UK-JAPAN.net

ukjapan · Site Admin Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 13

The Best Places to live in the UK & Japan
イギリスと日本、住むのに最も適したエリアは？

chouwa-bc · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: London & Chiba

Tokyo and London are fantastic cities for having fun and for young and creative people. But are not ideal cities for families.

I have visited many places in Japan. I really like Kyoto and Chiba, both these places are very relaxed with a good atmosphere. They are very safe places to live with friendly people, and they also have all the entertainment that Tokyo and London contain.

日本に行ったことがあります（３かいです）。千葉と京都はいいところだとおもいます。いつか、京都か、千葉に住みたいんです。千葉は田んぼがたくさんある（田んぼが大好き、美しいだと思うね）、京都はいろいろでんとうたきなばしょうとお寺がたくさんあります。
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Chouwa - Harmony
http://www.chouwa-bc.com

Richard · Guest

I think either London or Edinburgh are ideal places to live in the UK.

Sakura · Guest

Fuokouka is a wonderful place. There is a lovely mix of old and new there! And it's always developing!!!

Cuong Truong · Guest

Hai, hai, hai! I have to agree with Sakura. I have been living in Fukuoka (West Japan) for 7mths now, beautiful place, not too crowded but its busy and theres always a buzz in the air, some event is always going on every month. Onsens galore! So many especially in Beppu. Fukuoka didnt win the right to host the next olympics as Tokyo got more votes. But the general feeling from residents and students I had taught was that they didnt really want it. Apparently reasons such as overcrowding, raises in regional tax to support construction and others. Also according to "Time Magazine" Fukuoka was ranked 3rd place in the world for work-life balance living.( If you are wondering, Manhattan in America got first place and some other american city got 2nd).

Stuart · Guest

Fukuoka came 3rd? Wow I have to check it out! I have a friend from Shizouka who says its pretty cool there... but definitely there seems to be a lot of talk about Fukuoka these days...

Debora · Guest

I'm from Oska and it's a wonderful place. Some might not like it but that big sign boards, illuminations... I feel lives in them.I understand Tokyo is capital but why not many people talk about Osaka?

chouwa-bc · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: London & Chiba

I have been to Osaka also! It's a really fantastic place with a lovely atmosphere and delicious food! Plus there are not as many tall buildings in Osaka as in Tokyo so your feel less inferior and less trapped. For me the night life in Osaka was pretty similar to Kyoto and Tokyo, and some parts look similar also. So I guess thats why I would stay in Kyoto instead. On a level I think that West Japan has better places to live perhaps and plus people are more funnier and friendlier - but I can't go generalising.
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http://www.chouwa-bc.com

Cuong · Guest

Osaka is a nice place but it doesnt really stick out from the crowd. However saying that Id prefer to live in Osaka as opposed to Tokyo. Lets see Osaka has Universal Studios Japan, home of okonomiyaki (osaka style) and loads of shops. The fact is bigger cities mean more tourists, more shops and more high rise blocks to accommodate more people, as a result you are more likely to find a 4 starbucks around the corner than a traditional izakaya to eat at.

chouwa-bc · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: London & Chiba

I totally agree with you Cuong! I would prefer to live in Osaka any day as opposed to Tokyo!! Does anyone know if Okinawa is really worth living in? I hear many mixed stories like, really beautiful but everybody is too laid back, or the military presence really disturbs the atmosphere there... etc...
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http://www.chouwa-bc.com

Kaori · Guest

Yes, I believe Okinawa life may be too laid back for those from the city. Therefore, I would suggest living in Kyoto or Hokkaido - where the food is the best, and the scenery during the changing seasons is the best also!

Guest · Posted: Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:00 pm Post subject:

I heard Nara is a beautiful place to live and similar to Kyoto!

Cuong · Guest

Nara ni hoshi sunde imasu ka? ano.. tabun iie but Naras nice! Takusan no Deers. Deers are everywhere! They are not scared of people so they will just chase after you if you have food. Abunai! Demo Nara wa chotto shizuka desu. But great tourist site. I think the largest Buddha statue in Japan is in Nara, based in Todaiji Shrine. Apparently you can become enlightened there. How? There are several pillars holding up the shrine. One pillar has a hole drilled through it. According to legend if you can squeeze through you will become enlightened. Very popular with elementary school kids, but for okii person chotto problems. But I made the journey and got through(I'm skinny!).

Cuong Truong · Guest

Hokkaido to Okinawa ikitai desu. I still haven't been! Currently I'm experiencing withdrawal symptoms after returning from Japan to the UK. I really want to go return. Barry you are so lucky, did you say you were in Japan now?....Anyway ichiban wa Fukuoka mo!

chouwa-bc · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: London & Chiba

Hi Cuong!

Yes, I would have to agree about Nara being too quiet! I guess it is pretty similar to Nikko then! Nikko is an absolutely beautiful area with a mountain, lovely lakes, woods, onsens and temples - but sugoku shizuka desu. I would like to visit Hokkaido and Okinawa someday also!

So - you are now officially back in the UK! I always feel depressed for a few days when I arrive back to London from Japan - haha!

Yep, I am in Japan right now - and as always I am currently stopping in Chiba! I love it here! Temples, beaches, onsens, tanbo, entertainment, zoo, etc etc...

How is the weather in London - and how are you readjusting back to London life?
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Chouwa - Harmony
http://www.chouwa-bc.com

Cuong · Guest

It's been a hard 3 months readjusting back to UK life since returning. London is a great place and all, but I think I've developed a taste for Japanese life. The convenience of everything; trains always on time, vending machines selling absolutely everything imaginable, polite Japanese staff at your every call and beckon, natural mountains and greenery only a stone throw away, the safety and security (In my old house in Hiroshima I never had to lock the front door or my bike, this was out of pure laziness) I seriously miss teaching at Nova as well. Meeting people from so many different backgrounds wanting to learn English and about London. And of course the gift giving culture in Japan meant I got my fair share of presents from students!

Of course London has it's benefits too! I'd probably be saying similar remarks if I were in Japan at the moment.

chouwa-bc · Joined: 12 Jan 2007 Posts: 85 Location: London & Chiba

Yes, Japan is an amazing place isn't it!

I can't believe you have been back for 3 months already! I am planning to migrate out there anytime between July - September this year. I remember when me and Vi was telling you to go for Nova, and at first you was like 'nah' and look now - a life changing experience! ; )

I am excited at the prospect of getting out there and starting a new life. Everytime I usually go to Japan (been there four times now), I always get those withdrawal symptons when arriving back to London.

Sure, there will be things I miss about London - but hey we make choices and must follow them dilegently!
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Chouwa - Harmony
http://www.chouwa-bc.com

BluePanic · Joined: 09 Apr 2007 Posts: 4

Hi

for me it has to be Nagoya, I love all the bars and clubs. The ppl are great to, but as Im from London I have to say it is the best for music and fashion.
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Apple · Guest

Yes! London does have great fashion and music!
It's hard to say which is best for fashion, Tokyo or London - but I guess it comes down to the people immersed in fashion.