7 Pros of Living in Hiroshima as an Expat

Living in Hiroshima as an expat may seem scary at first, but once you get to know the city, it can be one of the best places that you live. How many times have you heard something like “Japan is the land of the rising sun!”? You might think that living in Japan would bring you happiness and comfort 24/7.

Well, actually, some people say living here can be really tough. But on the other hand, can it also be really great? I think so, and here are seven reasons why. Without further ado, let’s quickly walk you through the pros of living in Hiroshima as an expat.

●        Strong Sense of Community

This is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about Japan. The Japanese emphasize friendships and working together towards the common good – even if it means making personal sacrifices. Also, Japanese people tend to settle down in their hometown because they feel emotionally attached to it. Therefore, you might find yourself living in a community full of friendly faces that are always willing to help.

●        Stable Economy

You might not think of the economy as something to be happy about, but it’s worth considering your options. In Japan, even if you lose your job for some reason, unemployment benefits are often enough to live on.

Losing a job in some other countries may mean losing your home too! It’s worth considering how lucky you are to have Japan. Moreover, the Japanese economy is very strong, so you’ll find great job opportunities here.

●        Great Healthcare

Compared to most other developed countries, healthcare in Japan is a bargain. Moreover, because everyone is covered by public health insurance, doctors will look after you from the moment you become ill, without worrying about whether or not they’ll get paid.

Also, you can find almost any medical treatment here – even cosmetic surgery! But perhaps the best thing is that public health insurance covers 99% of your medical bills. How much does it cost? Only 10 – 20% of what you would pay in other countries.

●        Safety and Security

Violent crime is extremely rare in Japan. In fact, in all my years of living here as an expat, I’ve never heard of a single case! However, we can tell you that’s probably one of the safest places in the world, which is great when you’ve got kids.

However, as with any country, you should still take some basic precautions like not walking around alone at night in bad neighborhoods. Not only that, but Japan is also a very peaceful country without any enemies, which makes it feel extra safe.

●        Amazing Public Transport

Taking trains in Japan can be really convenient – even downright enjoyable at times. Although it’s not uncommon for people to commute an hour each way between work and home, most Japanese are so used to it that they don’t even think about it.

That being said, there are a lot of options when it comes to trains in Japan – including the high-speed Shinkansen and new train service. I highly recommend checking out what’s available before making your final decision.

●        Diversity

Japan is a melting pot of cultures, with people from all over the world living here. This makes for an interesting and diverse social life and means there’s always something new to learn. Additionally, Japanese people are very accepting of others, no matter what their skin color, ethnicity, or religion may be. Besides, who wouldn’t want to try some delicious sushi or ramen? That’s why, for food lovers, Japan is a paradise on earth.

●        Amazing Food

Need I say more? Japanese food is an international gourmet experience, and you’ll get fat just from looking at it! In all seriousness, though. I’ve been to many countries in my life, but I have never met people so willing to open their hearts and homes to foreigners as the Japanese. If you come here, I really think you should try your best not to miss out on any of the amazing food and culture that Japan offers.