When arriving in Japan for university or language studies, local municipal offices and specialized government centers provide essential services beyond your campus. In Tokyo, city authorities offer financial assistance, free Japanese language learning, and official consultation counters for legal and work-related matters. Understanding these regional services helps you manage living expenses, maintain legal compliance, and integrate smoothly into community life.
What financial support and scholarships can local municipalities offer?
Local government offices provide various financial programs to help students reduce living costs. For example, according to the Shinjuku City International Students Guide, foreign students residing in Shinjuku City can apply for a local scholarship award of ¥240,000 for the year.
Students facing sudden reductions in income may also qualify for relief directly from their local ward office. Under guidelines outlined in the MEXT International Student Support List, individuals experiencing financial hardship can inquire at the National Health section of their municipal office to request a reduction or exemption of National Health Insurance premiums. National guidelines also allow residents to request payment deferments for essential utility services, including electricity, gas, water, telephone, and NHK fees.
Regional support programs vary by location. The Study in Japan Municipal Support Portal notes that municipal governments throughout Japan organize local homestay programs, community exchange events, and regional scholarships. Organizations such as the Council of Local Authorities for International Relations (CLAIR) work alongside local prefectures and designated cities to facilitate regional internationalization programs.
Where can international students find official job search and visa support in Tokyo?
Navigating employment and immigration procedures requires accurate administrative guidance. The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) in Tokyo consolidates eight distinct government consultation counters on one floor, providing multilingual assistance in Japanese, English, and Chinese as detailed on the Shinjuku City FRESC Page.
At FRESC, students and graduates can access specialized services:
- Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau: Assists with changing visa status or renewing resident permits (consultations require a reservation).
- Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners: Offers targeted employment counseling and job placement for international students and highly skilled foreign professionals.
- Tokyo Labour Bureau Consultation and Support Office for Foreigners: Handles workplace issues, including wage disputes, working hours, and workplace health and safety.
- Japan Legal Support Center (JLSC / Houterasu): Introduces free legal advice resources for resolving legal disputes.
- Tokyo Legal Affairs Bureau, Human Rights Department: Provides guidance on human rights matters, such as unfair discrimination or bullying.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Visa Information: Offers consultations regarding visa entry application documentation.
Students seeking part-time work must obtain official authorization beforehand. According to municipal guidelines, international students must secure Permission to Engage in an Activity beyond the Scope of a Visa before starting work. You can also apply for an Employment Eligibility Certificate to officially verify your permitted work scope. Local job seekers can additionally consult the Shinjuku Employment Assistance and Instruction Center for Foreigners or Public Employment Security Offices (Hello Work).
How do local city offices help with daily life rules and learning Japanese?
Adapting to local community rules is essential for living trouble-free in Japan. Municipalities publish comprehensive guidance on daily regulations, such as trash segregation, quiet hours, and proper drainage usage—such as prohibiting the disposal of gasoline, kerosene, or paint thinners down household drains.
City authorities also mandate safety regulations. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government requires all bicycle riders to carry bicycle casualty insurance as of April 1, 2020. Additionally, when acquiring or transferring a used bicycle, completing mandatory anti-crime ownership registration is required.
To help residents learn local customs, city offices distribute multilingual publications. Shinjuku City publishes the "Guide to Living in Shinjuku" booklet (available at the main city office and branch offices) and issues periodic updates such as the "Shinjuku News" foreign language bulletin (including updates like Issue No. 79 from August 1, 2026). Standard office operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, with select counters open until 7:00 p.m. on Tuesdays (closed weekends, public holidays, and December 29 through January 3).
For language education, municipalities organize low-cost or free learning options. Shinjuku City provides volunteer-led Japanese language classes (SJC), free "Nihongo Hiroba" lessons, and allows foreign residents to borrow Japanese learning materials free of charge from municipal libraries.
Finding a place to stay
Arranging your housing is an important step to complete after your Certificate of Eligibility or visa approval is confirmed, prior to your actual departure for Japan. Securing long-term housing from abroad can be challenging, so many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first while completing municipal resident registration and exploring local neighborhoods. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Most homes have a minimum stay of 30 nights (shown on each listing), allowing students ample time to settle in. The monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, making budgeting straightforward without worrying about separate utility contracts.
FAQ
What municipal scholarship is available for foreign students residing in Shinjuku?
Shinjuku City offers a local scholarship award of ¥240,000 for the year to foreign students enrolled in eligible higher education institutions.
Are foreign students allowed to work part-time without special authorization?
No. Foreign students must receive Permission to Engage in an Activity beyond the Scope of a Visa from immigration authorities before undertaking any part-time work in Japan.
Where in Tokyo can foreign students consult about visa renewals and workplace disputes under one roof?
The Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) in Tokyo houses eight specialized counters on a single floor, including the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau and the Tokyo Labour Bureau.
Sources
- 自治体公式サイト「International Students - Foreign Language Top Page」(checked 2026-10-27)
- Study in Japan(JASSO)「Finding Municipal Support｜Study in Japan Official Website」(checked 2026-10-27)
- 自治体公式サイト「Foreign Residents Support Center (FRESC) - Foreign Language Top Page」(checked 2026-10-27)
- 文部科学省「To All International Students Studying in Japan ＜List of Programs Available to International Students＞ (Updated August 1」(checked 2026-10-27)
This article was created by OHAYO Stay based on the sources above (edited, reorganized and translated). It is not an official publication. Facts are summarized in our own words; see the linked pages for the official details.
Rules and dates can change. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.