Hi everybody!  So, I just found out my location in Japan and I will be living in Omihachiman City in Shiga.  I have been looking around on the net to find info on it, but there doesn't seem to be a lot on this city like current happenings and things to do in the community.  I will be moving there in two weeks and was just wondering if anyone has lived there and could tell me about ways to become involved in the community (any classes that I can take or groups that I could join?)  I love the arts and dance.  Also, does anyone know if they have good hiking trails?  The city is in a mountainous region, so I imagine it would be pretty good.  I am looking forward to seeing the huge kite festival at the end of May!  

*krystal*

on the north side of the lake there is puppet theater.
I forget the name of the town. I think it is near Nagahama.

you will probably go to Hikone, to see the castle.

for hiking, the west side of the lake is better.

Hi there! Wow, thanks for the info guys. Japanyama, that would be awesome to sing in a chorus! I love singing...but I don't know the language yet.  I would totally be interested though later after I have studied and if they would take on a beginner speaker...I might sound funny though  I am going with Nova Group and when they hired me they were really desperate for more teachers, and I quote: "If you know anyone else that can go to Japan soon, send them our way!!"  So far, it's been a really positive experience for me (even though I'm not in Japan yet).  Nova put my friend and I in our own two bedroom apartment which by the floorplan looks really great.  Thanks for the tips!
*krystal*

Hi Krystal

I actually live in Omihachiman and have met a few teachers around here (although this is my first time ive actually logged onto etj).

I currently work as a conversation teacher with kids aged from 2 yrs up to adults in otsu (about 30 min comute).

Im not sure where you are from, but on Japan standards Omihachiman is a fairly small city with about 70,000 people.

Youll need to buy / hire a bike (not sure if nova could hook you up).  You can bike to lake biwa (which is really beautiful) in about 20min.  

The city is fairly quiet at night with 0 night life, although it does have some very nice restaurants.

There are free Japanese lessons on saturday nights at around 7pm.

The city has one big department store near the station called Saty.  Its really big and has everything you need.

There are also numerous "drug" stores that are cheap and have alot of food and drink etc.

There are two supermarkets in Omihachiman.

Yea as was mentioned previously kyoto is about 40min away by Shinkaisoku (express) train.  Its not too far, the only problem is they stop early (like 12).  So if you go out late you have to take first train bake at like 5:30am.  (Clubbing is pretty interesting in japan ).

I have actually talked to the guy from Nova in Omihachiman and he seemed pretty happy with the experience.  Actually my hostmother (im staying with host family) goes to that school... Its not the most rewarding and involving job.  But I think lesson plans are pretty much prepared for you and you should find it easy to fit in quickly.

Not sure if you are interested in Gyms or not.  There is one gym in Omihachiman.  Its 8400yen a month (im a member).  Its expensive but they have lots of classes, enough machines, a swimming pool, and a small onsen (plus its close to the station).

Um yea, i guess you will be leaving soon.   In regards to the weather its changed dramastically in last two weeks (was snowing three weeks ago).  Yesterday it was like 27 degrees celcius.  So ive been wearing tanktops and shorts and riding around biwaco alot.  However japanese hate the sun so they are all wearing hats and long sleeve shirts.  (i must look like such a gaijin).

Anyways could be cool to meet up with you sometime, i could show you arond (ive only been here myself for 8 weeks).

Take Care and have a safe trip

Tim