Even if you usually live in the countryside, you may move or travel to an urban area. In that case, you may be surprised by the differences between the place you are used to living in and the urban area. The surprise may be a new feeling, but it will take some time to get used to it, and you may be confused by the difference in lifestyle. So, Kuhura conducted a survey of 499 men and women aged 20 and older about “what surprised them when they moved from rural areas to urban areas.” Let me tell you what kind of surprises actually happened. ■There are too many people in the city and on the trains! First of all, people are surprised by the number of people and the high population density. Even just walking down the street can be difficult if you’re not used to it, trying not to bump into people. At first, you’ll be amazed at how easily people can walk through the crowds. Also, trains during rush hour are extremely crowded. The trains are packed to the brim, making it a tough time for people who have never experienced rush hour before! ■Good transport links and the associated complexity… The good transport links in urban areas are also a distinctive feature. In rural areas, trains cover smaller areas and there are fewer trains, so people tend to live in a car-oriented society. In urban areas, roads are spread out like a spider’s web, and you can get to most places you want to go by public transportation. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can travel over a wide area. On the other hand, that convenience also comes with complexity. There are many types of railways, including subways, JR, private railways, and even buses, and at larger stations transferring can be a dungeon. For those unfamiliar with the system, it can be difficult to know which line to use and at which station to transfer. “Many facilities have paid parking. For example, it’s normal for banks and family restaurants to be free in rural areas.” (57-year-old woman/from Chiba/living in Aichi) There were also opinions that parking conditions are different. ■Aren’t the characters of the people who live there quite different? Some people feel that the characters of the people who live in each area are different. Some people felt that the stereotype of “Osaka people = impatient” was true, but it seems that this isn’t just true in Osaka, but that everyone in urban areas seems to be busy and on the move. It was also interesting to note that when comparing Aichi Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture, people had completely opposite opinions about regional characteristics of driving (laughs). There’s even a term for it, “Nagoya Running,” so perhaps even within prefectures, each area has its own unique style? ■There are many shops, and the city is lively until late at night In urban areas, there are many shops and restaurants, and many of them close late. Late-night shopping and eating out are commonplace. It’s a sight that can only be seen in the city, with so many people walking around even at night. ■From food to rent…prices are high! Some people are surprised at the difference in prices between rural and urban areas. For example, it is inevitable that prices will differ between places where local food such as vegetables and fish can be purchased cheaply and urban areas where they have to be transported from far away. While I understand the differences in things like store rent and labor costs, the difference in prices can be shocking. Real estate in particular will make a big difference. Conversely, some people felt that prices were cheaper in urban areas. Okinawa is a surprisingly expensive area, despite being a rural area, due to transportation costs and tourist prices. Depending on the item, you may find that it is cheaper in Osaka. ■Hot, cold…the climate is completely different This may be more of a regional difference than a difference between rural and urban areas, but some people are surprised by the lack of snow, while others are surprised by the heat of summer. You may sometimes feel that Japan is huge! In cities, the heat island effect also means that temperatures are slow to drop even at night. “When I went from Kyushu to Tokyo, I was surprised at how early the sun set. Especially in winter in Tokyo, it’s pitch black before 5pm, which is unheard of in Kyushu.” (69-year-old man/from/living in Oita Prefecture) Although it’s not about the climate, some people were confused by the difference in sunrise and sunset times due to differences in latitude and longitude. ■Food, words, cockroaches, smells!? “Other things” Here are some other opinions. The amount of information available is overwhelmingly greater than in the past, so even if you live in a rural area, you may be less likely to be surprised by the gap when you go to an urban area. But there are many things you can’t know until you actually go there. It was clear that everyone was surprised and impressed by many things, or conversely, displeased by some. *Excerpt due to length For the full text, please see the source 11/29 22:10.
It’s a good place to make money when you’re young or doing a regular job. The countryside is good for people who want to live a relaxed and leisurely life. Of course, you have to be able to make a minimum amount of money online.
No matter what Kanto Kappe do, it’s no good After all, the incompetent Kanto people have no choice but to cling to Tokyo So the eastern Japanese just lick their wounds and try to trip each other up.
If you ask me if it’s super convenient, I’d say door-to-door car travel is more convenient everywhere in the countryside. Walk to the station, walk to the station, walk to your destination.
There are a lot of people. It was a culture shock to be used to waiting in line because it’s normal for trains to be crowded. I live in a big city in the countryside so I’m used to crowded trains, but here we live in a car-oriented society so if you don’t like it you can just drive.
When I first started living in Tokyo, I immediately felt a sense of freedom, something you don’t get in urban areas in the countryside. I soon got used to the large number of people.
I didn’t think it was too much. Rather, it made me realise just how ruined my hometown is. It is the centre of a certain prefectural capital after all…
It’s surprising how the whole city, around Shibuya and Shinjuku, is filled with the smell of sewage. Although, if you stay there for a while you lose the smell.
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