Wakayama offers superb quality of life in an exceptional environment, with all the facilities required for a comfortable modern lifestyle. Excellent transport infrastructure, including expressways, high-speed rail links and the nearby international airport (KIX), connects Wakayama to the rest of Japan and the world. An extensive network of local buses and trains ensures easy access both within Wakayama and to the neighboring cities. Accommodation and living costs are much cheaper in Wakayama than in big cities in Japan. A typical apartment costs \51,729 in the center of Wakayama City, compared to \91,262 in Tokyo and \71,278 in Osaka. (Source: Statistics Bureau, Ministry of Public Management, Home Affairs, Posts and Telecommunications) The local public schools provide very high standards of education and discipline, and are happy to accept foreign students. There are also many hospitals in the area, most with English speaking staff available. If you want to learn the Japanese language there are also Japanese language schools. The area also offers abundant shopping and dining facilities. With fresh ingredients from local farmers and fishermen, there are many restaurants serving all kinds of cuisine, from Japanese to French, Italian, and Chinese. Most of the department stores and shopping complexes are open 7 days a week and are busiest on Saturdays and Sundays. Many of the local shops are also open on weekends and convenience stores stay open until late or for 24 hours. The broad range of leisure opportunities available can make life in Wakayama as fulfilling as you want it to be. There are many places of cultural and historic interest, such as, the 1,200-year-old sacred Buddihist site Mt. Koya, the Kumano-Sanzan (three shrines) and Wakayama Castle; as well as scenic spots attracting many people all over from Japan and abroad. Superb beaches provide opportunities for swimming and other water sports such as scuba diving and kayaking. Off the coast of Wakayama is also a popular area for whale watching. The surrounding mountains offer interesting trails for walkers of all levels. There are many Onsen (hot-springs) all over Wakayama, including Nanki-Shirahama, one of the premier Onsen in Japan. There are also two National Parks, as well as numerous other parks and amusement parks. Many of the cinemas in the area show films from Hollywood, Europe and beyond, in English. Cable TV (in Wakayama City) also offers various English-language programs. For more leisure information, click here. Should you need language assistance, please contact: Wakayama International Exchange Association 8th Floor Wakayama Big Ai Building 2-1-2 Tebira Wakayama-city, Wakayama, 640-8319 TEL: +81-73-435-5240 International Affairs Division of Wakayama City Hall TEL: +81-73-432-0037