).

Originating from Hiroshima Airport

Google Maps does not always show the easiest route from the airport to Hiroshima University. We generally recommend the following route:
1. Take the Airport Limousine Bus to JR Saijo station (660 yen).

Please see the timetable (select “Hiroshima Airport FROM” to travel to Hiroshima University).

2. From JR Saijo Station, take the bus (290 yen) or a taxi (approx 2000~2500 yen) to Hiroshima University (広島大学). From here, Google Maps gives a reliable schedule of the bus from Saijo Station to Hiroshima University.
 OR
Take a taxi directly to Hiroshima University (広島大学) (approx 8000~9000 yen).


Schematic of traveling by bus from Hiroshima Airport to HU

Originating from Hiroshima Train Station

1. Take the JR Train to Saijo Station.
2. From JR Saijo station, take the bus (290 yen) or a taxi (2000~2500 yen) to Hiroshima University（広島大学).

Originating from Higashi-Hiroshima Shinkansen Station

Take a taxi (2000~2500 yen) or the bus (380 yen) to Hiroshima University.
*Please note that there is limited bus service along this route.

Driving

If you hold a valid International Driving Permit (IDP), you are eligible to drive in Japan. WPI-SKCM² provides two Nissan Leaf vehicles available for use by researchers for essential activities.

Vehicle Use Guidelines

• The vehicle may only be used within Hiroshima Prefecture.
• Usage is limited to essential activities related to daily life.
• All trips must be recorded in the Vehicle Operation Management Book after use.

What is a “Valid International Driving Permit” in Japan?

Japan only recognizes IDPs issued in accordance with the 1949 Geneva Convention. IDPs based on other agreements, such as the 1968 Vienna Convention, are not valid, even if issued by a country that also signed the 1949 Convention.

For full details on driver’s licenses in Japan, please see this page .

Accommodations

We can offer a small number of on-campus accommodations. To book, please email chiral-secretary@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp. Below we also provide information on nearby hotel recommendations.

On Campus: Mirai Crea

Address: 1-4-5, Kagamiyama, Higashi Hiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan 739-0046
Tel: +81(0)82-424-8920

Details for Staying at Mirai Crea
* Mirai Crea is a dormitory/apartment-like facility and there are no hotel-like amenities in each room. So please bring your own towels, toiletries, slippers, etc. Laundry available but you will need to provide your own detergent.
* Check-in procedures: The Secretary’s Office will inform you on the procedure to check in at Mirai Crea before your trip. Generally, you can check-in at the front lobby between the hours of 10 am and 5 pm. The reservation will be under your name. Please check for any damage and if any is found, please report it to Mirai Crea staff to prevent any charges.
* Rules: Please remove your shoes inside the room, as this is customary throughout Japan.
* Breakfast is not included, but the 1st floor of Mirai Crea has a coffee shop.
* Check-out: Please ensure you complete your check-out before 5 pm on your final day. Please throw away trash using the pink bag provided at the beginning of your stay. The trash is behind Mirai Crea. Please remove linens and return them to the baskets on the 1st floor.
Google Maps
Website

On Campus: The Faculty Club (Gakushi Kaikan)

Address: 1-1-2, Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan 739-0046

The Secretary’s Office will inform you on the procedure to check-in before your trip. The earliest you may enter your room on check-in day is 4 pm.
Please ensure you complete your check-out before 10 am on your final day. Please leave your key in the drop-off box on the first floor.
*Breakfast is not available.
Google Maps
Website

On Campus: Yamanaka Hall (Yamanaka Kaikan)

Address: 2-812, Kagamiyama, Higashihiroshima, Hiroshima, Japan 739-0046

The Secretary’s Office will inform you on the procedure to check-in before your trip. The earliest you may enter your room on check-in day is 4 pm.
Please ensure you complete your check-out before 10 am on your final day. Please leave your key in the drop-off box on the first floor.
*Breakfast is not available.
Google Maps
Website

Hotel: Hakuwa Hotel

Address: 6-5-45 Saijoshitami, Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima 739-0047
Tel: +81(0)82-431-1111

This hotel is a few minutes walking from Hiroshima University campus; however, the room number is limited.
Google Maps
Website

Hotel: Hotel Route-Inn Higashi Hiroshima Saijo Ekimae

This hotel is near Saijo Station, which is 20 minutes away from campus by local bus.
Google Maps
Website

Hotel: Green Hotel Morris

This hotel is near Saijo Station, which is 20 minutes away from campus by local bus.
Google Maps
Website

Sightseeing

The area surrounding Hiroshima abounds with remarkable tourist attractions, including the World Heritage Sites of Itsukushima and the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Conveniently located near Hiroshima University is a renowned sake brewery district, offering a unique experience as a historic district with sake-tasting opportunities. Additionally, a popular day trip destination is Rabbit Island, a unique spot teeming with friendly rabbits. For more detailed information on these attractions and more, visit Dive Hiroshima.

Japanese Language

For those who do not speak Japanese, using the Google Translate app can be very helpful. Google Translate has transcription options to communicate spoken Japanese in real-time. It also has Google Lens to translate written Japanese.

How to Get Japanese Yen

It is advisable to carry Japanese yen with you, as Japan remains largely a cash-based society. For instance, university cafeterias and public buses do not accept credit cards, and you will need cash or an IC card to travel from the airport to Hiroshima University.

At Hiroshima Airport, there is a Travelex currency exchange located at the international terminal. Please note that the hours are very limited, especially on weekends and holidays.

If you have a long enough layover in Tokyo, you can access exchange services in areas accessible to international transit passengers, allowing you to obtain Japanese yen without exiting the transit zone. Haneda Currency Exchange Facilities Narita Currency Exchange Facilities

Also, you can withdraw yen from most convenience store ATMs around Japan. There are several convenience stores near Saijo Station and Hiroshima University. Please see this link for more information about getting cash in Japan.

How to Get an IC Card

It’s highly recommended to get or set up an IC card, which can be used for all types of public transportation and oftentimes payments in taxis as well: Japan Living Guide

If you have an iPhone, you can set this up in Apple Wallet: Pasmo on Apple Wallet
Otherwise, if you are transiting through Tokyo, there are several places to purchase a Welcome Suica IC Card

IC cards can also be purchased at ticket counters or automated kiosks in major train stations across Japan. For instance, Suica cards are available at JR East stations, PASMO cards at Tokyo Metro stations, and ICOCA cards at JR West stations (Hiroshima region). Please note IC cards are not available to purchase at Hiroshima Airport as it does not have a train station.

Should you be unable to access an IC card, please ensure you have cash for your arrival at Hiroshima Airport to take local transportation.

Visa and Entering Japan

Visas

For passport holders of many countries, business visits to Japan lasting less than 90 days do not require a Visa. For additional information and to confirm if this applies to your specific country, please refer to this link.

WPI-SKCM² VISA Process

1. 1. If you’re in need of a VISA, please contact your local Japanese Embassy or visit their website for guidance. An appointment may be necessary. The goal is to determine the required paperwork and timeline for your VISA application.


2. 2. Obtain the necessary forms and requirements, and send them to us. We can assist with filling out the forms and will provide an invitation letter from Hiroshima University WPI-SKCM². Please allow at least one week for processing. Contact: chiral-secretary@office.hiroshima-u.ac.jp.


3. 3. After receiving the completed forms, you may need to schedule an appointment with your local office. Processing times can vary depending on the office and can take up to two months. Be mindful of any holidays or busy periods.


4. 4. Your local office will inform you when your VISA is ready for pick-up.


5. Please note that WPI-SKCM² is unable to cover VISA application fees.

Immigration Procedures (Visit Japan Web)

You can streamline your arrival procedures in Japan, such as immigration, customs, and optional tax-free shopping, by using the Visit Japan Web service. By creating an account and uploading the necessary documents in advance, you can avoid the hassle of completing paper forms upon arrival. While using this service is voluntary, we highly recommend it for a smoother and more efficient entry process.