Let’s face it, most of us foreigners in Japan congregate in Tokyo, many in Osaka, and some in Fukuoka. Maybe there is safety in numbers or simply the cities were just the most convenient option. At the same time, everyone who has visited the Japanese mountains, a rural onsen or remote beaches knows how beautiful and serene the Japanese countryside is. I had the pleasure to live several months in Okinawa (tropical) and Miyagi (up north) — two places that couldn’t be more different. Here are my reasons why you should seriously considering living in the Japanese countryside.
Everything is cheaper
Let’s start with some cold, hard facts. Everything is cheaper. And when I say everything, I mean everything. You are of course aware that urban rents are astronomical, but in comparison, living in the countryside often around 50% cheaper in rent than central Tokyo. But that's not all: While parking can cost you as much as a small studio per month in the capital, it's often free in the sticks. Even the food in supermarkets is sold at a premium in the metropolitan areas, but you will save almost 20% on average in the countryside.
There even is free housing!
Sometimes it is not cheaper, but free rather. Japan is experiencing a mass migration to metropolitan areas so extreme that it leaves some villages literally dying out with abandoned houses, called akiya in Japanese. The website ie ichiba (house marketplace) is a casual platform for people to buy and sell cheap rural property — or sometimes give it away for free!
Some rural prefectures have decided to combat this unhealthy trend and started akiya banks to sell off empty houses faster. In some cases, totally free housing is on offer. As a generation of digital nomads, the lack of office jobs in rural areas is no longer a dissuading factor.
More space
Your new abode will not only be cheaper or even on the house (ba dum tss), but it will also be much more spacious than in Tokyo or Osaka. Living in cramped quarters can actually lead to decreased well-being and in more extreme cases to psychological issues, according to research. Being a homeowner is financially impossible for many in the city, so become house happy in the countryside and enjoy a large kitchen, enough bedrooms for guests, use any extra space for a yoga studio or home office, and tend to your own garden.
No commuting
Another big factor for happiness is, unsurprisingly, commuting. Again, it is scientifically proven to make people severely unhappy if it is daily and too long. Anyone who has witnessed train rage during Tokyo rush hour firsthand knows what I am talking about. Your commute in the country will be non-existent or short on empty roads. Use your extra time to start a new hobby or a your own business, or simply relax.
Nature
Another factor will contribute to your new stress-free life: nature. While many praise that Tokyo is surrounded by both mountains and the sea, in reality it takes at least 60-90 minutes one-way to reach either. So chances are you will only visit them on the weekend. When it’s crowded. And be extremely tired after once you are back home. And then not go again until a few weeks later.
Living on the coast, in the mountains or surrounded by forest means you don’t need to go there — it will simply be there. Secondhand cars are inexpensive in Japan and parking in the countryside is usually free. Or you might just walk. My friend goes tubing down the river in front of her Shizuoka house in summer. And Japanese nightingales, deer, frogs and bats might visit your garden at night. On the downside, wild boars and snakes might also pay a visit (my friend had to remove a raccoon dog from her attic, but only once).
Get to know the real Japan
There is no arguing that in the capital, Japanese culture has been watered down by global influences and the sheer masses of foreigners. In rural Japan, it’s true spirit is still alive. The seasons are celebrated with local festivals — with traditions varying from prefecture to prefecture and village to village. My experience is that everyone is more than welcome to join. Actually, they will insist you join.
At the annual harbour festival in the city of Kesennuma, one of the taiko troupes insisted that I join the performance and gave me a crash course in playing the drums. My American friend who owns an old ryokan that she turned into her home assists the Shinto priest every year at the festivals and rituals. Whenever I visit, people ring her doorbell every day to bring presents, ranging from the potatoes they just picked, to coal (we are talking very rural) and tea. I learned quickly tp bring omiyage not only for her, but at least her two neighbours as well to return their kind gifts and gestures.
Amazing Japanese skills
Besides getting deeper into Japanese culture than you have ever imagined, you Japanese proficiency will skyrocket. Surrounded by only very few other foreigners, you will be forced to learn to get by. During my stay in Miyagi, Japanese was my only means of communication. Not having anyone around to translate for you will motivate you like nothing else — I even picked up some Miyagi-ben (dialect) to communicate with the old fishermen on the dock!
Things to consider
I know that some of you fear that your experience will be awful: The net is awash with stories of lonely JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Program) teachers stranded in the countryside and of the local soba shop refusing to serve foreigners. While I had one or two shockingly racist encounters in Japan, they happened in Tokyo and not in the countryside. In my experience, good manners, some Japanese ability, and a smile were all that I needed to open most doors. If you know nothing yet about the Land of the Rising Sun and no Japanese, it might be wise to base yourself in a larger city first to achieve at least a conversational level of Japanese and familiarize yourself with the culture.
Keep in mind that not all Japanese towns are equal. While two single, middle-aged Western ladies who I know integrated effortlessly in their rural communities, I heard of other cases, like a Western family with a small child that found it challenging as their son was the only child in the village and everyone was substantially older than them.
Plan wisely. Visit where you want to live and see if the demographics and vibe of the village suit you before you settle and you might uncover a truly unique piece of Japan — very far from being one of thousands of English teachers drunk in Roppongi on a Saturday night.
By Mareike Dornhege
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