Job Discussion Forums

Fedor · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Hey, I realize that this has come up before, but I am in the process of finishing the paperwork for JET, and this is the one thing that I am still not sure about.

I am looking for a place where the climate is forgiving, the nature is beautiful and available, where the cost of living is relatively low, and where the night-life is decent (that includes it being good but in a neighbouring big city). I know its a pretty idealistic mix.

Basically, the list that I have at the moment is

Kyoto, Shizuoka, Nara, Kanazawa.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions which can help me, thats what this thread is here for.

Thanks for your time.

- Fedor

Apsara · Joined: 20 Sep 2005 Posts: 2142 Location: Tokyo, Japan

As far as climate and nature go, Shizuoka is probably the best on the list- supposed to have one of the mildest climates in Japan, plus there's Mt. Fuji and Izu Peninsula, so beaches and onsens. Some of the beaches further down the peninsula are quite nice. Don't know about the nightlife I'm afraid.

JimDunlop2 · Joined: 31 Jan 2003 Posts: 2286 Location: Japan

Yup... pretty idealistic. But let me narrow it down for you... Although not impossible, your chances of getting placed in Kyoto or Nara are slim to slimmer. My understanding (from what others have told me) is that there aren't that many positions available in those areas, so the JETs are few... This means, only a few, special people get to go there... Now, I don't know much about the selection process with JET, but I suspect it would help to have an "in" somewhere to secure such a spot.

As for Shizuoka or Kanazawa, I'd likely choose Shizuoka -- but again, it depends where. Some lovely spots, but honestly, outside of Tokyo, or any large city, the nightlife consists of watching drunk salarymen stagger home from an izakaya... Even in the large cities I was a little disappointed. Most of the cool places that I like close at 11 or so. After that it's a ghost town... (Mind you, some people here will argue with me on that point, but I'm just comparing it with my city back home)... Given that, try for something on Izu (hope you're OK with rural Japan though) but there's some wicked surfing down in Shimoda... Or Shizuoka City may not be a bad mix of city and nature close-by....

Just my two bits....

Good luck.

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

Any major prefectural city in Kyushu would probably suit you. Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Miyazaki and Oita are just a few. Beautiful nature is everywhere (you can have the sea and the mountains in the same afternoon). Entertainment is plentiful and people are generally courteous. The cost of living is considerably lower than Honshu and the weather is warm 9 months of the year.

Revenant · Mod Team Joined: 28 Jul 2005 Posts: 1109

To be honest, your desires are most likely not going to be met no matter what preferences you put down.

Shoot for shizuoka of the ones on your list.

Synne · Joined: 06 Apr 2004 Posts: 269 Location: Tohoku

Forgiving as in extremely hot and humid...

...or as in very hot and humid?

What type of climate are you from would be the big question here if we were to help you choose an area.

kdynamic · Joined: 05 Nov 2005 Posts: 562 Location: Japan

Fedor · Joined: 16 Oct 2005 Posts: 6

Thanks a lot for your input guys.

For the record, I ended up putting Shizuoka, Tokushima, and Nara as my choices.