MUSUBI: Outside the Metros: Teaching as an ALT in Small Cities, Big Experiences

“In my city, people actually know who I am (I'm not in a celebrity by the way!). I see my students at the supermarket, at festivals, and even when I’m out for a jog.”

Unlike in large cities where anonymity is standard,

Regional areas offer a sense of belonging

Students wave from across the street. Local shop owners remember your favorite items. Neighbors bring seasonal vegetables to your door.

This visibility isn’t intrusive, it’s grounding. It gives ALTs an opportunity to build authentic connections and become a trusted member of the community.

Smaller cities often mean smaller schools and closer-knit teaching teams. For someone like Ms. E, this has translated into deeper relationships and a strong sense of inclusion.

Teachers in her school frequently invite her to join after-school clubs or participate in local events. “I’ve played taiko drums, joined a pottery workshop, and even helped practice for the town’s summer festival,” she explains.

These experiences allow ALTs to step beyond the classroom and actively participate in the cultural life of the community—not as visitors, but as contributors.

Living in a regional city can also be a financial advantage. While major metropolitan areas offer convenience, they also come with high housing costs and crowded commutes. Regional cities offer a more balanced lifestyle such as affordable rent, more space, and daily access to nature without losing essential services.

“I live in a two-room apartment near the river and pay about half of what my friend pays in Tokyo,” says Ms. E. “And I can bike everywhere, no packed trains.”

This affordability gives ALTs the freedom to invest in hobbies, or save more than they could in big cities.

One of the most rewarding aspects of regional placements is the ease of cultural immersion. Seasonal festivals, neighborhood gatherings, and long-standing local traditions become part of your everyday environment.

Ms. E recalls being invited to harvest rice with a local family and learning how to make handmade mochi with another. These kinds of experiences are more common in smaller communities, where people are eager to share their traditions and equally curious to learn about yours.

Living in a regional city can feel challenging at times, especially if you’re far from big expat networks or familiar comforts. But those challenges often lead to the most meaningful personal growth.

“You learn to communicate creatively, build relationships across language barriers, and appreciate slower, intentional living,” Ms. E reflects.

Skills such as adaptability, empathy, and resilience, serve ALTs well long after their contracts end.

If you’re considering where to work as an ALT, it’s worth asking yourself what kind of experience you truly want in Japan.

• Do you value meaningful, day-to-day connections over the fast pace of a big city?
• Are you excited about genuine cultural immersion and becoming part of a local community?
• Would you enjoy a lifestyle with lower living costs, more space, and easier access to nature?

For many ALTs, regional placements offer exactly these opportunities—and more. They provide a level of cultural depth and personal connection that can be difficult to find in major metropolitan areas.

Being flexible about placement doesn’t just open more job opportunities; it opens the door to a richer, more authentic experience of Japan.

If you’re considering a move to Japan to teach English, choosing the right company can make all the difference. At Borderlink, we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built and we’d love for you to be part of them.

✨We're hiring now for Spring 2026 placements! → Click here to apply now! ✨