Home of 772 cities, Japan is an incredible place and a destination spot for many. Finding the best place to live can be a bit of a hassle, so if you are on the search for a list of the best cities to live in Japan, then your search ends here! We present to you a comprehensive list of the best places to live in Japan.
1. Fujisawa
Fujisawa is a city that is not quite far from Inagi City, and many Japanese will agree that this is the best city in the country for living. A coastal town in Kanagawa Prefecture, Fujisawa offers you beaches and views of Mount Fuji while also including Enoshima Island.
It has a laid-back vibe since it’s a beach town. There are many stunning places to enjoy nature and simply relax in Fujisawa. This city is also full of history and local legends having princesses and dragons. The best part about living here is not just the majestic atmosphere and tranquility but Fujisawa is also only a 30-minute train ride away from Tokyo.
2. Inagi City
Inagi City is a suburb of Tokyo, and it definitely has the best of both worlds. Located south of Tokyo, this is a bedroom community. With a women’s university team and an amusement park, it has a good economy.
Since the population of Inagi City is 87,000, it’s comparatively less crowded than Tokyo. The city has progressed both economically and culturally since its foundation in 1889. It also houses one of Japan’s topmost women’s football teams. You’ll also get to enjoy the services of Yomiuriland Amusement Park present here.
The headquarters of the paper manufacturer, Nippon Filcon, is located in Inagi City. While all these perks are there, if you’re still looking for more exciting nightlife, then the public trains are there, making it easy to take a trip into Tokyo.
3. Nishinomiya
A place is laden with beauty, economy, university, and professional sports, Nishinomiya is an amazing place to live. With Mount Kabuto to the north and Osaka Bay to the south, Nishinomiya is located in Hyogo Prefecture. Through the town, there are Mukogawa and Nigawa Rivers running.
Nishinomiya also houses a university founded by American missionaries in the nineteenth century, known as the Kwansei Gakuin University. The home of the Hanshin Tigers baseball team, Koshien Stadium, where Japan’s high school baseball championships are played is located in Nishinomiya.
Having a good economy and sheltering the medical and marine equipment company Furuno’s headquarters, Nishinomiya is certainly a suitable place to live in Japan.
4. Mitaka City
A suburb of Tokyo, Mitaka City is a western port town. Similar to several of Tokyo’s suburbs, Mitaka City is a mild bedroom community that makes it easy to commute from.
Several attractions such as the Tamagawa Josui Canal and Japan’s National Astronomical Observatory are found here. Housing the headquarters of many animation studios, this city has a good economic basis and also includes Pierrot and Telecom Animation Film. Subaru Tecnica International’s headquarters is also located in Mitaka.
5. Matsuyama
Located in the northeast of Ehime Prefecture, Matsuyama is a port town. Originally founded in 1894, the meaning of Matsuyama translates to “Pine Mountain”. This city will be just right for those wanting to avoid the bigger cities of Japan as it has a laid-back atmosphere.
One of Japan’s oldest hot springs can be found in this city and that is where bathhouses were built in 1894. There are also quite good citrus fruits growing here, making the place known for its tarts made with jams and Dango formed with red bean paste.
The economy of Matsuyama is mainly dependent on retail, confections, tourism, and the manufacturing of boiler and tractor. The headquarters of Fuji and Daiki are located here. The Matsuyama Castle, museums, and temples are there for the residents and tourists to enjoy.
6. Fukuoka
The capital of Fukuoka Prefecture, Fukuoka is located on the north shore of Kyushu Island. Even though it has a large population, Fukuoka is still an amazing place to live. Having been built as a port city, it was officially designed in 1972.
The ports are there, helping with the economy and bringing in cruise ships with tourists. The Fukuoka Castle, a zoo, galleries, gardens, and beaches are there for the tourist’s and residents’ amusement.
There are many companies servicing and supporting start-up companies in Fukuoka. This place is also home to many international students. The culinary cuisine here is incredible, specializing in food like spicy cod roe and pork stock ramen.
7. Moriya
Moriya is an alluring Japanese city near the big town of Tokyo. Having a population of just 65,000, it is a small town that is only 35 km from Tokyo. Moriya houses 3 rivers, Kinugawa, Tone, and Kakaigawa and it is located in the southwest of Ibaraki Prefecture.
The community here is quiet and has progressed as a castle town. Moriya Castle is the most famous landmark here. With its many Moriya industrial parks, Moriya has a good economy. It’s quite simple for the residents to visit Tokyo for entertainment and work as there is great public transportation in this place.
8. Niihama
A graceful Japanese port town, Niihama is located in Ehime Prefecture and is identified for its tourism. The population of Niihama is 120,000 and this town was established in 1937.
In Niihama, you’ll find mountains with waterfalls running down them. Some of its major tourist attractions are the science museum and planetarium, the Zuio-ji Temple and not to forget Niihama’s yearly “The Man Festival ” and “Taiko Festival”.
The Besshi Copper Mine which Sumitomo Corporation runs is also located in this town. In addition to that, Niihama houses Otedama Nokia, Japan’s national juggling association.
9. Hiroshima City
Hiroshima is mostly remembered for the World War II incident where an atomic bomb was dropped on it. Much of the city was destroyed and approximately 100,000 residents lost their lives. This city was then almost completely rebuilt and it has progressed economically and culturally.
Several Japanese feel pride in calling Hiroshima City their home. It is the capital of Hiroshima Prefecture and also among the biggest cities on Japan’s largest island, Hanshu. Hiroshima progressed as a castle town and thrived during the nineteenth century industrialization period even though it was originally a small fishing village.
At present, this city gains popularity from The Hiroshima Peace Memorial located in Hiroshima Peace Park, Mitaki-Dera, and Senko-Ji Temples and Hiroshima Gokoku Shrine. While in Hiroshima, you’ll get to enjoy an incredible culinary scene along with museums and symphony orchestras. The wonderful annual flower festival is also held in this city.
10. Tokyo
One of the most crowded cities in the world, Tokyo is a major international economic center. Even though it has a dense population and an expensive cost of living, many people still choose to live in Tokyo as it is known for its attractions and cleanliness.
Located around the northwest coast of Tokyo Bay in the western mountains, Tokyo includes 2 island chains, Ogasawara and Izu. This city houses over 50 Fortune 500 global companies. It was also supposed to be hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games.
Along with New York City’s Times Square, the Shibuya Scramble Intersection in Tokyo might be one of the most recognized intersections in pop culture. After being rebuilt after a destructive 1923 earthquake and World War II, Tokyo stayed as a modern city while it also maintains some historic architecture.
This city is very livable despite being expensive and crowded. Tokyo has much to offer residents and visitors even if several people prefer to live in the suburbs.
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