Results 1 to 9 of 9
1 Likes
  • 1 Post By Davey

Thread: Where in Japan should I live based on cultural and geographical accessibility?

  1. #1
    Junior Member Female
    Join Date Apr 25, 2012
    Location NSW
    Posts 1
    Australia

    Where in Japan should I live based on cultural and geographical accessibility?


    国際交流パーティー - Tokyo International Party

    Hi there!

    I'm planning to teach english in Japan next year.
    Whilst I know I won't have a final say on where I get positioned, I was wondering which areas/cities/prefectures etc... I should put as my preference?
    In Australia I'm part of a Taiko club and an Onikenbai club, so I'd like to be somewhere where I can be involved in the culture (I don't think I could go a whole year without playing taiko!). I'm not very intersted in living in a large city, but being in a place where there is a bit of a night life and foreign community would be nice... It would also be a plus to be somewhere where I could travel easily to other areas.

    I know this is a bit of a tough ask but any suggestions?

    Thanks
  2. #2
    Just me Male
    Join Date Aug 20, 2003
    Location Hokkaido, Japan (American)
    Posts 2,966
    Japan-Hokkaido
    Look, go to any foreign land and you will be "involved in the culture". So, based solely on that criterion, you don't really have any special need to consider anywhere in Japan. It's all new culture.

    Don't want a BIG city, but want SOME night life? Obviously, a mid-sized city is where you should set your sights. Access to "other areas" is pretty straightforward unless you live in the boonies of Hokkaido or Okinawa.

    Just put in your application to the big eikaiwa and hope for the best. Like you wrote, you really don't have much of a choice here.
  3. #3
    Admin Male
    Join Date Feb 5, 2005
    Location Kobe, Rokko
    Age 28
    Posts 7,085
    Japan-Hyogo
    I would choose for Kobe, which isn't too big but near to Osaka, Himeji, Nara, and Kyoto (within 1.5 hour). There are some (heaps) of foreigners, and a "nightlife".
    Petaris likes this.
    Forum Rules - FAQ
    Follow us on: Twitter - Facebook

  4. #4
    Sailing away... Male
    Join Date Aug 3, 2007
    Location NW Wisconsin
    Posts 399
    United States
    I agree with Davey. Kansai region has always seemed pretty nice when I visit, though I know that doesn't compare to actually having lived there.
    --------------
    - Petaris

    "The World is Open. Are You?"
  5. #5
    Junior Member Male
    Join Date May 2, 2012
    Location Raleigh
    Posts 6
    United States
    Fukuoka is a wonderful community with a lot of nightlife and many foreigners. It is called the anti-Tokyo because it does not feel like a big city. It is a very foreigner friendly city as well. If it is a bit too big for your tastes you could try just north in Kitakyushu. I am soon returning to Japan and rather agree with you about liking mid-sized cities with foreign communities. Other places to check our might be Shizuoka or Yamagata.
  6. #6
    Delusions of Adequacy Male
    Join Date Mar 15, 2002
    Location Japan
    Posts 8,720
    Japan-Gunma
    I think we may have another drive-by poster.
  7. #7
    Regular Member Female
    Join Date Jun 18, 2012
    Location Kansai
    Posts 211
    Japan
    I suggest the Kansai area, because you'd be in the middle of Japan and traveling from there to anywhere will be very convenient.
    For the foreign community I second the Kobe suggestion!
    Kobe is one of my favorite cities in Japan. Another one is Nagasaki, but that would make traveling a bit more difficult for you.

    You can get involved with the culture and the people anywhere!
    If you're truly interested in that, then I don't understand why you're asking about a foreign community!
    A small city in the countryside with good access to bigger cities would give you the best options to really dive into Japanese culture.
  8. #8
    Delusions of Adequacy Male
    Join Date Mar 15, 2002
    Location Japan
    Posts 8,720
    Japan-Gunma
    He made one post and apparently never came back. Answering him is a waste of time.
  9. #9
    Regular Member Female
    Join Date Jun 18, 2012
    Location Kansai
    Posts 211
    Japan
    Unfortunately trolls like that are anywhere, but just for the sake of other members that might have a similar question I thought I should answer.

    Thanks!

Similar Threads

  1. Are home based businesses big in Japan?
    By waiorawealth in forum Working in Japan
    Replies: 19
    Last Post: Dec 13, 2007, 02:28
  2. Which japan based online game to play?
    By アシピレン in forum All Things Japanese
    Replies: 17
    Last Post: Jan 7, 2005, 12:52
  3. Site accessibility
    By thomas in forum Site Feedback/Admin Contact
    Replies: 4
    Last Post: Feb 2, 2003, 04:03
  4. cultural :: greetings :: work based
    By moyashi in forum Japan Practical
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: Oct 8, 2002, 05:05

Tags for this Thread

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts

About JREF

JREF is a travel, language and study guide on all things Japanese, with a constantly growing travel section, a discussion forum, a section on Japanese language, a Japan gallery, a comprehensive directory, a Japan-related classifieds section and a place where you can find Japanese friends, pen pals, or more.
Copyright © 1999-2013 Japan Reference All Rights Reserved