Japan is a very popular tourist destination, with millions of tourists every year. Writer based in Japan and in love with Tokyo, Earthquakes The conclusion of your Rural Japan Tour will be a private car ride to Osakas Kansai Airport. Theres more to Japan than just the cities. But head out of the county's most famous city and you'll find well-preserved monuments against a backdrop of picturesque scenery. Maybe there is safety in numbers or simply the cities were just the most convenient option. The most common way to travel to the countryside is by train. As a generation of digital nomads, the lack of office jobs in rural areas is no longer a dissuading factor. When you arrive in Japan, you should visit Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka. You can find everything in Tokyo. This means that although there are not many people around, at the same time, there are still plenty of people to interact with. While two single, middle-aged Western ladies who I knowintegrated effortlessly intheir rural communities, I heard of other cases, like a Western family with a small child that found it challenging as their son was the only child in the village and everyone was substantially older than them. Even during the busy holiday season, Kurashiki residents find themselves feeling calm and relaxed. Going into nature and enjoying the Japanese countryside? Its your perfect choice if youre dreaming of starting a business, and you get to live at a slow pace. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, I visit schools in other towns, a bit further away. Yoshino - The town best to see cherry blossoms What makes the town of Yoshino unique? On top of having one of the closest views of Mt. I suggest you at least experience the thrill of Japan countryside travel. The share of the world population living in rural areas has been steadily declining. Some links on this website are affiliate links. Japan has an excellent bullet train system that can get you around the country quickly and easily. The four islands of Japan have a strong rail network that connects them. Take a look at the average day in rural Japan, and see how it stacks up versus city-life. Its a hot spring town located next to a volcanic mountain range and has over 2000 onsens. Based on land area, Japan is just the 61st largest country in the world. A Japanese couple spent over two years building a cluster of round, wooden houses in the countryside. Any cons of living in the Japanese countryside? : r/movingtojapan While I had one or two shockingly racist encounters in Japan, they happened in Tokyo and not in the countryside. Secondhand cars are inexpensive in Japan and parking in the countryside is usually free. The Osakan life is waiting for you! Or you might just walk. Essentially, I live where its quiet, but Im not cut off from the urban world. Perhaps the most interesting thing when living in Sapporo is its seasons. Japanese maps come in two varieties: small, schematic, and bewildering maps, as well as massive, fantastic, and detailed maps. These arent valid in Japan for long, though (typically expiring after one year), so you may want to also consider getting a Japanese drivers license. Must-See Towns in Japan's Countryside | CheapOair Miles Away Just over 1 in 3 Japanese people reside there. Fly to the northernmost prefecture in Japan, Hokkaido, and find yourself wanting to stay in its capital, Sapporo. Spacious 180-sqm (1,948-sqft). It is like stepping into a history book, and for many people this is the appeal of these villages. Take the ferry back to Takamatsu and try your hand at floating art on the water. Everything from the way the houses are built to the way the people dress and behave seems to be frozen in a bygone era. I had the living space of several single Japanese apartments combined into one for only about 50,000 yen a month. Ginzan Onsens name derives from the name of the silver mountain hot spring, which was once the site of a silver mine. Kodawari Mizuno and his wife lived in one house and rented the rest to locals . When its crowded. Furthermore, the island is one of the most charming rural areas in Japan. Deep Snow an Hour From Tokyo: Relishing the Midwinter Bounties of Niigata, My Japan Quarantine Story Navigating Strict Travel Restrictions During the COVID-19 Pandemic, A Casual Drive Through Nyuzen and Asahi: Relishing a Springtime Carnival of Flowers in Toyama, Fall Bliss in Toyama: A Weekend Road Trip in Kurobe and Uozu. Relax in karaoke bars, izakayas, nightclubs, and shopping malls, but also take peaceful walks in parks, shrines, and temple grounds. If youre going to be staying in one place, the best way to get around is probably by bicycle. How to Live in the Japanese Countryside as a Foreigner: A Complete You may want to continue studying and improving to help make inaka life more comfortable. Again, it is scientifically proven to make people severely unhappy if it is daily and too long. What is the Forum doing to help cities to reach a net-zero carbon future? From Osaka take the Shinkansen to Kokura Station, and then transfer to the Sonic limited express. Everything is stressful. Japanese trains are iconic, from charming little local trains to speedy shinkansen. Image:Unsplash/Romain V. .chakra .wef-10kdnp0{margin-top:16px;margin-bottom:16px;line-height:1.388;}What is the Forum doing to help cities to reach a net-zero carbon future? I had the pleasure to live several months in Okinawa (tropical) and Miyagi (up north) two places that couldnt be more different. The grade-one listed (reserved for places of the . I had three rooms of about equal size, each being a rough square: one dedicated kitchen and dining area, one living room, and one bedroom. There are many benefits of living in rural Japan. Visit where you want to live and see if the demographics and vibe of the village suit you before you settle and you might uncover a truly unique piece of Japan very far from being one of thousands of English teachers drunk in Roppongi on a Saturday night. Despite the fact that this is not the cheapest mode of transportation available, they are reliable, quick, efficient, and quick, and can transport you to almost any location in the country in less than an hour. Copyright 2021REthink Media KK. See the historic Todaiji Temple in Nara, explore the major cities of Osaka and Tokyo and ride through the countryside for a view of Mt. The first key to residing in Japan is having a clear reason (and one the Japanese government considers legitimate) for wanting to do so. Even couples can apply together! You also get fresher food, cleaner air, closer relationships, and the greenery and quiet required to understand it all. In the 13th century, the Mongol invasion forces chose Fukuoka as a landing point, making it an international hub in Japan. As a stop on the Yamanote loop rail line that circles downtown Tokyo, it's hard to get much more centrally located. A tour of Shinjuku with a guide will take you to several well-known bars. From Tokyo, you can take a direct bus (cheaper but longer) or take the Shinkansen to Shin-Aomori Station and take the Ou line. October 16, 2020 67 shares Curious about life in the Japanese countryside? Where To Live In Japan Countryside. Here are my reasons why you should seriously considering living in the Japanese countryside. If you already know the basics, thats great! When I want to I can easily dip my toes into both; I get to have my cake and eat it too. If youve ever watched a Ghibli movie, you probably have an idea of how dreamy the Japan countryside (inaka in Japanese) can be. Here are the things that stand out to me the most. Tokyo Living in Tokyo could be the best option for anyone who wants energizing and bustling days 24/7! Motto Japan Media will provide a wide variety of information for Japanese fans all over the world, to create a cross-cultural environment and enrich the life of foreign residents in Japan! If youre traveling between cities, the best way to get around is by train. It quickly became the premier hub for food, culture, and entertainment that it is now. However, youll likely find that many rural neighborhoods actually require a car to get around. Through just that one event I can trace meeting a majority of my current Japanese friends. Look no further than Guidable Jobs! Kiyomizu Temple This Buddhist temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. Fuji. Answer: If you've ever watched a Ghibli movie, you probably have an idea of how dreamy the Japan countryside (inaka in Japanese) can be. You'll be part of local traditions and micro cultures inaccessible to most foreigners. If you are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life, then a rural Japan village is the perfect place for you. And since Tokyo is the most accessible and popular to foreigners, most of the population can read and speak in English as well. I teach classes and assist English teachers at three prefectural high schools. Compare 5 Cheapest Places To Live In Japan - 2020 Guide The whole castle area is a breathtaking scenery and its recommended on pretty much every top sakura viewing recommendation list. The attached hotel can be used as a base to stay, and the big pao (Mongolian-style yurts) can be used as an additional location. The city of Naoshima is home to a plethora of art galleries, installations, and exhibits. Japan Countryside - Why Visit It And What To Expect In 2011, an earthquake measuring 13 megahertz shook the earth, causing the city of Rikuzentakata to vanish. What Do I Like Specifically About Where I Live? You also get to live closer to the mountains, which means you will be spending the rural life in scenic places. Where To Live In Japan | Top Cities in Japan for Expats Transportation can also be a challenge if you are not fond of crowds, and you must be accustomed to or at least able to adjust to a hectic lifestyle. Living in Japan isnt for everyone, but it could be for you. This week, we answer this question! The Shinkansen doesnt run to this area so, from Tokyo, the best way would be to take a direct bus to Kawguchiko. The transportation infrastructure in Japan is excellent, and the transportation between the countrys many islands is simple. But if youre visiting other parts of Japan, there are cheap flights from Osaka and Tokyo as well. In rural Japan, its true spirit is still alive. It is also a country with a lot of natural beauty. Whether you're seeking information or inspiration, all your trips to Japan start here. Wayfairer holidays are designed to benefit the local community and the environment at large. Gaijin Otousan on Twitter: " In rural Japan where I live I am 1. Moving Out Procedures in Japan. And there are parks and temples around to visit to take a break on a busy day. Seems like Japan would have experienced a similar 'great migration to the countryside' ie those that have chosen to escape California after the 2020-2021 debacles. Namely, I lived in Taiwan from July 2019-October 2020. The countryside is so beautiful and the parks are so well kept. The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication. Many people are curious about living in Japan, but few understand the effort doing so will require. Credit: Raita Futo/Flickr/CC BY 2.0 licensed under . All rights reserved, Mita Garden Hills announced for the Azabu area, What Americans can expect when buying property in Japan, WealthPark Global Residential PropTech Study 2022, Priti Donnelly - Nippon Tradings International, Never waste a good crisis: Where are the current opportunities in Japan's real estate market, Japans Real Estate Property Market a Safe Place to Ride Out the Storm. Japan, Portugal, Ireland and Australia are some of the countries offering rural relocation incentives. Ways to (Legally) Live in Japan Get a job in Japan The most straightforward way to move to Japan is to gain employment, either with a Japanese company or a foreign company that operates in Japan. There are over 2600 sakura trees and over 50 different types of sakura flowers here. To find jobs across the country, check, to know Japanese to survive in Japan, but in the countryside, you will likely find that many signs, menus, and people around you only use Japanese. Make one friend and you suddenly find yourself with an entire web of friends. Nature in Japan: Where to Go & How to Explore the Japanese Countryside Rural Japan also has a much slower pace of life, making it appealing to some. The first I lived in for three years, and the second for about a year and a half. From biking to 3D printing, board games to DnD, camping to Japanese archery, theres always something to do! Some rural prefectures have decided to combat this unhealthy trend and started akiya banks to sell off empty houses faster. When is the Best Time to Visit Japan and Learn Japanese? But that's not all: Whileparking can cost you as much as a small studio per monthin the capital, it's often free in the sticks. Typical view of the lush scenery common in the Japanese countryside where you could live, too! Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, A roadmap for repairing rural mobility in Japan - and beyond. After dark, go to the restaurant and bar district of Dotonbori, located in the vicinity of the canals. Another popular activity is visiting hot springs, or onsens. The first Shogun ruler of Japan, Tokunaga of Japan, burned much of Hokkaido to the ground in 1189. The Osakan set themselves apart from the other areas of Japan in terms of culture and character. Still, once you identify your preferences and consider your budget, you can find where in Japan you should live. 7 min listen This article was updated on 26 January 2023. If youre on a tight budget, the best way to get around is by bus. NHK World E. The road network in Japan is hopelessly congested, despite the fact that the countrys mountains and sharp valleys run through it. Once you commit to one of the valid reasons for living in Japan (the most common ones are working and studying), you will need both the knowledge and the patience to navigate the complex bureaucracy of Japans immigration system. Pin it! Rent here for a standard one- or two-bedroom apartment will be around 50,000 JPY (470 USD). Hiking to the summit is a popular activity, and there are a number of scenic routes to choose from. What to do in the town of Ine? If youre planning to start your own business when moving to Japan, Fukuoka is definitely the perfect area as it is considered Japans startup city. In the economic sector, this area has contributed a lot in terms of expansions of startup companies. Nonetheless, Osakas growth has made it a distinct prefecture in Japan. My friend goes tubing down the river in front of her Shizuoka house in summer. What are the cons of living in the Japanese countryside as a foreigner? "With a place that is 3 million yen ($25,900) you often . Tokyo has some of the best nightlife in the world. Zao is famous for the Juhyo which translates to Snow Monsters. Adachi: All you need to know about one of Tokyos most reasonably priced areas, "Free houses" in Japan: Where they are and how to get one, Keep the conversation going with REthink Tokyo via our free newsletter, Keep the conversation going with RETalk Asia via our free newsletter. Because the buses on the highway run through the night, you can save money on hotel stays. It is never too late to get started on your vacation planning. There are many hiking trails of varying difficulty levels throughout the countryside. (Photo: Countryside Stays Japan) Farm Inn Sakekoshimai, located in Odate City, Akita Prefecture, is a welcoming, family-centered inn that offers insights into the local culture. This changes my daily routine slightly. If youre a native English speaker, many English teaching jobs, especially for ALTs (or Assistant Language Teachers) are located at schools in rural areas. To help you navigate everyday life, get familiar with basic Japanese. Living in the countryside is great. However, if you make a habit of dating Japanese people, this could be the best choice for you. Since the population is low, social networks are tight and relationships strong. Then this article is for you. There is no heating element in this house because there is only one smoky irori hearth on the floor: a square hole cut into the floor. This article will give you a peek into the life of an American English teacher living in a rural Japanese town. Filed Under: Japan Travel Advice Tagged With: living in Japan, studying Japanese, working in Japan. What Are The Good Things About The Countryside? What are your top 5 favourite small towns and villages? Eat delicious meals with your host and explore some of Japans oldest and less well-known regions. Find success in Tokyo or Osaka, or live your dreams in Fukuoka or Kyoto! Sapporo () means important river flowing through a plain in the Ainu language, and it could be your new home. If you know nothing yet about the Land of the Rising Sun and no Japanese, it might be wise to base yourself in a larger city first to achieve at least a conversational level of Japanese and familiarize yourself with the culture. Snowboarding in Japan is extremely popular and many travelers go to Niseko in Hokkaido. Some of the most popular areas include the stunning mountainous regions of Hokkaido and Nagano, the picturesque seaside town of Karatsu in Saga Prefecture, and the historic city of Himeji in Hyogo . World Economic Forum articles may be republished in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International Public License, and in accordance with our Terms of Use. Locals and foreigners alike live a fast-paced life, commuting from one place to another to work, shop, or relax. .chakra .wef-facbof{display:inline;}@media screen and (min-width:56.5rem){.chakra .wef-facbof{display:block;}}You can unsubscribe at any time using the link in our emails. Apartments are small, but even in central Tokyo are much cheaper than in comparable locations of New York or London. Fuji, Kawaguchiko is famous for its hot springs and is home to the famous Fuji Q Highland Amusement Park. Iya Valleys domineering cliffs offer a unique perspective on the skyscrapers of Japans major cities. It is estimated that there are fewer highway signs in the United States than in other countries. What to do in the town of Yoshino? The Benefits of Living in Rural Japan | JobsInJapan.com Japan is a country that is rich in culture and history. The Michinoku Coastal Walk, which spans 300 kilometers from Aomori to Miyagi, is a coastal walk in and of itself. Some people prefer to live in rural areas due to the cost of living. How Did I End Up in The Countryside? I love nature in Japan! From Tokyo, you can take the Shinkansen to Yamagata station and then take a local bus to the ski resort. Depends on where you live. Osaka is a great place to live for travelers who want to live in a big city with a lot of things to do. Look for a job that will help you secure housing. Rural areas are typically inexpensive, and there are often large and affordable apartments and homes in these areas. Okayama can be reached by traveling on a Shinkansen bullet train or using the JR Marine Liner. Can I Live in Japan as a Foreigner? In rural Japan where I live I am watching nature reclaim buildings. A holistic center is located in your house, and you can take part in workshops and retreats there. If you are interested in exploring and checking your options with which city to live in, then dont worry! My job is full-time, and for the most part, I switch between planning lessons in the teachers office and teaching students in the classroom. From there, you can take local buses that run to both Chuzenji Lake and Kinugawa river. Hotels and other accommodations are classified into three types in Japan: Western-style accommodations, ryokan lodging, and minshuku lodging. 5 Best Places to Live in Japan as an Expat or Foreigner The main lesson I learned, after being accepted my language school and waiting for the Certificate of Eligibility (COE) that guarantees visa approval, was that moving to Japan is mostly a question of being able to navigate (really, to wait out) Japans imposing bureaucracy. The country offers a full range of nature and culture, from subtropical beaches to . Its a fairly relaxed job in a fairly relaxed area of the country. Living in Tokyo vs. the Countryside - Japan Insider For tourists, traveling to Kyoto is like traveling to old Japan. Inaka (countryside) represents a different perspective on Japan than simply stating the city. It is true that the majority of the population lives in urban areas (as well as over 30% of those in Tokyo alone), but there are also a large number of rural areas (which account for a large portion of the countrys land area). Osaka. Apartments are rare because of the zoning rule that restricts all buildings from damaging significant cultural sights. Beppu is rural Japan at its best. Bus tickets are relatively cheap, and you can often find discount tickets if you plan your trip in advance. When you are going to buy an iPhone in Japan, you hav, Japan has one of the worst recycling rates of any developed country in the world at 19% according to, Are you planning to move out of your current rented house in Japan? Yamakoshi-mura in Niigata offers a glimpse into the Japanese countryside. $699Weeklong journey through Japan in 2024 | Travelzoo For a more traditional Japanese life and closer ties to nature, Kyoto is the place to be. They believe they are more open and down to Earth. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no additional cost to you. Furthermore, because you live in a place where there is a lot of nature, you can have a better quality of life. "Free houses" in Japan: Where they are and how to get one I want to just live simply in the Japanese countryside. Life in these small towns is different from life in the big city, but this is often for the better, as countryside life comes with many unique advantages that many dont realize exist. These arent valid in Japan for long, though (typically expiring after one year), so you may want to also consider getting a, living in the countryside, online tools will be invaluable! On the other hand, if you are looking for a more relaxed atmosphere then Karatsu might be a better option, as it is known for its tranquil beaches and traditional Japanese architecture. Cities in Japan are backward-thinking when compared to U.S. cities. Maybe this melting pot can be your new home! These are communities with 50,000 or less people who all live close together in residential clusters interspersed with agriculture and thickets of trees. Enjoy living in a much affordable metropolitan city when you stay in Fukuoka. Known as Edo in the 16th century, Tokyo was renamed and set as the countrys capital in 1868. Dubai & Abu Dhabi Europe Bosnia & Herzegovina North America Search Nature in Japan: Where to Go & How to Explore the Japanese Countryside Last updated on: July 31, 2022 Are you interested in exploring rural Japan? If youre a native English speaker, many English teaching jobs, especially for ALTs (or Assistant Language Teachers) are located at schools in rural areas. RH England Review: When Jumbo American Style Hits the English Countryside Try out living in rural Japan, and be prepared for possible culture shock. Here are my top tips: Better yet, find both at once! Renting in rural areas costs around 15,000 yen on average. The names Joe, Im an Assistant Language Teacher who works in the countryside area of a midsized prefecture in Kanto. This includes the trains and buses. If youre new to Japan, living in the middle of nowhere can be especially shocking, so remember to be patient and take one challenge at a time. There are many interesting places to see in the Japanese countryside. Because the scenery from the window looks very beautiful. I learnedquickly tp bringomiyage not only for her, but at least her two neighbours as well to return their kind gifts and gestures. A list of reasons for why you should seriously consider living in the Japanese countryside by a long-time foreign resident. Getting to the countryside of Japan is easy, as there are many transportation options available. For example, if you are looking for an active lifestyle then Nagano might be a good choice, as it is home to many ski resorts and hiking trails. The countryside has everything you need to live a modern life. The advantage of this approach is that your company will do most of the legwork of securing your visa and permitting you residency in the country. The most straightforward way to move to Japan is to gain employment, either with a Japanese company or a foreign company that operates in Japan. It can feel like a land of magic. If you cant wait for a traditional and serene Japanese life, settle down in Kyoto! Surrounded by only very few other foreigners, you will be forced to learn to get by. All Japanese drivers are required to use a second type of map. Here, we recommend checking out Chuzenji Lake, Nikkos scenic lake spot, and Kinugawa river, where you can ride a boat down the river, between tremendous canyons. Tsurui - The Soundscape town of Hokkaido Japan What makes the town of Tsurui unique? That means you can find a large ex-pat community in the city! Living on the coast, in the mountains or surrounded by forest means you dont need to go there it will simply be there. If youre up for Japanese pop culture and life in a city that never sleeps, Tokyo is the place to live in. If youre here, we highly recommend staying at a ryokan on the mountainside, where you can hop into a mud bath onsen while looking out over the town. Around you there will often be tall mountains, green valleys, deep forests, and clear rivers. You can also walk or rent a bike here. Get Paid by the Japanese Government to Move to the Countryside - Japan Unfortunately, being a digital nomad in Japan is much more difficult than it is in the rest of Asia. Toyone-mura, located at the foot of the southern Alps, is one of Japans best snow villages. Experience rural Japan in just 8 days, traveling by train and visiting local farms and small wellness resorts. Instead, we recommend going to Zao in Yamagata if youre looking for a unique experience. Stretching 2,400 kilometers through the western north of the Pacific Ocean and made up of 6,852 islands, where in Japan can you find a place to call home? Please keep your questions to the bottom of this page. Osaka also boasts its unique style in culinary, describing it as filling, delicious, and inexpensive.. There are numerous mountain views, hot springs, and vine bridges to explore. On the downside, wild boars and snakes might also pay a visit (my friend had to remove a raccoon dog from her attic, but only once). On the far side, past a sliding glass door, I also had a balcony with a view over the city and room to hang my clothes. Only a small percentage of the streets have names. While this can mean youll need to jump through a few more hoops (including, in some cases, passing a Japanese-language proficiency test), its also a safe bet for a successful move to Japan, assuming you can prove you have sufficient financial resources. The area has already witnessed many changes over time, but people have preserved Osakas history. 2. Too old for university or just dont want to go now? In the countryside under normal conditions you can live just fine by yourself for around 200.000 - 250.000. Living in cramped quarters can actually lead to decreased well-being and in more extreme cases to psychological issues, accordingto research. To find a Zazen meditation, head east to the foot of the Higashiyama Mountains and visit Gesshin-in temple. As an American English teacher working at a Japanese school in the countryside, I can talk to these benefits. (TIP: If you want to take a different sort of gamble as you await your next trip to Japan, this guide is probably more up your alley.). If you cant find an English-speaking doctor nearby, youll need translation apps, web-based doctors, and websites that sell foods and personal care products. Its cheap, big, and very modern. 5 Best Places to Live in Japan as an Expat Approximately 32% of all expat residents live in just three areas: Tokyo, Nagoya prefecture, and Osaka. Bus service is usually less expensive than trains, though discount fares can be very low on competitive Tokyo routes.
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