Job Discussion Forums

DaleC · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

Hello, everyone. This is probably about the first time I have ever posted here. I have learned a lot reading the various threads and I must say there is some great information here.

I have recently been accepted by Aeon and offered a spot in Morioka. I have read everything I could find easily on the internet and in a few travel guides that I have. But, I was wondering if anyone could offer me some first hand knowledge of the city. I am aware of its relatively smaller size, and the weather and all the general facts. But, I have been having trouble finding people who have actually visited the place. Does anyone have some stories to share?

Canuck2112 · Joined: 13 Jun 2003 Posts: 239

I've never lived there but I've passed through a few times...

It seemed like a decent place. "Felt" about as big as Fukushima city, although I'm not sure of the population. There were some cool bars to go to, as well as a recently built movie theatre. I got the impression that the foreign population was relatively small there...I got a LOT of curious looks from people.

Iwate prefecture is probably the most underrated and one of the least visited areas in Japan. Its too bad, because there's lots of good things to see. If you ski you're in for a treat..."Appi" ski resort is probably the best in all of Tohoku IMO. Quite a bit of history too...check out Hiraizumi when you go, its an old samurai town with a bunch of temples. Also, living in Morioka puts you on the Shinkansen line...if you get bored you can head down to Tokyo.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 12:51 am Post subject: Re: Morioka

Assuming you're talking Morioka in Iwate then I may be able to offer some thoughts, having spent three years living there.

What would you like to know?

AndyH · Joined: 30 Sep 2004 Posts: 417

Like Canuck, I have only passed through there. It seemed like a nice city. However, Cthulu seems to know more, so i'll defer.....

In general, I think Tohoku (northern Honshu) is an interesting part of Japan, and if cold winters don't bother you, it seems like a good place to be.

DaleC · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

Three years, wow, excellent. I am not sure where to start. I guess, being an avid computer, and other electronics, user one of my first questions is always wondering what the set up for AC is. I have been told that it can very between different regions of Japan.

My second question would be wondering if you have any recommendations on places to keep in mind for finding books in English, the more readily available the less I need to carry after all.

I am sure that I will be told many good places to eat and drink by most people around there. But, if there are any good places for shopping for imported goods, or clothing (particularly in North American sizes) it could be useful.

Also, any general comments of the feeling of the place would be nice. If you stayed there for 3 years I would assume you found something that you liked and I always like to hear stories if you don't mind sharing some better aspects of the city.

Thank you very much

parrothead · Joined: 02 Nov 2003 Posts: 342 Location: Japan

It's a fantastic city, IMO, and like one poster wrote, a bit under-rated. As far as books go, there are not too many places in the Tohoku region with a large selection of English books. You might find amazon.co.jp to be the easiest method of finding books.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sun Jan 13, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

Sage · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Iwate no inaka!

Morioka is great. Cold weather, small city, friendly people, and lots of access to winter sports!

As far as PC stuff goes there are a few electronics shops here. Also, the new movie theater is in the koke biru, err, MOSS Building. All movies after 8PM are only 1000 yen, too. Woo. They just built a Round 1 near the station as well with 5 games for 1500 yen! There are TWO Aeon (malls) here (within a 10 min drive of each other O_o)!!!

If only freeking Yodabashi Camera would open up here - then this would be the best place in the world. Sadly, you have to hoof it down to Sendai to get to one. Also no Loft in Morioka yet Sad

As for English books... the book store in the MO)SS Building has a great selection of English books of all types. However, why pay double cover price for an English book when you can order from your home on Amazon.co.jp for (usually) cover price + conversion + small markup? And, they offer COD and free shipping as well. Oh, and you can use Amazon.co.jp in ENGLISH too, btw. Smile

There are three import FOOD stores in Morioka. The expensive one in Morioka Station (Jupiter). It has the best selection but they charge you for it. The coffee based one in New Aeon. Their selection is half or less of Jupiter but the prices aren't as high. And the Beer/Wine one (Yamaya) near Toys R Us. They have the cheapest prices and have lots of Indian/Thai stuff like curry mixes and snacks.

Enjoy.

I met my angelic wife here so I'm all for Morioka.[/i]

Sage · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Iwate no inaka!

DaleC · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

Well, I must say, I like the support for the city. I am sure I will enjoy it greatly. Especially the access to snow. Amazing, I must live in one of the few places in Canada that doesn't have snow during the winter.

Out if curiosity, how are the food prices around there? I mean at a grocery store, restaurants from what I know are pretty universal in their prices.

Sage · Joined: 09 Apr 2003 Posts: 144 Location: Iwate no inaka!

Yeah...

If you have a car you have access to what... five or six ski resorts within an hour drive of the city...?

Amihari, Iwate-kogen, Shizukuishi, APPI (King of Snow), Namari, uhh... and the others. haha.

worldwide_soul · Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 16

I live in Morioka and really like this city. While being smallish for a Japanese city, there is lots to do in the area. If you're looking to meet foreign people, there's also a fairly vibrant and welcoming foreign community here.

DaleC · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

I will have to remember that for when I arrive. I am not scheduled to be there until sometime in June.

G Cthulhu · Posted: Sun Jan 27, 2008 8:27 pm Post subject:

DaleC · Joined: 11 Jan 2008 Posts: 10

Well, that is always a good thing to hear. I didn't expect to find it much different in price, but just wanted to make sure. If I really want to remember my diet in Canada I guess I can always find the nearest McDs and remember why it isn't always a good thing.