5 Reasons You Should Not Live in the Countryside in Japan

Living in the countryside, where is a lot of nature, the air is clean, the food is fresh and delicious, there is a lot of interaction between people, and less stressful than living in the city.
More than 50% of young Japanese people living in urban areas are interested in living in the countryside.
It may be natural for young Japanese people who are exposed to a lot of stress every day wanna live in the countryside.
But I wouldn't recommend foreigners who have never lived in Japan to live in the countryside for the first time.
In this video, I will introduce why I do not recommend living in the countryside to foreigners in Japan for the first time.
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[@JapanwithNao]

Living in the countryside is challenging, as I explained, but you can experience traditional Japanese life. Urban life? Countryside life? Let me know your opinion here( ´∀｀) Thank you for watching!

[@darkangelkate3950]

It would definitely be Countryside life. The country there is so gorgeous. Thank you for replying to my comment.

[@silvae6870]

Work in a megacity but live in the countryside. It's me 😊❤❤❤❤

[@dickolivier9530]

best part if you are a maker or artist is that you don't need entertainment facilities just a workshop or room where you can do your thing. And you have the social activities to keep the public areas clean together with the local community, how cool. This video just encouraged me to move there, thank you :D

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! I will make some videos about the countryside in Japan someday again😉 Anyway, I'm happy you like the countryside in Japan!

[@FirstLastOne]

Exactly! When your imagination IS your entertainment, anywhere you have what you require to set up a workshop is a place your pillow will call home. 😊

[@tunkytunky]

I lived in the countryside. I’m fluent in Japanese but it took a while to get used to the accent as most rural places do have local dialects. Another important one - interpersonal relationships. If I find a neighbor in the city annoying, I can just avoid them, but in a super rural area, in a collectivist country like Japan, it sometimes isn’t an option. I do miss living there - I live in the desert now and I miss the green.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for sharing your experience! You are a master of living in the countryside in Japan😆 It's amazing you are fluent in Japanese and also I'm happy you would like to live there again! Living in the desert area also sounds fun though 😂

[@jeannerogers7085]

I think the "Community Chest" is a charming idea, and a nice way to sponsor local events and needs.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Yeah I think it has worked well since long time ago😊

[@pineapple2563]

Hi it's nice to hear honest view on how life in countryside in Japan..I think it's like that in many countries. lack of transportation, shops and entertainment but most people who choose to live in countryside enjoy the peacefulness of countryside than the entertainment that's available in big city.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Sure. It's really peaceful living in the countryside! So it's nice living there after we retire, I believe.

[@dwalker6868]

Thank you for the information

[@darkangelkate3950]

Thank you for your insights. It is appreciated. The only thing you said that would dissuade me is the language. I do understand that is huge. So I have decided to bring your aesthetic into my home. I love the clean, open spaces and so little extra 'stuff '. Thank you for this video.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! Yeah, a language would be the biggest challenge for all foreigners. But I don't wanna limit your possibility because of it😉 Even though some people can't speak Japanese, they do well in Japan! Always the important thing is trying to enjoy the new environments and challenges😆

[@angelamisaki]

Even though seeing this video I would still would love living in the country side. I would be okay living in the city half time or couple times in the year. But I'm okay with all these things you mentioned. Thank you for making this video 😊

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for sharing your thought! You should live in the countryside instead of living in Tokyo then😎

[@beverlyhills7883]

Great channel Nao. I'm a Foreigner here, with two beachside homes in Mie. I'm not always there. That said it's the best decision I've made in my life.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! And it's a great idea I believe. It may be difficult to do that but a really perfect option isn't it😉

[@brinjpn]

This all sounds amazing. ❤

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment and watching the video😉

[@digitalleighton]

Excellent Video Nao. Thanks for the insights! I do think the first reasons are very nice, I wish my country had 1 and 2 that is proof of how considerate the Japanese are. I wouldn't mind contributing to the community at all. I will have to touch up on my Japanese though. Thanks much Nao!

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your word! I'm happy you enjoyed watching the video! Good luck with your Japanese learning😊

[@katemaccormack2845]

Thanks for this video. The more I learn about Japan the more I want to move there. I personally prefer the countryside in Japan. Big city like Tokyo is not for me. I definitely like the quieter place

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Glad to hear. I will make a video about reasons to live in the countryside in Japan someday ٩( ᐛ )و

[@scottpilgram696]

Lol almost all of the negatives you speak of are positives. I beleive people who are realistic about it know all of this going in. I want to experience and learn the culture and specific customs where i live. I want to help around the village, i want to be known and loved lol. I will do so by contributing, knowing the language and being respectful.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! So peaceful and full of kindness. I believe people around you love you😊

[@johnhorner5711]

Both of the local traditions you spoke about sound wonderful. We are not even remotely considering moving to Japan, but the two traditions you briefed on sound like things which would be excellent for community building anywhere. We voluntarily participate in multiple local non-profit organizations in our area and give far more than $40/year to support people in need. We also regularly participate in community cleanup and beautification projects. It would be amazing if all ~50,000 people in our small city did so as well. Being helpful to others is rewarding for the individual and for the community.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! We all people need to help each other anywhere and anytime. That's amazing you participate in your local projects😉 And I really like what you said "Being helpful to others is rewarding."!

[@cheng310]

I LOVE INAKA, i love the ambiance ,i like to see the nature rice paddy,mountain, i can participate those activity you mention.. … as long as it has internet connection..

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Those that you mentioned are excellent in the countryside! I guess the internet connection is fine anywhere in Japan😉

[@daniele19888]

I imagined it would be hard living in a country side, since in my state I live in a little city most of the things you said I expected it, it is important to consider both advantages and disadvantages before taking a choice, personally I think also finding a job in a small country side must be reallly really hard, I see them as place I would love to live in where I am old and retired

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching😉 I totally agree with you! Now I'm getting loving my hometown😊

[@daniele19888]

@@JapanwithNao I understand , your hometown seems really wonderful , I hope to visit it soon, I am organising a trip for next year in some of the best Japan rural countries

[@jeannerogers7085]

I grew up in Colorado, in what was then a rather small town. I5 was a wonderful place to grow up - cattle ranches around, horses, rocks to climb, great mountains in your face. Then as a young adult, the places was boring, I ha$ to go to the big city. Now that I am old, those natural, peaceful vistas look very appealing again.

[@JapanwithNao]

I totally understand what you mean😊 When we are getting old, we notice how important nature and a peaceful environment are.

[@willp2042]

Thanks a lot for your sharing, 5 reasons are pretty normal things in life which are positive, I think. How about the earthquake in countryside of Japan, its happening sometimes? or only occurred in the cities?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! Earthquake occurs both in cities and the countryside. It depends on the plate actually! The most likely earthquake is the Nankai trough earthquake at the moment which may affect southwestern Honshu.😲

[@willp2042]

@@JapanwithNao Thanks a lot. Subscribed

[@amywan1653]

I experienced what you said when I travelled to the countryside in 埼玉県and 群馬県early this month 😂😂

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I hope your travel was enjoyable anyway😂

[@jeannerogers7085]

Communal comm7nit6 service is an old idea in the New England area of the US, and another good idea. Get together, whack weeds, catch up on gossip, see a job well done, then crack a beer with the neighbors - a good day in the neighborhood.

[@rafaryuga18]

waw, this part of japan feels like Indonesia, nyumbang,kerjabakti,train once an hour, everyone have their own car/motorcycle

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! It could be the same.haha We don't have a mosque though😂

[@RoGameReview]

In the general sense this sounds very similar to life here in rural Romania, public transport is three or four times a day, the local chest is the church chest, when a foreigner moves to the village everyone knows and talks about it(we have a chinese person here), no one knows english because most of them are old people, and we have just two grogery stores and a car wash. When you visit a village here you must respect the local customs, you must remove your shoes when entering a house, you must greet everyone you meet, and never refuse a drink or food as a guest (it is considered rude). But personally i don't mind that I love the tranquility and peace that comes with rural life. Fascinating how many things are soo similar for places soo far away.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! I'm surprised that you also take your shoes off when entering a house😂 We are far away but live in the same world. haha I'll find and introduce more unique things and cultures in Japanese countryside someday😎

[@timog7358]

interesting video

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching the video and your comment!

[@user-bt6gz2cb1v]

Thanks for the video, Nao. How much money per month would it take to live comfortably in the Japanese countryside, according to your estimation?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! It really depends on the condition but less than 600USD is possible I guess😉

[@staceyk.210]

I think 💬 it's a preference more than anything!! If your a English teacher coming to Japan 🇯🇵 for the first to teach you may not get Tokyo!! Therefore the rural or countryside might be where your going to end up!! I believe in making the Best out of any situation 😊!! Going there and learning some of the different cultures and lego that they speak could help you adapt a little bit more better!! For me I prefer the rural any day over city life!! I've lived in the major cities here in Texas 🤠 and trust me I'm Burned Out!! Awesome 🔥 Video and Thanks for Sharing 🧡🎇🧡

[@VitaliLeHusky]

Well, it's kinda like countryside everywhere around the world... And I actually think that one train per hour is a lot ! Where I live there are only three trains in the morning to go to the nearest city and three train in the evening to go back

[@JapanwithNao]

There may be some towns like that in Japan too. I haven't been, though! Your countryside is the very countryside....haha You need to wait several hours if you miss the train😂

[@blackmarble7265]

In my opinion, living in a town would be a way better choice. It's a mixed between modern and rural areas

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! You are right! Especially if a town is close to downtown, that's perfect!

[@dragontoothless4351]

The one thing my employer noted in the job interview for the north of Japan (start in a few months), is that compared to the mega metropolises of Tokyo and Osaka, one isn't going to have an English bubble outside of some of the more populated cities like Sendai and Sapporo, so I would need to ensure I'm comfortable with being immersed "cold turkey" style in the Japanese language to avoid being even more isolated.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment. And happy to hear you are gonna start your new career in Japan😉 Yeah, if you speak Japanese, it's way easier living in Japan of course. Even though you can't speak it, you won't die, though! Haha Anyway good luck with your work in Japan! If you face a problem,you can also come back here 😎

[@rakdurrre]

Yeah, moving directly to Japanese countryside is a terrible idea. You will be very happy for a couple of weeks or months, then you will get completely depressed. Even if you think you are different and you can take it, because of whatever reason, you are wrong. Don't do it. On an other note, Japan is such a fucking socialist society, I love it! People have respect and empathy for each other, and there is usually a sense of community.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! It seems you have experienced that 😂

[@rakdurrre]

@@JapanwithNao I got close to experiencing this. When I moved to Japan (Hamamatsu Shi), I really wanted to love on the full-on countryside. I ended up finding a flat in the city. After living in the city for some time, I still experienced a bit of loneliness (despite loving my life and my area), so I can imagine it would have been really difficult. Even for someone like me, who can love like a hermit.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for sharing your experience! Hamamatsu is a good city😊 Adapting and settling into the local culture and community may take a lot of time, especially for new foreigners in Japan! So it could be a hard and lonely time at first😲

[@Radhaun]

For me, most of these were actually positives. It's good to know about things like community chests (I might be wary of a stranger coming to my door and asking for money without knowledge of that kind of custom) but most of this just sounds like "prepare to be part of a community because it's a very small place". I think people would probably peg me as American immediately because if I had just moved to a small town and they were staring, I would say hello and introduce myself (In Japanese of course). The only negative would be still having to have a car, though if all the immediate needs were withing cycling distance, that would probably be fine for the first couple of years at least.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! You seem to have many experiences living in the Japanese countryside😀 Yes, that's true, owning a car isn't easy but necessary there! Cycling is a good option but if the weather is terrible....well, I rode a bicycle when I was young even when it was snow though😂

[@Buhay_Isla]

My second time in Japan was at aomori ken…and I remembered riding a speedboat at towada,o lake…then ate a yaki sanaka from the towadako river…and gladd…sometimes i couldneat it again…whenever theres a matsuri here at Tokyo. Countryside is good as long as you have something to do and have enough supply for your daily living…yoi can plants…and i wanna experienced a firewood heater…if there enough supply of firewoodsntoo…oh…its just a dreaming…hehehe…

[@JapanwithNao]

You are right! Especially there is a lot of fresh seafood in the countryside! I don't think only a few houses use a firewood heater though...haha But I sometimes understand that kind of old style of living fascinates us.

[@stg2040]

Can u make about universities in countryside of japan

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! What you want to know about universities in the countryside in Japan?

[@TuxedoVaileGAMES]

I am an American who's thinking about moving to the Japanese countryside, or at least a rural area. It wouldn't be for a little while yet and I am currently learning how to read, write, and speak japanese with the help of online resources and also AI programs like ChatGPT. I honestly don't think I'd do well in a large city area like Tokyo because I've never been in a city even half that size and don't like noisy places made of concrete usually. I prefer small communities where I see the same faces everyday and there's enough nature to fall asleep to the sounds of crickets at night. I'm a creative person that spends a lot of time writing, drawing, or even designing video games, illustrations, and music on my computer. I'm not someone who enjoys going out to the bars or stores more than maybe once every couple of months or so so I really don't mind having a short 30-60 minute commute in order to go do so. As long as I have electricity, internet, and access to the ability to acquire in-home entertainment like video games then I'm more than content.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for sharing! You should live in the countryside then😆 As you know, there are so many good things about living in the countryside. Anyway, I'm happy that you are thinking about moving to Japan. Have a wonderful time in Japan if you move. And please visit again here if you have any questions about Japan😎

[@OutOfTouch_YT]

Wait a minute... This is just Animal Crossing, except real! lol

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Japan's countryside is as peaceful as Animal Crossing😆

[@commentarytalk1446]

It is a challenge to live abroad so to live more remotely is a double-challenge and probably not a "best fit" for a lot of people as a consequence, apart from the fact, that cities or larger such areas benefit from agglomeration effect which means multiple services develop around each other which attracts more people ie cities. The opposite in rural areas applies: A tendency towards loss of such. However for the small select few, the rural scene might suit them as it is quieter, slower and more peaceful. Overall, the language barrier is most important? To have enough competence in Japanese speaking is probably important to develop in the first place. It was interesting learning about some of the social customs of the rural or regional areas of Japan such as money collections for the general good of the local area: I did not know that and think it is very community-spirited and good.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! Yes, learning a language is important but the most important thing enjoy the process of know new cultures and things😉

[@meng_jan]

I currently live in the countryside of Norway and i really want to try living in the countryside if japan because i love the culture and the people and just the country in general but i've been to Tokyo and living there just isn't really for me 😊, i've always wanted to live in the countryside anyway.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! The countryside is always chill and peaceful. I understand you like it😉 It's fantastic if you have an opportunity to live in the countryside in Japan. We are waiting for you😆

[@TraditionalJapaneseHouse]

We live in Okayama, and our friend helps us to buy an akiya house. our house on the house hunter international ( tv show in the USA )We went there every year, and we loved the people, the culture, the neighbor, and the food and we have a lot of friends there. these towns have a lot of foreign, Contact me if you are interested to buy a house in Japan.

[@Buhay_Isla]

My dreams of given a chance to live in inaka(countryside) I would dream to have a banana tree and saba banana. With Banana leaves i can make or experiment mochi foods wrap in banana leaves, or put it inside the bamboo…the best food i ate back when i was a kid…but its a seasonal food. Hope i could share it in Japanese to become part of any thanksgiving’s day in Japan.

[@JapanwithNao]

haha you have a lot of dreams! It's cool! I hope you can do all of them in Japan someday😉

[@dabidmaurice6578]

Nothing here that would prevent me to live in the countryside. Almost similar from the rumor point like in France. For train, better in Japan than France/ Very very good ! You should have talk about the insect part and disaster part as well

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! You are right! I totally forgot to speak about insects! I will talk about it in another video😉

[@Mobik_]

Community Chest sounds AMAZING! Like an efficient tax for actual needs instead of politician's pockets

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! I totally agree with you😉

[@Krucifix71]

In the USA, if you own property, we pay property taxes. Anywhere from 5k usd to 25k usd. It's a similar concept.

[@cherryblossom6496]

I kind of want to move there actually

[@JapanwithNao]

You may have a free rent house in the countryside....😊 Many opportunities if you want😉

[@samesamebutdifferent563]

Except the last one, all the other reasons are exactly why I think I should move to a Japanese country side.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching! Waiting for you moving to Japan then😉

[@Buhay_Isla]

If theres more foreigner who will have a cafeteria or a restaurant where you can do nombiri or do pastime it would be a much enjoyable inaka lifestyle. I used to dream like that when my kids was still small.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! I heard some foreigners buy land or store in the countryside in Japan to do their business😉 It's a more realistic option for foreigners nowadays! It may be your past dream, but I'm happy to hear that your dream was doing something in the countryside in Japan😊

[@Buhay_Isla]

@@JapanwithNao aww…good to hear that…if i survived my chemo…i will still want to live in a countryside…to have a garden and starts to have my lugawan or pancitan…its a warm porridge and bihon that could be a breakfast,lunch and dinner…just like The Ramen House in Japan…Anytime you can eat it.hehehe…

[@JapanwithNao]

That's a lovely dream! I haven't tried both lugawan and pancitan so you should invite me when you eat it in Japan.😂

[@ianmathews]

Small community, service to community, regional customs and dialects, less focus on material activities, less congestion. Hmm, I seemed to have missed the deterrents. I was thinking issues would be more along the lines of maintaining property, buying, selling and transacting in Japan, living there without long term visa. I wonder how hard it would be to live there half the year as a tourist.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! It all depends on people I believe. Some people feel hard even to spend in the countryside in Japan one week. Others may feel comfortable even if they have lived there for over a year. So, It's a good idea to experience countryside life for half a year or so before making a big decision😉

[@Metalmaxm]

I live my whole life in country side here in EU. All 5 reason that you are describing are meant for city folk, not me 😄.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! The countryside is very peaceful isn't it😉 I miss it sometime....

[@haineko1989]

So it's almost perfect for me, just gotta brush up the Japanese skill some more x) Cool ;)

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! If you master the Japanese language, you will have a wonderful time in the Japanese countryside! Even though you don't speak Japanese, it's still a nice place to live for you though😉

[@MrPinballWizzard]

i think i could survive countryside because many of the things that appear ''problematic'' for others are normal daily routine for me :D

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! That's a vast advantage, isn't it😉 You can enjoy living in the countryside in Japan then!

[@callmelouanimal1658]

what perfecture is your hometown? plz make a vlog or show us more Japanese country side.😁 I only know Japanese village from anime 😭

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment. My hometown is in Hyogo prefecture. Do you know that? haha I actually filmed a vlog, but some troubles happened, so I will make it again before the end of the year when I back to my hometown again( ^ω^ )

[@callmelouanimal1658]

@@JapanwithNao oh Hyogo is in kansai region? just googled it. 😀 cool! look forward to your videos! 😍

[@JapanwithNao]

Yes it is. The biggest city in Hyogo is Kobe. I believe you've heard that. Thank you for your patient until then m(_ _)m

[@mariep6011]

countryside in Japan looks lovely but I don't think I can live in countryside more than a month lol

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! You are a city person indeed! I was like that when I was a teenager, but I may wanna live in the countryside when I get older ( ´∀｀)haha

[@edvhollywood4544]

I worry about good heating. Does anyone have ductless heating? Efficient and install insulation? I see them wearing heavy clothes inside with even a wood stove, not enough?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for asking! It depends on the house, so I'm not really sure, but not many people use a wood stove nowadays. Yes, we wear heavy clothes in winter. It's because we don't place any heater, for example, in the hallway. So not all places inside the house are warm, that's why people wear a lot even inside😉

[@cat_city2009]

These don't sound bad. The mass transit situation is better than the US.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! There are also many good things in the countryside though😂

[@andygonzalez523]

Is it possible to bring a car from the USA to Japan?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for asking. I'm not sure but it sounds possible technically....😎

[@freakless3725]

damn, live in japanese countryside looks chilling

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! It's so chill😉 I will show you a more chilling part of the countryside someday😎

[@freakless3725]

@@JapanwithNao niceeeeeeee

[@roycrave2420]

If internet connectivity is good, I can live anywhere.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! I believe it's good enough anywhere in Japan😎

[@jeannerogers7085]

So, if I were to move inaka," I get straight with a car beforehand, and learn Japanese.

[@gangplank8397]

5 pros

[@anthonyhalderman9624]

Doko? Honsenki? Where is your "hometown?" Why didn't you say? Hometown?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for watching. My hometown is the north part of Hyogo prefecture. No one knows even though I said the name😂

[@anthonyhalderman9624]

@@JapanwithNao Thanks. I know Hyogo.

[@luzvimindavinculado479]

anata no inaka wa doko no toko desu ka?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your comment! My hometown is the north part of Hyogo prefecture😉

[@luzvimindavinculado479]

why u r good in english?

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you! But I need to improve my English even better😂

[@KoguryoKid]

Don't say "you guys." Just YOU.

[@JapanwithNao]

Thank you for your advice!

[@xmen430]

may i know why