Job Discussion Forums

[Canadian_Krista]

Hello everyone,
I have my interview at ECC tomorrow and I'm just putting my 'finishing touches' on their application. The question that I'm having the toughest time answering is-where would I like to be located?? The options are Osaka, Nagoya, Tokyo, or someplace rural. I know I don't want to be somewhere rural so that's out-but as for the others, I'm not quite sure what to do! I've spent a great deal of time on the internet trying to figure out what city best suits me and I'm not sure-so I thought I'd look to you guys for advice.
I'm looking for a city rich with history/culture. Essentially-somewhere beautiful! Even if these beautiful things aren't directly in the city (ie. I know Osaka was pretty much destroyed during the war and now the city is very modern-but apparently Kyoto is beautiful...), I'd like to be somewhere that the distance to travel to get to them isn't too great. I enjoy parks and greenery and mountains. Climate doesn't bother me too much. I do want to be able to travel quite a bit while I'm there, both locally and to places such as Korea/China/Thailand and so forth.
Okay-thanks guys!
Krista

[stillnosheep]

Osaka.

The area includes Nara and Kyoto, it is closer to Shikoku and Kyushu and boats to China (Shanghai) are cheap.

[PAULH]

[luckyloser700]

Nagoya is as ugly as it gets and has, arguably, the worst regional food in the country (Even Japanese people will tell you this). You can't go wrong with Kyoto, but if you like nightlife, Osaka is better. And, as has already been mentioned, Kyoto is only 30 mins from Osaka by train. Also, Osaka has some of the best food in the country.

[markle]

In defence of Nagoya.
1 It's no uglier than the other two
2. It's smaller so you don't have to go as far to get out of the city
3 you could go your whole life and never have to eat the regional cuisine.

[luckyloser700]

[Firestarter]

Guide books, especially Lonely Planet, tend to go way overboard on Kyoto. Don't get me wrong, I like the city, especially the surrounding mountains. But I won't ever forget my disappointment when I pulled into Kyoto for the first time and realised it was pretty much like any other city in Japan, just with more temples and some built in scenery.

Remember that the Osaka area on ECC's form is actually Kansai area (Kobe, Kyoto, Osaka) and you could be placed anywhere in that region. I'd definitly suggest Kansai over Chubu or Kanto and probably Kobe in particular. But it's a great area in general with access to a lot of what's good in Japan. It seems ECC does a pretty good job of getting people more or less where they want to be placed - especially if you're flexible with when you start.

Keep in mind also the differing working conditions in each district too. My understanding is that teaching in Kansai involves slightly more kids classes and if you're in Osaka probably some Web lessons. I think living in Tokyo sets you up for bigger commutes. Ask about that sort of thing to give you a better idea.

All in all, ECC is a pretty solid deal wherever you're at, so don't stress too much and enjoy the experience.

[markle]

[Canadian_Krista]

Thanks all!
I was leaning towards the Kansai area so, I was glad to have the positive reinforcement of others. It helped me make both to make and feel more confident in my decision. I put on the list that Osaka and surrounding area is my first choice, then Tokyo, then Nagoya. Really have my fingers crossed for Osaka though...
The interview/recruitment day went rather well I think. I'll find out early May whether or not I've got a position.
Thanks for your help!

[sallycat]

kyoto is an ugly city with beautiful things in it, and some beautiful areas. as for nightlife: depends. kyoto often has international djs coming through -- the scene is smaller than osaka but also funkier and less sleazy. but osaka would be ok as a starting point.

nagoya: famous as the home of pachinko.

tokyo: it is a source of immense pride to me that i managed to live in japan for 7 years without ever setting foot in tokyo. i'm sure it's fine, though.

[luckyloser700]

[TABING]

Kyoto!!!

Worked in a nightclub there as a "host", one of the best years of my life.

[angrysoba]

[TABING]

Yeah, Yeah, I know, but maybe he'll get another offer from Kyoto, and then he'll know where to go.

I was ther in 1972, probably before a lot of you were even born, it was beautiful then, and I'm certain they haven't torn down all the temples with their beautiful gardens etc.

[seanmcginty]

The gardens and temples are still there, but the city itself is drab and ugly like every other Japanese city. From what I've read, the city was still quite attractive until 30 years or so ago when all the wooden homes started being demolished and replaced by the concrete and plastic eyesores that dominate the scenery today.

I've always preferred Nara for this reason. Most of the main temples and shrines are centrally located in the park only a couple blocks from the station and the rest (Horyuji, Yakushiji etc) are located in the countryside surrounding the city. So you can see the important sites without having to walk through ugly urban blight. In Kyoto on the other hand all the sites are spread out on the periphary of the city centre (which is much larger than Nara). And none of them are near the station, except Toji which is on the opposite side from the rest. So if you want to go to see the sites there you have to travel through long stretches of grey ugliness in between each site. Creates a very unpleasant impression on the visitor. The only exception is Higashiyama, where you've got several temples and shrines in a row within walking distance of each other. But even there you have to travel a couple kilometres through downtown ugliness from the station.