A New Lifestyle Proposal: Living in Tochigi Only on Weekends
In modern society, many people are exploring new lifestyles to enhance their quality of life. One such lifestyle gaining attention is the “dual life” of living in Tochigi only on weekends. By spending time in the nature-rich region of Tochigi, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can refresh both body and mind. Especially with Tochigi being easily accessible from central Tokyo—about 50 minutes by bullet train and about 2 hours by car—its convenience is also appealing. This way of living is supported by many who wish to reassess their work-life balance or seek interaction with nature. Moreover, with the spread of remote work, it is becoming a popular option as it allows for a personalized life plan. Dual life is not just a trend but can be positioned as a new lifestyle that aligns with individual values and ways of living.
What is Dual Life?
Dual life, or living in two locations, refers to having residential bases in two different areas, such as urban and rural, and living by moving between them. This lifestyle is particularly adopted in environments where remote work is possible. It allows you to enjoy both the convenience of the city and the nature-rich environment of the countryside, attracting attention as people explore diverse ways of working and living.
Reasons to Choose Tochigi Prefecture
Tochigi Prefecture is an excellent location for realizing a dual life. The key point is its accessibility, being about 50 minutes by bullet train and about 2 hours by car from Tokyo. Additionally, while rich in nature, it also has well-equipped urban functions in places like Utsunomiya City, so you won’t feel inconvenienced in daily life. Furthermore, with migration support systems provided by local governments, it is an ideal candidate for a new lifestyle step.
6 Recommended Areas
Tochigi Prefecture has many attractive areas. For example:
1. Utsunomiya City: The largest city in Tochigi, yet rich in nature.
2. Nasushiobara City: Famous as a hot spring area with abundant tourist resources.
3. Nikko City: Surrounded by beautiful nature and home to the World Heritage site Nikko Toshogu Shrine.
4. Ashikaga City: A city with historic streets and cultural facilities.
5. Kanuma City: A region thriving in traditional crafts and agriculture.
6. Sano City: Offers quiet rural landscapes and commercial facilities like outlet malls.
In these areas, you can enjoy unique attractions and warm interactions with the residents.
Tochigi as a Weekend Relocation
The “mini dual life,” where you spend weekends like a vacation home, is also popular. In this form, you can refresh both body and mind by stepping away from a week’s worth of routine. You can also immerse yourself in new hobbies like farming or DIY at your own pace. Such activities provide experiences that are hard to come by in the city, offering a deeper sense of satisfaction.
Economic Benefits
With lower rent and living costs compared to metropolitan areas, it offers excellent cost performance. Additionally, some local governments provide support funds and housing subsidies for migrants, which can help reduce the initial investment burden.
Connection with the Community
In rural areas, involvement with the local community is also important. In Tochigi Prefecture, many places warmly welcome new residents, making it easy to build human relationships. As the saying goes, “If you dive into their hearts, they will connect with yours,” once you establish a relationship, they become strong companions and friends.
The Path to Dual Life Success
The key to a successful dual life is to start at a pace that suits you without overexerting yourself. You can’t do everything perfectly from the start, so begin with small steps. Here are some recommended points:
– Transportation: Secure flexible transportation that can handle not only commuting but also emergencies.
– Information Gathering: Actively engage in exchanges to obtain valuable live information directly from local residents.
– Technology Utilization: Use technology like remote work tools and online shopping to improve efficiency and comfort.
With such preparation and mindset, you can fully enjoy “weekend-only Tochigi” even in limited time. Most importantly, it will lead to personal growth and new discoveries and encounters. This opportunity is indeed the perfect time to take a step forward!
What is Dual Life?
Dual life refers to having two bases and living by moving between them. Specifically, it involves working in the city during the weekdays and spending weekends in nature-rich rural areas. This style has become more feasible with the spread of telework, and many people are considering it as a new lifestyle.
Why is Tochigi Prefecture Suitable for Dual Life?
Tochigi Prefecture is easily accessible from the metropolitan area, reachable in about 1-2 hours by train. It also offers a rich natural environment and well-established migration support systems, making it ideal for those who want to enjoy rural life only on weekends. Additionally, Tochigi Prefecture offers up to 1 million yen in migration support funds, reducing the economic burden.
How Much Does It Cost to Start Dual Life?
The main expenses when starting dual life are the purchase or rental costs of a used apartment or house. Costs vary by property, but used apartments can be relatively inexpensive. You also need to consider daily expenses like transportation and living supplies. However, in many cases, initial investments can be minimized through favorable pricing and region-specific support systems.
What Weekend Experiences Can You Have in Tochigi Prefecture?
In Tochigi Prefecture, you can enjoy weekend farming by challenging self-sufficient living and farm work. There are also many beautiful natural landscapes and hot spring areas, allowing you to spend relaxing time. These activities offer a rich lifestyle experience not available in the city.
How Compatible is It with Telework?
Telework and dual life are highly compatible. On days of remote work, you can work from your rural base, allowing you to work efficiently in a fresh environment. This style also shortens commuting time, allowing you to use that time for hobbies or relaxation.
Tell Me More About the Migration Support Fund.
Tochigi Prefecture offers up to 1 million yen in migration support funds as part of its settlement promotion measures. This system applies under certain conditions and helps reduce the economic burden when starting a new life. For details, please contact the city hall or municipal office.
These were the answers to each of your questions. If you are interested in the new way of living called dual life, we recommend visiting in person. We hope you can feel the appealing environment and convenience for yourself.
Exploring the Appeal of Dual Life
Living in Tochigi only on weekends as a dual life is gaining attention as a new lifestyle for modern people. This lifestyle, which refreshes the mind and body by spending time in rich nature away from the city’s hustle and bustle, offers many benefits. Especially, Tochigi Prefecture is an ideal region with good access from the metropolitan area and a harmony of nature and urban functions.
Attractive Areas in Tochigi Prefecture
In Tochigi Prefecture, places like Utsunomiya City and Nasushiobara City are perfect for weekend relocation. These areas each have unique characteristics and provide an excellent environment for trying new hobbies and activities. Additionally, with well-established migration support systems by local governments, you can start a new life with peace of mind economically.
Economical and Rich in Human Relationships
Dual life offers economic benefits such as lower rent and living costs. You can also expect warm exchanges with the local community, and meeting new friends will enrich your daily life. This background is why it is supported by many people pursuing their individuality.
Steps Towards Success
For dual life success, it’s important to start at a pace that suits you without overexerting yourself. Prepare basic things like transportation and information gathering, and start with small steps. This lifestyle helps reassess work-life balance and leads to new discoveries and growth. Now is the time to take a step towards a new way of living.