I’m both nervous and excited, and I don’t know what to expect
I will be relocating to Japan in a few days because of a teaching job I got hired in and I’m so nervous. I don’t know if this is the kind of nervous that overshadows my excitement. I’m moving to Hiroshima City, it will be my first time in Japan and I really don’t know what to expect not to mention that I don’t have much Japanese in my vocabulary but I am really lookinng to learn the language when I get there. I’m just really hoping that the company and staff will be really nice and professional, and I am hoping that the locals will be kind as well.
I did initial research here and there and everywhere else about living in Hiroshima City and I haven’t found anything that satisfied me (kind of). So to the foreigners living in Hiroshima City, what is your advice for a first timer in Japan who will live there to work, and how did you get by especially during your first two weeks?
Thanks in advance.
15 comments
Order the okonomiyaki.
The area south of hiroshima station is where the life of the city is. It has a small shopping area and all of the american and japanese fast food places you need. Has a nice but small red light district as well. No good mexican food and hard to find good international restaurants as well. Outside of this small downtown area, hiroshima is super quiet and residential and dead.
Your experience of Hiroshima will be entirely up to you and how you react to countless things we can’t possibly cover. I get that the unknown is scary, but you can’t have an experience by proxy , you just have to go. I suggest you free your mind of presumptions and try to enjoy the experience
Japan rules, enjoy it.
Also, it’s gonna be fucking HOT.
It’s pretty hot. Wear a hat with a wide brim and go heavy on the sun cream.
Kemby’s and Nagarakawaku for gaijin congregations and cheap drinks in the red light district. Short stone throw from okonomiyaki dori..
Fun town. Higashihiroshima has great sake breweries and one of the best sake matsuris in west Japan. Hirodai proximity is good for friends.
Youme town for the win…
People are very nice in Hiroshima. Way more open than the people in Tokyo in my experience.
Life feels “slower” than in Tokyo.
Food is good, but not too many good international options. Best okonomiyaki in Japan. Overall feels very safe. Lot’s of residential areas.
If my work wasn’t in Tokyo, I’d live in Hiroshima for sure.
I moved to Hiroshima from east coast USA in March. As others have said, it is a pretty small city. Public transport is not the best outside of downtown at least for my route.
It is great for doing day trips when you get settled in though. I’ve been to Matsuyama via ferry, Onomichi, Fukuyama, Takehara, etc on one day journeys.
I had about a week before I started my job and most of it was spent buying allll the things needed for daily life, especially appliances.
Getting by will depend on your comfort level. I’m pretty shy most of the time, but it really is a sink or swim sorta deal. I haven’t found a ton of English speakers, but you will get by. People are very willing to help.
If it’s your first time, things will familiar but different and things will be overwhelming after the travel and meeting new people and sorting out your living arrangements, sorting out public transport etc. take it easy, make sure you get enough sleep and hydrate (especially since it’s hot af there right now).
You don’t have to sort all the answers out on the first day, but it’s going to be awesome, you’re going to love it.
If you feel nostalgic go to the Mac Bar. It’s a foreigners’ haven but I’m mostly into the CD shelving – amazing.
Hiroshima was just one of the many cities I visited when I was I Japan and probably my second favorite (after Kanazawa).
I love Hiroshima. It’s a lovely city with a lot to do. You’ll be fine. Just take life as it comes.
I wouldn’t worry too much. It’s maybe not a huge place, but it’s a nice place
Hiroshima City is the most pleasant city in the world that I have ever visited. The locals are very nice and the city is beautiful.
You’ll be fine.
Lovely city to live in.
It has the charm and friendliness of a small town with the conveniences of a city.
Could use more in terms of museums, events, etc. However, a great place to use as a jumping off point with tons of places within 2-3 hours drive/train.
Hiroshima is wonderful place. Been a couple times. Lots of diversity and nature nearby.