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Embracing the Serenity: Our First Year in Japan’s Countryside

After four vibrant years in Tokyo, my partner Amy and I took a leap of faith and relocated to Japan’s countryside in April 2024. Drawn to the tranquility and natural beauty of rural life, we traded the bustling city for a quieter existence in a town that, while not tiny, has quickly become our home. This article reflects on our first year here, capturing the essence of the changing seasons, the community we’ve built, and our thoughts on whether this move was the right choice.

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The Move: A New Beginning

In Japan, April marks the start of the fiscal and school year, making it the prime time for relocations. Amid this annual rush, we secured a newly built house to rent, a significant upgrade from our previous sharehouse in Tokyo. As a software engineer and a videographer, we both work remotely for Japan-based companies, which allowed us the flexibility to make this move. The transition wasn’t without its challenges—Japan’s famously meticulous processes meant navigating a maze of paperwork, from updating our address to having the local police measure our car space for a new number plate.

One cultural ritual we embraced was introducing ourselves to our neighbors with small gifts. Initially nervous about fitting into a rural community, we were heartened by the warmth of our neighbors, setting an optimistic tone for our new chapter.

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Spring: Blossoming Connections

Spring brought our first local festival and excursions to the nearby Alps, confirming our love for the easy access to nature. The serene landscapes and vibrant festivals were a stark contrast to Tokyo’s urban sprawl, reinforcing our decision to move. The rice fields, freshly planted, signaled the countryside’s awakening, and we felt ourselves settling into its rhythm.

Summer: Embracing the Outdoors

Summer arrived with the rainy season, followed by hot, sticky days. Unlike Tokyo’s stifling concrete jungle, the countryside offered a softer edge. We escaped to the mountains, hiking, swimming, and even sleeping in our van to beat the heat. Our local bouldering gym became a hub for meeting new friends, and the community’s warmth was palpable. Speaking Japanese proved essential—unlike Tokyo, English-speaking services like doctors or real estate agents were scarce. Our years in Tokyo had prepared us, as our Japanese proficiency allowed us to navigate daily life and forge meaningful connections.

A highlight was hosting my parents, who visited and stayed in our new home. Sharing our countryside life with them, from local tours to cozy evenings, was a joy that underscored the benefits of our spacious new place.

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Autumn: Building Community

As the rice fields were harvested and the air cooled, we deepened our ties with the community. Outdoor climbing trips with friends from the bouldering gym solidified our sense of belonging. We even entered a local bouldering competition—though, as beginners, we were outclimbed by schoolchildren, the experience was unforgettable for its camaraderie. Autumn also brought our final hikes of the season, as we prepared for the quieter months ahead.

Winter: A Snowy Adventure

Winter transformed the countryside, with the nearby mountains blanketed in snow—a magical sight for us, having never lived so close to such landscapes. Snowboarding and winter hikes became our weekend staples, though the season wasn’t without surprises. Our electricity bill spiked due to the energy needed to prevent frozen pipes, a rural reality we hadn’t anticipated. A quick upgrade to our power plan resolved the issue, but it was a reminder of the unique challenges of countryside living.

A trip to an especially snowy region further afield was a highlight, though we mostly embraced the cozy indoors during the colder months, savoring the slower pace.

Spring Again: A Sense of Home

By April 2025, our town buzzed with new residents and the energy of a new school year. We welcomed new neighbors, this time receiving their thoughtful gifts. The landscape bloomed once more, mirroring the growth of our connection to this place. What began as a potential stepping stone to another rural spot has become a true home. The community we’ve built, the memories we’ve created, and the serenity we’ve found have made this move one we don’t regret.

Reflections

Living in Japan’s countryside has offered us a balance we couldn’t find in Tokyo. Salaries may be lower than in Australia, but the cost of living is more manageable, and the calm, orderly lifestyle suits us. The lengthy processes and reduced flexibility are small prices to pay for the natural beauty and community we’ve embraced. While we may not stay here forever, this first year has shown us that the countryside is where we belong—for now.

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