My Village Profile: Hirabayashi (Nagano Prefecture)

https://goo.gl/maps/jHL1MjchMjEVdP1Y8

Since day one of arriving in Hirabayashi as the first expats in the village we have felt nothing but welcomed. Now, after nearly 4 years here I can say without doubt that this is our home and moving here was one of the best decisions of my life. With stunning nature surrounding us, a relaxed atmosphere and real sense of being part of a rural community but with all the amenities of modern life available on our doorstep it really was an amazing choice and the perfect place for us to settle and put down roots.

In the warmer months most of my neighbours are farmers, growing delicious vegetables and, of course, rice. With seemingly limitless options for hiking, cycling and other activities as well as restaurants of all varieties just a stone’s throw away. There are also community projects to get involved in to help keep the village running smoothly, a chance as well of course to socialize with your neighbours. Also festivals year round and many families that, like us, work remotely and are passionate about “kominkan life” and restoration.

In the snowy winter months we are surrounded by world class snow resorts such as Nozawa Onsen, Shiga Kogen, Madarao, Togari Onsen and other little hidden gems all within easy reach. The snow is DEEP here, it’s a real factor when considering the move to a location like this and it can be hard work for sure. But the rewards are well worth the effort and waking up in the morning and walking through the village with its fresh blanket of sparkling white snow still takes my breath way.

These days I am not the only expat in the village, we now have a few families newly moved to the village or in the process and all have a similar mindset and focus on quality of life. I see this community growing and the future of our little slice of heaven is bright indeed.

Public School – Nozawa Onsen Village has Nursery and Daycare options as well as a good Elementary & Middle School with a free shuttle bus from Hirabayashi ( 8 minutes ). The local high school is in Iiyama city (20 minutes).

Police – no police box in the village. Closest Koban Nozawa Onsen ( 6 minutes ), Closest Police Station Iiyama ( 19 minutes )

Fire Department – Nozawa Onsen ( 5 minutes )

High-Speed Internet Access – NTT, Softbank

Cellphone Reception – Good for most providers

What type of housing is generally available? - Kominka and some newer “showa” period buildings

Bank – 82 Bank Iiyama City, Post Bank Iiyama City, JA Bank Iiyama City

Grocery Store – Vegetables available at local road station ( 5 minutes ) bakeries and other shops in the main village of Nozawa Onsen ( 6 minutes ), selection of super markets, hardware stores Iiyama City ( 20 minutes )

Convenience Store – Yamazaki Convenience Store in the village, Lawson and 7-11 ( 5 minutes away )

Medical Services – Village Medical Centre Nozawa Onsen ( 8 minutes ), Large Red Cross Hospital in Iiyama City 20 minutes, 2 other hospitals in Nakano City ( 40 minutes )

Positives:

  • Shinkansen station 20 minutes away, Tokyo can be visited in 1 hour 30 minutes

  • Beautiful countryside environment with easily accessible living amenities within a short drive/cycle.

  • As Nozawa Onsen is a famous tourist location there are many restaurant options as well as free and paid hotsprings/onsen

  • For active people there is skiing/snowboarding in the winter at several local ski hills and hiking, swimming, kayaking/rafting/SUP, fishing and mountain biking in the summer. All within easy reach of Hirabayashi but without us being “affected” by the tourist numbers in our little neighbourhood

  • 1 Hour from the Sea of Japan coast

  • Stable property values, actually one of very few countryside locations with seemingly rising property values

Negatives:

  • Snow…not a little, a lot, up to 12 metres of total snowfall between December and April in the resort. The infrastructure to deal with it is amazing here so being “snowed in/stranded” unlikely but it’s a lot of work in the winter keeping your driveway clear, house accessible etc.

  • A car is needed for sure, 4 wheel drive is almost essential but it can be a kei car/van without problems and a snow machine in most cases

  • Not many houses left empty now in our little village but still lots of options in surrounding villages

Contact: For more information, please feel free to contact Ed at dive.monkey.ed@gmail.com in English or Indonesian

Hirabayashi in Nagano Prefecture