Job Discussion Forums

[ellethecat]

hello. I just got news of my placement in Hiroshima. Im wondering if there's anything I need to be prepared for especially. It looks like its large enough to get around easily and I assume there are plenty of english speakers. Are teh foreigner-friendly there? is it unbearably hot/humid or just about average? i assume its not too cold by its location, but I understand there are mountains nearby... can I get american goods there?
Anything i need to know as a newbee going there for first time.
thanks!!!

[Iwantmyrightsnow]

[PAULH]

[easyasabc]

I live pretty close to Hiroshima in a smaller city and used to work right in the centre of Hiroshima.

It is a nice city. Big enough to have stuff to do but not too big and ugly. Being from Australia I find the Winters very cold in Japan but actually the Winters in Hiroshima are not as cold as some other places. Summers are hot and humid but almost everywhere in Japan is like that.

The downtown area is really easy to get around because it's pretty flat if you are on a bike or has cheap trams/streetcars as well as buses if you take public transport.

Yep - there are mountains neary which apparently have decent skiing.

If you want any specific info, PM me and I should be able to help.

[ellethecat]

try www.gethiroshima.com[/quote]

yes. i did already find this. I guess i was looking for more personal information. When i look at this, I don't get the same feel as when i look at info on, say, the kansai region. Im just wondering about the flavor of it. I like the population of it and apparently its easy to get around, but i hope there is still alot of traditionalism? im concerned because i read that the region is more industrial.

[Iwantmyrightsnow]

Gethiroshima used to be quite good but it seems they have just closed the forums down. Threat of being sued or something.

[Longing for Nippon]

I spent a couple of days in Hiroshima doing the tourist thing. I found the city very nice with a friendly population. The bars I found were all in the middle of the red light district though! Makes nights out a bit more exotic!
I wouldnt worry about it being industrialised, most of Japan is. The great attraction of Hiroshima is the wonderful island if Miyajima which is very picturesque. You can escape any city blues there.
I spent most of my time in Osaka when I stayed in Japan and thought Hiroshima had a good standard of living in comparison. Its not as claustrophobic and the Memorial Park adds a sense of tranquility.
There is a US Military base close by and I believe there is a bit of trouble with them. I remeber reading about a shooting last year, extremely unusual for Japan, involving some GI's and a Japanese man. It probably explained why the hookers on the street never approached the western guys too. The GI's will no doubt terrorize them when on leave. Maybe somebody who lives in Hiroshima long term can add to this?

[easyasabc]

[ellethecat]

quote="Longing for Nippon"] Hiroshima has LOTS of bozozoku and general undesirables.

should I be worried about this? im a vey low key (Canadian) girl. I definatly dont want to mix with GIs or gangsters....

[Longing for Nippon]

I really wouldnt worry, Hiroshima will be a great place to live and work. Japan is far safer than other developed countries if not the safest in the world.
I never crossed paths with the GIs whe I was there and I am sure you can avoid them if they are in town.
If it turns out you dont like the place you can move with relative ease to another ESL school. I would recommend Osaka and Kobe. Very central and lots to see and do. Kyotos not far either.
You can private mail me if you have any other queries.