What is the meaning of inaka?
“Inaka” (田舎) is a Japanese word that translates to “countryside” or “rural area” in English. It refers to regions outside of major cities and urban centers, typically characterized by a more agricultural or natural environment. The term is used to describe areas with smaller populations, fewer amenities, and a slower-paced lifestyle compared to urban areas. Inaka is often associated with picturesque landscapes, traditional customs, and a sense of tranquility.
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Why is the inaka trending?
There are many reasons why people are talking about the Japanese Countryside (inaka). Here are a few factors:
Rural revitalization efforts
In recent years, there has been increased attention on revitalizing rural areas in Japan. The government, local communities, and organizations have implemented various initiatives to address issues such as depopulation, aging populations, and economic decline in the countryside. Some of these efforts have made headlines and caused many urban-dwellers to pause and contemplate rural lifestyle.
For example, the kyoryokutai program sponsors motivated individuals to pursue revitalization in Japan’s inaka areas.
Read more Japan-Forward.com: Revitalizing Old Communities with New Life: Japan’s Chiiki Okoshi Kyōryokutai
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Alternative lifestyle choices
The inaka represents an alternative lifestyle choice for individuals seeking a slower pace of life, closer connection to nature, and a sense of community. As urban areas can be crowded and fast-paced, some people are drawn to the tranquility, natural beauty, and cultural richness offered by rural areas.
The Covid pandemic also provoked many people to reassess their life direction. This was due to increased reflection and a shift in perspective. The world experienced changes in work-life balance (for better and worse). The increased exposure to mortality of friends and family provoked a desire for change and meaning. There was job loss and uncertainty, and a longing for a simpler and more meaningful life.
As Japan remains a popular pipe-dream for people around the world, it makes sense that a peaceful, natural setting in the Japanese countryside would experience revitalized interest.
Sustainable living and eco-tourism
The countryside often embodies sustainable living practices and offers opportunities for eco-tourism. People interested in sustainable agriculture, organic farming, eco-friendly living, or experiencing nature firsthand may discuss or explore the inaka as a way to engage with these concepts.
Ozu, Ehime was named as one of the “Top 100 Sustainable Tourism Destinations in the World in 2023” by Green Destinations, an international official certification body and non-profit organization. Sometimes called the “Little Kyoto” of the Iyo region, Ozu has seen several noteworthy revitalization efforts including adaptive renovations that turn old traditional folk houses into hotels, cafes and shops.
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Escape from urban life
For some, discussions about the Japanese countryside may revolve around the desire to escape the stresses of urban life. The inaka provides a respite from the hustle and bustle of cities, allowing individuals to immerse themselves in a more relaxed and serene environment.
Cultural exploration
The inaka offers a chance to explore and experience traditional Japanese culture, customs, and festivals that are deeply rooted in rural communities. People interested in immersing themselves in authentic cultural practices, local cuisine, and traditional arts and crafts may find that the inaka is the most authentic place to engage with these aspects of Japanese culture.
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Travel and tourism
The Japanese countryside has become increasingly popular among domestic and international tourists seeking authentic travel experiences. As social media has become saturated with all the well-worn tourist destinations, the allure of “off-the-beaten-path” travel becomes even more appealing.
Inaka YouTube
Cheap houses in the Japanese countryside tend to wade in and out of the media attention. Sometimes referred to as ghost houses or ghost towns, they have sparked the interest of many different kinds of YouTube audiences: those interested in abandoned place exploration, alternative lifestyles, slow living, money saving hacks, and Japanese culture enthusiasts alike.
Foreign J-vloggers often have atleast one video on Japan’s countryside. There are channels dedicated to kominka restoration, akiya hunting, and inaka living.
The inaka holds a certain allure for those seeking a different way of life, cultural exploration, or a break from urban environments, contributing to ongoing conversations about rural Japan.
How much does it cost to live in the Japanese countryside?
The cost of living will vary greatly depending on your personal expectations and way of living. That being said, the inaka generally has a far more affordable cost of shelter than urban areas in Japan. While some foreign people have criticized high prices of fruit and vegetables, the truth is that if a traditional inaka lifestyle is pursued, you will discover that the financial burden is actually much lower.
If you become a part of a community and live the way that neighbors do, you might find yourself receiving locally grown, harvested, hunted, fished and foraged foods like daikon (Japanese radish), cabbage, mikan (mandarin oranges), shiitake mushrooms, inoshishi (wild boar), fresh fish, onions, and more.
Those who try to maintain western diets and ways of living in the inaka will pay a premium. Those who adapt and partake in a local sharing/exchange culture will do well.
Read more → My Cost of Living in Rural Japan
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How do you move to the inaka?
Here is a recommended set of steps if you are considering moving to the Japanese Countryside:
- Research. Watch videos, read articles and books, listen to podcasts, and talk to others with inaka experiences. Try to hear both the good and the bad. Consider if you can manage tough scenarios and come out in one piece.
- Visit Japan and spend some time in the countryside. You might consider doing a workaway stay, WWOOF, study abroad, a homestay exchange program, or a roadtrip. It might be difficult to get a true sense of a good community fit from initial visits, but it is better to start with a low-commitment visit. The Japanese countryside is not for everyone, and some people can tell right away.
- Organize your visa, which will probably be linked to your employment. The JET program is the highest quality English teacher placement program, which almost exclusively places teachers in the inaka. Applicants may request specific areas, however the placement is not guaranteed. Requesting a countryside location will be a higher likeliness of receiving your placement location (as compared to Tokyo).
During the pandemic, many Japanese employers learned how to make remote work possible. While many employers reverted to in-office work after time, some retained their new flex practices. It is work checking job postings if you are interested in remote office work, however most of these positions will be only available for those fluent in Japanese language.
If your employer does not sponsor your visa, contact your local Japan embassy or consulate for personalized recommendations. - Organize housing. Jumping into home ownership quickly is not recommended. Many foreigners may find that their level of comfort in Japan changes with time, due to highly contrasting core cultural values, social structures, and general challenges of living in a foreign country.
The best-case-scenario is moving into a flexible rental property that is organized by an employer.
Real estate websites and local agents can assist in finding suitable accommodations. Many housing opportunities are not listed online. Homes for rent might be listed in the town paper, or be found through word-of-mouth. - Make the move. Get your affairs in order before leaving your home country. This means organizing your finances, health insurance, doing last minute language and etiquette study, making sure your passport is up to date, get your international drivers permit, cancel subscription services, cancel utilities, do any last-minute medical and dental appointments, organize personal belongings for donation, shipping, luggage, or storage, and get all of your important documents such as birth certificate, academic qualifications, and licenses in order.
Read next → Everything you need to start living in Japan as a foreigner
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What are good Inaka travel destinations?
Japan’s countryside offers a wealth of scenic and culturally rich destinations. Here are some popular travel destinations in the Japanese countryside:
Kanazawa
Located on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa is famous for its well-preserved samurai and geisha districts, as well as Kenrokuen Garden, one of Japan’s most beautiful traditional gardens.
Takayama
This historic town in the Hida region of Gifu Prefecture offers a glimpse into traditional Japanese architecture and culture. Takayama’s old town and annual Takayama Festival are major attractions.
Nikko
Known for its UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Toshogu Shrine and the scenic beauty of Lake Chuzenji and Kegon Falls, Nikko is a popular destination for nature lovers and history enthusiasts.
Shikoku
Japan’s fourth-largest island is home to the 88 Temple Pilgrimage, a famous Buddhist pilgrimage route, and offers beautiful landscapes, rural charm, and hot springs.
Read more → Ehime’s Top Serene Getaway
Iya Valley
Located in Tokushima Prefecture on Shikoku Island, Iya Valley is renowned for its scenic landscapes, traditional thatched-roof houses, and vine bridges.
Yakushima
A subtropical island off the coast of Kyushu, Yakushima is known for its ancient cedar forests, moss-covered trails, and being the inspiration for the animated film “Princess Mononoke.”
Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
These historic villages in the mountains of Gifu and Toyama Prefectures are famous for their traditional gassho-zukuri farmhouses, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Hokkaido
Japan’s northernmost island, Hokkaido, is known for its stunning landscapes, hot springs, and outdoor activities. Places like Furano, Biei, and Shiretoko National Park are popular destinations.
These are just a few examples, and Japan’s countryside has numerous other destinations worth exploring. Each region offers its unique charms, from picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage to outdoor adventures and relaxation in hot springs.
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This post first appeared on Inaka Lifestyle: Japanese Countryside Living, please read the originial post: here
