Find Your New Home Among Futuristic Cities and Tranquil Nature
The island nation of Japan is awash with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge innovation. For expats, it’s also a safe and welcoming haven with a reputation for low crime rates, world-class healthcare, and impeccable public transportation.
Whether you want to experience the energy of vibrant, futuristic cities like Tokyo and Osaka or the peaceful charm of seaside villages, Japan offers something for every lifestyle.
If you’re considering moving to this captivating country, this article reveals the best places to live in Japan, including recommendations for families, retirees, and those on a budget.
The island nation of Japan is awash with natural beauty, cultural heritage, and cutting-edge innovation. For expats, it’s also a safe and welcoming haven with a reputation for low crime rates, world-class healthcare, and impeccable public transportation.
Whether you want to experience the energy of vibrant, futuristic cities like Tokyo and Osaka or the peaceful charm of seaside villages, Japan offers something for every lifestyle.
If you’re considering moving to this captivating country, this article reveals the best places to live in Japan, including recommendations for families, retirees, and those on a budget.
How We Identified The Best Places to Live in Japan
When determining which cities to include in this article, we considered several crucial factors. The first factor was the cost of living in Japan. We calculated certain costs, such as rentals, dining out, groceries, gas, and utilities, to determine each city’s affordability.
Next, we looked at local job opportunities, most of which are in sectors like technology and finance. We also researched the robustness of the job market in each major city.
The Japanese healthcare system is known to be one of the most efficient and advanced in the world, so it was only natural for us to look at the medical infrastructure, health technology, and patient outcomes in each city.
Notably, some Japanese cities offer more providers, hospitals, and medical technology than others. It’s no surprise, then, that as of 2025, Japan has the second-highest life expectancy in the world (84 years) after Hong Kong.
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Next, we considered safety. Nearly all cities in Japan have low crime, and residents report a strong feeling of safety when walking around. According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2024, Japan ranks 17th worldwide for safety.
What Makes Each Japanese City Unique?
If anything varies among Japan’s cities, it’s the availability of certain amenities. Every city in Japan has its own distinct features and atmosphere.
For example, cities like Hakodate and Kobe offer lush green spaces, while places like Kyoto and Nara boast rich cultural heritage. On the other hand, cities like Osaka and Tokyo offer vibrant food scenes and bustling city life.
Lastly, we determined each city's quality of life based on factors like education, walkability, air quality, public transportation, and internet speed. Japan offers an excellent quality of life, so it’s unsurprising that most of its cities ranked high.
Read More: The Safest Places to Live in the World
The Best Places to Live in Japan
Let’s explore the best places to live in Japan. Below, we’ve highlighted what makes each city unique and what you can expect if you decide to settle down in them.
Kobe
Located across the bay from Osaka, this port city is famous for its renowned Kobe beef. It's also an affordable place to call home, with rent costing 65.5% less than in Tokyo.
Groceries can cost around $1 for a loaf of bread or a pound of rice and about $3 per pound of chicken. Basic utilities for an average apartment cost around $200 per month.
Offering a relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere, scenic walks, and seaside parks, Kobe is an ideal destination for those who enjoy a blend of natural beauty and urban living.
Job opportunities are primarily available in the service sector, making it an attractive choice for expats looking to work in hospitality, retail, or international business. In addition, this city boasts a low crime rate and a high safety index. This makes it one of the best places to live in Japan if personal security and peace of mind are top priorities.
Osaka
This is Japan’s third-most populous city and is full of friendly residents. Although it’s more affordable than most of the country’s big cities, job opportunities may be limited for non-Japanese speakers.
The city boasts an exciting nightlife scene and an array of shopping options in its famous Namba district. It also has an abundance of unique foods, including street food and cheap eateries, that make dining out a delight.
Iconic landmarks like Osaka Castle add a touch of historical charm to the urban landscape. In springtime, the city is a fantastic spot to experience the breathtaking cherry blossom season.
Yokohama
Think of Yokohama as a more affordable version of Tokyo, where rent is 44.3% lower than in the capital. You can also enjoy the best of both worlds, as the two cities are just a 30-minute Shinkansen ride apart.
Yokohama has a large expat community and is home to the largest Chinatown in the world. Residents can also enjoy its many museums, including the Museum of Art, the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum, and the Nissan Engine Museum.
Outdoor enthusiasts can also enjoy beautiful parks like Yamashita Park and Sankeien Garden, along with easy access to scenic hiking spots.
The city is also famous for its vibrant cultural events, such as the annual Yokohama Jazz Promenade and the lively Lunar New Year celebrations in Chinatown.
Yokohama has a low crime rate and high safety index, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful yet dynamic place to live.
Nagoya
Nagoya is a small city with a lot to offer. It’s deeply connected to Japan’s automotive industry, making it a prime location for professionals in engineering and manufacturing. In fact, the Toyota Motor Headquarters lies just outside the city.
As the world’s largest railway hub, Nagoya is exceptionally well-connected, allowing for quick and convenient travel to other parts of Japan. This makes it one of the best places to live in Japan for those who love to explore.
The city’s extensive transport infrastructure, centered around the vast Nagoya Train Station, provides easy access to nearby regions and beyond, with multiple bullet trains (Shinkansen) passing through the station. Its central location on the island of Honshu makes it an ideal base for both work and travel.
Nagoya offers a great balance of modern amenities, historical attractions, and job opportunities, along with a more affordable cost of living compared to cities like Tokyo and Osaka.
Some of its most significant attractions are Nagoya Castle and Kiyosu Castle, the latter of which is the birthplace of the famous samurai warlord Oda Nobunaga.
Read More: The Most Expensive Cities in the World
Tokyo
As Japan’s most populous urban center, you might expect a higher crime rate in Tokyo. However, the capital consistently ranks among the safest cities in the world on global safety indices.
Tokyo offers the perfect blend of high-tech and traditional living, making it one of the best places to live in Japan for people who appreciate both worlds.
It boasts one of the world's most efficient and reliable public transport systems, making commuting and getting around the city convenient and relatively stress-free.
Tokyo comprises diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku to the more serene, traditional areas like Asakusa and Yanaka. This diversity allows for a wide variety of lifestyles and experiences.
Tokyo is famous for its vibrant food culture and boasts more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world. From small sushi bars and ramen shops to high-end dining establishments, there is plenty to sink your teeth into.
While Tokyo is indeed the most expensive city in Japan, it offers various housing options at different price points. Expats can also minimize costs by living on the outskirts or using public transportation efficiently.
As Japan's political, economic, and cultural capital, Tokyo is home to a large expat community and offers numerous international services, cultural events, and networking opportunities.
The Best Places for Families in Japan
If you're thinking about moving to Japan with children, there’s more to consider than just the logistics and costs. Parents should also take into account education, safety, and lifestyle, alongside other important factors.
These two Japanese cities made our list of the best places for families.
Fukuoka
Located on Kyushu island, this safe city is just a short train ride from Hiroshima and Shikoku. Fukuoka offers an affordable cost of living and is home to two international schools, one of which features an American-style curriculum.
The city also offers excellent healthcare facilities, including two 'Special Functioning Hospitals' that provide specialized treatments and 10 'Regional Medical Care Support Hospitals.' As a result, it has a higher level of healthcare resources than the average city in Japan.
In the summer, families can enjoy beautiful beaches, try their hand at surfing, or attend vibrant music festivals. The city also boasts several indoor and outdoor amusement parks, botanical gardens, and a science museum offering fun educational experiences for young ones.
For those who enjoy historical places, the city’s many ancient temples and the 17th-century Fukuoka Castle are worth visiting. Ultimately, Fukuoka provides a great mix of modern amenities, good healthcare, outdoor activities, and cultural heritage, making it a fantastic place for families to call home.
Sendai
Nestled in the heart of the Tohoku region, the vibrant and welcoming city of Sendai offers a perfect blend of urban convenience and a laid-back atmosphere.
Families will appreciate the area's several international schools and prestigious Tohoku University. Like much of Japan, Sendai also has high-quality healthcare facilities.
As the largest metropolitan center in northeastern Japan, Sendai offers visitors and residents a wonderfully walkable city center that makes exploration a joy.
Families can enjoy a variety of delightful day trips, from the peaceful Saihoji Temple and stunning views of Matsushima Bay to the city's rich selection of art galleries, history museums, and botanical gardens.
However, expats should know that English is less widely spoken in Sendai than in major metro centers like Tokyo.
The Best Places to Live on a Budget in Japan
If you're looking to move to Japan but want to keep your budget low, certain cities offer a more affordable cost of living compared to others, like Tokyo and Osaka.
Below is an overview of cities that are generally considered to be more budget-friendly, starting from the least expensive.
Chiba
Located just outside Tokyo, Chiba is a vibrant city that offers an affordable lifestyle and easy access to Japan's capital. This makes it a great choice for those who want to experience the excitement and opportunities of Tokyo without the high living costs.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center costs around $550, while a three-course meal for two will set you back approximately $38.
As the most affordable city in the Kanto region, Chiba also boasts a low crime rate, making it an ideal choice for those seeking budget-friendly living without compromising on safety.
However, it’s important to note that the average monthly net salary (after tax) is just $1,800, which may require careful budgeting to fully take advantage of the lower living costs.
Chiba is easily accessible to Tokyo via public transit and is close to stunning beaches like Kujukuri Beach, picturesque mountains, and quaint fishing towns, offering the perfect blend of urban convenience and natural beauty.
The city also features numerous large shopping malls and entertainment facilities for weekend fun, including Tokyo Disneyland and Tokyo DisneySea. This makes it an excellent destination for families and theme park enthusiasts seeking excitement and adventure.
Sapporo
Sapporo, the capital and largest city of Hokkaido, offers a unique living experience in Japan, with cold winters, temperate summers, stunning mountains, and a relaxed pace of life. The city also boasts a low crime rate, making it a peaceful and safe place to call home.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is around $600, while a three-course meal for two will cost about $32. Given the city’s prominence in winter tourism and technology, career opportunities are available in the tourism and IT industries.
Located on Japan's northernmost major island and surrounded by mountains, Sapporo experiences cold winters with heavy snowfall, making it a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
Kyoto
Kyoto, Japan’s cultural and historical hub, is renowned for its classical Buddhist temples, beautiful gardens, imperial palaces, Shinto shrines, and traditional wooden houses.
However, as one of Japan’s top tourist destinations, it attracts millions of visitors annually, especially during peak tourist seasons, which can make the city crowded at times.
Despite its popularity, the cost of living in Kyoto remains relatively low compared to the rich array of amenities and career opportunities it offers. With an average monthly net salary after taxes of around $2,100, residents can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.
Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is about $640, and a three-course meal for two will cost approximately $40.
Kyoto's extensive public transportation network, which includes buses and trains, makes getting around the city convenient. However, buses can become crowded during peak hours, which is why many locals prefer to use bicycles to navigate the city.
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Japan’s Cities Offer an Unmatched Quality of Life
Japan’s cities offer a unique blend of cultural richness, modern amenities, and an exceptional quality of life. From Tokyo’s bustling energy to Kyoto’s serene charm and Sendai’s regional warmth, each city caters to different lifestyles and preferences.
Ultimately, your ideal city in Japan will depend on your personal priorities – whether you're seeking cutting-edge technology, rich cultural heritage, career opportunities, or a peaceful balance between work and life.
What remains consistent across these cities, however, is Japan’s commitment to exceptional urban planning, strong healthcare, efficient public transportation, low crime rates, and an unmatched standard of living.
So, are you ready to begin your new life in Japan?
International Citizens Group can help you prepare. While Japan’s healthcare system is renowned for its quality, it's important to ensure you're fully covered when living abroad.
To protect yourself from unexpected medical costs, request a quote for an international health insurance policy.
A comprehensive global health plan gives you peace of mind, knowing that both routine and emergency medical expenses will be covered, allowing you to focus on enjoying your new life in Japan.
Find the Best International Insurance
- Compare multiple quotes and coverage options
- Work with an insurance expert at no additional cost
- Find the best plan for your needs and budget
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