Already applied so can’t change them now, hahaha, but I’d love to hear your thoughts on the prefectures and maybe little tidbits about the areas and things to know. (:
1st: Ishikawa Prefecture (hoping for Kanazawa!)
2nd: Yamanashi Prefecture (hoping for Kofu!)
3rd: Kumamoto Prefecture (hoping for Kumamoto City!)
I know they don’t usually even give people their requested areas, but still hoping! (:
I’m Legally Blind so need to live somewhere without need of a car, I mentioned that in the app, so hopefully if I’m selected they’ll help me out in that department. Would love advice on the areas and just would love to know more then what I can find on Google!
Thanks all! (:
11 comments
Keep in mind that “without the need of a car” can be fairly… vague. They could put you somewhere that you need to catch a train only one station down, but the train only comes once an hour, etc.
I wouldn’t put your hopes on a big city, although I’d hope you have better chances. I haven’t been to any of those places other than just vacationing, so I’m not sure how they are for the visually impaired. Many places in Kanto I know have the yellow walking guides for the blind, but outside of that it can be hit or miss. There are places where every street has the guides and chirping signals for when to walk, and places that have none of that.
As always, ESID. Any way about it, I’m sure you’ll have a blast, though. Please work on your Japanese language skills!
“Without the need of a car” can also mean a village high in the mountains where you can walk everywhere. Just be prepared for that.
I said without the need of a car and had to ride my bike 40 mins to work. Rain or shine. Typhoon and drought alike. Just fyi
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Your selections are great, especially Yamanashi! That’s my top pick, and I’m also hoping for Kofu myself. How did you come to like that prefecture?
My other two choices were Nagano and Shizuoka.
My friend lived in Kofu and HATED it! He went home after his first year.
If you want to live some where you dont need a car honestly all of these places may be bad choices. All beautiful but not that great for accessability both within and to outside the prefectures.
Living in Yamanashi rn (in Fujiyoshida-shi NOT Kofu). Imo even tho Kofus a big city there’s not much to do. Tokyo is close by so its common for the ALTs around here to head out to Tokyo for the weekend or even as a day trip.
Fair warning: yamanashi has absolutely bad public transport
I’d advise be prepared for anything. If you get an urban placement you’ll be fine, but if you end up in the countryside and have to do multiple schools that’ll be a challenge.
I live in Hakusan, Ishikawa which is 10 minutes train / 20 minutes drive from Kanazawa. Ishikawa is a great place to live and you won’t be required to drive in Kanazawa. Feel free to message if you have questions.
I lived in Kofu for a year on exchange. Shosenkyo and Lake Kawaguchi were my favourite places to visit 🙂