Job Discussion Forums

purple_piano

Hi all,

Well I got through the AEON application process and I'm heading out to Kokura in June. Wahoo!

Obviously I've searched online and in guidebooks for information about the area but I was just wondering if anyone had any personal experience of the area that they'd share.

Bit of background information on me. I'm 24, female and from England. I did my CELTA earlier this year but the AEON job is my first "teaching" position. I've never been to Japan before but I plan to learn as much of the language as possible before I go and continue lessons once I am out there. The school that I'm posted to is apparently close to the Kokura train station (like most AEON schools!) and my apartment is about 15mins walk away. So pretty close to most things by the sounds of it.

Thanks in advance!

Grasshopper · Joined: 01 Nov 2005 Posts: 62 Location: Japan

I've only visited there once, but it seemed like a nice place. There were some older areas, as well as some modern places too.

Good Luck!

G

tsunatuna · Joined: 29 Jan 2009 Posts: 45 Location: Japan

I've been there a few times and like it a lot. Good shopping opportunities and there's a castle, too.
Furthermore you'll be in North Kyuushuu and thus not too far away from great cities like Nagasaki or Kagoshima Smile

robertokun · Joined: 27 May 2008 Posts: 199

I used to have friends threre while I lived in Fukuoka, so I went there often.

It�s not Kokura, but if you go a few stops over to Yahata there is an international center where you can sign up for language exchange, get some info on community Japanese classes, and otherwise find ways to meet Japanese people. I think there is supposed to be a branch in the AIM builiding which is in Kokura on the warf side of the train station across the street, as well, but I never saw it.

You can take buses from infront of the train station that will take you to Tenjin station in Fukuoka for 1000 yen in about an hour fifteen as well. There are a couple of ichiran ramen shops in the downtown area of kokura as well, you should give them a try when you get a chance. Wednesday is ladies day at the movie theater at the shopping center where there is the big ferris wheel, and there is a huge AEON-Jusco shopping center where you can get anything you need next to space world, also a few stops away in Yahata.

Enjoy

starteacher · Joined: 25 Feb 2009 Posts: 237

I was there in Fukuoka for a year and that and its surrounding towns are quite a nice of Japan. Enjoy.

Japanmama · Joined: 06 Mar 2009 Posts: 1

I am living in Fukuoka at the moment and moving to Kitakyushu this month:) Have been to Kitakyushu a few times and from what I have seen Kokura is probably the nicest part - the area near the castle is nice to walk around and there is a big shopping mall called Riverwalk there too, which is pretty cool. The central area is not that big so I'm sure you'll find everything easily.

If you want to meet up when you get here let me know - my husband is Japanese and some of his friends live in Kitakyushu so you can meet some "locals" Smile

purple_piano · Posted: Mon Mar 09, 2009 2:09 pm Post subject:

Thanks everyone! I'm really excited but a little bit nervous too. From what I've read and heard it sounds like a nice enough area.

CharlyGordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 3

Congratulations.

I actually live in Kitakyushu, used to live in Fukuoka but moved here 3 years ago. There is a good bunch of people here and plenty of places to hang out and and meet people. Towns got everything you need and your only 15mins from fukuoka by the bullet train.

Give me a message if you like.

Good luck.

Mr_Monkey · Joined: 11 Mar 2009 Posts: 661 Location: Kyuuuuuushuuuuuuu

I lived in Kitakyushu until about five years ago and knew the AEON teachers in Kokura at the time.

If the flats you and your fellow teachers will be lodging in are the same flats, they're not bad - I think you might even get a room with tatami, if that's important to you. The rent seemed reasonable at the time, although I imagine it has increased somewhat. You should be about 5 minutes from the monorail.

Kitakyushu's OK, in my opinion, but Fukuoka is a far nicer city. It doesn't really make a massive difference though as you'll only be 20-odd minutes away by shinkansen or 45 minutes away by express train.

There are a few bars around that cater more-or-less specifically for the ex-pat crowd, Xayla's is popular, as is The Half Moon (these are a stretch of my memory as it's been so long now) - both are within spitting distance of the station. There are countless karaoke boxes and little bars and restaurants around.

I preferred Fukuoka so I moved there after 20 months, and consequently know it a lot better, but Kitakyushu's still very liveable.

firehorseglass · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 8

Hi Purple Piano.

I tried to send you a personal message, but I need to have made more posts first. I used to work at this very same branch! I'm also a Brit, a female. If you try and PM me I can get in touch with you as I can tell you lots of things. It's a great place and the people you'll meet are too!

Smooth Operator · Joined: 29 Jan 2003 Posts: 140 Location: Japan

purple_piano · Posted: Sat Apr 11, 2009 2:38 am Post subject:

Thank you so much for these replies guys. All information is welcome!

firehorseglass- I've emailed you (via your webpage) hope to hear from you soon!

Smooth Operator- thanks for the locations of the ex pat bars. It'll be nice to know where to go where even if people don't know my name they can at least speak my language!

firehorseglass · Joined: 07 Apr 2009 Posts: 8

Hi Purple Piano.

I've checked my email and don't have an email from you. Try emailing me thorugh my website again - I've just tested it and it seems to be okay.