Japan is a unique and beautiful island country that attracts many foreigners. In fact, there are now over 3 million foreign-born residents in Japan. People are attracted to the country because of its distinct culture, good economy, beautiful scenery, and enticing mix of modernity and tradition. There are several places in Japan with established expat communities, ranging from the ever-popular large cities to areas targeting older residents or those looking for more affordable living. Here is a small selection of great places for expats to consider setting up a new home.

Tokyo

It may seem obvious to start with the capital city, but Tokyo really does have much to recommend for newcomers. With over 14 million inhabitants, it’s the most populous city worldwide and unsurprisingly has a thriving economy (home to several Fortune500 companies), great culture, vibrant nightlife, plenty of amenities, and a top-notch public transport system. However, it’s also good for families. Schools and facilities are good, plus it ranked as the 5th safest city worldwide in a 2021 Economist study. English-speaking expats will find that they can get by fine without a great knowledge of Japanese. The biggest downside, if you don’t mind busy urban living, is the cost of living. Tokyo is Japan’s most expensive city.

Osaka

The biggest city in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka is a commercial and industrial hub that has its own business district. Because of this, it has attracted a sizable foreign community. It’s a great place to live if you’re looking for somewhere vibrant but a bit cheaper than Tokyo. Big draws include the cuisine (Osaka is the street food capital of Japan with specialities including okonomiyaki and takoyaki) and a thriving music scene. There are numerous attractions, such as Universal Studios, Tempozan Harbor Village, and the Dotonbori shopping and entertainment district, with major annual events including the Asian Film Festival and Tenjin Matsuri.

Sapporo

The largest city on the island of Hokkaido and Japan’s northernmost large city, Sapporo offers some spectacular mountainous scenery and a slightly cooler climate. It’s the place to head to if you are an outdoor activities enthusiast, with one of the big attractions being the annual Sapporo Snow Festival. Sapporo is classed as one of the more affordable Japanese cities, with a lower overall cost of living. However, fewer expats have settled here, meaning less of an international community feel and fewer English-speakers. Notable exports include miso ramen and Sapporo beer – in fact, there’s even a beer museum here.

Fukuoka

The most populous city of Kyushu island, Fukuoka has a distinct local culture influenced by its proximity to the East Asian mainland. It’s one of the more affordable Japanese cities whilst retaining a good vibe and essential facilities. There are some top international schools and universities, and the city is an economic zone for startups, making it good for jobs and businesses. It also scores well for sustainability. The downside, similar to Sapporo, is fewer expats. Key attractions include Tenjin Central Park, Canal City, the Fukuoka Castle remains, and the annual Yamakasa Festival.

Kyoto

Japan’s former capital retains significance today, renowned for its rich history and culture. Kyoto is maybe less vibrant than nearby Osaka and today’s capital Tokyo, but it’s a beautiful city and is relatively cheap. In addition to its esteemed university, you will find many ancient temples and shrines here. The 17 Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto are also well worth a visit. Popular neighbourhoods include Higashiyama, where you can find the Gion district with its Geisha culture and annual festival, and the canal-lined Fushimi. Also worth a mention is Arashiyama, a mountainous area on the outskirts that is a designated Place of Scenic Beauty.

Martin Falbisoner, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons