Job Discussion Forums

[Mavis the Fat Fairy]

I've just found out that in a couple of weeks I will be headed to Zama, in the Kanagawa Prefecture, just west of Tokyo.

Does anyone know of this place and what it's like?
I've recently taken up climbing and really want to keep it up. Is there much of a climbing scene in Japan, and does anyone know of any climbing walls (indoor or out) in or near to Zama?

I'd also like to take up snowboarding. Any ski slopes nearby I might be able to get to?

I've had a look at a map, but it's not brilliant, so I can't really tell how close to Tokyo it is. Is it a distinct, separate city, or is it really just a Tokyo suburb?

Thanks!
FF

[luckyloser700]

[Brooks]

Zama is where a US military base is located.
It is a city in Kanagawa and is also a Tokyo suburb. People commute to Shinjuku since it is cheaper to live out there.

The air force base is near Atsugi and the planes fly low. You can hear them in Zama.

For rock climbing and skiing, Nagano, Gifu, etc will be where you would want to go. There are mountains in western Kanagawa, called the Tanzawa, but people go there for hiking.

[Chris21]

Zama is in the sticks, and I think it would be better if you had a car. Driving into Tokyo is probably out of the question, but at least with a car you can make it down to the Shonan beach area, and over to Shizuoka for climbing and Nagano for snowboarding. There is a station in Zama on the Odakyu Odawara line, which goes directly into Shinjuku (a good nightlife spot), but it's a local stop and the Odawara line always seems to be packed (so it'll be difficult finding a seat). The train takes about 45 minutes from Zama to Shinjuku.

The Atsugi military base actually isn't in Atsugi. It's closer to Zama than it is to Atsugi (it's in the small cities of Yamato and Ayase). If you're not under a flight path, then you should be ok. If you are, then buy earplugs or learn to appreciate the soothing roar of an F-14 Tomcat buzzing your window.

"Goose, it's time to buzz the tower"

[Willy_In_Japan]

Zama is close to Ebina........a nice littel town for shopping and movies.

There is an Outback Steakhouse in Ebina.

Alos, you can head into Yokohama from Ebina.

[Mavis the Fat Fairy]

Hmm.. not sounding too appealing at the moment. Presumably with a military base near by there will be some kind of nightlife in the town itself? Haven't got a lot of experience with that kind of thing though.

As for a car - sounds pricey. I have a UK driving license, will I need an international one too? How about a bike? Obviously a 40k ride into tokyo is out of the question for a days shopping, but would I be able to cycle into neighbouring towns fairly easily? Is it safe on the roads? Again, not got a lot of biking experience, but would be willing to give it a go as am really not a fan of overcrowded trains!
Or, I could get a motorbike, leather jacket and aviator sunglasses and ride around singing Danger Zone... yes I think I like that idea

[Chris21]

There's an Outback and a movie theater in Ebina?! Nice!

A car might make it easier to get into neighboring towns, but the Odakyu Line is pretty good for getting around (despite the crowds). Ebina, Atsugi, Zama, Sagami-Ono, and Hiratuska are all on the Odakyu Line, and not far from each other. If you're close to the station, it's probably better to use the trains because the roads get pretty crowded (making the train faster). If you have to take the bus from the station to get to your place, then a car might be better (because buses stop running pretty early).
All those cities are on the small side, but do have restaurants and entertainment around the station. Machida is also on the Odakyu line and it's pretty lively. Having a car is best for longer trips (i.e. beach, camping, snowboarding) and trips to the Costco in Machida.

[Mavis the Fat Fairy]

Does anyone know if a UK driving licence is ok, or will I need to get an international one?

[luckyloser700]