"Drolkar in Japan: 1990 - 1993" Japan by drolkar

Japan Travel Guide: 22,832 reviews and 48,863 photos

This is a photo of the town of Isesaki in Gunma-ken, Japan (pop. approx. 100,000), where I worked as an English teacher for about six months in 1991. My students were potential overseas operations personnel at a Nissan plant that manufactured environmentally-friendly car engines and a JVC (Japan Victor Corporation) plant that produced car stereos.

I became particularly attached to the JVC group, since I taught there longer than at any other Japanese company, so it was wonderful to receive a letter from them after I had left Japan, saying that they had all passed their obligatory English exam! I guess I must have done something right...:)...

At that time foreigners were few and far between in Gunma-ken, so it was very difficult indeed to be anonymous. But having experienced the hectic Tokyo lifestyle and crowds, I welcomed the opportunity to transfer out to this small and quiet city in Japanese countryside in order to feel a bit closer to nature -- as well as to improve my Japanese. Unfortunately, I have not managed to keep it up... out of lack of time and new priorities in life. (Zannen des ke do...) Nonetheless, I will always treasure the memories of my time in the Land of the Rising Sun.

Last visit to Japan: Sep 1990
Intro Updated Jan 18, 2005
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Reviews (21)

Take in the view from the... Favorites (4)

Take in the view from the Rainbow Tower in the city of Niigata on Japan's western coast. It was constantly amazing to me... more travel advice

My cosy little apartment in... Hotels (2)

My cosy little apartment in Isesaki, which was much roomier than the 'gaijin-house' ('foreigners' house') in Tokyo. The... more travel advice

This is the beautiful shrine... Off The Beaten Path (5)

This is the beautiful shrine gate YOMEIMON in Nikko. The elaborate decorations even extend to the underside of the arch,... more travel advice

Visit the mountainous northern... - Japan

Visit the mountainous northern... Off The Beaten Path (5)

Visit the mountainous northern city of Nikko. I spent my first Christmas in Japan here (1990)... :)... and the open... more travel advice

Things to Do (3)
See All Visit the DAI-BUTSU (Great...

Local Customs (7)
See All A close-up view of a portable...

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 28, 2002

4 photos

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Comments (30)

Toshioohsako Feb 13, 2008 at 12:52 AM Report Abuse

Nice Japan photos. Have not been to Matsumoto. I do not know Gunma-ken at all. Somebody like you can explain abut it more. Have a good day.
SLLiew Feb 1, 2007 at 2:47 PM Report Abuse

Surabashii peiji desune. Went to Matsushita factory in Gunma, it was 100 years old. Great tips. SL
kenHuocj Feb 11, 2005 at 8:51 PM Report Abuse

was enjoying a BBC travel documentary about arrival in Tokto, spenfing night in apsule and enjoying a meal from the sushi belt - as you said HARAGEI ;-)))
Pavlik_NL Mar 13, 2004 at 12:11 PM Report Abuse

Japan, my favourite country. Hmm, must have been a life-turning experience for you. Good page, nice pics, perfect info. And those love-hotels (-: By the way, give a title to your travellogue, I would like to see the pics there. Greetings from NL, Paul
quartinb Feb 25, 2004 at 4:50 AM Report Abuse

the orient sure is mistic... love the HARAGEI local costum tip...1
dsantosh Oct 20, 2003 at 8:19 PM Report Abuse

Nice home page, nice albums and tips..Many many happy returns of the day.Wishing you a happy birthday.Have a nice time and a nice party tonight.
janchan Apr 25, 2003 at 11:16 AM Report Abuse

Tottemo suki desu-issimo !! :)
chaistarr Feb 21, 2003 at 4:19 PM Report Abuse

glad to see a good page on japan. i agree , tokyo is too...much to handle hehe
Faiza-Ifrah Feb 3, 2003 at 9:41 AM Report Abuse

golf on rooftops, daruma temple, mt. fiji - all seemed gr8. and thanx for a philosophical touch.
mlt_t Jul 2, 2002 at 7:08 AM Report Abuse

nice photo, great info and great experience!