I noticed a few of you have been placed in Gifu, so I thought I would pass on a few useful links and some other random information.

First, you should join the "GifuJETs" Yahoo Group:
http://groups.yahoo.com/
You can do a search for the group from that link or try this link:
http://groups.yahoo.com/search?query=GifuJETs
You will need to set up an account (free). You can chose whether you want all posts to go to your email vs. daily or weekly digests vs. purely brower based (no emails.... I RECOMMEND THIS!). Send a message to the group moderator so you can be approved to make posts.
At one time there was a Gifu JETs homepage and newsletter, but they seem to no longer exist, so the yahoo group is your most reliable source of information about Gifu (from the JET perspective).
All important information coming from the Prefectural Advisors is posted here. Most of the posts during this time of year are people selling all the things they can't bring home with them. If you haven't heard from your predecessor and know your specific placement you might be able to contact someone through this group as well. There are also lots of events happening during August and you will be able to find all of the details via other member posts. Look for fireworks festivals in August (also throughout Japan). Is is unlike anything you will see in the states. Gifu City has two fireworks festivals, each lasting over 2 hours (of solid fireworks! ). All night traditional folk dancing in Gujo-Hachiman during O-Bon (around August 14th and 15th) is also a must see/do in Gifu.


Other links if you have some free time:

http://www.ibiblio.org/cosmic/gifumassive.htm
Gifu Massive (Gifu AJET newsletter from a few years ago)

http://www.pref.gifu.jp/
Gifu Prefecture homepage (not loading?)

http://www.gic.gifu-net.jp/ig/gizan/eng/
Gifu International Center (in Gifu City)

http://www.foreignerperspective.com/
A link to a JETs homepage who is living in Kani City, Gifu, working in elementary schools.

http://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/pref/s11111/english/eng_set.htm
"A Statistical Guide to Gifu Prefecture"

http://www.kankou-gifu.or.jp/en/
Sightseeing in Gifu

http://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/pref/s11337/sangyo_web/english/tourism.html
More info for visitors to Gifu

http://www.pref.gifu.lg.jp/common/phot100_61.html
This is a photo of the dance festival I mentioned earlier.


There is a lot to do and see in Gifu and I wish you luck on your adventure.
I have a lot of information about Gifu if you want to hear more, so please feel free to email me.

As for your new position as an ALT, I can tell you what it is like to work in a Japanese junior high school too.
Most of Gifu Prefecture uses the "New Horizon" English textbooks in junior high schools (my photo is on the 3rd year students' workbook!).
Here is one last useful link to give you some basic lesson plan ideas for this textbook (from a JET in Ibaraki):
http://www.japander.com/ibaraki/
(Follow the New Horizon Activities Link)

There are lots of resources on the internet for planning team taught lessons. This is just one I found somewhat useful at times. There are many other places you will find if you do an internet search (ex. Dave's ESL Cafe).

Good luck again...