Moving to Japan, where to go...?

Question

I will be moving to Japan to work next year and can request a location. I'm American, speak no Japanese, but want to get as much as possible out of the experience. I'm interested in learning the language and culture, but also want to be able to converse in English any locals that do speak it. I also favor a warmer climate, etc. beaches for surfing and whatnot. What are some locations I should look into to help answer my question? I'm open to any personal preferences, opinions, experiences. Thanks for the help.

Answer 1

I second Michinoku2001's advice! I live in Shizuoka now and it's my second time here...it's WONDERFUL. It is an amazing prefecture...the locals have so much pride...and other Japanese people WANT to live/retire here. The weather is great...all four seasons, but fairly mild...and you can swim, surf, ski, snowboard, you name it! The first time I lived here, I was in a beautiful portside town and not far from lots of green tea fields; now I'm slightly more inland with a GORGEOUS view of Mt. Fuji nearly every day. You can't go wrong with the Shiz!
P.S. We're famous for green tea, strawberries, mikan (tangerines), eel, roses...and our national title winning J-League soccer team, Shimizu S-Pulse! Pretty cool, huh?

Answer 2

If you don't speak Japanese then you'll have a very hard time outside the major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. Even Tokyo has a lack of english speaking people. Also winter is very harsh throughout almost all of Japan. Don't think you'll find somewhere warm unless you are only staying in the late spring through fall.

You're best bet for living is somewhere like Machida prefecture in Tokyo. It can be an hour from places like Shibuya but it is a nice area with some decent prices for apartments. I found one apartment in Osaki/Gotanda area that was decently priced called the B-Site apartments in Osaki. Osaki is halfway on the JR Yamanote line between Shibuya and Tokyo. Also there is the Rinkai line nearby which goes to Daiba Tokyo Teleport and all the way to one stop from Disney.

If you want surfing and beach type atmosphere you'll want to go further south I think but honestly, from what I know of Japanese beaches... they are not well kept. Most have litter and those that don't are covered with thousands of people in the summer. It's just that if you want to speak english and be able to go shopping or to clubs, izakayas, arcades and so on then you'll want to be in Tokyo. Most of Japanese culture today is found there. Most of the places people would check out are Ikebukuro, Akihabara, Shibuya, Harajuku, Shinjuku, Tokyo and others.

Anywhere you go though, people will mostly be kind and try to help you if you don't speak Japanese. I recommend just searching around for information about the areas I mentioned. It depends on what you find interesting. I've been to many places throughout Tokyo and have always found something fun to do and somewhere to go.

Answer 3

I guess Tokyo if you want English speaking friends and the exciting fast-paced city life.

Or if you like warmer climate, you can always try out Okinawa.
There's a big US base down there so I'm sure you'll be able to make english speaking friends down there too.

If you hate cold winters stay away from anywhere north past Tokyo. Or at least Saitama.

Oh and if you like surfing Chiba prefecture has nice waves I hear.
Around the Kuju Kuri Hama area.

Answer 4

Maybe you should try Shizuoaka. It's got great beaches and surfing, no snow and a nice view of Fuji. I lived in Shizuoaka city at one time and I really enjoyed it. I could walk to my work and to the beach from my apartment. In fact it's Shizuoka (Shimizu to be precise) that's depicted in the anime series "Chibi Maruko-chan".

Answer 5

Bets city in Japan is Tokyo.
But you sure will have a tough time not knowing Japanese.
As you're keen to learn new languages n know about different cultures...I guess it won't be much of a problem for you.

Check these sites:

http://www.timeout.com/travel/tokyo

http://gojapan.about.com/cs/planner101/a/wheretogo.htm

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-191501636-japan_vacations-i

Good Luck.
Have Fun.

Answer 6

Tokyo is the place to be, but it costs a lot to live there.