NC86 wrote:
> > IMHO Living in a smaller city has many advantages over Tokyo. Fewer
> > distractions, less hassle, more access to the traditional things that
> > draw many foreigners to Japan in the first place, and a lower cost of
> > living. And in my experience it's much easier to visit live in a rural
> > area and visit Tokyo than it is to live in Tokyo and visit rural areas.
>
> But what about the accomodation issue? Tokyo has gaijin houses which fit
> my needs exactly (one month stay). I don't know what is available in
> other cities.

Pretty much any major city is going to have gaijin houses. And note
that I'm not necessarily talking about living in the wilderness; I'm
just trying to get you to consider other parts of Japan than Tokyo.
Tokyo is an exciting city to say the least. But it's not the only place
in Japan.

I'm biased because I'm an outdoors person. I'd prefer to live someplace
where I can hop on my bike and ride or go hiking/rock climbing without
spending a good part of the day just getting to the place to do the
activity. When I lived in Kobe I was a few minutes walk from great
restaurants and bars, ten minutes from the main Sannomiya rail station,
and only five minutes walk from some great trails and scenery. For me
it was ideal.

John W.