It’s no secret that the majority of jobs in Japan are located in big cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Many Japanese people believe that in order to be successful, you have to study or work in the capital. Even if you live outside of the city, you’re probably used to taking a jam packed train into a crowded metropolis to get to your job. However, due to Covid-19 many companies have started asking their employees to work from home. Although a vaccine has been developed, the pandemic won’t be ending anytime soon. Furthermore, many companies are planning on allowing their employees to continue working from home even after it is safe to start working in an office again. As a result, some people in Japan have decided to relocate to rural areas. The cost of living is often cheaper, and there are other benefits to life in the countryside, such as being close to nature and experiencing a more traditional lifestyle. If you want a change in pace and are thinking about moving to a rural area, keep reading! Here are some tips for relocating to the countryside in Japan.
Be prepared to live a more traditional Japanese lifestyle
If you’re a foreigner living in a place like Tokyo, you’re probably used to having some of the comforts from home around. While it might be smaller, chances are, your apartment doesn’t look too different from where you lived back home. You can probably eat at some of the same chain restaurants you did as a kid. There are imported goods stores where you can pick up wine, snacks, or food that’s been shipped directly from your home country. Few, if any, of these comforts exist in rural Japan. Depending on the size of the town you move to, there might be a familiar fast food place or two, but you should expect most restaurants to serve Japanese food. Furthermore, you’re more likely to encounter Japanese style toilets when taking a trip to a public restroom. Don’t let any of this deter you from moving to the countryside. Take the opportunity to learn about and experience a different way of living.
You might want to get a car
Public transportation in Japanese cities is amazing, but it’s a bit lackluster in rural areas. You can expect buses and trains to be on time and fairly reliable almost anywhere in Japan. That being said, there are far fewer public transport options in rural areas. In some small towns, buses only come every hour. In addition, there are more places that are difficult or impossible to access via public transport in rural areas. Because everything is a bit more spread out in the countryside, it’s best to at least get a bicycle if you’re relocating to a rural area. While there’s probably a convenience store or grocery shop around the corner from your apartment in Tokyo, you might have to spend 15 minutes on a bike to get to one in the countryside. If you’re moving to a very rural area where public transport is quite limited or wish to go places that aren’t easily accessible by bus or train, it’s best to get a driver’s license and car. If your Japanese skills aren’t the greatest, we recommend going to driving school while you live in the city. There are a number of driving schools in Tokyo that offer classes in English, but the same cannot be said for rural areas.
Get to know your new community
In a large city, you can be largely anonymous. Even if you stand out a bit as a foreigner, there are plenty of other expats in Tokyo. In the countryside, there’s less privacy and everyone knows each other. If you don’t look like the locals, you’ll stand out. Some foreigners report being stared at more or being thought of as a local celebrity. That being said, harassment and discrimination is rare. Even if they are a bit shy and hesitant at first, most locals in rural areas will be welcoming and happy to get to know you. Be polite and respectful, and things will work out, even if you aren’t familiar with the local culture. Many of the residents will be happy to teach you about their traditions and customs. Make an effort to go out to events and meet new people. You’re sure to make friends and become a treasured part of your new community.
Take advantage of the opportunity to improve your language skills
If Japanese isn’t your native language and you live in a big city, you’re likely to be able to hang out with people who speak your mother tongue. This is especially the case if your first language is one that is commonly spoken in Japan, like English or Mandarin. This won’t be the case in the countryside. Most locals, especially the older ones, will only speak Japanese. Use this opportunity to improve your language skills. Make new friends or keep some seniors company and practice your Japanese. Even if your Japanese is fluent, you might be able to learn some new things about the language by moving to a rural area. Many locals in the countryside speak a local dialect. You’ll have the chance to learn about and pick up a few words in a variety of Japanese that you won’t get to hear in Tokyo.
Even if relocating doesn’t work out right now, you can always retire in the countryside
If relocating to the countryside is a dream of yours but it just isn’t going to work out right now, you might get a chance when you’re older. Many Japanese people who work in Tokyo return to their country hometowns or relocate to a different rural area when they retire. There are also some people who grew up in a city that decide to leave once they reach retirement age. With no job to commute to, you’ll be free to move wherever you like. And if you’re a foreigner who’s managed to stay in Japan long enough to retire, you’ll probably have permanent residency or another way of staying in Japan long term. People are living longer and longer these days. Old age might be the best time to achieve your dream of living in rural Japan.
