Which Are the Best Cities in Japan for Expats to Live In?
Get a Free Moving Quote Now!
Start Your International Moving Journey
Moving to Japan feels like stepping into something exciting—fast trains, safe streets, and a blend of old and new you won’t find anywhere else. But not all cities offer the same perks when you’re coming from abroad. Some are better suited for careers, while others offer peace, affordability, or an international community. To figure out which place fits your lifestyle best, you’ll need more than pretty photos or generic lists. You need the real details. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve rounded up the best cities in Japan for expats with insights from locals, foreign residents, and even international movers who’ve helped thousands settle in. Let’s dig into the ten places where expats truly thrive.
Why Do So Many Expats Choose Tokyo First?
Tokyo pulls people in for a reason—it works. Everything is on time, tech is cutting-edge, and opportunities stretch across industries. Moving to Japan for work? Tokyo gives you access to global companies, bilingual job boards, and coworking spaces packed with startups. English-speaking doctors, international schools, and diverse neighborhoods make it easier for newcomers to settle. Rent can sting, especially in places like Minato or Shibuya, where a one-bedroom might hit ¥200,000/month.
But access is worth the cost. The train network makes commuting efficient, and airports connect you to anywhere in Asia within hours. Restaurants, gyms, cafés, and clinics often have English menus or staff. If you’re chasing career growth without sacrificing lifestyle, Tokyo tops the list of best cities in Japan for expats.
Living in Tokyo: What Should You Expect?
Tokyo delivers on efficiency, opportunity, and nonstop energy. It’s a dream for expats who want everything in one place—career, comfort, and convenience.
- Best things: career opportunities, fast public transport, international schools, English-friendly
- Average rent: ¥180,000–¥250,000 for a 1-bedroom in central areas
- Best for: professionals, families, entrepreneurs, international students
Can Yokohama Offer a Better Balance Than Tokyo?
Yokohama feels like Tokyo’s calmer cousin, with just as much charm but fewer crowds. It’s only 30 minutes from the capital, yet it feels worlds away. Professionals providing packing services for overseas shipping often recommend Yokohama to families who want more space without losing access to big-city jobs. Apartments are larger, parks are more open, and the bay view is unbeatable. It’s one of the few Japanese cities where you’ll find true waterfront living with a real expat community.
The Minato Mirai district is modern, walkable, and filled with attractions. International schools and cultural festivals make it easy to meet others in similar situations. You’ll still need some Japanese to navigate daily errands, but public signage and apps bridge the gap fast. If you want urban access without the chaos, Yokohama delivers.
Why Yokohama Might Suit You Better Than Tokyo
Yokohama combines modern city life with a slower pace and more space. It’s close enough to Tokyo for work but far enough for peace.
- Best things: bay views, larger homes, family-friendly vibe, close to Tokyo
- Average rent: ¥120,000–¥180,000 for a 1-bedroom near Minato Mirai
- Best for: families, commuters, professionals who want space
What Makes Kyoto Stand Out for Culture Lovers?
Kyoto isn’t just beautiful—it’s functional in a way that suits quiet expat lifestyles. The city runs at a slower pace, but everything still works efficiently. International household goods movers often say creatives, teachers, and remote workers prefer Kyoto because it blends beauty with purpose. Living near temples or rivers doesn’t mean sacrificing internet speed or safety. Rent here is far lower than in Tokyo, with decent apartments around ¥80,000/month.
Kyoto is also bike-friendly, which saves money and time. Foreigners working in education or traditional arts find plenty of opportunities. While nightlife is quieter, cafes, galleries, and community centers offer a more intimate way to connect. If you’re into seasonal festivals, nature, or minimalist living, Kyoto easily ranks among the best cities in Japan for expats.
What Makes Kyoto Ideal for Creative Expats?
Kyoto offers history, beauty, and a peaceful pace, without sacrificing modern convenience. It’s the cultural heart of Japan, perfect for those who appreciate slower living.
- Best things: temples, seasonal beauty, cycling lifestyle, strong expat arts scene
- Average rent: ¥70,000–¥100,000 for a 1-bedroom apartment
- Best for: artists, teachers, remote workers, cultural enthusiasts
Is Fukuoka the Most Underrated City for Expats?
Fukuoka quietly ranks as one of the most livable cities in Japan, especially for younger expats and families. International movers in NYC often suggest it to those seeking low living costs without losing urban perks. A nice apartment costs around ¥70,000–¥90,000/month, and you can bike or take buses almost anywhere. The airport is only 10 minutes from downtown, which is a huge plus. Fukuoka’s tech and startup scene is growing fast, and there’s a solid expat presence, especially among digital nomads.
Beaches and mountain hikes are just outside the city. The food is cheaper, fresher, and more local than in most metro areas. While English isn’t as common as in Tokyo, people are friendly and willing to help. Fukuoka might be the best-kept secret for expats who want a dynamic but affordable life.
Could Fukuoka Be Japan’s Friendliest City?
Fukuoka’s rapid growth, beach access, and welcoming vibe make it the rising star of expat cities. It’s modern but doesn’t feel overwhelming.
- Best things: affordability, warm weather, tech/startup culture, easy airport access
- Average rent: ¥65,000–¥90,000 for a 1-bedroom downtown
- Best for: digital nomads, younger expats, families on a budget
Why Do Cold-Weather Fans Love Sapporo?
Sapporo in Hokkaido gives expats something rare in Japan—space. The roads are wider, the buildings newer, and there’s snow for nearly half the year. International moving cost tends to be lower when shipping to Sapporo because the demand isn’t as high, yet those who do go often stay for good. You can find large apartments for under ¥70,000/month, and the cost of living is among the lowest in major Japanese cities.
Winters are cold but manageable with the city’s advanced heating systems and snow removal services. For outdoor lovers, there’s skiing, hiking, and natural hot springs. The city feels less international, but that also means you’ll learn Japanese faster and become part of the community. If quiet mornings, wide streets, and cozy winters appeal to you, Sapporo belongs on your radar when choosing the best cities in Japan for expats.
What’s Life Really Like in Sapporo?
Sapporo is where you go for space, seasons, and lower costs. It’s ideal for people who don’t mind snow and want a more relaxed pace.
- Best things: skiing, cool summers, open layouts, lower costs
- Average rent: ¥50,000–¥75,000 for a 1-bedroom
- Best for: nature lovers, retirees, families, cold-weather fans
Is Kobe Still One of Japan’s Top International Cities?
Kobe has quietly maintained its international charm for over a century. Its port city vibe and relaxed culture make it a favorite among long-time residents. Container shipping companies often report more consistent shipments to Kobe than to smaller cities, thanks to its strategic location. Housing is mid-range—¥90,000/month gets you something nice with a view of the sea or hills. Kobe has a vibrant food scene, with global flavors and an international supermarket scene that rivals Tokyo’s.
It’s only 30 minutes from Osaka and under an hour to Kyoto, which adds flexibility. The local expat community is small but active, with clubs, meetups, and cultural events that keep you connected. If you want international comfort without Tokyo’s size or Osaka’s chaos, Kobe offers a solid middle ground.
Is Kobe Still a Top Spot for International Living?
Kobe has long been home to expats, and for good reason. It’s international, scenic, and well-placed for exploring the Kansai region.
- Best things: waterfront lifestyle, diverse food, calm vibe, close to Osaka/Kyoto
- Average rent: ¥80,000–¥110,000 for a 1-bedroom with a view
- Best for: foodies, port workers, long-term expats, retirees
What Keeps Drawing Expats to Osaka?
Osaka stands out for its energy. This is where things happen fast, food comes spicy, and locals speak with personality. International movers in NJ often say clients going to Osaka are drawn by the city’s job market and lower living costs. You can rent a place for under ¥80,000/month and still be near subway stations and shops. English teaching jobs are plentiful, and international companies are more open to hybrid roles.
Osaka also has a thriving creative scene, from design studios to gaming startups. Public transport is top-notch, and there’s a deep love for food that fuels the nightlife. Expats who want to feel the heartbeat of Japan while still affording dinner out every weekend should take a close look. This is one of the best cities in Japan for expats if you want urban life without Tokyo’s intensity.
How Does Osaka Compare to Tokyo?
Osaka brings warmth, humor, and energy. It’s slightly grittier than Tokyo but full of flavor—both literally and culturally.
- Best things: food culture, job options, public transport, friendly locals
- Average rent: ¥70,000–¥100,000 for a 1-bedroom near the city center
- Best for: teachers, creatives, tech workers, expats seeking culture
Why Is Nagoya Perfect for Career-Focused Expats?
Nagoya might not top every expat’s dream list, but it should. It’s a manufacturing and tech hub that’s home to Toyota, Honda, and dozens of suppliers. Career professionals with STEM or logistics backgrounds thrive here. The moving cost is often offset by higher salaries offered in engineering or IT. Rent is reasonable, with apartments around ¥70,000/month, and the layout of the city makes commuting easy. There’s less tourism, which means you get more authentic daily life.
Nagoya has efficient infrastructure, great local food (try miso katsu), and proximity to Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. The foreign community is smaller, but professional expat groups are active and welcoming. If your move is about career stability with lower costs, Nagoya is a smart pick.
Is Nagoya Japan’s Most Overlooked Expat City?
Nagoya delivers career options and calm city life with more space and less noise. It’s practical, efficient, and low-pressure.
- Best things: job opportunities, reliable infrastructure, low tourism, clean city
- Average rent: ¥65,000–¥90,000 for a 1-bedroom near Sakae
- Best for: engineers, IT professionals, young couples, budget-focused expats
Could Kamakura Be the Ideal Coastal Town for Expats?
If Tokyo is too fast and rural Japan too quiet, Kamakura offers a scenic middle ground. This coastal town is peaceful, historic, and still well-connected. Locals often recommend Kamakura to remote workers, creatives, and families looking for nature and simplicity. You’re only an hour from Tokyo, but mornings here start with ocean air and temple bells. The city has a mild climate and hiking trails that draw people in year-round.
While the foreign population is small, it’s tight-knit. English-speaking services exist but aren’t everywhere—you’ll need some basic Japanese. Rent isn’t cheap given the demand for beach access, but you can find small places under ¥90,000/month. Kamakura works well for those who want to slow down without feeling isolated.
What’s Special About Living in Kamakura?
Kamakura is peaceful and scenic, with temples and sea breeze in equal measure. It’s close enough to Tokyo for work, but far enough to feel like a getaway.
- Best things: beach access, hiking trails, Zen culture, peaceful living
- Average rent: ¥85,000–¥110,000 for a small apartment or townhouse
- Best for: remote workers, creatives, nature lovers, young families
Why Do Expats Choose Okinawa for the Long Haul?
Naha, the capital of Okinawa, gives expats a completely different Japan. Tropical weather, relaxed pace, and a mix of cultures define the area. Retirees, U.S. military families, and surfers all flock here for the same reason: quality of life. You’ll get sunshine nearly every day, and the cost of living is lower than on the mainland. Rent averages around ¥60,000/month, and fresh produce is cheap.
English is more common thanks to the U.S. base, and locals are famously friendly. Okinawa isn’t ideal for climbing the corporate ladder, but it’s perfect if your income comes from abroad or if you’re done with the hustle. Beaches are everywhere, and healthcare is high-quality and affordable. For long-term comfort, Okinawa earns its spot among the best cities in Japan for expats.
Could Okinawa Be Your Forever Spot?
Naha offers something mainland Japan doesn’t—tropical weather, relaxed energy, and Western-style amenities. It feels like a different country.
- Best things: island life, cheap local food, sunny weather, U.S. expat network
- Average rent: ¥55,000–¥80,000 for a 1-bedroom near central Naha
- Best for: retirees, military families, beach lovers, expats on passive income
Why the Best Cities in Japan for Expats Aren’t Always the Obvious Ones
You don’t need to chase the biggest city to have the best experience. Some of the best cities in Japan for expats are the ones that match your lifestyle, not just your resume. Tokyo delivers ambition, but Fukuoka offers breathing room. Kyoto gives you calm, while Osaka hands you energy. Before you commit, compare rent, pace, language accessibility, and job fit. Think beyond the brochures. The right match can make daily life easier, not harder. Visit first if you can. One week on the ground tells you more than hours of research. Make your move count.