Inaka Japan: Everything To Know About Japanese Rural Life

Whether you are considering rural life in Japan or just curious about it, this comprehensive guide will help you understand everything you need to know about Japanese inaka.

The pros and cons of Japanese rural life

Let's talk about the benefits and drawbacks of living in rural Japan.

The pros: why should you live in the countryside in Japan?

Whether you want to get away from the city or seek a quieter, more peaceful environment, here are the main reasons people choose to live in inaka Japan.

1. Plenty of houses available

Have you heard of “akiyas.”

In contrast to the competitive and limited housing market in Japanese cities, more  rural regions of inaka Japan have these very cheap and immediate move-in houses. Additionally, you will have a larger living space with plenty of space.

Be careful, though. Many of these akiya houses have deteriorating conditions and old akiya furniture, so it will need extensive renovations with maintenance. 

However if you are up for the challenge, these houses are the perfect opportunity for individuals or families with children looking to relocate to the countryside.

2. Much lower cost of living

From housing expenses to everyday living essentials, the overall cost of living will be lower in the countryside than in the city, especially the housing cost, as rental and property values will be a fraction of the price.

Living in the inaka Japan also makes your everyday expenses, such as groceries, transportation, and leisure activities, more budget-friendly.

3. Better sense of community

The best part of rural life in Japanese inaka is getting to know your neighbors and those around you.

You will have plenty of opportunities to meet and interact with them, whether exchanging homegrown vegetables or going to the local festivals together.

Inaka people always try to include you in community activities and events to share their local culture.

The cons: why shouldn’t you live in the countryside of Japan?

The country side lifestyle isn’t for everyone. Here are a couple of reasons why.

1. Lack of job opportunities

There are limited job opportunities in the countryside, which is why many young Japanese people are moving to the city.

So unless you can work remotely, start an online business, earn money online, or take up farming, making a living in the countryside might be a struggle.

Additionally if you have children, educational opportunities may be scarce as some rural cities may only have one or two high schools with restricted resources.

2. Relying on personal transportation

While a Japanese city such as Tokyo is known for its complex railway systems, you will need your own transportation in Japanese inaka, which usually means a car.

Most remote areas in Japanese inaka will lack public transportation. If there are any, they will be less frequent than if you were in the city.

Transitioning from city driving or becoming a new driver can be challenging.

Many inaka Japan roads are narrow, winding, and poorly maintained, which can be hazardous during bad weather or at night.

Adapting to rural transportation can be a daunting and stressful experience.

3. Higher chance of disasters

That factor all depends on where you live.

For example, mountainous areas are more likely to experience landslides, while low-lying areas near rivers are more prone to flooding.

With rural areas being further away from major cities, emergency services during these types of disasters may result in delayed responses.

What types of jobs are perfect for inaka?

Let’s take a look at the type of jobs that are compatible with the country life.

1. Remote work

Remote work has increased recently, allowing individuals to work from anywhere, including the countryside.

Whether you are a freelancer or negotiated to go fully remote, as long as you have an internet connection, you can collaborate, attend meetings, and complete tasks from your rural home.

Some remote-friendly industries include:

• Technology

• Marketing and advertising

• Writing and editing

• Online education

• Customer service

• Design 

• Consulting

2. Tourism

Many rural areas in inaka Japan rely on tourism for their economic development.

Jobs in this sector include hotel staff, tour guides, outdoor activity instructors, and hospitality management positions.

Working in tourism involves showing the natural wonders of your area, cultural significance, and unique attractions.

Many local governments will try to create incentive support programs to encourage tourism development in rural areas. The most famous program would be the One Piece statues around Kumamoto City to help the city recover from the 2016 earthquakes.

3. Public sector jobs

Combining civil servant roles with public work is a great rural job in Japan as it provides stability and opportunities. 

As a civil servant, you’ll have reliable income, manageable working hours, and significant employee benefits.

Alternatively, public work jobs with infrastructure projects have greater opportunities for technical skills or experience in fields like electrical work or facility maintenance.

Both allow you to live in rural Japan while helping improve its infrastructure.

4. Revitalization volunteer

Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has created a Regional Revitalization Volunteer Program that allows volunteers to move to areas with declining and aging populations to promote revitalization.

Their main work included supporting revitalization efforts such as:

• Developing, selling, and promoting regional brands and local products

• Working in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries industries

• Supporting the local residents

When you become a volunteer, it’ll be only for 1-3 years. Despite a fixed timeline, you will have a guaranteed income between 2.7 million to 4.7 million yen.

If you are interested in this program, check out the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications Volunteer Program.

5. English teacher

Rural areas of inaka Japan are always looking for English native speakers, particularly ALT (Assistant Language Teachers), to assist in English language classes and provide cultural exchange opportunities.

There might also be Eikaiwas that provides private English conversations with students of various ages and levels.

How do you move to the countryside in Japan?

1. Decide where you want to live.

This decision is all up to you.

The best way to decide if you want to live in a particular Japanese inaka area is to travel there. Take time off to visit and see what’s around, what activities are there, the type of infrastructure, and what government services are available.

You can even try to find online forums talking about the area you want to live in.

2. Physically visit the homes you want to live in 

Many rural homes in inaka Japan are in bad condition. While others are livable, consider renovating your home to your liking.

It’s essential to assess the property you want as you might have to:

• Do structural repairs 

• Upgrade electrical and plumbing systems

• Install insulation and weatherproofing 

• Landscape

3. Finance your property

Many towns and villages in the Japanese inaka have subsidies and support programs to attract residents from urban areas.

These municipalities have dedicated departments for town development, which often include Akiya banks to help new residents find and renovate their homes.

However, individuals must officially move to their area to qualify for these subsidies.

4. Live on your property and explore the area

Before moving, you should set up your property with running water, working gas, and functioning electricity.

For those who need help getting your property up and running, MailMate is for you.

MailMate’s Akiya Package

Let MailMate make your life easy when you living or staying at your Japanese inaka property.

a) Utility set-up and management

Many inaka Japanese properties might need a new water tank, fixing pipes, and rewiring. 

But don’t worry about communicating in Japan.

MailMate will be the communication bridge so you can move in and have working running water, gas, and electricity.

Plus, if you need help setting up fire insurance or wifi, MailMate will find the correct local services for your property. 

b) Bill and tax payments

For those who will be away from your property often due to traveling or going abroad and worry about missing a bill or tax payment, worry no more.

MailMate makes managing and paying your bills easier with its online dashboard.

Have your bills and tax notifications forwarded to MailMate, where you will receive an email or Slack notification about them.

Then click the “Pay Bill” button, and your bills are paid. 

If you bought your property, you’ll have to appoint a tax representative to help you pay your taxes related to your property, which MailMate can also help you.

c) Bilingual support

MailMate’s bilingual staff is here to help you understand your mail, from utility bills to government notices and city paperwork. 

If your mail is being forwarded to MailMate and you choose to open it, MailMate will give an overall summary of that piece of mail, which is especially helpful if you are not fluent in reading Japanese.

What to expect when living in inaka Japan

Only in Japanese

Unlike larger cities in Japan, English is very limited in inaka Japan. While many Japanese people study English, they may understand but can not speak it.

Conversational Japanese would be best when living in rural Japan. But knowing basic Japanese phrases is a great way to start. And if needed, you can always take out your phone for translation help.

Additionally, there’s an opportunity for people to want to learn your language from you.

Transportation 

Owning a car is your number one investment when living in rural Japan.

Depending on where you live, there might be public transportation. However, the frequency is significantly less than if it were operating in the city.

So, having your transportation, such as a car, bicycle, or even a motorcycle, is your best option to get around.

Additionally, many stores can be far away, which may result in once-a-week shopping. Thus, having a car for these trips would be most helpful.

Tip to living in inaka Japan

1. Kindness goes a long way

Living in the countryside of Japan has a better sense of community and hospitality, which is where acts of kindness greatly enhance the living experience.

Whether it's greetings from your neighbors, having small conversations, giving fresh fruits and vegetables, or attending local events, these gestures foster a sense of belonging and acceptance in inaka Japan.

Support and generosity create a meaningful connection no matter where you are.

2. Prepare for nature

Your rural Japanese inaka house must be prepared for rain, shine, and snow. That might be insulation and improving its infrastructure.

Additionally, you can take the opportunity to garden during the spring and summer. However, you should be aware of the wildlife, including insects in and around your home.

Take necessary precautions when it comes to protecting your home and yourself.

3. Get ready to DIY

When living a rural life in Japan, self-sufficiency is important, which is why do-it-yourself (DIY) projects are the best way to do so.

Minor repairs or big projects can save you time and money.

In closing

Rural life in Japan differs from city life. While challenges may arise, the rewards of living in the Japanese inaka are abundant with the promising slower pace of life, connection to nature, and sense of community.