Do you want to live in Japan but can’t decide where exactly to settle? Many websites will recommend famous cities like Tokyo, Kyoto, or Kamakura—and that’s great if you’re choosing which prefecture to live in. But even after you decide on a city, there’s still another important step: choosing the right neighborhood for your lifestyle.
Today, I’d like to share how to choose a comfortable place to live within the area you’ve chosen. By thinking carefully about your daily needs, budget, and lifestyle, you can make your life in Japan much easier and more enjoyable.
I used to live in Japan for over a decade, in places like Kyoto and Tokyo. Now, I live in New York. Because of this, I believe I understand both the local Japanese perspective and the preferences that many foreigners have when choosing where to live.
Understand Your Priorities
First of all, it’s really important to understand your priorities. Is your top concern budget or accessibility? Daily life in Japan can be very different from life in other countries like the U.S., so the priorities you consider when choosing where to live may also be different. Here are some Japan-specific perspectives that can help you decide:
Budget: Rent in Japan varies greatly.
Of course, budget is one of the most important factors when choosing an area. In Japan, rent can vary significantly depending on whether you live in a city or a rural area. However, unlike in the U.S., where even the same franchise restaurant may charge different prices in Manhattan versus rural areas, in Japan, prices at franchise restaurants are typically the same no matter where you are. This means food costs generally don’t change much by location, so your main cost difference will come from rent, not daily expenses like food.
Commute: Are you okay with a 1-hour train ride for cheaper rent?
If you need to commute to an office, commute time will be an important factor. In Japan, many people consider areas within a one-hour train ride from their workplace to be reasonable for daily commuting. Additionally, there is a unique point to consider: whether the train station is the starting point of the line (shihatsu). This is because trains in Japan can get extremely crowded during rush hour, and whether you can get a seat or not can greatly affect your daily comfort. Many people are willing to accept a slightly longer commute if it means they can sit during the ride.
Community: Do you want an international area or a local, traditional feel?
The level of comfort with foreigners can vary by area. In Tokyo, people are generally more accustomed to interacting with foreigners, and you may find more people who are willing to communicate in English. If you want an environment where you can more easily interact in English, living in a major city or international area may be a good choice.
Access to Nature: Do you want to live near the sea or mountains?
Living in New York, you may notice that even urban areas have many parks and green spaces. In Japan, central urban areas often have less greenery compared to New York. If you care about having nature nearby, living in the suburbs may be a better option, allowing you to enjoy parks, mountains, and even the sea while still having access to the city.
Consider a Student Area for Budget-Friendly Living
One type of area I recommend, no matter which prefecture you choose, is a student area near universities.
In Japan, unlike in the U.S., it’s common for people to eat out alone, and there is no tipping culture. Many people, including locals, often choose to eat out rather than cook for themselves. This is especially true in areas with many university students, where you will find many teishoku-ya (Japanese set meal restaurants) that offer affordable and tasty meals. Using these restaurants can help you keep your living costs low while still enjoying delicious food.
At a teishoku-ya, you can typically get a full meal for under 1000 yen, making it a budget-friendly option worth considering.
Student areas (near universities) often have:
- Cheaper apartments
- Many teishoku-ya (Japanese set meal restaurants)
- An active, youthful atmosphere
For example, areas near Waseda University in Tokyo or Kyoto University in Kyoto often provide a good balance of affordability, food options, and a lively community.
Climate and Weather Differences
Another important factor you should consider is climate and weather. Japan stretches vertically across a long distance, so there are noticeable differences in climate depending on the region.
For example, some areas get heavy snowfall in winter, while others rarely see snow at all. Similarly, temperatures can vary greatly from the north (like Hokkaido) to the south (like Okinawa). If you are not comfortable with cold weather or snow, you may want to avoid regions with harsh winters. On the other hand, if you enjoy winter sports, living in a snowy area could be a big plus.
When choosing where to live in Japan, it’s a good idea to check the average temperatures and weather patterns of the area you are considering to make sure it matches your lifestyle preferences.
Surprisingly Convenient Access from Regional Cities
One thing that many people don’t realize is that access from regional cities to major urban centers in Japan is often very convenient.
For example, you can travel from Kanazawa to Tokyo in about two and a half hours by Shinkansen (bullet train). While the fare is around 14,000 yen one way, if you don’t need to go to Tokyo frequently, it may not be a problem.
If you don’t need to be in Tokyo every day, you might find that living in a regional city can be a good option. You can enjoy lower living costs, a quieter environment, and easy access to Tokyo when you need it. In Japan, you don’t always have to live in the city center to stay connected to urban opportunities.
Be Aware of Hills and Slopes
Japan is a mountainous country, and the amount of hills and slopes can vary greatly depending on the area.
Sometimes, people choose a neighborhood without realizing that it has many steep hills. This can make daily life challenging, especially if you need to walk or bike frequently. Carrying groceries or commuting in such areas can become tiring if you are not prepared.
Before deciding where to live, it’s a good idea to walk around the neighborhood to check the terrain. This will help you avoid the surprise of moving into an area with unexpectedly steep slopes.
Three Recommended Areas in Japan (Based on These Priorities)
Kichijoji (Tokyo)
- Why? Consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in Tokyo, Kichijoji offers a balance of city life and access to nature with Inokashira Park nearby. It has many affordable restaurants, small shops, and a youthful community due to its proximity to universities.
- Good for: Those who want to live in Tokyo while enjoying greenery and a local community feel.
Kyoto (Student Areas)
- Why? Areas around Kyoto University and Doshisha University have many budget-friendly teishoku-ya, cheaper apartments, and a lively student atmosphere. Kyoto itself has a rich cultural environment and easy access to nature while still offering good train connections to Osaka for city opportunities.
- Good for: Those who want a historical environment with a student-friendly lifestyle and easy access to a big city.
Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Why? Kanazawa is a beautiful city with a mix of tradition and modern convenience, offering lower living costs and a relaxed lifestyle. It has easy Shinkansen access to Tokyo (about 2.5 hours) when needed, while daily life remains peaceful and budget-friendly.
- Good for: Those who want to avoid crowded city life but still want the option to travel to Tokyo for business or leisure.
Conclusion
No matter where you live in Japan, one thing you will always enjoy is the beauty of the four seasons. From cherry blossoms in spring to colorful leaves in autumn, Japan offers a rich connection to nature wherever you are.
I hope this article helps you find a place that fits your lifestyle and makes your time in Japan comfortable and fulfilling. If you have any questions or want to share your experience, feel free to leave a comment below!
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