Are you bored? Check out my list of websites for ALTs to find things to do around Yokkaichi
Technology has made our world a much smaller and more informed place. When thinking about the first ALTs that came to Japan back in the 80s, it must have been tough to have to rely on the interwebs for papers for finding information about local events and specialty shops.
With the help of the interwebs for computers, we're now able to find a lot of information about lifestyle, events, and teaching in Japan.
The following list of websites are useful for finding something to do in the Yokkaichi / Tokai area. Don't worry though, if you don't live in the area you can probably find something like these sites in your neck of the woods. Let's take a look!
The Yokkaichi International Center (YIC) can get you hooked up with a lot of services. They have inexpensive weekly Japanese lessons taught one on one by volunteers. If you get higher up in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), you can also take group classes for N2 and N1. The YIC also hosts various cultural exchange events. If you live in or around Yokkaichi, this is a great way to be a part of the community and make some new friends!
Some of these events include making traditional arts and crafts, learning about other countries, wearing yukata, cooking, English rakugo performances, musical performances, and cultural exchange parties. Two of my favorite events are the Cultural Exhange Potluck and the Peruvian cooking class.
The Nagoya International Center (NIC) is a great resource for people living in the Tokai area. Nagoya can be a bit of a journey from Mie, but you can find a lot of fun and interesting things to do there.
One area of the site I use often is the Nagoya Calendar section. Published around the first of every month, the calendar has tons of info on community resources, local events, meet-up groups, and living in Japan. It's a must read every month!
3. Nagmag
Another staple of Nagoya, the monthly Nagmag is like the cool brother of the NIC Calendar. If you want to go retro, you can pick up a paper copy in some Nagoya area bars and restaurants.
It has info about local businesses, bars, restaurants, festivals, concerts, and events. The magazine really comes in handy when deciding where to go for a night out or what to do with a long weekend. The current issue features a new burger joint. Make sure you check out the Daily Nag section for the best in hyper-local fake news!
(November 2017 Nagmag Cover - From: https://nagmag.jp/)