Japan is one of the most popular countries for expats and long term residents. From busy city centers to quiet coastal towns, there are many options to choose from. Let's look at the best places to live in Japan and what each city has to offer.
10 Best Places to Go in Japan
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the largest cities in the world by population. It is the center of business, technology, and culture in the country. The city has a large expat community, with over 620,000 foreign residents. Tokyo offers a wide range of job opportunities across industries such as finance, IT, education, and hospitality. Public transportation covers the entire city, and most daily services are available in English in central areas . [1]
Top Activities:
Visit Meiji Shrine and walk through Yoyogi Park.
Explore the electronics and anime shops in Akihabara.
Walk through the Tsukiji Outer Market for fresh seafood and street food.
Average Cost of Living: A single person can expect to spend approximately ¥150,000 to ¥250,000 per month, including rent, food, transportation, and utilities. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in central Tokyo starts from around ¥100,000 to ¥160,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Tokyo has more Michelin starred restaurants than any other city in the world. Try monjayaki in Tsukishima, ramen in Shinjuku, or sushi at one of the many restaurants near Tsukiji Outer Market.
Festivals and Events: Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa is one of the largest traditional festivals in Tokyo, held every May. The Sumida River Fireworks Festival takes place in late July and draws hundreds of thousands of spectators. Kanda Matsuri, one of Japan's three major festivals, is held at Kanda Myojin Shrine.
For your mobile internet needs during your time in Japan, visit our eSIM Tokyo page.
2. Osaka
Osaka is Japan's third most populous city and is known for its food culture and friendly locals. The city has around 290,000 foreign residents and offers a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo. [2] The city is well connected by train to Kyoto, Kobe, and Nara, making it a good base for the Kansai region.
Top Activities:
Visit Osaka Castle and its surrounding park.
Walk through the Dotonbori area for street food and neon signs.
Explore the shops and restaurants in the Namba and Umeda districts.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly expenses for a single person range from ¥120,000 to ¥200,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in central Osaka is approximately ¥70,000 to ¥120,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Osaka is often called "the nation's kitchen." Takoyaki (octopus balls) and okonomiyaki (savory pancakes) are the most popular local dishes. Kuromon Market is a well known spot for fresh seafood and local snacks.
Festivals and Events: Tenjin Matsuri, held every July, is one of Japan's three major festivals and features a river procession with decorated boats. The Kishiwada Danjiri Festival in September is known for its large wooden floats pulled through narrow streets at high speed.
For your mobile internet needs during your time in Japan, visit our eSIM Osaka page.
3. Nagoya
Nagoya is Japan's fourth largest city and one of the country's main industrial centers. It has a population of about 2.3 million and is home to Toyota, as well as companies in aerospace, ceramics, and machine tools. The city accounts for around 11% of Japan's GDP. Housing costs are lower than Tokyo and Osaka, and the city has a well developed subway and bus system.
Top Activities:
Visit Nagoya Castle, one of the most important castles in Japanese history.
Explore the Atsuta Shrine, one of the most significant Shinto shrines in Japan.
Walk through the Osu Shopping District for local shops and street food.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥120,000 to ¥180,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥60,000 to ¥90,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Nagoya has a distinct regional cuisine. Miso katsu (fried pork cutlet with red miso sauce), tebasaki (fried chicken wings), and hitsumabushi (grilled eel served three ways) are popular local dishes. The area around Nagoya Station has many restaurants serving these dishes.
Festivals and Events: The Nagoya Festival is held every October and features a large parade with historical figures, floats, and marching bands. The Atsuta Shrine Festival in June includes fireworks and traditional performances.
4. Fukuoka
Fukuoka is the largest city on the island of Kyushu and has a population of about 1.6 million. It is one of the fastest growing cities in Japan in terms of foreign residents. Fukuoka has a startup visa program and is known as a growing hub for technology and entrepreneurship. The city offers a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo, with housing costs that are 30 to 40% lower.
Top Activities:
Visit Ohori Park, a large park built around a lake in the center of the city.
Explore the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum to learn about local history and culture.
Walk along Momochi Seaside Park for ocean views and outdoor space.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥100,000 to ¥170,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥50,000 to ¥80,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Fukuoka is famous for its tonkotsu (pork bone broth) ramen. The city's yatai (outdoor food stalls) along the Naka River are a popular spot to eat at night. Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) is another local specialty found across the city.
Festivals and Events: Hakata Gion Yamakasa is a major festival held every July, featuring large decorated floats carried through the streets. Hakata Dontaku in May is one of the largest festivals in Japan, attracting over 2 million visitors.
5. Yokohama
Yokohama is Japan's second largest city by population and is located about 30 minutes south of Tokyo by train. The city is a major port and has a large international community. Housing costs in Yokohama are lower than in Tokyo, while still offering easy access to the capital for work and daily commuting. Industries in the city include technology, life sciences, and logistics.
Top Activities:
Walk along the Minato Mirai waterfront district with views of the bay.
Visit Yokohama Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Japan.
Explore the Cup Noodles Museum for an interactive look at the history of instant noodles.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥130,000 to ¥210,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in central Yokohama is around ¥70,000 to ¥110,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Yokohama Chinatown has over 500 restaurants and shops, offering Chinese cuisine from many different regions. The area around Minato Mirai and the waterfront has a range of international restaurants and cafes.
Festivals and Events: The Yokohama Port Festival is held every May or June to celebrate the opening of the port. The Yokohama Sparkling Twilight in July features fireworks over the bay. Chinese New Year celebrations in Yokohama Chinatown are among the largest in Japan.
6. Kyoto
Kyoto was the capital of Japan for over 1,000 years and remains the cultural center of the country. The city is home to 17 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including temples, shrines, and gardens. [3] Kyoto has a lower cost of living than Tokyo and attracts expats who are interested in traditional Japanese culture. The city has strict building regulations to preserve its historical landscape, including height limitations on buildings.
Top Activities:
Visit Fushimi Inari Shrine and walk through its thousands of torii gates.
Explore the bamboo grove in Arashiyama.
Walk through the Higashiyama district with its preserved traditional streets.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥120,000 to ¥190,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥60,000 to ¥90,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Kyoto is known for kaiseki (traditional multi course Japanese cuisine) and yudofu (hot tofu). Nishiki Market, often called "Kyoto's Kitchen," is a popular spot for local food and ingredients. Matcha (green tea) based sweets are widely available throughout the city.
Festivals and Events: Gion Matsuri, held throughout July, is one of the most famous festivals in Japan and features large decorated floats parading through the city. Jidai Matsuri in October is a historical parade with participants dressed in costumes from different periods of Japanese history.
7. Sapporo
Sapporo is the capital of Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost main island, and has a population of about 1.97 million. The city is known for its cold winters with heavy snowfall and mild summers. Sapporo has a lower cost of living compared to most major Japanese cities, with some of the most affordable rent prices among Japan's large cities. The city has a well developed subway system and bus network.
Top Activities:
Visit Odori Park, a large green space that runs through the center of the city.
Explore the Sapporo Beer Museum to learn about the history of beer brewing in Japan.
Take a day trip to nearby ski resorts such as Niseko or Teine.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥100,000 to ¥160,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Sapporo is famous for its miso ramen, which originated in the city. Soup curry is another popular local dish. Fresh seafood, especially crab and sea urchin, is widely available due to Hokkaido's fishing industry.
Festivals and Events: The Sapporo Snow Festival, held every February, is one of the most popular winter events in Japan, featuring large ice and snow sculptures in Odori Park. The Sapporo Autumn Fest in September and October brings food stalls from across Hokkaido to the city center.
8. Kobe
Kobe is a port city located between the sea and the Rokko mountain range in the Kansai region. It has a population of about 1.5 million and has been an international trading port since the 19th century. Kobe has a diverse expat community and is known for its multicultural atmosphere. The city is about 30 minutes from Osaka by train, making it easy to commute between the two cities.
Top Activities:
Take the ropeway up to Nunobiki Herb Gardens for views of the city and bay.
Walk through the Kitano Ijinkan district, where historic Western style houses are preserved.
Visit Nankinmachi, Kobe's Chinatown, for street food and shops.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥110,000 to ¥180,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥55,000 to ¥85,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Kobe beef is one of the most well known brands of wagyu in the world. The Nada district in Kobe is one of Japan's largest sake producing areas, with many breweries open for visits and tastings. Nankinmachi offers a variety of Chinese street food, including steamed pork buns and dumplings.
Festivals and Events: The Kobe Luminarie is an annual light festival held in December to commemorate the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake. The Kobe Festival in May includes a parade through the city center with dancers and floats representing different cultures.
9. Nara
Nara was Japan's first permanent capital, established in the year 710. The city has a population of about 367,000 and is located next to Kyoto, about 45 minutes from Osaka by train. Nara has a lower cost of living than most major Japanese cities and offers a quiet, relaxed pace of life. The city has several UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is known for the deer that roam freely in Nara Park.
Top Activities:
Visit Todaiji Temple, which houses one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world.
Walk through Nara Park and see the free roaming deer.
Explore Horyuji Temple, considered the oldest wooden building in the world.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥100,000 to ¥150,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in the city center starts from around ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Kakinoha sushi (sushi wrapped in persimmon leaves) is a traditional Nara dish. Mochi (rice cakes) shops can be found throughout the city. The area around Kintetsu Nara Station has a variety of restaurants and cafes.
Festivals and Events: Yamayaki (Mount Wakakusa Grass Burning Festival) takes place in late January, where the grass on the hillside is set on fire in a traditional ceremony. The Omizutori ceremony at Todaiji Temple in March is a Buddhist ritual that has been performed for over 1,200 years.
10. Okinawa (Naha)
Naha is the capital of Okinawa Prefecture, located in the southernmost part of Japan. Okinawa has a subtropical climate with warm temperatures year round and is known for its beaches and distinct Ryukyu culture. The cost of living in Okinawa is lower than in most major Japanese cities. Unlike other cities in Japan, Okinawa does not have an extensive train network, so many residents use cars for daily transportation.
Top Activities:
Visit Shuri Castle, a restored castle that was the center of the Ryukyu Kingdom.
Explore Kokusai Street (International Street) in Naha for shops, restaurants, and local products.
Spend time at the beaches in Chatan or the Kerama Islands, accessible by ferry from Naha.
Average Cost of Living: Monthly living costs for a single person are approximately ¥100,000 to ¥150,000. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in Naha starts from around ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month.
Local Cuisine and Dining Spots: Goya champuru (stir fried bitter melon with tofu and pork) is one of the most well known Okinawan dishes. Soki soba (Okinawan noodle soup with pork ribs) is another local specialty. Makishi Public Market in Naha is a popular spot for fresh seafood and local ingredients.
Festivals and Events: The Naha Tug of War Festival in October is one of the largest events in Okinawa, featuring a giant rope that is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records. Eisa Festival in August is a traditional Okinawan dance event held across the island during the Obon season.
Travel Tips for Japan
IC Cards: Rechargeable cards such as Suica and Pasmo work on trains, subways, buses, and at convenience stores and vending machines across most cities.
Cash: Many smaller restaurants, clinics, and local shops still accept only cash. Carrying yen is recommended, especially outside major city centers.
Trash Rules: Each city has specific rules for sorting garbage into categories such as burnable, non burnable, and recyclable. Collection days vary by neighborhood.
Healthcare: Residents staying for more than three months must enroll in public health insurance, which covers 70% of medical costs.
Earthquake Preparedness: Japan experiences frequent earthquakes. Most cities provide disaster guides in multiple languages, and keeping an emergency kit at home is recommended.
Renting an Apartment: Expect upfront costs including key money, security deposit, and agency fees, which can total 3 to 5 months of rent.
Mobile Internet: Getting a local phone contract requires a residence card and a bank account. Prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs are available as alternatives for newcomers.
Stay Connected Anywhere with Roamless
Whether you are moving to Japan or visiting for the first time, staying connected is important. A Global eSIM like Roamless keeps you online no matter which city you are in. With Roamless, you can get connected quickly, thanks to its features:
Instant activation: Activate your eSIM before you arrive in Japan, without waiting in line at airport kiosks.
Multi network access: Connect to multiple local carriers automatically for stable coverage across the country.
Flexible data plans: Pick a plan based on how long you are staying and how much data you need.
Device compatibility: Works with the latest smartphones and tablets, removing the need for a physical SIM card.
Cost effective: Use local data rates and avoid high roaming fees without buying a local SIM.
Eco friendly: No plastic SIM card is needed, which helps reduce waste.
Dual SIM functionality: Keep your home number active while using local data at the same time.
For more information visit our eSIM Japan page.
In addition, you can open the Roamless app and enter a valid promo code at checkout. To get the latest offers and extra data on your first purchase, visit our eSIM promo code page.
Make the most of wide device compatibility and reliable coverage across Japan. Stay connected with Roamless while exploring your new city, because living abroad is easier with consistent internet access.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest city to live in Japan?
Sapporo, Nara, and Fukuoka are among the most affordable cities in Japan. Rent and daily expenses in these cities are significantly lower compared to Tokyo and Osaka.
What are the best places to live in Japan?
Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Yokohama, and Kyoto are among the most popular choices for expats. Each city offers a different balance of job opportunities, cost of living, and lifestyle.
What is the most affordable city to live in Japan?
Sapporo, Nara, and Fukuoka have some of the lowest living costs among major Japanese cities. Rent for a one bedroom apartment in these cities starts from around ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month.
Which city in Japan has the largest expat community?
Tokyo has the largest foreign resident population in Japan, with over 620,000 international residents. Osaka and Yokohama also have large and established expat communities.
Sources:
[1] Statistics Bureau of Japan. (2024). Statistical Handbook of Japan 2024. Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/handbook/pdf/2024all.pdf
[2] Osaka Prefectural Government. (2025). Data Osaka 2025: Population and Economy Statistics. Department of General Affairs, Statistics Division. https://www.pref.osaka.lg.jp/documents/12392/dataosaka2025_english.pdf
[3] Japan National Tourism Organization. (2024). Kyoto: The Heart of Traditional Japan. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. https://www.japan.travel/en/destinations/kansai/kyoto/
