One of the world’s most impressive countries, Japan is an island nation with a long history of culture and tradition. With a fast-paced but also slightly slower lifestyle in comparison to many other big cities around the world, it’s hard to avoid this place when you’re in the market for a new home. If you are looking for the best places to live in Japan, this article has a few ideas
If you’re considering moving to Tokyo, Osaka or any other wonderful city in Japan, here are some suggestions for how to make your experience in Japan more smooth and enjoyable.
The time difference between Japan and the United States, with which it shares an international date line, is 14 hours . Therefore, Japan is 13 hours ahead of the Eastern, Central and some parts of the Mountain time zones in the U.S. It’s a little more complicated than that, though.
The region of Japan, called Honshu, is about the same size as California and it has a population of about 127 million people while California has a population of approximately 38 million people. So things are done a little differently here, but you’ll soon adapt to the local lifestyle if you stay for any given period of time.
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What are the best places to live in Japan?
The best places to live in Japan range from big cities to rural towns that are only accessible via train. If you’re thinking of living in a small town, you can check out some of the most beautiful spots we have compiled here. But we will start with the big and bubbling cities first,
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is the largest city in Japan with a population of more than 13 million people. This metropolitan city boasts modern hi-tech offices, numerous skyscrapers and well-preserved culture when it comes to food. It’s also one of the most expensive places in Japan for housing costs–especially when you’re looking at apartments. As much as it can be hard trying to make ends meet in Tōkyō, it is a really lovely place to stay.
Tokyo is a sprawling and bustling city that can be overwhelming and confusing to visit if you’re not familiar with the language or the terrain. A beautiful place to visit–just plan ahead so you don’t get lost in translation. As the highest populated area in Japan, Tokyo is where plenty of people reside and thousands of businesses thrive, so expect busy streets and tight living quarters.
Tokyo is so big that despite its advanced transportation system, there are very few transportation hiccups here and there, but you can get by with a few tricks. Overnight trains are extremely efficient when it comes to traveling from one region to another, but there are so many different lines you switch between very quickly.
Running a business in Japan is challenging. Taxes are high, employees aren’t very loyal and Japanese don’t really want to know what you do for a living. If you’re looking to run a business in Tokyo that may be profitable then this might not be the best place for you.
However, when it comes to fine dining and spending money on art like jewelry, cosmetics and fashion, there are plenty of opportunities in Japan. This is also the place to go if you need healthcare or if you need plastic surgery done. It also boasts some of the best schools in Asia
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and the most important city in Asia. It has a world-class transportation system and offers plenty to learn and see that would be hard to find in any other city.
If you’re visiting and plan on staying for more than just a few days, we strongly suggest you get a JR pass. It’s an extremely worthwhile investment if you’re going to be traveling around the country because you’ll get unlimited travel on almost all JR lines.
2. Osaka
Osaka is the second largest city in Japan, so it feels like a small-town type of place when you first step off the Shinkansen train. It was formerly known as Wakayama, but changed its name after World War II.
The city also operates on a different time zone than Tokyo and–at least for now–only one train line goes directly between these two areas.
Osaka is smaller than Tokyo but just as busy, if not busier. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in Japan. This area has lots of noodle shops, delicious restaurants and tons of shopping opportunities.
It’s also extremely cheap to live here if you like living close to the beach.
Since the area has a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo, it’s one of the best places to live in Japan if you need to cut down on your budget. Osaka is also good for any business owner who wants his or her company to grow.
It truly is one of the most up-and-coming cities in all of Japan–and this was even before it became one of the host cities for Expo ’70.
There are fewer large companies in this area, but that may be why there are more small businesses. Because of its relative affordability, you’re also less likely to be swindled. Osaka offers many employers the opportunity to explore the globe without breaking the bank.
If you decide to live here, you should be prepared for a slower-paced life than what you might find in other cities in Japan.
3. Nagoya
Nagoya is located in central Honshu and is actually bigger than Osaka but a lot of people love the city because it’s so much more peaceful than other major Japanese cities. If you want a break from the bustling city life, Nagoya is a great place to live in Japan.
It’s located in the middle of the country and doesn’t have a lot going on outside of its own little town. If you want to spend time with friends or family, this is one of the best places to live in Japan.
While it might not be as big as other cities such as Osaka and Tokyo, it does have schools and lots of shops that cater to Japanese residents.
This is also the best place to live in Japan if you’re not planning on getting a JR pass. Most of its transportation links are through private transportation, so you’ll have to get around by car or on foot.
However, this has become less of an issue thanks to the popularity of bicycling. The city has plenty of bike lanes for people who want to pedal around town.
The cuisine in Nagoya is pretty delicious–especially the seafood dishes scattered throughout the city. If you like trying new food, Nagoya is one of the best places to live in Japan if you want to try something new.
If you want more information on where to go and what to do in Japan, check out our JR pass guide and be sure to book it as soon as possible.
4. Sendai
Sendai is the capital of the Tohoku region of Japan. It’s located on Honshu island, but it’s situated about 400km northeast of Tokyo. The city was founded in 1600 and is home to more than 1 million residents.
Sendai is another great place to visit since there are plenty of fun attractions, including museums and zoos that will keep you busy while staying in this area. Like most other cities in Japan, you’ll find plenty of museums devoted to old samurai swords and many other things that are interesting if you’re into Japanese history.
Due to its prime location, app developers are making apps specifically for Sendai because there are so many interesting things for tourists to do while they’re visiting here.
The city has been hit by a few natural disasters over the years, so rebuilding efforts have been slow. However, there are many excellent shops and restaurants to visit when you’re in this area.
In addition, it’s also located near a number of hot springs, so you can soak in a nice bath while enjoying the spectacular views from Sendai.
If you plan on living in this region of Japan, you should learn a little bit about its history. This is the place where the Sendai virus was discovered back in 1918 and it has since become one of the more densely populated areas in all of Japan due to its location near Tokyo.
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5. Nishinomiya
Nishinomiya is the third largest city in Hyogo Prefecture and is home to more than a million residents. It was founded more than 300 years ago and has a number of interesting structures that would be a great place to visit if you’re into history.
It’s also one of the more relaxing places in Japan, making it one of the best cities to live in if you’re looking for quiet abode.
The city is extremely safe, so this might be a good place to raise a family or if you have young children who play outside on their own without supervision from others.
Some of the top schools in Japan can also be found here, so this makes up for any lack of amenities you might find elsewhere in Japan.
The city offers plenty of nice places to shop, including some really unique boutiques that sell clothing and other items that are great for gifts.
While you might not find the big-box retailers here, you will be able to get just about anything you want if you go to one of these boutiques. You might even discover some pretty unique items that aren’t offered in other areas.
If you plan on living in this region of Japan, make sure you learn a bit about its history before you head out there. During World War II, this was the final site where the Japanese Imperial Army surrendered during the war in 1945.
6. Matsuyama
Matsuyama is located in Ehime Prefecture and is the second largest city in the region. Its population numbers around 500,000 people, making it one of the bigger cities in Japan.
It’s only about an hour away from the resort town of Beppu, so if you want to get out of the city during your free time, this would be a great place to hang out on your trip.
While there aren’t any major tourist attractions in Matsuyama, there are many Buddhist temples and shrines that you can visit during your stay here. There are also many great restaurants to visit if you want high-quality seafood.
It’s one of the best places in Japan to get high-class sushi if you’re willing to spend a little bit of money on your meal, so your bank account should be fine while living in this area.
If you’re into history, Matsuyama is located between Tokyo and Nara, so it would be easy to drive out to one or both of these cities during your trip. You can go back in time by visiting the oldest temple in Japan, Todaiji Temple, which is located at Nara.
The city is also located on the coast, so you’ll have easy access to the ocean if you want to spend some time on the shore. If you want to relax and unwind near some of your favorite people, this might be one of the best places in Japan to visit as a tourist.
There are also many hot springs located in this region, which can be a great way to relax after a long day on the road. It’s also one of the major cities in Japan for sumo wrestlers and is one of the most popular times and places for sports fans and tourists alike.
7. Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the capital of Fukuoka Prefecture and is known as the gateway to Kyushu. It’s Japan’s third-largest city and has a population of more than 1.5 million residents. The city was founded in 1866 and offers a variety of different activities for tourists and locals to enjoy.
Fukuoka is one of the largest cities in Japan, so if you’re looking for an urban experience, this might be a great place for you to call home.
In addition, there are many different churches located in this region if you’re into religion or if you want to have a unique wedding ceremony performed here with your partner by a minister or priest from another country.
The city is located near a number of mountains, so if you’re into hiking, this might be a good place to call home. There are also many hot springs in the area, which could be fun if you want to take a trip out there with your friends.
With its prime location near the ocean, it’s also one of the more popular areas in all of Japan for people who like to fish or for tourists who want to go deep-sea fishing since many restaurants in the area specialize in seafood.
Fukuoka has some unique museums that you won’t find anywhere else unless you live in this region of Japan. If you’re into shopping, there are plenty of places to check out while visiting here. You can visit one of the largest aquariums in Japan if you have kids who are into that kind of thing.
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8. Hiroshima City
I know what you are thinking, but Hiroshima has come a long way from when it was bombed by the United States and is currently one of the best places to live in Japan . Hiroshima is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and is known for being one of Japan’s most important cities. It’s located in the Chugoku region on the island of Honshu, so it’s about a five-hour train ride from Tokyo.
If you want to live in this region of Japan, it would be best to get a job that allows you to work remotely or get a home-based business that doesn’t require you to go into an office each day.
One unique thing about Hiroshima is that there are many different festivals held here throughout the year. In addition, the city offers a variety of different conveniences that you’ll only find in major cities.
It’s also a hub for other major cities around Japan because it’s located near many highways and railroads, so it would be a good place to live if you want to travel a lot.
This is one of the safest places in all of Japan since there have been no major issues with crime here throughout the years. In addition, Hiroshima is located on one of Japan’s many rivers, so if you’re into fishing or spending time by the water, this might be a great place to call home.
Hiroshima also has a beautiful castle fortress for you to visit if you want to see something really unique in Japan. It has been one of the most important castles in all of Japan, so it’s worth visiting during your trip here if you’re into the history of the country.
If you’re looking for some great food after lots of traveling, Hiroshima is one of the best places in Japan to go because of its high-quality restaurants that serve sushi and other noteworthy food items. The city also offers access to some great music festivals that are held there throughout the year.
9. Kobe
Kobe is the capital of Hyogo Prefecture and is located in the Kansai region. This city has a population of more than 1.3 million residents and offers access to two great ports so that you can easily travel back and forth to other major cities in Japan.
Kobe is well known for being one of the largest cities in all of Japan, so if you’re looking for a city experience, this would be an ideal place to call home as one of the best places to live in Japan .
There are some unique districts you can visit throughout the year while living here, so if you want to live in one of the most popular cities in all of Japan, this might be one of your top choices on this list.
If you’re into looking at unique architecture or wandering through different neighborhoods, Kobe offers plenty of things to see and places to check out.
There are also some unique festivals that are held here throughout the year, so if you’re into cultural experiences, this would be one of the best places in all of Japan to go.
Kobe is located near some major mountains, so if you like hiking, this might be a good place for you to call home.
There are also many beaches located nearby if you’d like to experience sand dunes or spend time on the ocean while visiting here. You can also enjoy sports like soccer and baseball if that’s your thing while living in this region of Japan.
10. Nagasaki
A city that has risen from its horrible past, Nagasaki is the fourth largest city in all of Japan with about 1.5 million residents and is one of the best places to live in Japan. If you’re looking for a city experience with tons of different things to do, this might be the best place for you with so many different things to do and see here.
The city is also famous for being one of Japan’s most important nuclear locations if you’re into that kind of stuff, but it’s otherwise a great place to call home if that doesn’t matter to you too much.
While living here, you could become a baseball fan because there are plenty of games played in Nagasaki during the winter months.
In addition, the city offers a wide variety of different festivals so you could check out these during your time here. You could also check out some of the temples and shrines if you have children who are into that kind of stuff.
Nagasaki is located by many mountains, so if you’d like to go hiking or fishing, this might be one of your top choices on this list.
There are also some great beaches nearby if you’d like to relax out by the ocean. If you’re into sports like soccer or baseball, there are plenty of opportunities to learn more about them while living in Japan here.
Conclusion
Living in Japan can be one of the best experiences you’ll have while living anywhere in the world because of the unique things to do and see.
You could become a music fan because there are so many great acts that perform here for everyone to enjoy throughout the year. These are just some of the best places in all of Japan for you to live if you’re looking for a diverse experience.
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