13 Best Places To Live In Japan

Relocating to a new country is easier than ever before and if you’re hoping your new home has beautiful weather, thriving technological progress and a rich history, then Japan might be the perfect spot for you. Japan is an island country in East Asia that is located in the northwest Pacific Ocean.

Our guide will cover the best cities in Japan for work, families, food and more. Let’s start by taking a look at the best cities in Japan to relocate to.

Sections

Best Places To Live In Japan

City	Reason
Tokyo	Best for work
Sapporo	Best for affordability
Tokyo, Azabu	Best for families
Kyoto	Best for immigrants
Nagoya	Best for retirement
Yokohama	Best for young adults
Kyoto, Kansai	Best for students
Kobe and Hiroshima	Best for food and nightlife
Tokyo, Kichijoji	Best for singles
Tokyo, Shinjuku	Best for the LGBT+ community
Matsumoto	Best for weather
Okinawa	Best for beaches
Hakone	Best for mountains

Best Places To Live In Japan for Work

Tokyo is the ideal city to move for those looking for work opportunities. It’s home to 14 million people and many thriving, world-renowned businesses have locations in Tokyo.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan and is made up of central city wards, multiple cities, towns and villages. It’s a city renowned for its vast shopping, entertainment and dining experiences.

It is also rife with job opportunities, particularly in the tourism, entertainment and technology sectors. Workers who speak English and Japanese are likely to find many translation job opportunities, particularly in entertainment fields.

There is also high demand for skilled workers but the cost of living in Tokyo compared to other international cities is higher which you may want to factor into your decision before moving.

Those who don’t want to live in such a vibrant and non-stop city may want to consider the much smaller city of Sendai where English teaching jobs and jobs in tourism are common, though the salaries offered may be lower than in Tokyo.

Cheapest Places To Live In Japan

A common misconception surrounding Japan is that there are no affordable cities. In fact, Japan has several cities that offer good quality of life and affordable living costs.

Sapporo is the fifth largest city in Japan and is the capital of the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Sapporo, though extraordinarily beautiful, does see a tremendous amount of snowfall during the year and hosts an annual Snow Festival which allows visitors to view impressive ice sculptures, try their hand at curling or take a trip down a large snow slide.

Sapporo has very affordable housing which, in comparison to other Japanese cities, such as Tokyo, plays a key part in making it one of the most affordable cities in Japan. It is not only the housing which is more affordable, living costs in Sapporo are also cheaper than other cities making it much easier for a student or single person to enjoy living in the city.

If you’re more interested in living in an industrial city, then Kawasaki is similar to Tokyo in terms of its bustling culture and extensive dining options, but the housing is almost 50% more affordable.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Families

Deciding to relocate with a family is a huge decision and you’ll want to be sure that your new home is located in an area that provides you with easy access to an array of amenities; schooling, healthcare and entertainment as examples.

The best city to relocate to with a family in Japan is Tokyo. Not only is the city packed full of exciting conveniences, but it’s also extremely welcoming to foreigners and has a good international education system in place.

The Azabu and Chōfu districts in particular are known for their international school that run with Western-style curriculums. Azabu, in particular, is known for its relaxed neighbourhood and atmosphere, and the cobblestoned streets are home to some of the cooler shops.

There’s also a mix of Western and Eastern restaurants which is comforting for immigrants looking for a home away from home.

Osaka City is another good choice for those looking to move with families – the city is known for being safe and welcoming and there is a range of entertainment opportunities here also.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Immigrants

There are several popular destinations in Japan for immigrants, with most relocators choosing urban areas over more rural destinations. Kyoto is a city on the island of Honshu and was once the capital of Japan.

The city has many shrines and temples which have survived the impacts of countless wars and made Kyoto one of the most popular cities in Japan for those with an interest in Japanese culture and history.

Kyoto is home to over 60,000 expats with the hospitality sector as the main industry for work. Kyoto is renowned for its sense of calmness and many immigrants enjoy the mix of ancient culture on their doorstep as well as having access to outstanding public transport systems.

As well as Kyoto, Tokyo is another clear choice for immigrants due to the size of the population. Both cities will likely have English speakers but it’s still a good idea to have an understanding of basic Japanese before relocating to the country.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Retirement

If you’re looking to retire in Japan, you’re likely going to want to be surrounded by tranquil beauty and culture as well as have the benefits of living in an industrial city.

Encapsulating all of the above is the city of Nagoya – Japan’s third-largest city. The city is known for its industrialisation but there is a huge range of museums, cafes, galleries and temples to stroll around, soaking in the best of Japan’s culture.

Nagoya is very easy to get around with a good public transport system and affordable housing. Learning some Japanese is a must for the city, in comparison to Tokyo or Osaka where you may be able to get by with very limited knowledge of the language.

Nagoya has an international airport (Chubu Centrair International Airport) and is very well connected to the rest of the country.

Those hoping to avoid the buzz of Japan’s bigger cities should consider the charming city of Hakodate, one of the main cities on Hokkaido island. Surrounded by delicious seafood and fresh open air, Hakodate is the ideal spot for those looking for a more relaxed retirement.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Young Adults

Several of Japan’s big cities are perfect for young adults hoping to start a new chapter of their life. Yokohama, a city south of Tokyo, is one of the biggest port towns in Japan and is a favourite city for young adults.

Yokohama is also popular with immigrants due to its western residences in the Yamate district and it is also home to one of the world’s largest Chinatowns.

Yokohama has more affordable housing and a better cost of living than Tokyo, while still retaining the qualities and comforts of a big city. Plus, it is only half an hour by train to Tokyo, making it very popular for those hoping to travel or commute to Tokyo easily.

Minato Mirai is Yokohama’s new city centre that is located along the water and has a range of attractions from hotels to shopping centres to amusement parks. If you’re interested in nature and wildlife, then Yokohama’s Sankeien Garden is a traditional Japanese garden that is perfect to get lost in or you could take a trip to Zooraisa, a large zoo on the outskirts of the city.

Tokyo and Osaka are also good locations for young adults – Tokyo has everything you could ever ask for but the cost of living and housing is high. Osaka is known for its thriving nightlife scene and good international schools.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Students

Kyoto is home to more than 12,000 international students and is the Number 2 city for students (Tokyo taking the first spot). What is different about Kyoto is the timeless nature of the city – perfect for students who are interested in soaking up a new culture.

It is also filled with nature; the Kamogawa River runs through some of the more urban areas and you can’t miss the mountains which act as a stunning backdrop to the city.

Kyoto has the Ritsumeikan University and Doshisha University, both of which are highly rated. Kyoto is also less expensive than Tokyo when it comes to housing and cost of living, which could be ideal for students who are keeping to a strict budget.

It also has a reputation for being safer than some of the other cities, making it a welcoming spot for international students who may feel a little anxious. The city is also extremely convenient with stores and dining spots easily accessible; you’re also able to travel by bicycle through most of the city due to its compact nature.

Aside from Kyoto, international students will fare well in Tokyo, which is renowned for its schooling options, though it is a good idea to keep in mind the cost of living.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Food and Nightlife

Japan is known for its entertainment districts and you’ll likely have a fantastic time in any of the major Japanese cities when it comes to food and nightlife. However, there are a few must-see spots that are perfect for those hoping to move to soak up the best food and nightlife that Japan can offer.

First, the city of Kobe is based in Osaka Bay and is world-famous for its beef. Kobe beef is Wagyu beef from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle and is famous for its marble appearance, delicious flavour and texture.

Stopping in Kobe will give you a taste of this extraordinary delicacy, and even if you’re not a steak fan you’ll still be spoilt for choice as the city has many restaurants offering all kinds of cuisine.

For nightlife, the city of Hiroshima is quickly becoming one of the best entertainment cities after Tokyo and Osaka. With a burst of new aesthetic bars and clubs, this city offers hole-in-the-wall bars, izakayas, pubs, and karaoke bars.

Those who want to dance until the sun comes up are encouraged to stop in Tokyo where some bars are open until the early hours of the morning.

Best Places To Live In Japan for Singles

If you’re planning to move as a single person then you want to make sure that your location of choice is convenient, safe and affordable to live in. Tokyo is famously one of the more expensive cities in Japan, but it is also one of the best as there are a multitude of neighbourhoods for you to choose from.

One of the best Tokyo neighbourhoods for singles is Kichijoji. This up-and-coming district is filled with hipster thrift shops, exquisite restaurants and beautiful parks.

Kichijoji is also well connected which is one of the more commonly noted important aspects of living in Japan.

It is also where the Ghibli Museum is based; one of the most famous attractions in Tokyo. This popular neighbourhood can get very busy which may not be ideal for someone hoping for a quieter and less crowded town.

Less stylish districts such as Akabane and Koenji are more affordable residential areas of Tokyo, and could be superb choices for those eager to live in Tokyo but are conscious of budget requirements.

Best Places To Live for the LGBT+ Community

Japan is a culturally conservative country where marriage, whether same-sex or heterosexual, isn’t openly expressed. However, Japan is a very welcoming country with politeness and courtesy at the heart of its society’s culture, and members of the LGBT+ community should feel safe to travel or move here.

Tokyo has the largest LGBT+ population in Japan, with most of the community located in the Shinjuku district. Tokyo Rainbow Pride – Japan’s Pride event – takes place in April or May with many tourists flocking to the city for this event.

Aside from this, a lot of the queer scene in Japan is hidden or inaccessible due to the country’s approach to dating and romance, so it’s a good idea to do as much research as possible before settling on a location.

Best Places To Live in Japan for the Weather

Japan’s weather is famous throughout the world, particularly for its springtime and its beautiful cherry blossom trees. Summertime in Japan starts around June with the rainy season (and in some cities very intense heat) and you can expect wintertime to be dry and crisp with heavy snowfall up near the Japanese Alps and Hokkaido.

Matsumoto is a city located in Nagano Prefecture and is considered to be very warm and temperature. Winter is mild and there are some low-level cyclones.

Matsumoto, in comparison, to other Japanese cities has a relatively steady climate, so for those who are hoping for hotter climates then Osaka is a particularly good choice with summers rising to 35 degrees Celsius.

If you’re more interested in cooler climates then Hokkaido, Japan’s coldest region is perfect for those with an interest in snow sports.

Best Places To Live In Japan Near Beaches

Okinawa is a Japanese prefecture comprising more than 150 islands in the East China Sea. The islands have a subtropic climate and white sandy beaches that are massive tourist spots during the summer months.

In particular, Furuzamami Beach is known for being one of the best spots for coral reefs, though some parts are now closed off for wildlife and habitat protection.

The beach is kept clean and clear, meaning that swimming is available all year round. Furuzamami Beach is 5 minutes away from Zamami Port by bus.

Any of the beaches on the surrounding islands are great visitation spots, and the islands are the perfect choice to move to if you’re looking for a relaxed beach lifestyle.

Best Places To Live In Japan Near Mountains

One of the best towns in Tokyo near the mountains is Hakone which is located in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. It is one of the few towns in Japan with a lake with a view of Mount Fuji which draws many visitors all year round.

As well as having such a spectacular view, Hakone is famous for its natural springs and the warm rivers which are located throughout the town. Lake Ashinoko is also a renowned spot for natural beauty, perfect for those who are hoping for an outdoorsy lifestyle.

Hakone also has various castles, temples and gardens for history and culture buffs. There is an abundance of experiences available in Hakone whether it be sightseeing, outdoor activities or trying out some traditional Japanese cuisine.

Another fab spot for mountain lovers is Nagano City which is the capital and largest city of Nagano Prefecture and is surrounded by mountains on all sides.