Japan is the Land of the Rising Sun with 7,000 islands. It is located in East Asia between the Pacific Ocean and the Sea of Japan. There are many best places to live in Japan, where you can enjoy the rest of your life. If you want to hire a reliable Japanese moving company and move to Japan, you should contact Kokusai Express Japan.

Many expats from all over the world are drawn to this beautiful, vibrant and culturally rich island nation.

Japan is a popular country because of its scenic beauty, natural hot springs, artistic cuisine, traditional culture and 18 World Heritage Sites, including Himeji-jo Castle and the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto.

We bring you the best places to live in Japan

One of the best places to live in Japan: Capital city Tokyo

Tokyo it is a big, capital city and fashion center of Japan. Japan’s capital city is located in the Kanto region of Honshu.  In this city, you can see and enjoy in the biggest Japanese attractions like Akihabara, Shibuya and Harajuku . Tokyo has more than 37 million people living inside the metro region and its surrounding suburbs.

Living in Tokyo is like living in the future. Tokyo is the most beautiful place to live in Japan. It’s a city mix of high-tech and the traditional. In Tokyo, you can experience an exciting life fulfilled with fantastic nightlife in the numerous clubs and bars.

According to the Japan National Tourist Organization, the most-visited attractions are in Tokyo, there are even six of 10 attractions in Japan.

If you are moving to Tokyo you should know that life in the capital city of Japan can be expensive. Everything from prices of food to rent is much more expensive than in other cities in Japan. So, Tokyo is famous like one of the Tokyo has one of the highest costs of living in the world.

For everyday entertainment, Tokyo offers art galleries, museums, an extensive live music scene and world-renowned shopping. It is definitely one of the best places to live in Japan.

Pros for living in Tokyo

• Many different opportunities
• Virtually unlimited shopping/nightlife options
• Many famous districts like Akihabara, Shibuya, Shinjuku, Harajuku etc
• Unique living experience
• More job opportunities for foreigners in Japan (part-time or full-time)

Cons for living in Tokyo

• Extremely crowded city and trains
• Accommodation & food prices are higher than average in Japan
• Many foreigners in Tokyo so you don’t have a full Japan-only experience

Living in Yokohama

Yokohama is the 2nd most populous city in Japan. It has 3.6 million people.

In this popular Japanese city, you can see place Minatomirai. “Future harbor” with modern architecture, and Japan’s largest Chinatown.

Yokohama is not only a great place to study in Japan; it’s also one of the best places to live in Japan for Americans. Accommodation is cheaper than Tokyo. If you find yourself feeling claustrophobic, but still want to live in a big city, Yokohama is the place to be. The streets and sidewalks of Yokohama are wider. These are reasons why many families decide to leave crowded Tokyo, to live in peaceful Yokohama. But, If they want to visit Tokyo, it is just 30-minute away from Yokohama with train transport.

In Yokohama, you can visit many traditional Japanese gardens, numerous museums, galleries, and parks. Also, don’t forget Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse, which holds dozens of shops, restaurants, art galleries, and a 300-seat performance center.

Pros for living in Yokohama:

• Lower cost of living if you are comparing it with Tokyo
• Close to the sea and modern city districts
• Less crowded compared to Tokyo
• Tokyo is only a 20-30 minute train ride away

Cons for living in Yokohama:

• Fewer opportunities compared to Tokyo
• If you commute to Tokyo often, it could result in a lot of money spent on transportation

Living in Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s 3rd most populous city. This Japan city is famous for having friendliest and most outgoing people. It is also one of the best places to live in Japan for foreigners if you’re looking to make friends.

Osaka is also the Kansai region’s economic center. In Osaka, you can find many famous districts: Namba, Umeda, Amemura(America Village), and Den Den Town(Nipponbashi).

Food is something that Osaka is also famous for. Known for its okonomiyaki and takoyaki, people here love to eat.

In Osaka, you can find many different aspects of Japanese culture. It is close to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe.

Pros:

• Up to 30%, lower cost living compared to Tokyo

  

• Rich nightlife and shopping options
• Friendly people
• Close to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe

Cons:

• Not as ultra-modern as Tokyo
• Not many job opportunities like there is in Tokyo
• Kansai dialect
• Japanese Language Schools in Osaka
• Kansai College

Living in Kyoto

Considered one of the most beautiful cities in Japan, Kyoto brings historical Japan to life in a modern age. In Kyoto, you can enjoy in historical Japan but also you can experience modern transportation and amenities.

Also, many universities are located in Kyoto. Kyoto University, one of the world’s best universities, gives students a high level of education and prestige. So, in Kyoto, you can find many young college-age people because of the big number of universities and colleges. 

In Kyoto, you can experience architectural beauty, culture, and history of Japan in a short amount of time.

It is also much cheaper to live in than Tokyo.

Pros for living in Kyoto:

• Way cheaper cost living compared to Tokyo
• Traditional Japan in a modern age
• Many colleges/universities
• Close to Osaka, Nara, Kobe

Cons for living in Kyoto:

• Kyoto is not modern as Tokyo
• Not as many job opportunities compared to Tokyo
• You need to go to Osaka for better shopping and nightlife
• Japanese Language Schools in Kyoto
• Kyoto Institute of Culture and Language

Living in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is on the island of Kyushu and is that islands and one of Japan’s most populated cities.  Fukuoka is in the center of the mountains. They are surrounding Fukuoka on three sides and Hakata Bay on the fourth. Fukuoka is the largest city in Southern Japan. Hakata is the main district where is also the main train station.

If you want to go shopping or to have rich nightlife, Fukuoka has it all.  You will experience a part of Japan that most people in Tokyo never get to see or do.

Pros:

• Fewer westerners than Tokyo or Osaka
• Close proximity to Korea
• Not as earthquake prone
• Lower cost of living compared to Tokyo
• Better beaches than Tokyo

Cons:

• Not as many job opportunities compared to Tokyo
• More precipitation on average per year

Living in Sapporo

Sapporo is the fourth most populous city in Japan. It is located on the country’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido. Sapporo has many popular attractions. Like: Historic buildings, parks, museums, galleries and shopping malls.

The temperature in Sapporo is great for anyone who doesn’t like big summer temperatures. Also, you can enjoy some of the best snow and ski resorts in the all-of-the world.

Sapporo is famous for its Miso Ramen, fresh fish and because it’s the northernmost island of Japan.

Sapporo is also popular for cherry blossom viewing (hanami), in which you can enjoy *in late April to early May each year. So, it is definitely one of the best places to live in Japan.

Pros:

• Fewer westerners than Tokyo or Osaka
• Up to 30% cheaper living costs than Tokyo
• Mild weather in summer
• Great skiing resorts and hot springs

Cons:

• If you are comparing with Tokyo, there are not many job opportunities
• In winter the temperature is under 0 degrees Celsius.

If you want to relocate to Japan there are many best places to live in Japan. Read our relocation tips and checklists for your relocation if you want to move with our company Kokusai Express Japan.