Deciding on where to live as opposed to visiting requires a different approach. Here are the best prefectures to live in Japan.
We all love to see the big Shibuya crossing and the amazing Mt. Fuji when we visit Japan on vacation, but where would you actually see yourself living?
A balance between practicality and scenic beauty is where I would place my priorities. Having traveled around Japan for several months and ultimately settling in the Kyoto countryside, here are some of the best places I’d recommend for those looking to live in Japan long-term.
1. Kyoto
Known as Japan’s traditional capital, Kyoto is associated with natural beauty and jaw-dropping scenery at every corner.
Nestled in between mountains and forests with flowing rivers running through the prefecture, Kyoto is home to many popular tourist destinations including Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and Kiyomizu-dera.
From a practical standpoint, these popular destinations are not viable for long-term living as residential housing is typically located on the outskirts of town.
Since moving into the town of Mukaijima in Kyoto prefecture, I came to the realization that the entire region is truly beautiful from every corner.
This means you don’t necessarily need to be in central Kyoto to enjoy all of its natural beauty and scenery, in fact, I’d argue the outer regions are even more stunning.
The Mukaijima area, despite being a countryside town, is quite populated with many people, shops, train stations, public facilities, and residential properties.
2. Kitakyushu
Easily the most underrated prefecture of Japan in my humble opinion, the spectacular region of Kitakyushu!
Unlike the major cities of Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, Kitakyushu city is not flooded with crowds or attractions designed to grab the attention of foreigners.
Instead, it boasts a humble town full of residential buildings and houses, some of which are abandoned, and absolutely stunning mountain views.
Home to the glorious Adachi Cemetery and the prosperous Mt. Komonji, Kitakyushu is a haven of amazing man-made and natural spectacles.
I would recommend checking out old houses in Kitakyushu for a fantastic price, though you should keep in mind the additional cost of renovations as needed.
In particular, for those who wish to be in the heart of things but still maintain a practical way of living that isn’t over-saturated with tourists, Kitakyushu is the place for you!
Here, you get the benefit of variety with plenty of apartments up for grabs in addition to standard Japanese-style homes, making it more suitable for those preferring suburban rather than country living.
3. Sapporo
The city of Sapporo can be thought of as a concrete jungle with plenty of big parks nestled in between.
You’re unlikely to find a cheap old or abandoned house to purchase in Sapporo, but if you have a big budget then you can certainly opt for an apartment with a stunning view.
From my experience, this prefecture is not quite as mountainous as Kitakyushu or Kyoto, but it does offer cool city vibes, scenic parks, and energetic nightlife at the main city center.
During the spring, beautiful cherry blossom trees can be seen in Sapporo’s many parks including Maruyama Park, Odori Park, and Asahiyama Memorial Park.
If you’re a lover of snow, then Sapporo is absolutely where you want to be as it is home to the annual Sapporo Snow Festival during the winter season.
On that note, given its proximity to the Sea of Japan, Sapporo is typically colder than most prefectures where you can enjoy cooler summers (perhaps not the best choice for beach lovers!).
Of course, if you are planning to visit Japan, you’ll need a way to get around the country as efficiently and affordably as possible. Japan Rail provides an abundance of travel passes to suit your travel needs. So whether you are traveling individually or as a group, the JR Pass is every traveler’s go-to for getting around and making the most of your time in Japan!
