Japan countryside or rural area is called Inaka (田舎). The lifestyle in rural Japan is quieter, calmer and slower than urban life in places like Tokyo or Osaka. Find out what type of jobs there are for foreign nationals in rural Japan.
First Published:2021-03-12
Updated:2024-05-24
Table of Contents
- What is Inaka? What is considered as “Inaka” in Japan?
- What to expect from Inaka life in Japan?
- Jobs in Rural Japan: What type of jobs are there in Inaka?
- Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
Are you having any issues with job-hunting in Japan?
What is Inaka? What is considered as “Inaka” in Japan?
田舎 (Inaka) means “countryside” and “rural area”, but can also mean “hometown”.
So, what is considered as “inaka” in Japan? There is no clear definition or guidelines for areas in Japan, so how do people distinguish between cities, suburbs and the countryside? By the atmosphere of the place, the population density, the services available in the area, and etc. .
Let’s have a look at the three categories of areas available in Japan.
1. Urban Areas / Cities - 都会 (Tokai)・都市 (Toshi)
Urban areas or cities are easy enough to distinguish from inaka. The general characteristics of urban areas are high population density, advanced infrastructure, and abundance of services and amenities.
The biggest advantage of living in urban areas is the convenience. Everything you need, from entertainment (e.g. cinemas, nightlife) to services (e.g. healthcare facilities, restaurants, shopping malls), is available and only a train or bus ride away. Additionally, urban areas are usually hubs for various industries and sectors, creating a diverse economy and plenty of job opportunities for locals and foreign nationals alike, which is why many people choose to move to the city to seek employment and for career advancement.
The downside to urban areas however is the crowds (due to high population density), fast-paced lifestyle, and higher cost of living (e.g. rent, price of commodities), though salary is usually higher in the city. Additionally, it is often said that people that live in urban areas are “colder”. Majority of people prefer to keep to themselves and mind their own business, but this can be considered an advantage to some people.
2. Suburbs - 郊外 (Kougai)・近郊 (Kinkou)
As we mentioned before, there is no clear definition of cities, suburbs and countryside, but generally the areas adjacent to city centres are called suburbs. Suburbs are characterised by lower rent and prices of commodities, and more natural landscapes than cities. In Japan, suburbs are residential neighbourhoods with many single-family homes and large apartment complexes. They are popular among families as they often feature large parks, playgrounds and green spaces for children to play.
Commuter towns (ベッドタウン, Beddo Taun - “Bed Town”) only used by residents to “live in” but commute for work or school to the adjacent city is considered a suburb. A good example is Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa and Ibaraki prefectures which have areas that are popular as commuter towns for people working in Tokyo.
The advantage of suburbs is clear - lower rent and goods prices, and easy access to cities. Though not as convenient in terms of amenities and services, facilities such as commercial districts, shopping malls, and offices in suburbs are usually gathered in a central location, usually near train stations. These places are a one-stop-for-all to residents looking to get things done (e.g. shopping, dining).
Additionally, schools are usually easily available in suburban areas where families are gathered. Private transportation (e.g. car, bicycle) is recommended to reach the nearest train station when living in suburbs, and for convenience of getting around.
3. Rural Area / Countryside - 田舎 (Inaka)
Inaka, aka rural Japan, is distinct from urban cities, but is not quite as clear cut from suburbs. The easiest way to distinguish between inaka and suburban areas is:
- Whether it is a commuter town.
If yes, then suburbs. - Whether services and commercial facilities are widely available.
If yes, then suburbs. - Whether access to urban areas is difficult.
If yes, then inaka. - Whether it is rich in natural landscapes.
If yes, then inaka.
There are many advantages to living in rural Japan. The biggest advantages are the much cheaper cost of living overall, but especially for housing costs, it becomes possible to rent, or even own, a house for the same cost as a small apartment in the city! A huge reason people choose to live in the inaka is the healthier living environment. Life in the inaka is much slower paced and relaxed compared to the city, and the air is fresher and cleaner as well. Additionally, the sense of community in inaka is much stronger, and you’ll find people friendlier and more open to interacting with you.
There are disadvantages to living in the inaka of course. For one, the lack of close availability and options when it comes to services and amenities that necessitates travel to the nearest town or city. Additionally, public transportation isn’t widely available in rural areas, so having a car is highly recommended, even necessary, to get around.
Writer's Pick
What to expect from inaka life in Japan?
What image comes to mind when you think of the inaka? Many people imagine paddy fields, while others imagine mountains, or villages with buildings no taller than two floors.
Here, we share what there is to expect from inaka life in Japan, so you don’t get caught off guard.
- Few English-speakers or foreign nationals, so knowing Japanese is important
- Friendly community and people, so more opportunities to form meaningful connections
- Reliance on private transportation (e.g. car or bicycle)
- Spotlight and attention because you’re a foreign national
- Much lower cost of living (e.g. rent, housing, groceries)
- Abundance of nature and fresh clean air
- Freshest of produce, straight from the garden or farm fresh
- Not much to do aside from admiring nature and the occasional festival, so pick up a hobby!
- Less amenities and services, so plenty of DIY or help from neighbours
Jobs in Rural Japan: What type of jobs are there in Inaka?
In recent years, an increasing demand for foreign workers has emerged in rural Japan due to demographic challenges, such as ageing population and declining birth rates, that has resulted in labour shortages. To further escalate the problem, the younger generation increasingly seek opportunities in cities, leaving rural communities to face additional challenges in retaining and attracting local talent.
As such, foreign workers play a crucial role in supplementing the workforce, and indirectly keeping rural communities, businesses and industries up and running. They contribute to the economic development, community vitality and international exchange in these areas.
So what type of jobs are there in rural Japan for foreign nationals?
Agricultural Jobs
Inaka regions in Japan are often characterised by agricultural activities, making jobs related to agriculture and farming prevalent. The agricultural sector itself encompasses a wide range of roles related to farming, forestry and agribusiness. There are many options available depending on your interests or expertise.
Agriculture-related roles are diverse and can include farmhands, seasonal harvest workers, livestock caretakers, greenhouse workers, machinery operators, farm managers, agricultural technicians, forestry workers, agricultural researchers, agribusiness specialists, crop processing specialists, and more.
Japanese proficiency is not required for labour concentrated jobs, but having minimum daily conversational skills (JLPT N5/N4) will improve your chances of being hired, and more importantly make daily interactions and making friends in the inaka much easier.
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Fishery and Aquaculture Jobs
Despite the strong image of paddy fields and mountains that inaka holds, let’s not forget that there are inaka areas in coastal regions as well. Rural areas next to the sea are heavily supported by the fishery industry. Career opportunities include fishing vessel crew members, aquaculture farmers, fish processing and packaging workers, fisheries management, marine ecosystem researcher, and more.
Teaching Jobs
Schools serving local communities in inaka offer opportunities for teaching positions. Educator roles may include foreign language teachers, subject teachers, and teaching assistants. English teachers in particular are in high demand in inaka schools.
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET Programme), sponsored by the Japanese government, is a teaching programme that brings eligible foreign nationals to Japan. The position of assistant language teacher (ALT) is available through the programme with many assignments to inaka available.
Hospitality and Tourism Jobs
Inaka areas with tourist attractions may offer opportunities in hospitality and tourism-related industries. Foreign nationals may find work in hotels, guest houses, ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), restaurants, tourist information centres, and tourist attractions to help provide services to foreign visitors and promote local attractions.
Level of Japanese proficiency required depends on the position you will hold. For example, a resort hotel front desk job may require business to native level of Japanese, in addition to proficiency in a foreign language as you will be dealing with both local Japanese and international guests.
Healthcare and Care Worker Jobs
In rural areas of Japan where the elderly population is high but care workers and healthcare providers are few, there is a pressing need for healthcare workers, nurses and care worker jobs to support the ageing population. This is where foreign national employment opportunities present themselves.
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Remote Work in Inaka
With the increasing prevalence of remote work and telecommuting, your company (whether a Japanese corporation or foreign entity) may allow you to work wherever you are in the world, so why not in rural Japan. This arrangement allows you to enjoy the lifestyle benefits that inaka regions have to offer, while maintaining employment (and salary!) in your chosen field.
Some people may choose to settle down completely in the inaka, while others may choose to stay short-term just to experience the inaka life through a workcation. It is entirely up to you.
What is Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa?
In early 2024, Japan’s Immigration Services Agency announced that it will begin issuing a new type of visa - the Digital Nomad Visa, from the end of March 2024. Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa will be available to 49 countries including the United Kingdom and the United States. With the Digital Nomad Visa, visa-holders are permitted to live and work remotely in the country for up to 6 months with no options for renewal.
However, the requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa are quite strict. Applicants must show that they have a minimum annual income of 10 million Yen (equivalent in foreign currency), as well as have travel insurance to cover their entire stay.
Digital Nomad Visa-holders are not considered as residents and thus will not receive a residence card. They are not able to open a Japanese bank account, rent housing for long-term, or obtain a Japanese driver’s licence.
※ Lexology, “Japan to Implement Digital Nomad Visa” [2024.02.13]
Find a Job in Japan with WeXpats
WeXpats operates a service for foreign nationals who want to work in Japan. There are jobs in a variety of industries, and you can search for jobs by location. There are 2 services available on WeXpats - WeXpats Agent for full time jobs and WeXpats Jobs for part time jobs.
Looking for a Full Time Position? Leave it to WeXpats Agent!
WeXpats Agent is a career support service that specialises in employment for foreign nationals living in Japan.
Recruitment agencies in Japan are a service where dedicated career advisors will assist you with your job hunt for free. In addition to introducing open positions, we also provide support to help you create your Japanese resume and practice for interviews. Worried about job hunting in Japanese? We are here for you.
Features of WeXpats Agent
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We have many job openings that are a good fit for foreign nationals to work in, such as translation, interpretation, inbound, etc. jobs that make use of your language skills, as well as engineering etc. jobs that do not require Japanese skills.
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Finding a Part Time Job? Browse on WeXpats Jobs!
WeXpats Jobs is a part time job site for foreign nationals living in Japan. You can search for jobs in 11 languages (English, Vietnamese, Korean, Indonesian, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Burmese, Thai, Spanish, Portuguese), including Japanese. Find jobs that suit you by specifying your Japanese language level, occupation, location, and etc.
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