Recommended for Foreigners! What is Kuwana City?

Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture has long been a hub for all kinds of people and goods, making it a city rich in historical and cultural charm. This article delves into various aspects of Kuwana, which aims to be a “city where foreigners can easily live and work,” covering everything from the city’s overview to its facilities, culture, gourmet spots, and the foreign resident support concierge service at Kuwana City Hall.

 Overview of Kuwana City

Kuwana is located in the northern part of Mie, adjacent to Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture.

With a population of approximately 140,000, the city is well-connected by transportation and serves as a commuter town, being only about 20 minutes by train from Nagoya.

Within Kuwana, there are ample commercial facilities, educational institutions, medical centers, and public transportation systems, providing everything necessary for daily life. The city is known for its food culture, particularly its hamaguri clam dishes, and boasts historical tourism resources, such as the Shichiri-no-Watashi on the Tokaido, Tado Shrine, and Rokkaen, as well as theme parks like Nagashima Spa Land and Nabana no Sato, making it one of Mie Prefecture’s leading tourist destinations. Bordering Aichi Prefecture, a hub for the automobile industry, Kuwana is also an industrial city with thriving machinery and metal industries.

The number of foreigners choosing Kuwana as their home is increasing yearly. Among them, there is a growing number of foreign residents with mid to long-term residence statuses such as “Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services” and “Specified Skilled Worker.” Many foreigners currently living in Kuwana are employed in manufacturing, semiconductor, and other industries.

Information and Support for Foreigners

Kuwana, under the philosophy of creating a “global society” and transitioning into a sustainable city, provides various support and information services for foreign residents.

With foreigners making up about 4% of the population and expecting further increases in the future, the city will launch a Foreign Resident Support Concierge Service in 2024, promoting an environment where both Japanese and foreigners can live comfortably, making Kuwana a city chosen by foreigners.

The Foreign Resident Support Concierge Service is a consultation service where support staff understand and cater to the needs of foreign residents. They assist with various aspects of daily life, such as resident registration, welfare, childbirth, child-rearing, and education, offering multilingual support to overcome language barriers. In addition to handling consultations in multiple languages such as English, Portuguese, Vietnamese, and Chinese, the service also offers telephone interpretation services to assist foreigners in living comfortably in Japan.

The concierge provides orientations on essential topics like waste disposal and disaster preparedness, ensuring that even newly arrived foreign residents can easily understand and follow the city’s rules.

For more information on the Kuwana City Foreign Resident Support Concierge Service, visit the link below:
Concierge Service Link

For Those Looking for Housing in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture

For housing information in Kuwana City, please refer to the following link:
Housing Information

 Climate in Kuwana City

Kuwana has a relatively mild and humid climate. Summers are hot and humid, while winters are generally mild. The city experiences distinct four seasons, making it a pleasant area to live in. Rainfall is relatively high throughout the year, with most of the rainy weather occurring from summer to autumn.

Transportation Infrastructure

Kuwana boasts well-developed transportation systems, including railways, highways, and buses, making it highly convenient for accessing surrounding cities like Nagoya. The city is about 20 minutes by train from Kintetsu Nagoya Station, making it convenient for commuting and traveling. Additionally, with Shinkansen access, you can easily reach Osaka and Tokyo.

Major Commercial Facilities

Kuwana has many commercial facilities where you can enjoy shopping and dining. Some major shopping spots include:

・Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima

One of Japan’s largest outlet malls, featuring around 300 stores offering domestic and international brands at outlet prices.

・AEON Mall Kuwana

A large shopping mall with numerous specialty stores, restaurants and a movie theater, serving as a primary shopping destination for locals.

・AEON Town Kuwana Shin-Nishigata

A more community-focused facility compared to AEON Mall, offering everyday services and goods.

・Apita Kuwana

A large shopping complex in central Kuwana with a supermarket, clothing, and variety shops.

・Sunfare Kuwana

A convenient complex located near Kuwana Station, offering dining, business services, and a satellite city office.

Major Medical Facilities

Kuwana has many medical institutions, and there are increasing examples of hospitals accommodating foreign patients by using easy-to-understand Japanese, translation apps, or phone interpretation services.

Major Educational Institutions

Kuwana is home to a variety of educational institutions, from kindergartens to high schools, and offers lifelong learning centers, catering to the educational needs of all age groups. With excellent access to nearby cities, residents can also commute to international schools and universities. Furthermore, Kuwana has special-needs schools and a proactive community learning support system, including libraries that promote learning support and reading activities.

Major Tourist Attractions in Kuwana City

Kuwana and its surrounding areas are bustling with many tourist attractions

・Nagashima Spa Land

One of Japan’s largest amusement parks with 60 attractions, including 12 roller coasters.

・Nabana no Sato

A flower and greenery theme park famous for its seasonal illuminations.

・Suzuka Circuit

Located in Suzuka, it hosts various races and events, including the F1 Japanese Grand Prix.

・Ise-Shima

Known for the Ise Grand Shrine and its breathtaking natural beauty.

・Nagoya Castle

A historical castle built by Tokugawa Ieyasu in 1615, designated as Japan’s first national treasure.

・Osu Shopping District

Located in Nagoya, home to over 1,300 shops, including a section offering international cuisine.

・Ghibli Park

Located in Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, it brings to life the worlds of Studio Ghibli’s iconic films.

・Honda Tadakatsu Statue

A statue of Honda Tadakatsu, the first lord of Kuwana Castle.

・Kuwana Sosha (Kasuga Shrine)

A shrine deeply connected to Ise Shrine, holding treasures such as a statue of Tokugawa Ieyasu and a sword by Muramasa.

・Rokkaen

A Western-style mansion designed by Josiah Conder, known as the father of modern Japanese architecture.

Food Culture

Kuwana has a rich culinary tradition rooted in its natural environment and long history

・Clams

Kuwana’s specialty, characterized by large, plump clams with a rich flavor, enjoyed grilled, steamed, or in ramen.

・Sukiyaki

Traditional sukiyaki that can be enjoyed at local long-established restaurants, made with premium Japanese beef.

・Udon

Many udon shops serve delicious udon, especially clam udon, which is highly recommended.

・Manju Ice Cream

A classic local ice cream made with azuki beans, loved by locals for its nostalgic flavor and retro packaging.

・Wagashi (Japanese sweets)

Kuwana offers various traditional sweets, including the famous Yasunaga Mochi and other azuki-based delicacies.

Stores Selling Foreign Foods

There are several stores in Kuwana that offer foreign ingredients

・Gyomu Super

A supermarket popular among foreign residents, offering a wide range of imported foods.

・Thực phẩm Việt Kuwana Nhật Anh Mart

A Vietnamese grocery store located about 15 minutes from Kuwana Station.

・Thái Dương Mart:

A supermarket specializing in Vietnamese ingredients.

・VIETCOOK KUWANA MIE

A store offering Vietnamese groceries with self-checkout machines for smooth shopping.

・BOI BOM KUWANA

A store selling South American foods, including meat for barbecues and other food items.

The Appeal of Living in Kuwana City

Kuwana is a city where you can enjoy both its natural environment and historical elements, with great access to other regions. The city is ideal for those who:

・Love travel

You can visit historical sites and feel like a traveler in Kuwana, which prospered as a post town.

・Enjoy outdoor activities

Surrounded by nature, including the Kiso Three Rivers and Ise Bay, Kuwana also has natural parks like Kyuka Park.

・Enjoy visiting temples and shrines

You can visit historical spots like Kasuga Shrine and Tado Shrine, offering a serene atmosphere for worship and exploration.

Instagram

The Kuwana City Branding Promotion Department shares beautiful spots, delicious food, and other attractions of Kuwana through their Instagram account. Please follow them!
Username: kuwana_brand
Instagram Link

Conclusion

Kuwana is an attractive city where history and culture blend, and the municipality offers substantial support to make it easier for foreigners to live there. It is close to Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture, has excellent transportation access, and offers a comfortable living environment. Whether for long-term residency or short-term visits, Kuwana is a charming place for foreigners.