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[ThreePiMatt]

I went to Hiroshima city for the first time today. I was there for pretty much the whole day, but I didn't get to see a lot. Seems like a pretty nice city. I didn't even know they had a tram, and there are even more rivers going through than in Matsue.

Had you gone over the weekend you could have gone to the Hiroshima Food Festival outside Hiroshima Castle. So. Much. Food.

 

[Aizo]

Had you gone over the weekend you could have gone to the Hiroshima Food Festival outside Hiroshima Castle. So. Much. Food.

Damn. If I had control over when I went, that would have been the time.

 

[urfe]

Will prob be doing a Tohoku tour this winter (well, and Ishigaki in Okinawa), but after that Hiroshima is next on my list.

I've remember how comfortable and fun it is to travel inside Japan.

 

[I'm an expert]

Only two things Hiroshima is good for: sake festival and head by the river. Both coincidentally are October traditions.

 

[Fuzzery]

I'm in Kyoto at the end of next week.

Only staying M-Thurs, damn

 

[Aizo]

Only two things Hiroshima is good for: sake festival and head by the river. Both coincidentally are October traditions.

Let's meet up for one of those!

Spoiler

Please, God, the first one.

 

[Jintor]

Only two things Hiroshima is good for: sake festival and head by the river. Both coincidentally are October traditions.

@_@

 

[DCharlie]

Played in a football tournament in Hiroshima when i wasn't so old/fat back in the day and , whilst it wasn't my first time there, holy shit - what a party it is down there.

<3 Hiroshima <3

 

[I'm an expert]

Played in a football tournament in Hiroshima when i wasn't so old/fat back in the day and , whilst it wasn't my first time there, holy shit - what a party it is down there.

<3 Hiroshima <3

There used to be an ALT tournament every year (maybe still is?) on fuckin Awaji of all places. It was surprisingly well run. Absolutely zero reason else to ever be out of a car on Awaji.

 

[Aizo]

I was looking at some Scorsese films, and saw that he's directing a film adaptation of &#27784;&#40665; (Silence), by End&#333; Sh&#363;saku. That's so odd. I don't know if many of you read Japanese literature, but I didn't know where else to post about this. Should be an interesting film, at the very least. I'm not sure how a Western background will affect the film's production.

 

[Fugu]

Well, as of three days ago I live here now (&#22524;&#29577;&#30476. What an unbelievable amount of stuff to do.

 

[Splash Wave]

I was looking at some Scorsese films, and saw that he's directing a film adaptation of &#27784;&#40665; (Silence), by End&#333; Sh&#363;saku. That's so odd. I don't know if many of you read Japanese literature, but I didn't know where else to post about this. Should be an interesting film, at the very least. I'm not sure how a Western background will affect the film's production.

I found out about this just after finishing the book, and I'm extremely excited to see how his adaptation turns out.

Endo doesn't get enough credit in the West; Silence is wonderful.

 

[Valkerionseven]

Well, as of three days ago I live here now (&#22524;&#29577;&#30476. What an unbelievable amount of stuff to do.

Heh I got here a week and a half ago. Trying to set up for living alone is weird. \feels like there are things I need and can go without. Like I got two tables but no shelves haha. It`s cool though so far.

Also is it me or do futons not `breathe` at all, sweatin like a pig every night in this thing. Buying new sheets\padding is high on the list this weekend.

 

[Aizo]

Are you and Fugu here for work or school?

 

[Mik2121]

Only two things Hiroshima is good for [...] and head by the river

I think I'm misunderstanding this one.

 

[DCharlie]

There used to be an ALT tournament every year (maybe still is?) on fuckin Awaji of all places. It was surprisingly well run. Absolutely zero reason else to ever be out of a car on Awaji.

we played an ALT team in Hiroshima back in the day circa 2005 ? ....

... 12 goals, in a 15 minute match Happy days

Very nice set of guys.

 

[Valkerionseven]

Are you and Fugu here for work or school?

work myself.

 

[dani_dc]

do you go travelling like every three months mike? lawl

This thread title applies to Mike as much as it does to peope permanently living here.

 

[MikeHattsu]

This thread title applies to Mike as much as it does to peope permanently living here.

H-Hey! >_>

 

[Fugu]

Are you and Fugu here for work or school?

I'm here for work as well. Teaching English in Japan is a fortuitous combination of my interests (education and Japan) so I figured I'd give it a shot.

 

[Aizo]

Have you ever actually eaten fugu?
Some people think it's delicious, while I hear most people tell me it's not worth having because it doesn't really have a particular flavor.

 

[Etrian Oddity]

Have you ever actually eaten fugu?
Some people think it's delicious, while I hear most people tell me it's not worth having because it doesn't really have a particular flavor.

Haven't had it, but from what I've gathered it's like eating kinmedai with the numbing sensation associated with Szechuan peppercorns.

 

[Fugu]

Have you ever actually eaten fugu?
Some people think it's delicious, while I hear most people tell me it's not worth having because it doesn't really have a particular flavor.

No, but it's definitely something I'm planning on doing. It's kind of expensive, though.

Does anyone have any recommendations on prepaid SIMs? I'm having a real hard time getting a phone working for a reasonable price.

 

[Mik2121]

Have you ever actually eaten fugu?
Some people think it's delicious, while I hear most people tell me it's not worth having because it doesn't really have a particular flavor.

I hate fish but I actually had fugu back when I lived in Fukuoka and it was actually.. nice. Can't remember how it was prepared, but I remember I liked it (or rather, liked all the stuff it came with as the fish itself was quite soft in taste)

 

[BlazingDarkness]

Aww man, I feel like I'm the only person in Japan who is not out for Halloween tonight ;_;

 

[matt360]

Had you gone over the weekend you could have gone to the Hiroshima Food Festival outside Hiroshima Castle. So. Much. Food.

Were you there? While the food fest is still pretty great, it gets less and less so every year. There used to be tons of international food stalls there with tacos, kebabs, shawarma, and lots of other good stuff, but now it's just regional Japan food. Still good, but less interesting.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

Were you there? While the food fest is still pretty great, it gets less and less so every year. There used to be tons of international food stalls there with tacos, kebabs, shawarma, and lots of other good stuff, but now it's just regional Japan food. Still good, but less interesting.

Yeah, didn't know it was happening before I went. Just took the train from Osaka and planned to visit the castle and various memorial stuff and ran into the food festival. I will agree that there didn't seem to be a ton of international food.

 

[Ayumi]

Aww man, I feel like I'm the only person in Japan who is not out for Halloween tonight ;_;

Nah. I'm too old for that stuff.

 

[coughlanio]

So, looks like I'm finally going to be joining Japan GAF. Been lurking here for a while, but didn't want to post until I had some good news. Spent the last year or so looking for a job, and just received an offer yesterday. Contract should be sent during the week, which I'm going to accept, and then the visa process will commence I guess!

 

[BlazingDarkness]

I'm heading to Nikko on Thursday
Anyone been there?

 

[I'm an expert]

So, looks like I'm finally going to be joining Japan GAF. Been lurking here for a while, but didn't want to post until I had some good news. Spent the last year or so looking for a job, and just received an offer yesterday. Contract should be sent during the week, which I'm going to accept, and then the visa process will commence I guess!

Great. What industry will you be doing software for?

 

[Fugu]

What's a good 1-2 night trip from Tokyo? I'm particularly looking for something rural. I wouldn't mind a nice train ride, either.

 

[jellies_two]

Go out to the Hakone sculpture park served by the odawara line, the park is up a delightful steep railway, stay in an onsen up there go see the volcanic mountain top.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html
Edit: bummer they closed the mountain due to temporary risks, anyway the whole area is nice. Might be cold though.

 

[coughlanio]

Great. What industry will you be doing software for?

Haha, how did you guess it was Software? eCommerce to be exact.

 

[Dingens]

I'm heading to Nikko on Thursday
Anyone been there?

been there last week for 2 days to get me some &#32005;&#33865;.
The only advice I can give you: If you got time, see if you can make it up to Chusenji by bus and than head a little further till Senjogahara. It's an absolutely stunning area for easy hiking. Also watch out for those bears!
Most people only visit nikkos shrines and temples... but the surrounding nature is way more interesting imho. If you got time, get a room for a night and do both. there are a lot cheap pensions around!

What's a good 1-2 night trip from Tokyo? I'm particularly looking for something rural. I wouldn't mind a nice train ride, either.

Go out to the Hakone sculpture park served by the odawara line, the park is up a delightful steep railway, stay in an onsen up there go see the volcanic mountain top.
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5203.html
Edit: bummer they closed the mountain due to temporary risks, anyway the whole area is nice. Might be cold though.

if you can read japanese, pick the 20k Yen option..
http://www.ikyu.com/ap/srch/UspW11501.aspx?aid=00001125&pln=10271329&rm=10050916&ppc=2&rc=1&lc=1

... and thank me later

Have been there in late September with my gf and it was probably the best vacation I had all year. Even though it's a shame that owakudani is still off limits, there are a lot of nice activities around hakone to make it worthwhile still.
I could post a few pics if you want to get a better impression (same goes for Nikko)

 

[I'm an expert]

Haha, how did you guess it was Software? eCommerce to be exact.

I didn't guess shit. The internet is a scary place.

Just glad to have some non-ALTers finally.

 

[Hastati]

What's a good 1-2 night trip from Tokyo? I'm particularly looking for something rural. I wouldn't mind a nice train ride, either.

Have you been to Ginzan onsen in Yamagata? It might be a little early in the year to go, but I went there with a friend and it was pretty magical, for lack of a better term. Absolutely breathtaking when the village is covered in snow,

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...sen-Obanazawa_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html


Very nice traditional inns throughout the village:

http://www.notoyaryokan.com/

 

[DCharlie]

Just glad to have some non-ALTers finally.

oi!

 

[Gromph]

Just glad to have some non-ALTers finally.

Of course

 

[Mailenstein]

I didn't guess shit. The internet is a scary place.

Just glad to have some non-ALTers finally.

Actually we have many ppl in here which don't teach. Also, is it really necessary to bash teachers 24/7 for doing that job? It's not like they are 2nd class citizens or something like that.

 

[Aizo]

I'm not sure that anyone that's even posted on this page is an ALT.
Edit: Just saw Jintor's post. Anyway, most of the people that post here aren't ALTs. There are some good ALTs, too, like Jintor.

 

[I'm an expert]

I meant the influx of new people who will presumably stay, not drive by posters. Also even if there are 'regulars' it's not like anyone posts much. I was gone for a month and when I came back the thread was still on the same page. And more than one alt has posted on this page if we want to be accurate. Not going to get baited into the alt convo again anyway.

 

[Jintor]

thanks for the kind words aizo.

Not sure what to do with myself tomorrow, but hopefully it doesn't rain.

 

[Fugu]

I never understood the hate against English teachers and I still don't. One group of expats against another -- what's the point? Transience has nothing to do with the issue since it doesn't really correlate well with teaching jobs. Maybe JETs, due to the nature of the position, but we're still talking in years.

if you can read japanese, pick the 20k Yen option..
http://www.ikyu.com/ap/srch/UspW11501.aspx?aid=00001125&pln=10271329&rm=10050916&ppc=2&rc=1&lc=1

... and thank me later

Have been there in late September with my gf and it was probably the best vacation I had all year. Even though it's a shame that owakudani is still off limits, there are a lot of nice activities around hakone to make it worthwhile still.
I could post a few pics if you want to get a better impression (same goes for Nikko)

Have you been to Ginzan onsen in Yamagata? It might be a little early in the year to go, but I went there with a friend and it was pretty magical, for lack of a better term. Absolutely breathtaking when the village is covered in snow,

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...sen-Obanazawa_Yamagata_Prefecture_Tohoku.html


Very nice traditional inns throughout the village:

http://www.notoyaryokan.com/

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm going to check out Ginzan first since I'd actually heard of it before and Yamagata is probably the highest on my list of prefectures to visit because an old Japanese teacher of mine was from there and really sold me on the place.

I would love to see pictures though, Dingens, as your suggestion sounds great too. Nikko and Hakone are certainly names that come up a lot in this discussion.

 

[Deleted member 17706]

I never understood the hate against English teachers and I still don't.

I'm not going to hate on anyone solely for their decision to take the job, but doing the ALT thing in Asia is kind of the equivalent of working retail or at Starbucks domestically. Zero qualifications and commitment are required, typically. Just a thing to do out of college if you couldn't find a job or wanted some time to goof around before entering the work force.

It's easy to see why a lot of people look down on it compared to people who live in Japan doing real jobs (I know this sounds horribly condescending, but I can't think of a better word to use at the moment).

Again, this is specifically about ALTs, since very few people would want that as a career. I don't think anyone is hating on people teaching English at a university, for example.

 

[Dingens]

are we blurring the line between living and planing a trip?
this thread is kinda vague in that way...

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'm going to check out Ginzan first since I'd actually heard of it before and Yamagata is probably the highest on my list of prefectures to visit because an old Japanese teacher of mine was from there and really sold me on the place.

I would love to see pictures though, Dingens, as your suggestion sounds great too. Nikko and Hakone are certainly names that come up a lot in this discussion.

y, ginzan seems like a lovely place, gotta put it on my to-do list.
als for Hakone and Nikko:

The hotel I recommended for Hakone is actually pretty high class and usually around 50 to 100k a night - but the special offer I postet is some kind of random deal: you only pay 20k+taxes and they will choose your room. Usually that's not something I'd do, but they had 10 room types, and only one of them seemed kinda boring (and was still more than 20k). If you're lucky you may get the 100k room

sorry I didn't bring my proper camera with me so the quality can be a little bit poor.
Hotel (area) pics:
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_111953xolhi.jpg The Bar in the lobby features a nice mountain view...
http://abload.de/img/img_20150927_171311ezzh8.jpg ... and a foot bath!
http://abload.de/img/img_20150927_175056yzbxx.jpg There are two onsen separated by gender, and then there are also two private baths which feature a really nice mountain view. the pic is from one of those privat baths.
http://abload.de/img/img_20150927_175441spapg.jpg the village at night-time. be aware of wild boars when you roam the streets at night (this is not a joke)
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_105328nmlh8.jpg view from my guest room. on the other side of that mountain leis owakudani.
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_1301142halp.jpg the sengokuhara highlands
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_172934g9zmg.jpg lake hakone and hakone shrine on the right side
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_161436c1az9.jpg an old checkpoint from the edo period where travelers from edo to kyoto had to pass through
http://abload.de/img/img_20150928_161743jxy54.jpg

as for nikko I can't recommend any specific places to stay... but at least I'd like to advice not to focus just on toshogu and the other shrines there.
if you take the bus up to lake chusenji, there is a lot of nice scenery and quite a few easy hiking courses there.
http://abload.de/img/img_20151028_16232472rpg.jpg in front of Tobu Nikko station
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_103320ekqqq.jpg some cafe near the lake at around 1300 meters above sea level
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_105320trqya.jpg a road near senjogahara
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_115028z2rhi.jpg http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_121219q7rrl.jpg paths leading through senjogahara swamplands
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_115450b8oxz.jpg http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_121834e1rre.jpg senjogahara highlands
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_123153o9r89.jpg senjogahara swamplands
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_1307243iod6.jpg http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_1319069np6i.jpg right next to senjogahara is odashirogahara, another wide spread grass-y area. also watch out for those bears! (again not a joke!)
http://abload.de/img/img_20151029_151153reqbf.jpg also the road up there is quite fun


while we're already at posting pics, anyone any good &#32005;&#33865; pics this year?
I finally got a few nice ones
http://abload.de/img/img_20151028_140929oqrmr.jpg

 

[coughlanio]

So the rush is on to get my GF a job in Japan, so we can move at the same time. Trying to get here in as an ALT, but she's not a native speaker (although her English, and accent are better than mine). It's going to be tough isn't it?

 

[Jijidasu]

G'morning all.

Don't post often, but today I bring news!

My employer, a partner of a global automotive manufacturer in Aichi prefecture is looking for one skilled Japanese-English translator/interpreter.

The job is 80% technical J/E translation relating to user and repair manuals for a range of vehicles, and 20% native proof-reading. We also occasionally participate in interpretation and large events when overseas clients visit, or for business trips. The ideal candidate should have JLPT1, experience as a translator, computer skills (Trados, Xbench, processing skills) (programming skills greatly appreciated)) and be a great person all around. Our translation division is a small, but family-like group and we ultimately want someone who will fit right in.

We are currently located in Nagoya, but from January 2016 we will be moving to brand-new office in Tajimi-shi, Gifu. This takes approximately 30 minutes on the JR&#20013;&#22830;&#26412;&#32218; from Ozone station in Nagoya. The company also can help with moving costs for those willing to relocate on behalf of the job.

I will not be making the company name public for security reasons but if anyone is interested and feel they might be a good fit for our team, please reach out to me in PM and we can take it from there.

Thanks.

(I want to add that this is not a joke. I have asked permission, and know Gromph personally if people are worried about the legitimacy of this position.)

 

[Aizo]

So the rush is on to get my GF a job in Japan, so we can move at the same time. Trying to get here in as an ALT, but she's not a native speaker (although her English, and accent are better than mine). It's going to be tough isn't it?

It'll probably be fine. haha. That's the sad part.

are we blurring the line between living and planing a trip?
this thread is kinda vague in that way...

What's vague? The thread title is pretty clear.

 

[Dingens]

[...]
What's vague? The thread title is pretty clear.

but the meaning is not. Depending on how you read the title, it could either imply that we are not planing "a trip TO Japan" because we are already here or that we aren't planing a trip at all.
You can live in Japan and still plan a trip within the country. And I'd argue that those kinds of trips you undertake as a resident somewhat differ from the usual sightseeing/going to japan -"pure" touristy stuff

So yeah, it's vague. And the outdated OT doesn't exactly help either.