Sapporo is a busy city, and if you’re going there to live and work, you’ll have access to all the finer things in life. Throughout the year, you’ll find both your work and leisure time calendars full. But getting settled is always a process. Adjusting yourself to city life in Sapporo may take a little time, especially if you haven’t lived in Japan before. Here’s how to get the peace of mind to enjoy both sides of Sapporo: the buzz and the tranquility.
Finding a Place to Come Home to
If you’re living in interim accommodation so that you can shop around for the right place to come home to, you made a good choice. With the help of English-speaking real estate agents in Sapporo, you should be able to find a home that’s right for you. But be prepared: rentals and real estate in Sapporo don’t come cheap. In fact, the overall cost of living is higher than in the US, so be ready to budget wisely.
Getting Oriented
Even if you have experience of Tokyo, where finding English-speaking locals isn’t particularly difficult, you might be in for a bit of culture shock. Most Sapporo locals don’t speak any English, so be ready to use phone translators to make yourself understood. However, you needn’t be too worried about feeling isolated.
There are expat communities in Sapporo, and they’ll not only offer you an opportunity to make new friends and enjoy a normal social life, but help you to find your way around. Reach out to one or more expat groups as your move approaches. You’ll be glad that you did.
A little local advice is never amiss when you’re trying to get settled overseas. From advising you about public transport to choosing a neighborhood to live in, your new expat friends will be more than willing to help you find your way around.
Stocking up on Basics
Sapporo is well-provided with shopping malls where you’ll find all the stores you need to get stocked up with basics. Stellar Place, Sapporo Factory, and Akarenga Terrace all offer a shopping experience you’ll be familiar with – although some of the brands you’ll encounter will be unfamiliar.
When it comes to furniture, start by asking your expat community for advice. Many of them are transient, and you may be able to find folks with nearly-new items they’re willing to part with at a lower price than even second-hand shops offer. You may even be able to get a few items for free.
Familiarize Yourself With Public Transport
Most expats find that they can do without a car in Sapporo, but since asking directions can be a tricky business if you don’t speak Japanese, get a map and a friendly expat to explain the public transport system. When you want to get about and about beyond city limits, you can always hire a car for the day, but in the city itself, public transport is reliable and relatively affordable.
Take Some Time to Recharge
When you’re weary of all the hustle and bustle, take some time out. You won’t have to go far to find a peaceful atmosphere. Urban green spaces abound in Sapporo and many of them are truly beautiful. Visit Nakajima park, for example, for a tranquil setting that includes lakes, streams, lawns, and forests as well as a stunning Japanese garden, tea shop, concert hall, and more. Hoping to explore a little Zen meditation or view one of the famous Zen gardens? These elegant, peaceful spaces are wonderfully oases of tranquility.
Whatever you do, take some time out amidst the business of getting settled. Sapporo may be fast-paced, but it’s a city that demonstrates its recognition of the need to get away from it all. Doing so could be a simple matter of walking through a park’s gates.
