Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs

Are you thinking about moving to Japan? Where are you most interested in?

This article has that and more. Continue reading as we look for good places to live in Japan based on your needs.

What is the most foreigner-friendly city in Japan?

Here are the top 3 foreigner-friendly Japanese cities.

Tokyo

We all know that Tokyo, especially Tokyo’s 23 wards, is often referred to as Japan’s most foreigner-friendly city due to its large number of foreign residents, many expat communities, large tourism, and a vast number of multilingual services catering to non-Japanese speakers.

Tokyo offers an easier transition for many expats, and its large international diversity creates greater connections and communities than other cities in Japan.

As the country’s capital city, Tokyo is home to thousands of domestic and international businesses, making it a prime destination for professionals and entrepreneurs. The city’s main business hubs include Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Minato-ku, bustling with corporate offices and startup headquarters.

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Bilingual support

Having bilingual support ensures that your business needs, mail, packages, and important documents are handled without language barriers, giving you peace of mind while navigating Japan's legal and business systems.

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Osaka

Osaka is Japan's second-largest city, making it the second-most city with foreigners. It is known for its more relaxed and welcoming vibe, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant arts scene that combines urban life with a down-to-earth charm.

While Osaka may not have the same international reputation as Tokyo, it's still home to a growing foreign community with plenty of English-speaking services and establishments, making it accessible to foreigners. Many expats choose Osaka because it balances big-city convenience and its more laid-back atmosphere.

Despite the language barrier, Osaka has plenty of warmth and hospitality, and many locals are willing to engage with foreigners.

Aichi Prefecture

In central Japan, the Aichi Prefecture is also a foreigner-friendly place for its thriving industrial sector and growing international community.

It lacks a vibrant nightlife when compared to other major cities in Japan. Despite that, it serves as a great and foreigner-friendly place to live.

Thanks to its automobile industry, Aichi is becoming a place for employment opportunities, specifically in manufacturing and engineering. Many international companies have started and built their reputations here. 

Aichi, specifically Nagoya city center, has a convenient transportation network with many facilities, including international schools, hospitals, and community centers.

What is the safest place to live in Japan?

Japan is already known to be a safe country, especially for its low crime rates. But, we take a look at Japan’s safest location.

Low crime rate in Japan

A strong crime prevention organization is rooted in this area, thus making crime less likely to occur. 

By increasing crime prevention and taking preventive measures, it ensures the safety of everyone living there.

Akita 

Out of all the prefectures, Akita has been seen as the safest prefecture in Japan. Many believe it's due to Akita’s crime prevention measures and safety education that contribute to public safety. 

It includes but is not limited to:

• Utilizing the local safety network

• Disseminating local safety information through various campaigns and flyers

• Conducting suspicious person response training in cooperation with schools

There are also various activities to protect oneself, such as self-defense classes for children, women, and the elderly. 

Iwate

The Iwate Prefecture has the second lowest crime rate in Japan. You can thank Iwate Prefecture’s Crime-Free, Safe, and Secure City Development Ordinance, which focuses on crime prevention measures.

There are also local crime prevention volunteers, such as crime prevention, patrol teams, police volunteers, and patrol cars, who are around to maintain safety and ensure crime is less likely to happen.  

Nagasaki

Nagasaki is the third prefecture in Japan, with the lowest crime rate. Particularly, its burglary theft rate, for both residential and business, is the lowest in the country. 

It implemented the “Crime-Free Safe and Secure City Development Action Plan” in 2005 for various crime prevention measures, mainly focusing on safety and security information. 

Least natural disaster

Japan has many natural disasters, such as earthquakes and typhoons. However, it can be scary sometimes if it’s your first time experiencing these events. Here are the top 3 safest prefectures to avoid natural disasters in Japan. 

Shiga

Shiga prefecture has a lower risk of earthquakes and typhoon damage than the rest of Japan.

Out of the 1,714 earthquakes recorded in Japan in 2020, Shiga Prefecture experienced only 17, accounting for about 1% of the total. The Shiga Prefecture has also suffered little damage during typhoon season, making it a safe life.

Saga 

Despite being in the Kyushu area, the Saga Prefecture is known to have low earthquake activities and is most likely off the typhoon path. 

Since Saga is on the SeaSide (Western Side) of ​​Japan, it’s less likely to experience tsunami damage, even if there’s a seismic intensity of around 3 to 4. 

These factors make Saga a safe place to live with the least amount of natural disaster damage.

Kagawa

If you are looking for a good place to live in terms of safety, look further at Kagawa Prefecture. 

From its location, it’s less likely to experience typhoon damage than other parts of Shikoku and has a low risk of heavy rain disasters, such as flooding.

While there are concerns about tsunami damage, Kagawa’s unique location is on the Seto Inland Sea Side, so there is still plenty of time to prepare and take preventive measures.

Additionally, out of 1,714 earthquakes recorded in 2020, the Kagawa Prefecture only experienced 17, the lowest throughout Japan.

What is the most affordable place to live in Japan?

Miyazaki

According to Japan’s Consumer Price Regional Difference Index (2022), Miyazaki Prefecture ranks as one of the most affordable prefectures throughout Japan.

Its highest section is “Furniture and Household Goods”; however, all other expenses, such as "Culture and Recreation” and "Health and Medical Care,” are much lower than the rest of the nation.

You can still find all the recreational activities you want at a fraction of the cost compared to other places in Japan. 

Kagoshima

In general, Kagoshima’s expenses are much lower than the rest of Japan, making it very affordable for those looking for a good place to live in Japan.

The most expensive cost you’ll account for is “Health and Medical Care,” but most surprisingly, you can find nice and affordable housing.

Gunma

The Gunma Prefecture is a great, affordable option for those looking to live near Tokyo in the Kanto region.

Its low living costs and high quality of life offer an easy lifestyle. Due to its location, you can access Tokyo via the Shinkansen, making it easier to come and go to and from the city during the weekend.

Gunma is known for its natural beauty, famous hot springs like Kusatsu Onsen, and its thriving agricultural sector, producing fresh local fruits and vegetables.

Where is the best place to move to the countryside?

The urban sprawl is not your vibe? That’s fine; we have 3 countryside prefectures for you to consider good places to live in Japan. 

Shizuoka Prefecture

Shizuoka Prefecture is one of the best countryside in Japan, and one of its main appeals is that you can be away from the city but can still visit Tokyo via Shinkansen. 

Shizuoka is home to Mt. Fuji and other beautiful natural sceneries, such as the Southern Alps, Suruga Bay, and Enshu Sea.

Shizuoka City has a subsidy grant program for an akiya renovation project. There are specific requirements to be eligible to read more about the Shizuoka City Vacant House Renovation Project.

Tochigi Prefecture

The Tochigi Prefecture is a wonderful inaka location in Japan. It borders Fukushima, Gunma, Saitama, and Ibaraki. Inside its prefecture, it’s home to Nikko, Nasu Highlands, and Kinugawa Onsen.

For those living here, agriculture and manufacturing are always thriving. It takes advantage of its rich nature and vast space to help with its economy. 

But if you are missing city life, Tokyo is a 3.5-hour Shinkansen train, making it easy to travel to and from the city and countryside. 

The Tochigi Prefecture created the “Telework Relocation Experience Subsidy” to allow people to work in telework in its prefecture. If you meet certain conditions, this system will subsidize necessary expenses, such as accommodation, rent, transportation, and communication costs.

Look at Tochigi Trial Telework Promotion Project and Very Match Tochigi for more information. 

Nagano

Nagano is an inland prefecture that borders Gunma, Saitama, and Niigata, to name a few. 

What’s great about Nagano is its low humidity during the summer, making summer a little more bearable compared to the rest of Japan. Due to its location, it's relatively unaffected by typhoons, making it a safe location to live. 

But be careful, though; certain parts of Nagano are “heavy snow zones,” meaning you’ll see plenty of tourists at ski resorts during the winter months. 

Nagano City's “Rent Support Subsidy Program” targets young people and families looking to move here. It’ll support those intending to settle in the city and help you secure housing up to a maximum of 20,000 yen per month.

See Nagano City Rent Support Subsidy Program for more information. 

Which is the best place to live in Japan?

Let’s combine all the previous factors to pinpoint the best places to live in Japan.

Yokohama

Yokohama City in Kanagawa Prefecture is one of Japan's best places to live. Because of its location, it’s not too far from central Tokyo, making it one of the best city alternatives to Tokyo.

It is foreigner-friendly, making it a great option for expats who want access to international communities and multilingual services. The city is well-developed, with modern infrastructure and a wide variety of residential areas that accommodate families, including spacious homes suitable for larger households.

Yokohama is also known for its safety, making it a comfortable place to live. While the cost of living in Kanagawa Prefecture may be higher due to its proximity to Tokyo, the city offers an excellent balance between urban convenience and a more peaceful lifestyle.

Fukuoka City

Fukuoka City, in southern Japan, is becoming an up-and-coming city in Japan. Its compact and convenient layout offers a blend of modern amenities and traditional charm, all within walking distance or easily accessible via a well-connected public transportation system, making it a great choice without the overwhelming scale of larger cities like Tokyo.

Fukuoka has been recognized for its supportive environment for entrepreneurs, particularly the city being part of the nation's Start Visa Program for any foreign entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Japan with support from the city and government, making Fukuoka the top destination looking to set up and expand their ventures in Japan.

Fukuoka is a comfortable place to live, with a relaxed pace compared to other Japanese cities. Though it lacks the size and scale of cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Fukuoka offers a unique balance of vibrant city life, cultural richness, and career opportunities.

Sapporo 

Sapporo, in Hokkaido, is one of Japan's top places to live, especially for those looking for seasonal changes and a cooler climate. Hokkaido has cooler summers and snowy winters, making Saporror an ideal environment for those looking to escape the humidity.

In the winter months, Sapporo is famous for its Sapporo Snow Festival and the Sapporo White Illumination, drawing tourists and locals alike to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

This Japanese city offers a more relaxed and slower pace, and its environment offers plenty of nature access and outdoor activities, creating a unique mix of urban life.

In closing

Whether you are looking for job opportunities, a safe place to raise a family, or a community that is welcoming to foreigners, Japan has a wide range of cities and regions to meet your needs. Finding a good place to live in Japan depends on your personal priorities, lifestyle preferences, and future goals.