Challenges and Lessons: Experiences of Traveling to the Japanese Countryside

Traveling to the Japanese countryside offers a refreshing alternative to the bustling cities, particularly for those who enjoy nature and historical sites over urban landscapes. However, while the experience can be rewarding, it is also fraught with certain inconveniences, as my experience living in and traveling to various parts of Japan has shown.

Enjoyment and Convenience

From personal experience, Japan’s countryside, especially in places like the southern regions of Osaka, is a delightful place to visit and live. The well-connected rail network makes travel to most destinations quite convenient. However, there is one notable challenge: driving through narrow roads can be quite tricky when encountering large trucks. The math is simple - narrow roads large trucks potential hazards. This makes driving a bit of a gamble, especially in unfamiliar areas.

Public Transportation Challenges

As a regular visitor and resident in the Japanese countryside, the primary inconvenience I've experienced revolves around public transportation. While trains are well-served in many areas, buses present various challenges. Buses are often not as frequent as trains, leading to wait times that can be up to an hour. Additionally, navigating bus routes can be confusing, as the same direction may lead to different destinations at different stands. Without local knowledge or good Japanese language skills, one might easily end up several kilometers away from their intended destination.

Lessons from My Experience

My experience living in Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku for a year and a half provided a wealth of insights into the challenges and benefits of the Japanese countryside. While the natural scenery and activities such as driving or hiking provide ample entertainment, the lack of activities on offer, especially for visitors, can be limiting. The sparse public transportation system, particularly on weekends, can be quite frustrating. The only solution is often to rely on a car, and even then, the distance between attractions can be significant.

Language barriers can be a significant issue, especially for non-English speakers. To find religious services that accommodate different beliefs and ages can be difficult. The Buddhist and Shintoist religions are predominant, and finding bilingual or English-speaking churches can be a challenge. This led me to a bilingual English-Japanese church in Takamatsu and later to a small Japanese language-only Protestant church in the same city. The experience of attending these churches, while somewhat inconvenient, provided a valuable opportunity to practice and improve my Japanese skills.

Conclusion

While the Japanese countryside offers a tranquil and picturesque setting, it is not without its challenges. Issues such as public transportation, the lack of activities, language barriers, and finding religious services can be significant inconveniences. However, these challenges also offer unique opportunities for personal growth and cultural immersion. For those willing to adapt and embrace the local culture, the Japanese countryside can be a rewarding and enriching experience.