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Chris K
Joined: 16 Feb 2006
Posts: 1
Location: Mihara, Japan
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 Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 12:37 am Post subject: Teaching in Mihara & Fukuyama - looking for advice |
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Hi everyone,
It seems like the day I've been waiting for is coming up quicker and quicker. I recently signed a contract with AEON to teach english in Japan. I'll be living in Mihara, Hiroshima and teaching there 3 days a week and also teaching in Fukuyama for the other 2 days of my work week. I'm really just looking for anyone who's been to either of these cities before. I'm finding it especially tough to get information or feedback from anyone that's been to Mihara before, because it's a much smaller city. I have a lot of questions (obviously) but I'm looking for some general advice from veteran teachers. Anything you could offer would help.
What's the food like? How easy is it to cook for yourself at home? I'm very open to different foods (and I should be!!!) but I don't know what grocery shopping in Japan is like. Plus, I'm pretty sure my little fridge won't be able to hold that much stuff - how do you deal with that?
Also, what's bicycling to work like everyday? What if it's raining/snowing?
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to this experience, but I could use some friendly advice. Thanks in advance!!!  |
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PAULH
Joined: 28 Jan 2003
Posts: 4672
Location: Western Japan
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| Posted: Tue Apr 04, 2006 2:57 am Post subject: Re: Teaching in Mihara & Fukuyama - looking for advice |
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| Chris K wrote: |
Hi everyone,
It seems like the day I've been waiting for is coming up quicker and quicker. I recently signed a contract with AEON to teach english in Japan. I'll be living in Mihara, Hiroshima and teaching there 3 days a week and also teaching in Fukuyama for the other 2 days of my work week. I'm really just looking for anyone who's been to either of these cities before. I'm finding it especially tough to get information or feedback from anyone that's been to Mihara before, because it's a much smaller city. I have a lot of questions (obviously) but I'm looking for some general advice from veteran teachers. Anything you could offer would help.
What's the food like? How easy is it to cook for yourself at home? I'm very open to different foods (and I should be!!!) but I don't know what grocery shopping in Japan is like. Plus, I'm pretty sure my little fridge won't be able to hold that much stuff - how do you deal with that?
Also, what's bicycling to work like everyday? What if it's raining/snowing?
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to this experience, but I could use some friendly advice. Thanks in advance!!! |
I cant help you with specific questions on Mihara but can only speak very generally about life here.
http://www.thejapanfaq.com/
A lot depends on the apartment you get. If you are in a one-room mansion it will be quite small, maybe the size of a bedroom with small kitchen, bathroom and toilet. A small hotel-size fridge and gas range is included. If you are sharing it may be already furnished
When I first came to Japan I lived in a small place but never ate at home. i only had one element on a small stove. Its good for boiling water for ramen and easy meals. Mostly I ate out.
Glenski can give more advice but I would probably suggest you make stews or casseroles and freeze stuff such as soups etc. you can buy food daily at the convenience store but its processed food, expensive and not very nutritious. Fruit and vegetables are plentiful not expensive and you can get good deals at the supermarket especially near closing time as they get rid of perishables.
Labels will be in japanese only so its a good idea to learn how to read katakana and hiragana. Many things you wont know whats in the packages.
You can buy most western food but if you want Twinkies and Mars bars you had best order from Foreign Buyers club in Kobe. You can also buy organic or vegetarian food if you are into that.
Food runs the whole gamut. Japanese eat a lot of fish, beef, chicken as well as vegetables. Whale meat is on the menu and they also eat horse meat (baniku)
Seafood can be eaten raw but usually dipped in sauce and with horseradish. Sushi restaurants are plentiful and if you sit at the counter you can point out what you want from the chef.
Japanese grill a lot of stuff and Hiroshima okonomiyaki (like a type of pancake) is very famous and quite filling. they cook the food in front of you on a hotplate. Yakisoba, okonomiyaki, yakitori are favorites.
I live in Kyoto so i dont know Hiroshima well. I cycle to the station no problem, even when it snows. Best get rain wear or an umbrella in bad weather. I have a mountain bike but many people ride shopping bikes to the station or work. I usually take a taxi or walk if there is a cyclone in which case school might be closed. |
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