Job Discussion Forums

CarolinaBen · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 78

I have been placed in Nasushiobara, and I am having trouble finding any information about the area on the internet. I was wondering if anyone on this site was familiar with the area.

How is the cost of living?
Are there any nightlife options? haha so far it looks like there are not
Any info would be appreciated

Inflames · Joined: 02 Apr 2006 Posts: 486

I've never been there but a few seconds of searching (in Japanese) got some results.

There are 110,000 people there so it's actually a small city. There'll be some nightlife but not much. The nearest big city is Utsunomiya and it's about an hour by train.

The town's homepage just has the usual stuff. Ironically they're hiring ALTs directly (it's the second thing on their website) but they don't bother to put it on the English version of their website (they have the requirements and resume in English and Japanese although the requirements are a bit different for each).

jillybean · Joined: 01 Jul 2011 Posts: 32 Location: JAPAN

You are with PKC, right? Just wondering: what did you list as your preferences? I was just curious as to how much that factors into one's placement.

Tuan · Joined: 05 Feb 2011 Posts: 38 Location: Netherlands

I haven't been to Nasushiobara but my hometown is Utsunomiya. That area in northern Tochigi is a very popular for its hot springs (onsen). One of my old friends was living in the area don't know if he still lives there or not.

http://tochigi.fromoz.com/search/label/nasushiobara
That is his blog, but I don't think it has been updated recently.

cat mother · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 62

There's nothing really in Nasushiobara, it's a resort kind of town, some onsens, that sort of stuff. But there are mountains everywhere and lots of outdoorsy things to do. There's a ski resort nearby. Still, it's a lovely place if you like peace and quiet and are into nature.
Nightlife? I doubt it.
I'm down in Uts, but we go up to Nasu(shiobara) pretty often (to the outlet mall). Just remember, even though it may say it has over 100 000 inhabitants, it's VERY spread out. Geographically, it's quite big and you will need a car to get around, most likely.

PS. There's some sort of a Christian mission up there with foreign missionaries and the city is looking to hire 9 ALTs for the next school year, so you won't be the only gaijin in town. No worries.

CarolinaBen · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 78

Thanks for the info everyone. I just hope for at least one drinking establishment. I don't ask for much. Does anyone know anything about the cost of living? As for having a car, I won't be able to afford one with the salary I am making. I can walk and\or bike. Is it really that bad there?

cat mother · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 62

Not sure what you mean by "cost of living" - it seems to be a catchphrase that means different things to different people... It's a bit more expensive there than in Utsunomiya. It's a touristy place, so you have to be careful where you do your shopping, but without a car you'll be limited.

As for walking/biking everywhere, I hope your apartment will be close to your school, then it's doable. But generally, in Tochigi, if you want quality of life, then you need a car. It's not Tokyo where there's a train station around every corner.

Can't help you with drinking establishments, because I don't drink, but I'm sure there's a drinking / karaoke place there. There must be.

I love Nasu(shiobara) - I'm writing it like that, because next door you have a town called Nasu and generally people will just say "Nasu" meaning both Nasu and Nasushiobara - and would move there in a heartbeat. But I like rural places.

CarolinaBen · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 78

I commute to all 4 of my schools via train.........I have been told that I am very close to the train station

cat mother · Joined: 22 Sep 2009 Posts: 62

Can you find out where exactly your schools are? Station names? I have a feeling you'll be going to nearby towns - Nasu, Otawara and possibly up to Shirakawa in Fukushima.

PS. If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'll drive up to Nasushiobara and take some photos. Need to go to the mall there anyway Smile

CarolinaBen · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 78

That would be really really nice of you......I would love to see the area close to the train station.......I am a bit apprehensive, but also very excited. I have no idea where my schools will be at this point. I will find out during training.

yamanote senbei · Joined: 28 Jun 2005 Posts: 435

CarolinaBen · Joined: 22 Nov 2010 Posts: 78

That doesn't worry me, however if my mom saw it she would freak out even more haha