Job Discussion Forums

[musicmunky]

Hi people! I'm moving to Saitama city in just under one month, to the Minami-ku area. I have only read quite negative things online about Saitama (not exciting city, not much to do even though built up). I cannot find much information online about expats in Saitama or things going on. Does anyone know what the area is like to live in as a teacher? Such as...

1. What is there to do? Good places to hang out?
2. Any beautiful parks/nature areas in the city to spend free time?
3. Is it safe?
4. Is it very expensive? Being so close to Tokyo...
5. Is it easy to get around the city on a bike? Can you cycle around or is it too big, so I would have to use public transport getting to different areas in the city?
6. Is it easy to get to any beaches/other decent places nearby without spending lots of money?
7. Are there things like yoga classes held in the city and chilled cafes? Or is it a pure suburban sprawl?

I would really appreciate any feedback from people who have experience living there or know people who have. I'm just a bit disappointed with what I've read, moving to Japan is going to be an exciting experience, but it would be good to read positive things about the place I'm going to live in for a year. If you know of any websights or expat sights about things to see and do I would love to see that too. I'm so keen to learn more about Japan, so I'm going to go there with an open mind, but info would be great. Thanks alot

[Apsara]

Pretty much all the same things as I said about Warabi in kojimoji's recent thread also go for Saitama city, which is just to the north of Warabi and is just another part of the greater Kanto sprawl, but just happens to be a different administrative area from Warabi.

Saitama city is actually several smaller cities which amalgamated about 10 years ago, so is quite large, however as usual in Japan you will find most amenities are clustered around the larger stations- in the case of Saitama city I would say Omiya or Urawa, depends which part of the city you live in and which train line you use most.

To get to the beach from central Saitama is a long day trip and the train fares aren't the cheapest. You are probably looking at at least two hours each way to either the Chiba coast or Kanagawa.

Saitama prefecture is not famous for its nature or chilled places. On the very western border of the prefecture is the Chichibu area which has some decent hiking, but I just checked on a journey time website and Chichibu is at least 90 minutes by train from Omiya, one of the main stations of Saitama city.

Don't think in terms of just Saitama city for recreation- you will not even realise when you have crossed the border from one city into another. Public transport in the Kanto region is very comprehensive and and you can be in Shinjuku or Ikebukuro in central Tokyo quickly and easily. Expats in Saitama almost always head to Tokyo for fun, which is why you won't be finding much info just for Saitama.

Saitama prefecture is mostly flat, so easy to cycle around. Most people just cycle to and from the station or the supermarket.

These days I'm pretty sure you would find a yoga studio or two around Omiya and Urawa stations, and if not then Shinjuku has lots of them.

[womblingfree]

Aren't the John Lennon museum and Saitama Stadium here?

The museum's well worth a look, and there's always stuff going on at the stadium.

Some beautiful forests in the region as well.

On a cultural note you'll find that Tokyo-ites have a snotty attitude towards Saitama. Mostly because it's quite countrified (in comparison).

It's nickname is Dasaitama! Dasai meaning 'unfashionable/uncool'.