Coming to Gunma

Submitted by Shaun on Tue, 2010/01/19 - 02:02.

Hello everyone,

I've been reading this forum occasionally for the past few months in preparation for my move to Gunma and to get an idea of gajin life there. I'm not in the JET program but I have done a year of teaching previously in Japan for another company. I'm from Vancouver Canada and my wife (who is Japanese) works for a company based in Gunma. They've decided to bump her pay level up a considerable amount to have us relocate to there.

A bit about us:

- Im 28 and my wife is 25
- We like good food and cold beer
- I'm a musician, currently working on releasing my second independent album
- We both love snowboarding, movies, live music, drinking, and outdoor activities

Neither of us know anyone in Gunma, and I wont be working for a while, so we'd love to meet some people and make some new friends. We'll be arriving mid-march and living a near Kunisada station. If you would be up for getting together and maybe showing us some of the good local spots please let me know. :)

Some other info I'm looking for:

-What most people like to do for entertainment in Gunma, where the best bars are, and any other Gunma newbie tips you might want to share.

-I'm considering looking for part time work at a bar or something similar, so if anyone has any suggestions or information on that it would be very appreciated.

-I'm also a musician. I make an interesting blend of electro/hip hop music and I'm interested in doing some live shows and possibly starting a band, or at least teaming up with a drummer for some shows. What kind of live music venues are there around the area?

Thanks everyone!

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johnyuehan's picture

Welcome to Gunma!

Submitted by johnyuehan on Tue, 2010/01/19 - 14:00.

Welcome, Shaun!
Isesaki city has a lot of Brazilians, & there are some good Brazilian restaurants & supermarkets. Some Indian & Pakistani restaurants in Gunma, some very good. Costco & Ikea are in Saitama pref. There are a few microbreweries in Gunma that are quite good, but expect to pay around Y400 per bottle. Lots of excellent Japanese food, of course.

Snowboarding hotspots are in the northern town of Minakami & western Gunma. Minakami got 180cm of powder over New Years. Not sure how the snow will be when you arrive. Will let other people answer that question & others about the music scene & Isesaki life.

I've heard the spring riding

Submitted by Shaun on Wed, 2010/01/20 - 05:11.

I've heard the spring riding in Gunma is cheap and awesome, so I'm definitely looking to hit the mountains in March and see what's out there. My wife and I have a van so if anyone else wants to take a trip up to the mountains we can probably bring a couple people along as well.

BrianK's picture

Welcome to Gunma

Submitted by BrianK on Thu, 2010/01/21 - 21:51.

Hey.

Give me a shout when you guys get here. I live in Shibukawa which is about 40 min drive from the ski slopes. There are loads of realyl good places nearby and few that are to be avoided.

The snow has been pretty epic so far this year. Hopefulyl there will still be lots around in march .

Brian Kennedy (GAJET Vice President)

Siimmm's picture

hey, I am a Isesaki native,

Submitted by Siimmm on Fri, 2010/01/22 - 12:52.

hey,

I am a Isesaki native, so im sure that I will run into you when you arrive here. Im also a snowboarder so im sure we can hit a few slopes in march together.

Isesaki is a quiet place during the week, most of Gunma is the same, i.e. its quiet, but you can find lots of things to do at the weekend. Gunma is good for the outdoor sports :P

In terms of Bars well Isesaki has lots, theres a few Gaijin bars, by that I mean places where foreigners go and where english is spoken by the owner.

In terms of getting a job behind a bar, that might be hard in gunma, as well there is not that many gaijin bars, but there are lots of local musicians, so im sure you can find people to jam with...

if you have any questions about the area just ask.

Simon

群馬へようこそ！

Submitted by GAJET Pres on Fri, 2010/01/22 - 16:17.

Hi!
A warm(ish) and windy welcome to Gunma.
Your wife's company has re-located her (and you) to a great place. From what you listed in your "about us" column, Gunma will be most sufficient. Good people, beautiful scenery, near enough to Tokyo, lots of outdoors to explore, and more!

If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask. As far as employment, starting with gaijinpot/daijob on the net is a good start...although, I'm not sure how many postings there will be.

If you have facebook, please join the Gunma ALTs group. (ALT or not, it's a good place to find out about upcoming events, too.)
Looking forward to meeting you both when you arrive. Safe travels and happy packing!

Brooke Brown
GAJET Pres 2009/10

Dann0's picture

yokoso

Submitted by Dann0 on Sat, 2010/01/30 - 06:27.

hey, might be able to point you in the right direction for most of the things you mentioned. you got contact details?

living near Kunisada Stn.

Submitted by Isesaki Gunner on Tue, 2010/02/02 - 23:34.

Hey man,

I live near Kunisada Station. I have been here for almost 4 years and in Japan for 8 years. There isn't much around there except a 7-11, Post office and the state mental hospital. Get in touch with me on this forum when you get into town and I can try to show you around, but looks like you have a lot of help already due to all the posts you've received to your message.

James McKnight
Ichiba machi
Isesaki

hey

Submitted by tbags on Wed, 2010/02/03 - 19:50.

I am a musician, drums/bass/auto harp with studio. Always looking for musicians to write and record for fun.......tbags123@hotmail.com I sometimes hang out at Kennys.open stage on friday night, great musicians usually hang out and play.......