AboutJessica Brundige Expertise I can answer questions related to student exchange in Japan. In addition, I know about the Japanese home and family life. I am also able to answer questions about Japanese high school. I have a knowledge of Japanese culture, as well.
Experience I was an exchange student in Japan, and I lived with a Japanese family and attended high school. Because of circumstances out of my control, I stayed with three different families; two in Shiga Prefecture and one in Kyoto.
I am a student in England and I'm very interested in spending some time in Rural Japan as part of a gap year. I have always been fascinated by the culture and their way of life. Is there any information you can give me about what areas to visit or how to get started. Thanks in advance for any help
Charlie
Answer Hello!
I lived in Shiga Prefecture for most of my stay, so of course I can't speak for all parts of Japan.
I lived in a fairly rural part, but it wasn't all the way.
I think the houses are much more interesting when they have space to be as big as needed. They seem a lot less crowded and stuffed together.
Also, the shops and everything in the older parts have a unique feel to them. It's hard to describe.
The mountains are nice as well. I've never seen anything quite like them.
The pace is a bit slower. There was a lot more downtime in the household in Shiga than in Kyoto. Personally, I loved it. Everything is so rushed in the city.
As far as the HOW, I'm not entirely sure. I know that some exchange programs offer gap year trips, but I don't know of any that would help you. Talk to school counselors or similar and see if they can help you out.
