Dreaming of living in Japan? The idea is exciting, but the reality of choosing where to settle can be out of our control.
Visa logistics, language barriers, unfamiliar customs – it's a lot to juggle!
This article cuts through the confusion, offering practical, up-to-date information to help expats find the best five places in Japan!
Top 5 Best Japanese Cities to Live in
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Before discussing specific cities, let's examine the factors that consistently make a location expat-friendly in Japan.
Key factors include:
| Factor | Description |
| Job Opportunities | Availability of work in your field. |
| Cost of Living | Affordability of housing, food, transportation, and other essentials. |
| International Community | Presence of other expats and English-speaking resources. |
| Healthcare | Access to quality medical care. |
| Safety | Low crime rates and a sense of security. |
| Transportation | Efficient public transit systems. |
| Cultural Integration | Opportunities to experience Japanese culture while having access to familiar comforts. |
| Ease of settling | Logistical problems were found regarding language barriers, ease of access to amenities, communities, and many others. |
Considering the aforementioned factors, let's see the best five cities out of many that excel at becoming friendly to Expats!
Tokyo is a city that blends futuristic skyscrapers with ancient temples.
As a global hub, Tokyo offers unparalleled opportunities, a huge expat network, and unbeatable convenience—but all that buzz is set to impact daily life.
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | 678.16-2,034.48 | City center; significantly lower outside the central wards. |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | 1,695.40-4,408.03 | City center; substantial savings in outer wards. |
| Utilities | 115.29-317.04 | Basic utilities (electricity, heating, cooling, water, garbage) for an 85m² apartment. Prices can vary depending on the season and usage. |
| Internet | 27.13-46.11 | High-speed internet is widely available and generally reliable. |
| Groceries | 355.5-461.1 | Varies greatly depending on eating habits (eating out vs. cooking at home, local vs. imported products). |
| Transportation | 87.71 - 174.98 | Depending on usage, monthly passes and IC cards offer cost savings. |
| Dining Out (Meal) | 49.35 - 297.75 | Per person; ranges from inexpensive ramen shops to mid-range restaurants. |
| Total (Est.) | 3008.54-7739.5 | A wide range, highly dependent on location and lifestyle choice, does not include entertainment expenses, significantly impacting the total. |
Source: Numbeo as of March 2025 (Please consider that any listed prices and exchange value are likely to fluctuate)
| Neighborhoods | Description |
| Minato-ku | Central Tokyo, mostly in the areas of Minato-ku and Shibuya-ku, is prestigious, with many international schools and embassies. It is also known to be filled with entertainment hubs! Expect premium prices. |
| Shibuya-ku | Lively and trendy, Shibuya is popular with younger expats. It also offers a wide range of housing options. Shibuya Train Station is one of the best-connected ones in Tokyo, making living in the area extremely convenient. |
| Meguro-ku | It offers a well-organized and convenient living environment, making it popular among expats. This area offers various fashionable shopping areas, such as Jiyugaoka and Nakameguro. |
| Shinjuku | A major commercial and administrative center. Offers a good balance of convenience and affordability. |
| Pros | Description |
| Job Market | There are abundant opportunities in various sectors. The most significant employment sectors for expats in Japan are IT and telecoms, marketing and advertising, leisure and tourism, and foreign language teaching. |
| Transportation | World-class public transit makes it easy to get around. |
| Entertainment | Endless dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. |
| Cons | Description |
| Cost of Living | Significantly higher than other Japanese cities. Tokyo, Japan’s bright and bustling capital, is often listed as the most populous city in the world. |
| Fast-Paced Lifestyle | Can be overwhelming for some. |
Quote: "Tokyo is a city that has something for everyone. It's expensive, but you get what you pay for." - A long-term expat in Tokyo.
Osaka, Japan's second-largest city, is famous for its friendly locals, delicious street food, and a more relaxed vibe than Tokyo.
This is a testament to why, despite being less internationally known compared to Tokyo, this city provides an equal welcome atmosphere for newcomers and long-stayers.
This also resulted in fewer issues when tackling language barriers.
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | 649.92-810.56 | City center; considerable savings in outer areas. |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | 1,013.21-2,026.41 | City center; significantly cheaper in surrounding neighborhoods. |
| Utilities | 101.32-157.89 | Slightly lower on average compared to Tokyo. |
| Internet | 25.67-33.77 | Comparable to Tokyo. |
| Groceries | 48.96-125.12 | Lower than Tokyo, especially for local produce and street food. |
| Transportation | 63.90-112.16 | Efficient public transit, but slightly less extensive than Tokyo's network. |
| Dining Out (Meal) | 38.57-80.03 | Per person; Osaka is famous for its affordable and delicious street food. |
| Total (Est.) | 1941.55-3345.94 | There is a significant difference between Osaka and Tokyo! Also, being a food haven really gives you a massive advantage in saving up on daily expenses. |
Source: Numbeo as of February 2025 (Please consider that any listed prices and exchange value are likely to fluctuate)
a. Best Neighborhoods for Expats
| Neighborhood | Description |
| Namba | Namba offers a Bustling nightlife and shopping districts. It is central and convenient, with a mix of modern and traditional. |
| Umeda | A central business district with excellent transportation links. |
| Chuo-ku and Kita-ku | Showcasing a popular destination for expats to stay at. Staying here is convenient since it is known to be the center of various shopping districts. |
b. Pros
| Pros | Description |
| Cost of Living | More affordable than Tokyo. |
| Food Culture | Known as "Tenka no Daidokoro" (the nation's kitchen), with amazing street food and restaurants. Okonomiyaki is a famous local dish here! |
| Friendliness | Locals are known for being warm and welcoming. |
c. Cons
| Cons | Description |
| Job Market | Fewer international companies than Tokyo. |
| Language Barrier | Less English spoken compared to Tokyo. |
Funny Saying: "Osaka: Where the food is so good, you'll forget you don't speak Japanese!"
Kyoto, Japan's former imperial capital, is a city of ancient temples, traditional gardens, and geishas.
It's a perfect choice for those seeking a more traditional Japanese experience.
It should be taken into consideration that many, including expats, tourists, and even Japanese themselves, see Kyoto as a cultural capital for its well-known Buddhist temples, Shinto Shrines, museums, gardens, and palaces!
This location is excellent for the annual springtime hanami.
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | 337.74-1,350.94 | City center; can be lower in less central areas. |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | 1,013.21-3,377.35 | City center; traditional machiya houses are available, but often pricey. |
| Utilities | 67.55-358.84 | Slightly lower than Tokyo and Osaka. |
| Internet | 20.26-47.28 | Standard across major Japanese cities. |
| Groceries | 52.55-202.04 | Slightly higher price than Osaka. |
| Transportation | 51.07-128.50 | Excellent bus network; less reliant on trains than Tokyo or Osaka. |
| Dining Out (Meal) | 43.85-110.23 | Wide range, from traditional kaiseki to affordable student-friendly options. |
| Total (Est.) | 1586.18-5575.18. | Generally much quieter when compared to Osaka or Tokyo |
Source: Numbeo as of March 2025 (Please consider that any listed prices and exchange value are likely to fluctuate)
| Neighborhood | Description |
| Gion | Famous for its preserved wooden machiya houses and geisha district. |
| Arashiyama | Known for its bamboo forest and scenic beauty. This is famous for its picturesque bamboo grove and peaceful environment! |
| Kita-ku | A more modern area with a mix of residential and commercial properties. |
| Higashiyama | Higashiyama were famed for its Geisha culture and annual festival in July. |
| Pros | Description |
| Cultural Richness | Immersive experience in traditional Japanese culture. |
| Slower Pace of Life | More relaxed than Tokyo or Osaka. |
| Natural Beauty | Surrounded by mountains and beautiful scenery. |
| Cons | Description |
| Job Market | Limited opportunities in certain industries. |
| Language Barrier | Can be more challenging than in Tokyo or Osaka. |
Insightful Quote: “To know Kyoto is to know Japan”, old proverb.
Fukuoka, located on the island of Kyushu, is a growing city known for its delicious food, friendly locals, and relatively low cost of living.
It's becoming increasingly popular with expats.
This city compactness offers many advantages over time.
This city is becoming Japan's economic zone for start-ups, an ideal place for students and businessmen!
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | 405.28-675.47 | City center; even lower in surrounding areas. |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | 574.15-1,688.68 | City center; significantly cheaper than Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto. |
| Utilities | 167.03-239.23 | Comparable to other major cities. |
| Internet | 31.21-43.91 | Standard across Japan. |
| Groceries | 72.62-96.35 | Lower than most major Japanese cities. |
| Transportation | 51.00-93.82 | Excellent bus and subway network. |
| Dining Out (Meal) | 40.26-119.40 | Famous for its yatai (street food stalls) and affordable Hakata ramen. |
| Total (Est.) | 1341.55-2956.96 | It is affordable compared to Tokyo, and various business sectors are growing rapidly in this location. This could potentially help expats seeking jobs relocate! |
Source: Numbeo as of March 2025 (Please consider that any listed prices and exchange value are likely to fluctuate)
| Neighborhood | Description |
| Hakata | The central business district has excellent transportation links. Due to its convenience, many recommend this area for staying. |
| Tenjin | A major shopping and entertainment district. Both Tenjin and Hakata also recommended if any newcomers wanted to be where it's all happening! |
| Nishijin | It is a more residential area with a relaxed atmosphere, yet it has good transportation and is also a great place to raise education. |
| Pros | Description |
| Affordability | One of the most affordable major cities in Japan, experts highlight that its living costs are 25% cheaper than those in Tokyo. |
| Food Scene | Famous for its Hakata ramen and yatai (food stalls). |
| Growing Job Market | Especially in the tech and startup sectors. |
| Cons | Description |
| Language Barrier | Less English is spoken compared to Tokyo. |
| Further from Tokyo | Requires a longer train ride or flight to reach the capital. |
Fun Fact: Fukuoka is known for having some of the friendliest locals in Japan!
Yokohama, located just south of Tokyo, is a vibrant port city with a rich history and a large international community.
It offers an outstanding balance of urban convenience and a more relaxed atmosphere.
Not only that, but Yokohama has cheaper living costs, yet the worker could take only half an hour by train to go to Tokyo for work!
| Expense | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
| 1-Bedroom Rent | 337.74-945.66 | City center; comparable to some outer areas of Tokyo. |
| 3-Bedroom Rent | 878.11-1,688.68 | City center; can be significantly lower in more residential areas. |
| Utilities | 108.08-202.64 | Similar to other major Japanese cities. |
| Internet | 27.02-47.28 | Standard. |
| Groceries | 51.27-130.42 | Similar to Osaka. |
| Transportation | 79.71-97.70 | Excellent train and bus connections, both within Yokohama and to Tokyo. |
| Dining Out (Meal) | 35.60-132.86 | Wide range of options, from international cuisine to traditional Japanese fare. |
| Total (Est.) | 1517.53-3245.24. |
Source: Numbeo as of March 2025 (Please consider that any listed prices and exchange value are likely to fluctuate)
| Neighborhood | Description |
| Minato Mirai 21 | A modern waterfront district with shopping, dining, and entertainment. |
| Motomachi | A historic neighborhood with a European influence. |
| Kannai | A central business district with good transportation links. |
| Pros | Description |
| Proximity to Tokyo | Easy access to Tokyo's job market and amenities. Many highlight that moving from Yokohama to Tokyo or vice versa is less than an hour's commute! |
| International Community | Large expat population and many international schools. |
| Seaside Location | Offers beautiful views and a more relaxed atmosphere. |
| Cons | Description |
| Cost of Living | Higher than some other cities on this list, though still generally lower than central Tokyo. |
| Can feel like a suburb of Tokyo | May lack the distinct character of other cities. |
So, you've survived the information overload!
Hopefully, you're now armed with enough knowledge to start narrowing down your ideal Japanese home.
Remember, there's no single "perfect" city – it's all about finding the place where you can thrive, whether embracing Tokyo's neon lights or sipping matcha in a Kyoto teahouse.
Visited each place briefly, and temporary staying can do the magic!
Do your research, pack your bags (don't forget the chopstick skills!), and get ready for an unforgettable adventure.
Good luck, and ganbatte (do your best)!
Often, it's the emphasis on group harmony and indirect communication. Learning basic Japanese phrases and customs goes a long way!
Real estate websites (often in Japanese), local real estate agents, and expat forums are good starting points. Be prepared to pay key money (reikin) and a deposit.
It depends on your situation. A work visa typically requires sponsorship from a Japanese company. William Russell highligh three visa oftenly being used:
Japan Work Visa, Highly Skilled Professional Visa, Japan Working Holiday Visa. Be sure to check your eligibility beforehand!
Japan has a universal healthcare system. After residing for three months, expats are eligible for public insurance, which covers a large proportion of medical costs. Source: International Citizens Group.
In Tokyo and other major cities, it's possible, but learning at least basic Japanese will significantly improve your experience and open up more opportunities.
Major cities like Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, and Kyoto have several international schools, but they can be expensive. Internations noted there were around 50 international school only in Tokyo.
Japan is renowned for being one of the safest countries in the world, with very low crime rates.
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