Amenity Migration of Working-Age People to the New Vacation Home Area in Karuizawa and Surrounding Areas

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics of contemporary amenity migration by analyzing the relationship between the values, lifestyles, and migratory behavior of working-age migrants to the town of Karuizawa and the surrounding new vacation home area. Karuizawa has experienced an increase in the number of migrants from the Tokyo area since the opening of Karuizawa Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. The population growth is particularly significant in the Oiwake district, a newly developed villa district in the western part of the town. Working-age migrants to the Oiwake district were surveyed by the author through snowball sampling and were engaged in white-collar jobs, with some commuting by Shinkansen and some teleworking. They moved out of the Tokyo area due to doubts about the child-rearing and educational environment as well as their work and lifestyle preferences. They chose Karuizawa and the surrounding area as a destination due to convenient transport links and good living environment. They also chose the Oiwake district as their place of residence because of its attractive natural environment, proximity to schools and train stations, low land prices, and convenience of living. Their quality of life improved after migration to Karuizawa through the skillful utilization of the various amenities in Karuizawa and the surrounding area.