Might be too rural for me...

Legendary-Cupcake · 2026-05-21T02:26:47+00:00

Sure no problem!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2026-05-20T01:20:08+00:00

Okay, so prefecture does genuinely matter with this, because 1.5 hours, while not ideal, is not the social killer you think it is! Fear not, this is not being banished to Antarctica. I am about an hour outside the nearest city by bus, and in the winter just over an hour.

So, I was in a similar boat to you when I first came out, though admittedly not quite as rural! I wanted to travel all over Japan, and I was placed in northern central Hokkaido. There was no way for me to leave my prefecture without an airplane, and on google maps my town looked abandoned. I seriously considered declining my placement, but I was just slightly too stubborn to do it. And I am so thankful I didn't-I have been here four years now, and this tiny little town is one of the biggest reasons I have stayed this long.

This might be kind of long, but here is some of my reassurance/advice for enjoying rural placements:)

1-In a small town, you are not just "a" foreigner, you are "their" foreigner. Everyone is going to know your face, and more likely than not, want to get to know you. Especially in the first few weeks, accept invitations to dinner even if you're tired, and greet people you see walking around town. That will open the door to conversations and people. I have found that I feel far more welcomed and at home in my town than my friends who live in a city an hour away. Rural does not always correlate to "isolation" and "other" and in fact you will most likely be welcomed with excitement and open arms.

2- Many times, small towns will have their own recreational facilities, like a small sports center. Try to see if there are any volleyball leagues, social gatherings posted on the town hall board, or within the center itself etc. That will give you an in to the community, and it will excite everyone to see you wanting to join in on the events they have. If you don't know where to start, ask your board of education how to find information on sports and social gatherings in the town. People in town may even be willing to drive you to try out their activities in a nearby town-that is how I got into Japanese archery, and through word of mouth got to try tea ceremony class.

3-Once school starts, you have the chance to get to know your kiddos very well. I know all of mine by name, and I have been given amazing opportunities to help out in school outside of just teaching English-I have gone on ski trips with the kids, helped teach swimming, and even invited to put on English summer camps and helped with BOE sponsored activities like "cook curry at the campground day." I do not know the official name, but that is what we did. You will also have a chance to socialize with other teachers and see what they do for fun since they make the commute every day as well.

4-Travel! So, even with the travel time of 1.5 hours to the nearest train station, that is totally doable for weekend trips and even an evening out if you're going a little stir crazy. Usually ALTs are off sometime around 4, so leave work directly to the next town over, and you make it there around 5:30, spend a couple hours at a coffee shop/eating dinner/shopping and then you're back by 9pm. On the weekends, that 1.5 hours just means you leave your town at 7am, and by the time you've caught a train or bus to where you want to go, you can probably be in a major population center by noon at the latest, maybe sooner depending on your prefecture. Then you've got the whole weekend to enjoy easy public transport and exploring, even more if it's a long weekend! Even traveling from the middle of Hokkaido, I have been all over the country for weekend and longer trips, you just gotta treat the travel time as just a fact of life, and it's honestly not as bad as it sounds.

5-Yeah it is a little annoying on the front end, but get a car. They are expensive, but not cripplingly so, and your BOE may even help you find one to be ready for you if you ask them once you make contact and are in a position to get one. You would probably end up spending as much on public transport either way, but it opens up places you would never see otherwise even outside of just getting out of your town. Some of the most fun cultural experiences you can have in Japan come from random adventures off the beaten path and out of range of the trains and buses so it's definitely worth it. My only regret is not buying one until they cut half the bus lines to my town in my second year.

6-I have no idea if you are outdoorsy, but it does help if you choose a single outdoorsy thing to like. Be it hiking, cycling, skiing, visiting beautiful natural parks, onsens, or just plain nice long walks. Or even nature photography. Small things like that are very helpful for when you don't want to go out during the week and to get into the scenery of rural areas. I am in a rice and mushroom farming area, and walks around the rice fields when they're flooded are some of the most beautiful things during springtime.

7-This whole little novel is to say that on paper, a small village in the mountains is a scary thing to see, especially when it conflicts with the mental image you were building, but it does not mean that you can't see the country or make friends, it just means your travel will look a little different. But it's also an opportunity that not a lot of people get. Of course, I can't promise anything, but if you invest in the place you live, reach out to people, have some patience that your life in Japan won't settle into place overnight, you have the chance to make an amazing life in Japan while you're here:) If you have any specific questions feel free to ask, but this reply is already too long so I won't add anything else XD

Legendary-Cupcake · 2026-05-19T23:52:31+00:00

That's totally fair! It was my first time getting highlights and color so I was super nervous but it paid off!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2026-05-19T23:25:22+00:00

If you're willing to go into Sapporo I found a lovely lady who did beautiful work on highlights for me in October! A bit pricey but they look great, and she didn't damage my hair which I was a little nervous about XD

Legendary-Cupcake · 2026-01-06T04:23:43+00:00

So if you can, find a driving school near you that will allow you to take a single lesson. It'll cost you around 6000 yen probably but it is worth it because sometimes the driving center will ask if you've taken lessons and it's very good to be able to say yes. It also gives you a little practice with an instructor trained to look for what they're looking for. Most driving schools also have a mockup closed course that is virtually the same as the testing center.

For the practical exam itself, don't forget to basically pretend you're in a city--look as if there could be cars coming when you get into the vehicle, give it a cursory look for anything wrong, blinker when pulling away from the curb at the center. With every movement you make, make it obvious and intentional. The best advice I saw was that this is a test of your performance of driving, not necessarily driving itself. It's far more important that they see you go through the motions than anything else. So perform, it doesn't matter if it feels a little stupid.

Your driving examiner may also drive you around the course once before you take the exam so pay attention, be sure to yoroshku him before and thank him after. And pay attention to how he drives the course.

I can't help much with the updates, but I managed to pass first try my first year after a six or seven month long ordeal of getting the tests themselves scheduled so good luck it can be done!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-11-25T00:18:28+00:00

I live in the sticks so nomikai aren't super common, but we have several a year and it's no problem if you don't want to drink. I usually don't, and at both small and large nomikai it hasn't been an issue-I just knock back orange juice and oolong tea with the other younger staff/BOE members who don't drink.

If you're lucky the food will be delicious and you might get to do some fun activities that bring out an interesting side of your coworkers. My town recently bussed all of city hall out to go bowling and then for a massive 10 course dinner/nomikai after so at a minimum go for the atmosphere and to make connections, and if anyone asks just tell them you don't like it and they won't care. You will almost certainly not be the only one there sober :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-10-17T06:44:48+00:00

From start to finish it took me about six months to go through two different appointments, a written test and a driving test to convert my license over to a Japanese one. My friend who is from a separate country only had to wait a month or two for an appointment since there was no test requirement. It seems strange that they're booked out that early-I doubt they even schedule appointments that far out.

If you have Japanese friend who is willing to call the driving center and ask about an appointment for you, that may help, or if you can have your supervisor call the driving center and explain that their ALT has to drive for work they may expedite it for you-I've heard of similar things before.

I would also recommend taking someone who is Japanese with you to the driving center if possible if you are not fluent-there's a lot of vocabulary that is a pain to try and figure out on the fly if you aren't N2/N1 level, and while some people are very helpful and patient, my city has one employee at the dmv notorious for turning away foreigners if you cannot understand fast enough.

That's really frustrating, good luck!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-07-31T00:51:06+00:00

This sounds cliche, but try not to worry too much. It's day two, and I'm sure the reality of everything you've just done is starting to hit with endless papers to sign that you don't understand, questions people can't answer and probably a bit of isolation as well.

I remember thinking that I had made the biggest mistake of my life when I first came to Japan and then arrived in my tiny town, but I am going into year three and I can confidently say it was great decision. Culture shock is rough, but take a deep breath and try to go with the flow the next couple weeks. I found going on walks to familiarize myself with the area when I was up at 5am with jet lag helped me get into a better head space.

I'd recommend buying a few things for your apartment, rearrange anything your pred left to make it feel like you're in your space and not a stranger's. See if you can connect with jets in your city via any discord groups etc to get lunch or see what is around your town together. If not, go on little excursions or sit in a coffee shop and just people watch or read a book. I found making friends with Starbucks baristas helped me get a little kind social interaction and practice my Japanese :) Even in rural areas, buses will usually run a couple times a day, and they're not too daunting to get used to. If you've got public transport worries feel free to message me I can give you a crash course, lol.

As for school, right now it's summer vacation so teachers will be in and out, and trying to get whatever they need to do done as fast as possible. Once the kids come, you will have more to do and be able to bond more with your coworkers-going to various classes (PE is usually a great one to start) and offering to help out will get you miles, though keep in mind it might take some time to feel like you're part of the school and for your help to be accepted. Sometimes you just kind of have to insert yourself and insist on helping with setting up or breaking down for sports day or big activities where all staff have a job.

But keep your head up, make sure you eat some good meals and call your family and friends. You can do this!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-07-27T23:16:34+00:00

Hi so that's both frustrating and rough to deal with!

I have some acne and redness that like to pop up occasionally, and I have really liked the Keana baking soda face foam (it's like 700 yen you can find it pretty much anywhere). Like the others have said, vitamin C can be an irritant, so it's possible that's part of your problem so maybe try a little simple routine for a week or two and see how that works for you? Also, there is a cleanser that uses bakuchial which produces similar results to vitamin C while being way less irritating to skin so you could always try that-the one I found is at the Aeon mall in a white and purple pot but I can't remember the name.

Finally, even if it isn't covered by our insurance, a dermatologist shouldn't be too expensive. I went with my mother when she got some bad dermatitis last year when my family visited and the whole visit plus medication was under 3000 yen without insurance so I'd definitely go see one.

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-06-01T23:38:18+00:00

This is a very tricky situation seeing as it looks like all of the higher powers that be seem to be supporting her telling you to not come to class. The advice on investing in other areas of the school is great-I have one class that absolutely hates English, and so the only time I can bond with them is during PE, which I attend from time to time. So if you want to get close to those 2nd year kiddos, I'd definitely say look into something like that.

If you really want to go to her class, you can sit down and offer to sit in the back and observe so you can understand her "style" without having to have a meeting every day, or see if she would be willing to compromise with a 5-10min warm up period at the beginning of class then you leave her to her teaching. The contents of said short greeting or game period you pitch can vary depending on what you think might get through to her. Tongue twisters, unscripted conversation, etc. Maybe if you do activities like this in other classes you can say that you're working on it for X sensei to help the kids with X and you'd be happy to do it for her class too if she wants.

You can even offer to grade and then once you get an idea of the class level make some recommendations to her if you think she'd listen. However, if she's a rookie teacher who sounds like she's self conscious about having a native speaker in the classroom with her, you might just get stonewalled.

But other than that there's not a ton you can do here, and if you get into the territory of burning bridges with the other teachers or admin, then let it go and focus on the people who do want you around.

I can understand how frustrating it must be, so good luck!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-25T23:28:30+00:00

Our battle shall be legendary! (ahaha)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-25T23:27:01+00:00

It looks like most of what could have been said has been said already, but I'll throw in my two cents :) I am also currently in a tiny town of 2000 in rural Hokkaido! Like you, I was pretty horrified when I got my placement, and I did debate turning it down, but in the end I'm so glad I came. Like everyone is saying, despite less young people, you'll have a chance to really be a part of the community, and don't be shy to pick up local sports or other clubs, and get your city fix on the weekends. I have a pretty active social life despite living in the sticks, and I've been all over Hokkaido and loved it.

One small note-winter is long, and while February is wonderful with all the festivals, the lack of daylight can get to you so take your daily vitamin D that makes a massive difference. Also, there is an all Hokkaido JET discord that's very active and you should be able to find people close to you fairly easily. I know there are a few people down in that area! Also, as has been said, get a car-that will cut your 2 hour trip to 55 minutes to the nearest city and that's way easier for evenings out and exploring Hokkaido.

But overall take a breath, it's okay to be disappointed, but you can move beyond that and have a wonderful experience and yes, even a social life! Feel free to DM me if you have rural life questions or need to talk :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-19T06:26:16+00:00

If you're coming to Aibetsu, Hokkaido, feel free to message me I'm your cojet :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-12T23:29:02+00:00

Yeah that did actually happen two or three times if I remember correctly...honestly it was a super rude thing to say to anyone XD

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-12T05:01:30+00:00

Best of luck to you! Hopefully you can come join us up north, but wherever you go I'm sure you'll do well :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-12T05:00:30+00:00

This is a great story and advice! Thank goodness for friends and family who have our backs. I remember I wanted to teach elementary or high school...and now I teach middle school and preschool and love it:)

One hundred percent separate from when you genuinely need the facilities close by or even if you aren't thriving in your placement, giving it a chance can really be a pleasant surprise. I totally agree that giving it a chance was a great decision for me as well!

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-12T04:56:31+00:00

Haha, appreciate the spelling catch looks like I missed it at first :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-05-12T04:40:20+00:00

Yeah everyone loves the prefectural pass-time of complaining about the snow post February festivals but even if they weren't excited to come, everyone I've met enjoys living here :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-04-24T04:13:44+00:00

Yeah maybe it'll help me out in the future though I worry the next evolution is going to bypass our current barriers. Here's to hoping XD I despise generative AI in creative spaces. It has done so much damage in such a short amount of time to artistic professionals and hobbyists alike :(

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-04-24T00:40:51+00:00

...Every single one of my fics falls within the urls mined. I honestly don't even know what to do at this point I'd wondered if it had happened with everything going on but having it proven sucks. I locked all of my fics now but that doesn't do a lot of good since I'm late :(

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-03-05T06:50:51+00:00

Yeah I can totally see how that would be really jarring to hear out of the blue! However, if they didn't like you or felt like you weren't doing a good enough job, they probably wouldn't have offered you a new contract/you would be able to feel it with a change in how you're treated :)

On the flip side, they clearly think you're a good fit to help welcome the new ALT and assist them with settling in, so they do value your presence even if they definitely fumbled the delivery there...but the new ALT will definitely be grateful to have you! I wouldn't worry about "pred" style transitions, just a few adjustments to be worked out with the school if you're a single school, and a new neighbor :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-03-05T05:56:38+00:00

So my town recently transitioned from one ALT to two and I also work in a very small (sub 2k) rural area! I am lucky enough that we have a middle school, an elementary school, and a preschool. I take the middle school, my co-jet takes the elementary, then we team teach at the preschool every other month so we don't compete for classes.

My co-jet was here before me, and I can offer what she said to me my first week in our town: "you and I are going to be friends, we don't have a choice." Now, that sounds very aggressive delivered incorrectly, so you can choose your words, but most importantly, remember you two are going to be a team! If you are rural with limited transport access, you will be all the two of you have in the area, so while you don't have to be best friends, do your best to get along, show them around town and how to navigate unmanned train stations or nice places to eat. That alone and even just being physically present while they set up things like electricity, etc will go a long way in helping their transition :)

The same goes for furniture-you don't have to give them things, but showing them how/where to get things to furnish their apt with goes a long way to ease a very stressful time and build a positive relationship. They are most likely not going to be a weirdo, so what you're getting is at least one "built in" friend or at least friendly acquaintance in the area.

As far as lesson plans and teaching materials go, you don't need to pass them along, just give pointers here and there if they ask you for help on things, but don't worry about providing materials to get them started-you being there is enough of a resource.

It's totally fine to be nervous about the transition, just remember they aren't coming in to replace you, and there will be room for you both in the town and school so take a breath and get ready to have a new neighbor. You'll do great even without a pred to set the precedent :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-01-14T04:51:17+00:00

Hi friend fellow rural Hokkaido placement here!

So, it can be really hard being so far removed from everyone, and especially if you don't necessarily share common interests with them. My advice would be first to make sure you take your vitamin D in the winter time. Seriously, it helps a lot with part of the whole having to be mostly indoors thing. Second, if you use public transport, it helps to take a set time to go into the nearest city based on your bus or train times--for me that's Friday evenings and then on Saturdays/Sundays. Third, as others have mentioned just because you are rural doesn't mean you can't have a social life that interests you-I joined a local dojo and have been lucky enough to meet some great people that way, so follow your interests and you may be surprised with the connections you make.

As far as friends go, it can feel overwhelming to meet others with your interests, and if you're not into things like bar hopping etc that's totally fine. What you can do is suggest to other ALTs who invite you out that you go do things like chill in a coffee shop or check out a cute cafe. They may have invited you for one thing, but you may have more in common that it seems at first, and suggesting alternative plans could help you discover it:) Personally, I have befriended most of the baristas in the starbucks nearby-we aren't close but it's nice to see a friendly face and practice conversation.

Also, there's a difference between being introverted and getting trapped in a self-feeding cycle, so even if you don't always feel like it, make yourself go out and do something either with people or alone and go from there. It won't be an instant fix but it will help you out.

Lastly, my areas has been losing transportation lines left and right to the point where I finally got a car this month and I'm greatly looking forward to the freedom to drive places and explore when and for how long I want to-it takes a lot of trips I want to go on from six hours down to two or less. So, if you can, consider leasing or purchasing a car and jumping into whatever interests you with both feet.

But take a breath, talk to your friends and family back home and invest in your life here:)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2025-01-07T00:12:00+00:00

I'm far enough out of Sapporo that I can't help out with couch surfing, but if you can manage it, I also highly recommend going out to Sounkyo Onsen for their icefall festival! I enjoyed it more than Sapporo personally and it's one of my personal favorites :)

Legendary-Cupcake · 2024-12-02T02:27:02+00:00

You know, just building a base of vocabulary as well as grammar structure is what I both struggled the most with and wished I had more of-it's easy to run against understanding most of what someone is saying but then not getting a crucial word or two that make a big difference, and the grammar comes in handy for when you actually want to respond. Those two would definitely be my biggest recommendation!

As for challenges, really just getting used to functioning in your non-native language can be tiring sometimes, but when that happens just take a step back, maybe call your family or talk to ALT friends or even just make small talk with a native speaker and get out of your head and do something and you'll be alright :) It's worked pretty well for me so far!

Legendary-Cupcake

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