Why Rural Placements Matter
Most ALT placements in Japan are rural or semi-rural. This surprises a lot of applicants – not because rural placements are rare, but because many candidates only know Japan through Tokyo, Osaka, or maybe Kyoto.
If your mental image of Japan comes from Shibuya crossings, neon signs, and people packed into subways like sardines, a rural placement can feel intimidating at first. Some candidates hesitate when asked to consider these placements simply because they don’t match what they imagined.
The fact is, Tokyo only accounts for roughly 0.6% of Japan’s land area. The Kantō region (of which Tokyo is a part) is actually one of Japan’s smallest regions, covering only about 8% of the country. There is a lot more to Japan than Ginza and the Yamanote Line.
Before deciding that a rural placement “isn’t for you,” it’s worth understanding what rural Japan is actually like. You may still decide you prefer an urban placement, but at least that decision will be an informed one.
What “Rural” Usually Means in ALT Terms
In ALT hiring, “rural” typically refers to:
- Small cities, towns, or villages
- Limited or non-existent English-language infrastructure
- Fewer foreigners, sometimes none at all
This does not necessarily mean living in the middle of the mountains with no access to civilization.
Even in relatively isolated countryside placements, most ALTs are still within 30–90 minutes of a regional city by car or train. You’ll have access to hospitals, shopping centers, and government offices, it just won’t all be within walking distance.
One thing is consistent across the board: if you rule out rural placements entirely, you rule out most of Japan.
Daily Life in Rural Japan
While Every Situation Is Different, there are some things that will be broadly true about life in rural Japan, at least when compared to Tokyo.
Transportation is one of the biggest differences. Public transit may be infrequent or limited, so driving is essential for many rural placements.
Shopping and services are available but limited. You’ll have grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, restaurants, and bars, but not fifteen competing options for each on each street corner. Imported foods and specialty items are harder to find locally, which means you’ll rely more on online shopping or trips into the city.
You’ll need to put more effort into planning activities and entertainment, rather than having options constantly presented to you. On the upside, housing, utilities, groceries, and practically everything else are significantly cheaper than in major cities.
In short, you trade convenience and variety for lower costs, quieter surroundings, and a slower pace of life.
Social Life and Community Expectations
In rural Japan, you will be noticed.
There are fewer foreigners, which means your presence stands out. For many people in the community, you may be the only foreigner they interact with regularly (or at all). This can feel uncomfortable at first, especially with a language barrier, but it also creates opportunities for deeper relationships.
You’ll also need to be proactive in seeking out friends and things to do. If you’re lucky, locals interested in foreign cultures or international exchange may reach out to you as the new foreigner in town, but it’s best not to depend on that. Instead, actively seek out clubs, volunteer activities, and community events.
At the same time, gossip travels quickly (both good and bad) so your behavior carries more weight than it would in a large city. If you’re the only foreigner in town, everyone knows exactly which school to complain to.
Why Many ALTs End Up Preferring Rural Placements
Despite the initial adjustment period, many ALTs end up preferring rural placements.
Japanese language skills tend to improve faster when English isn’t an option. Relationships are often stronger, simply because you see the same faces every day, whether at school or at the grocery store. Community integration feels more real, and you’re less likely to feel like a disposable outsider.
There’s also less competition for everything from housing and space on the bus to attention. There’s a stronger sense that your presence actually makes a difference.
If Rural Japan Is (or Isn’t) for You
A rural placement may be a good fit if you:
- Want your paycheck to go farther
- Want to experience “traditional” Japanese culture
- Want to feel like part of a community
It may be a poor fit if you:
- Want to live primarily within an expat bubble
- Struggle without anonymity
- Need access to specialized medical support that is uncommon in Japan
Since most ALT positions are in rural or semi-rural areas, if an urban placement is a deal-breaker, you may want to investigate other paths to Japan as well.
What to Read Next
Are You Willing to Drive in Japan?
Why this question matters so much for rural placements.
JTE Collaboration
Rural schools often rely more heavily on ALTs.
Life After ALT
How rural experience shapes post-ALT career paths.
If you want a realistic picture of placements, expectations, and how to prepare mentally for life as an ALT, those topics are covered in detail in So You Want to Be an ALT.
ALT Roadmap 