Finding Good Places To Live in Japan For Any Needs

Japan has many good places to live depending on your priorities, whether that means cost of living, safety, proximity to nature, foreigner friendliness, or job opportunities.

The country's 47 prefectures and dozens of major cities range from the bustling metropolitan areas of Tokyo and Osaka to quieter rural prefectures like Miyazaki, Akita, and Nagano.

For foreigners living in Japan, the most important factors tend to be access to English-speaking services, international communities, affordable housing, and public transportation.

This guide covers the best cities and prefectures in Japan for every type of resident—from urban professionals and expat families to those seeking a slower pace in the Japanese countryside.

Quick comparison: good places to live in Japan by priority

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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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.

Learn about earthquake-resistant buildings in Japan here.

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 the 1,714 earthquakes recorded across Japan in 2020, Kagawa Prefecture experienced just 17 — among the lowest figures in the country, comparable to Shiga Prefecture's count that year.

What is the most affordable place to live in Japan?

Miyazaki

According to Japan’s Consumer Price Regional Difference Index , Miyazaki Prefecture consistently ranks among the most affordable prefectures in Japan. The 2024 regional price index places Miyazaki at 96.1 — approximately 4% below the national average of 100 — making it one of only two prefectures in Japan below the 97 mark, alongside Kagoshima.

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. The city launched Japan's first Startup Visa program in 2015, offering foreign entrepreneurs a preparatory residency period to establish a business before meeting the full Business Manager visa requirements.

As of January 2025, Japan expanded the startup visa nationwide, so foreign entrepreneurs can now apply in any prefecture — but Fukuoka remains one of the most established cities for this pathway, with its Global Business Support (GBS) desk providing bilingual assistance, business plan review, and rent subsidies for qualifying founders.

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.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best city in Japan to live in as a foreigner?

The best Japanese city to live in as a foreigner depends on your personal priorities. Tokyo offers the widest range of international communities, English-speaking services, and job opportunities, making it the most foreigner-friendly major city in Japan. Osaka (大阪) is Japan's second-largest city by population and provides a similar range of services with a more laid-back lifestyle and lower living costs. Fukuoka, in southern Japan (南日本), is widely praised for its compact, easy-to-navigate layout, warm climate, strong startup ecosystem, and rents that run significantly lower than central Tokyo. For those seeking affordable living outside the big cities, regional prefectures like Miyazaki and Kagoshima offer a slower pace, natural beauty, and prices well below the national average.

Is it affordable to live in Japan as a foreigner?

Japan's living costs vary widely by location, household size, and lifestyle. Major cities like Tokyo are among the more expensive options, with a single person renting a private apartment in a central location typically spending ¥200,000–¥300,000 per month on all expenses. Mid-size cities like Fukuoka, Nagoya, or Sendai offer urban amenities at noticeably lower costs, typically ¥150,000–¥220,000 per month. In rural areas and smaller prefectures — particularly in Kyushu and the Tohoku region — affordable housing and lower daily necessities can bring total monthly costs below ¥150,000. Japan is generally considered more affordable than comparable metropolitan areas in the United States or Western Europe, particularly for food, public transportation, and healthcare.

Which prefecture in Japan has the lowest crime rate?

Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, with a homicide rate of 0.78 per 100,000 people according to 2024 National Police Agency statistics. Among Japan's 47 prefectures, Akita, Iwate, and Nagasaki consistently record the lowest crime rates, driven by community-based crime prevention programs, local patrol volunteers, and ordinances such as Iwate's Crime-Free, Safe, and Secure City Development Ordinance. Urban areas including Tokyo are also statistically safe by global standards — violent crime is rare across Japan, and theft remains the most commonly reported offence.

What is the cheapest prefecture to live in Japan?

According to Japan's Consumer Price Regional Difference Index, Miyazaki and Kagoshima prefectures in southern Kyushu consistently rank as two of the most affordable places to live in Japan, with overall price levels approximately 4–8% below the national average. Gunma Prefecture in the Kanto region offers another affordable option for those wanting easy Shinkansen access to Tokyo. Outside urban centers, rural prefectures throughout Tohoku, Shikoku, and Kyushu typically offer lower rent, food, and daily living costs than the major metropolitan areas.

What is the safest place to live in Japan for natural disasters?

Japan experiences earthquakes and typhoons throughout the year, but certain regions have significantly lower exposure. Shiga Prefecture in central Japan recorded one of the lowest earthquake frequencies among all prefectures and has limited typhoon exposure. Saga Prefecture in Kyushu sits on the western, inland-facing side of the island, making it less vulnerable to Pacific typhoons and tsunami risk. Kagawa Prefecture on the Seto Inland Sea side of Shikoku also has lower typhoon and heavy rain risk compared to other parts of the island. Nagano Prefecture, despite being inland, is relatively unaffected by typhoons due to its mountain-ringed geography — though certain areas receive heavy snowfall in winter.

Where is the best place to live in Japan for families?

Yokohama is widely considered one of the best Japanese cities for families, offering spacious residential areas, good international schools, strong safety, and easy access to central Tokyo. Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture is another strong option for expat families — its automobile industry drives steady employment with many international companies, and the city has international schools, hospitals, and well-developed public transport. For families seeking space, nature, and lower costs, countryside prefectures like Nagano and Shizuoka offer clean environments, good schools, and Shinkansen access to major cities. Many rural prefectures also offer relocation subsidies targeting young families, such as Nagano City's Rent Support Subsidy Program of up to ¥20,000 per month.

Is Fukuoka a good place to live for foreigners?

Fukuoka is one of the most popular destinations for foreign residents in Japan, particularly for entrepreneurs, young professionals, and those who want big-city convenience without Tokyo's scale or cost. The city sits in southern Japan on the island of Kyushu and has a compact, walkable layout, excellent public transportation, a relaxed pace of life, and a growing international community. Fukuoka launched Japan's first Startup Visa program in 2015 and continues to offer structured support for foreign entrepreneurs through its Global Business Support desk. Rents in Fukuoka run significantly lower than in Tokyo or Osaka, and the city is known for its street food culture, proximity to beaches, and mild climate.

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.