If you’re trying to convert your foreign driver’s licence in Osaka, here’s the reality:

1. You MUST book by phone

Both Kadoma and Komyoike centres now require phone reservations. No walk-ins. No appointment = no entry.

2. Reservation dates & times

• Kadoma (門真):
  • Reservation calls only on specific Fridays, 16:00–17:00.
  • Example: call on Sep 19 → book for Oct 1–16. Call on Oct 3 → book for Oct 17–31.
• Komyoike (光明池):
  • Reservation calls also on Fridays, 15:00–17:00.
  • Example: call on Sep 12 → book for Sep 16–30. Call on Sep 26 → book for Oct 1–10. (and so on every 2 weeks).

3. Phone numbers & menu steps

• Kadoma: ☎️ 06-6908-9121
  • Auto response → Press 4 (Foreign licence conversion)
  • Then press 1 or 2 (Reservation for conversion)
  • Connect to staff
• Komyoike: ☎️ 0725-56-1881
  • Auto response → Press 4 (Foreign licence conversion)
  • Then press 3 (Reservation for conversion)
  • Connect to staff

Be prepared: the lines are super hard to reach. People literally redial hundreds of times.

4. What happens after booking

If you manage to get through and reserve:

1. Prepare all documents (foreign licence, JAF translation, passport, residence card, jūminhyō, ID photo).
2. Go to the centre on your booked date.
3. Interview about your driving history (all in Japanese).
4. Pay fees (~¥2,500 per licence class).
5. Eye test → photo → finally receive your Japanese licence card. 🎉

👉 Language tip: Staff don’t speak English. If you don’t speak Japanese, seriously consider bringing someone who can speak Japanese or an interpreter. It will save you a lot of stress.

Good luck, and may your redial finger survive the booking battle.

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