Hi, I am an ALT with Interac, I arrived in August this year and am staying until March. I used to live in Spain this year and miss it, so plan to go back. I really like it here in Japan, I was here two years ago as a student and having just of a nice time now too.
I am living in Kamisu, Ibaraki. It is only an hour from Tokyo by bus and whenever I go there, I meet up with native and foreign friends who live there. However, in Kamisu, there isn´t too much to do and by the time I get back to my apartment at almost 17:00, I am always too tired to do anything. I end up falling asleep most days or cook, which takes time. Before I know it, it is time to sleep and then I wake up at 6am ready to repeat.
When I am not sleepy, I play video games, read or study other languages. I also like going to the local area for a walk or the game center and try crane games there. I started the gym a few days ago and plan on going swimming too. I am actively learning Japanese and want to get an online tutor to focus on speaking. I want to meet more people in my area, however, I feel that the conversations on apps like HelloTalk never go anywhere, so it is hard to meet friends. How did you meet locals in your area?
I compare my experience to other people who are in similar positions or in bigger cities which are easier to meet people or to travel to other places. I want to have an equally nice time and have plans to travel and see a lot of Japan. I just wish that my day to day life wasn't so wasted and that I could enjoy my nights after work as I enjoy the weekend.
What tips do you have?
Thanks!
Edit: I want to add that it takes me half an hour to commute by car and then by the time I am home, and get ready to go out again and drive somewhere else, it would get late quickly.
by dbgnihd