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Osaka Ward Office Guide

government Last updated: 2024-12-12

How to navigate ward offices in Osaka. Hours, what services are available, and tips for foreign residents.

🗣️ Key Vocabulary

区役所 Ward office くやくしょ kuyakusho
窓口 Service counter まどぐち madoguchi
番号札 Number ticket ばんごうふだ bangōfuda
申請書 Application form しんせいしょ shinseisho
印鑑 Personal seal いんかん inkan

What Ward Offices Do

Ward offices (kuyakusho) handle most government services for residents:

- Resident registration and address changes - Health insurance enrollment - Pension registration - Tax certificates - Birth, death, marriage registration - Childcare and welfare services - Foreign resident support

Each of Osaka's 24 wards has its own office. You must use the office for the ward where you live.

Hours and Access

Standard Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00-17:30 Closed: Weekends, national holidays, December 29-January 3

Extended Hours: Some wards offer evening or weekend hours for popular services. Check your specific ward.

Holiday Windows: Major wards (Namba, Umeda area) sometimes open limited Saturday services.

How to Use the Ward Office

Ward offices follow a standard process:

Step 1: Enter and get a number

Look for the ticket machine near the entrance. Press the button for your service category.

💬 What to Say

番号札はどこですか
Bangōfuda wa doko desu ka
Where are the number tickets?

Step 2: Wait for your number

Watch the electronic display. When your number appears, go to the indicated counter.

Step 3: Explain what you need

Staff will give you the correct forms. Ask for English forms if available.

💬 What to Say

英語の書類はありますか
Eigo no shorui wa arimasu ka
Do you have forms in English?

Step 4: Submit and wait

For simple requests (certificates), processing takes 10-30 minutes. For registrations, it may take longer.

Foreign Resident Support

Most Osaka ward offices have some support for foreign residents:

Multilingual Staff: Large wards often have English-speaking staff at certain windows Interpretation Tablets: Many offices have tablet translation services Foreign Resident Counter: Some wards have dedicated counters

Central Consultation: Osaka City Foreign Residents Information Counter 06-6773-6533 (Multiple languages, weekdays 9:00-17:30)

✅ Checklist

🔗 Resources