Job Discussion Forums

lost_voyageur · Joined: 19 Dec 2004 Posts: 9 Location: Ottawa

I guess honesty is not always the best policy -Doh!

Gordon, can you tell me what Shikoku is like in a nut shell? Although I have never been to Japan, of all the islands Shikoku appealled to me the most.

Peace

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Shikoku is quite rural. With the exception of Matsuyama, there are no big cities. People are friendly, udon is great as are the mikans (mandarin oranges). Quiet beaches, little traffic, some call it boring, but depends on what you are looking for and your perspective. I wouldn't trade it for Tokyo or Osaka in a second.

TokyoLiz · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 1548 Location: Tokyo, Japan

Lived in Uwajima City as a JET particpant for one year. It was heaven in a lot of ways - really quiet, beautiful scenery, friendly people, some of the best food in Japan, but it's pretty far from the action. Matsuyama is about 2 hours up on the express train, and it's fun to go play there - pubs, karaoke and the usual amusements can be found there.

It really depends what you need - if you want to live the life of Majo no Takyubin, then yes, it's heaven. If you're more James Bond, it might not turn you on. If you don't know Majo no Takyubin (Kiki's Delivery Service) go see http://www.nausicaa.net/miyazaki/kiki/

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

Shikoku is a pretty good place to live. The north coast is pretty grim and industrial, but the four prefectural capitals are all pretty attractive places. Matsuyama is large enough to enjoy yourself and get most of what you'll need, and is pretty well connected to a lot of different places via ferry/bus/train/plane.
Shikoku is probably not a bad place to save money as well, as rents tend to be a lot lower than on the mainland.
Outside the four main cities, you could be a little isolated as there won't be many other foreigners about.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

David W · Joined: 17 Jan 2003 Posts: 457 Location: Japan

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

What part of the north coast?
Pretty much industrial the whole way from Sakaide to Imabari as David W suggests.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

I agree with that too. The eastern side of Takamatsu towards Tokushima is quite nice with some scenic beaches.

Lynn · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 696 Location: in between

I also spent a year on Shikoku on the JET program. It was almost 20 years ago and definetly one of the best experiences in my life. It was quiet and peaceful. People were friendly and honest, and quite willing to help me out. And I agree that it was beautiful. I was just 30 minutes from the coast and 30 minutes from some of the best hiking ever. Also I love the summers...hot and humid and perfect for river swimming.

Speed · Joined: 04 Jul 2003 Posts: 152 Location: Shikoku Land

Akula the shark · Joined: 06 Oct 2004 Posts: 103 Location: NZ

Shikoku does really have a lot of things going for it. You will cop a little more racism and ignorance than you will in the big cities, but people tend to be friendlier on average and it's easy to get out into the country.
I only left due to the fact that the only work available is English teaching basically. Would have liked to have stayed and done something else, but wasn't possible I'm afraid.