Shiga moving

merits & demerits ?

One of the major pros of moving to Shiga is its rich natural environment and stunning lake scenery! The presence of Lake Biwa provides a serene spot to relax and enjoy a leisurely atmosphere, which is highly appealing. Moreover, the transportation is quite convenient, offering surprisingly easy access to urban areas, potentially allowing for shopping and cultural experiences… However, you might find yourself getting tired of the rural tranquility at times!?

On the other hand, a potential con could be the difficulty in connecting with local residents? For someone as shy as I am, it might be challenging to integrate into the local community. Additionally, there might be concerns regarding the quality of educational and healthcare facilities…! While a peaceful life is desirable, there could also be moments when you feel that something is missing. It’s a perplexing decision to move, isn’t it…!

Shiga moving
merits

◎Coexistence of Nature and Culture

Shiga Prefecture is a treasure trove of beautiful natural environments centered around the magnificent Lake Biwa! This lake is not just a scenic view; it shows different expressions throughout the seasons, resembling a living art piece. A walk along the lakeshore offers a refreshing breeze and a feeling of mental cleansing. Furthermore, Shiga is a place where ancient history is alive. Strolling through Hikone Castle and the streets of Nagahama, you are sure to feel like you have stepped back in time. This land, where culture and nature are beautifully harmonized, welcomes you like a hidden retreat!

◎Peace of Mind with Living Costs

Now, there's no need to worry about your finances! In Shiga, the cost of living is remarkably lower compared to Tokyo and Osaka, making it a truly wallet-friendly paradise. Rent is affordable, and there are ample opportunities to secure spacious living accommodations. This means you can fully utilize your savings to spend more on world travel or hobbies. You can enjoy a rich life while saving money, truly making Shiga a worthwhile choice!

◎Warm Encounters with Local People

Living in Shiga, you’ll be surrounded by incredibly warm and friendly locals! Even if you meet someone for the first time, they will treat you like an old friend. The ties within the community are very strong, leaving you no time to feel lonely. The moment you exchange a “Hello!”, you will experience a pleasant warmth in your heart. Interacting with such people is an enriching factor of life in Shiga. For those tired of the detached social life in the city, this place is like an oasis!

◎A Haven for Outdoor Activities

Shiga is packed with activities for outdoor enthusiasts! From canoeing on Lake Biwa to hiking in the surrounding mountains, the environment enables you to connect with nature. Particularly, the mountains of Shiga offer well-maintained trekking courses for everyone from beginners to advanced hikers, ensuring that you look forward to the weekends. Here, you have the chance to refresh both body and mind away from the city's hustle and bustle. So, free yourself and enjoy interacting with nature!

◎Delight in the Richness of Food Culture

Shiga boasts a wealth of exquisite gourmet dishes that make the most of local ingredients! Especially, the famous Omi beef, once tasted, will surely change your perception of food. Its tender texture and rich flavor make you want to shout, “One more bite!” Additionally, the lake's bounty provides a variety of fresh seafood, which pairs perfectly with sake. Enjoying a culinary adventure seeking out these delicious dishes is one of the great attractions of living in Shiga. Indulge in the unique food culture of Shiga that will delight your taste buds!

Shiga moving
demerits

×Transport Convenience

When considering a move to Shiga, the first thing that often comes to mind is the convenience of transportation. Wait, the Shinkansen runs here? Indeed, there are stops at Omi-Otsu and Hikone, but getting around can be more cumbersome than expected. Shiga Prefecture is vast, and in some areas, life can be difficult without a car due to limited local transport options. With fewer public transportation services, especially at night, it can be challenging to get around... Yes, this is a significant downside.

×Lack of Drinking Culture

There are many people who love the drinking culture, but once you get used to Shiga, you may be shocked by the lack of it. The excitement of "Let's go out for drinks on Friday night!" quickly fades in Shiga. There are few local izakayas, and with limited places to hang out, you may end up at a karaoke box... For those of you who have fanciful dreams of Tokyo or Osaka nightlife, this could be quite a reality check.

×Cultural Boredom

While Shiga is rich in nature and has some cultural charm, for those who get bored easily, it might feel a bit lacking. For instance, enjoying the beautiful lakes and mountains of Shiga could be satisfying once or twice, but experiencing it repeatedly can become challenging! With significantly fewer music festivals and art events compared to Tokyo and Osaka, you might find yourself thinking, "I need more stimulation!" When you want to immerse yourself in a more diverse culture, you could find yourself lamenting.

×Dissatisfaction with Food Culture

Now, one of Shiga's prides is its local cuisine, but to be honest, this is also subjective. While delicious Omi beef and ayu dishes certainly exist, you’ll soon realize there are fewer options compared to other regions, and you can’t eat them every day. If you crave rich ramen or ethnic cuisine, you might find Shiga's lighter food unsatisfying... Everything is tasty, but the desire for variety can grow more complicated!

×Seasonal Changes in Lifestyle

Winter in Shiga can be quite harsh. Snowfall is frequent, and the cold can be biting. Moreover, during winter, people tend to stay indoors. Even if you think, "Let's go outside!" facing the piled-up snow isn't easy... This season might be great for those who love it, but the indoor tendency it creates can leave a bit of a lonely feeling.

These are several downsides to consider when moving to Shiga. Of course, individual feelings may vary, so it is essential to ponder these aspects carefully before making the decision to relocate.

The advantages of moving to Shiga include the luxurious experience of being surrounded by beautiful nature! Spending time by Lake Biwa is truly soothing for the soul. There are also journeys waiting for you to experience history and culture, where you can feel the deep charm of Shiga through its famous temples and traditional events. The abundance of delicious gourmet food is another appealing feature, and the joy of savoring local cuisine is unmatched! Furthermore, the transportation system is convenient with excellent access to urban areas, providing a wide range of activities to enjoy.

On the downside, you might find some inconveniences regarding transportation. Especially at night, mobility can be restricted, which might limit your range of activities. There may also be moments when you feel that the selection of tourist spots is quite limited, causing you to miss the hustle and bustle of the city center. The lack of variety in food culture and accommodations might raise some concerns if you're considering a long-term stay, leading to occasional feelings of unease. It's in these moments that you might find yourself feeling a bit down...

Shiga  merits and demerits?  [moving]  merideme