Rise with the Sun and see the blush-tinged blooms as you immerse yourself in a country where culture and innovation intertwine in a nearly seamless manner. Japan has a lot to give; it entices you with offers of the exotic and new. It is different from the rest of the world in many ways, and that’s what makes it so appealing.
Rich new experiences are just waiting for you. As intoxicating as they may all seem, important decisions need to be made, not least of which is, where will you stay? It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and romance of going to a new country, but don’t let reality come a-knocking when it’s already too late.
It’s essential to consider where you will fit in the best as a non-native. What challenges are you ready to overcome, and what conveniences can you not do without? Fortunately, we’ve made it easy for you. Here are the most convenient cities in Japan for foreigners.
The Capital
Tokyo. It was always going to be our starting point. As you can imagine, there is very little the city cannot offer. Apart from the obvious benefits, there are two additional advantages for foreigners. Firstly, the chances to meet and socialize with other foreigners exponentially grow when you relocate to the capital of any country, and Japan is no exception.
Secondly, the chances of finding natives who speak English are much higher here. Most banks, stores, and other places you will be visiting in your everyday routines should have a staff member or two who speaks English.
Generally, most of the population can understand and communicate in English to a certain degree. It can mean a lot when you arrive in a completely new and unfamiliar world. Also, there are plenty of different jobs available for foreigners, especially in the capital city.
Of course, it’s not all roses and cherry blossoms. Living expenses are higher here, and the fast-paced, hectic lifestyle can be seen as both a plus and minus – depending on your preferences.
Image via Pixabay
Osaka
This is another good option. It offers almost everything Tokyo does, but at a more affordable price. There are many culinary delights to try while taking in the fascinating blend of modern and traditional. Osaka has milder winters, but this comes with a trade-off, as the summers can be sweltering and humid.
Again, it will come down to personal preference. Here, at least a basic knowledge of the Japanese language would come in handy because foreigners are scarce. While there aren’t that many ex-pats living there, the local residents are very friendly.
For those looking to practice and develop their speaking skills, it offers the ideal opportunity to do just that.
Kyoto
Tokyo is a city that never sleeps, but if you are here for the culture, then flip the syllables and head on to Kyoto! The people there have taken careful steps to retain and nurture their traditions and history as much as possible.
There are cultural treasures galore, and you can immerse yourself in its serenity. Nature is important here, and this could be the ideal place for the more spiritually-minded amongst you.
A little word of warning, they have their dialect here, so keep that in mind.
Image via Pixabay
Sapporo
Here we have a change of pace. The winters are long and snowy, while summers are mild and comfortable. Most locals do not speak English, but it is a relatively new city and easy to navigate. Its street system was, interestingly enough, based on a North American style. This will help with the initial adjustment process.
There are plenty of opportunities to work as an English teacher too. There is one other particular reason it has made it to our list. A lot of people come to visit for a short period. A lot of those same people end up living there.
Ex-pats choose to live here due to the lower living costs and the fact that they have a very well-organized transportation system.
If you are a fan of skiing, look no further, you’ve just found your new home!
Image via Pixabay
Most Convenient Cities in Japan for Foreigners?
***No List Would be Complete Without Yokohama
What do you do if you cannot afford to live in the capital? You live close to it! If that city also happens to be Yokohama, you’re on to a winner. A lot of people commute from Yokohama to Tokyo and, in a sense, get the best of both worlds.
Yokohama offers a much sought-after peacefulness while keeping you in reach of the hustle and bustle of modern-day life. It is only a 30-minute train commute between the two cities, making it very convenient indeed!
Furthermore, there are plenty of ex-pats living here, enjoying the lower costs of renting and being able to find at least a small slice of tranquility at the same time.
Of Course, It’s Not Just an Issue of Picking a City
While picking the perfect city for you to live in will make the whole process much more manageable, there are specific problems all ex-pats will run into. From the move itself to learning a new language, becoming accustomed to new ideas and traditions, and even basic things such as healthcare, a lot needs to be considered.
To compound the problem, you don’t really have any friends or family there. Initially, at least.
The first few months can be challenging, but you should be more than fine if you prepare ahead of time! You can overcome the obstacles by doing your research and knowing what to expect and how to handle it.
Sayonara
It’s time for us to part, but I hope you have a sense of how many attractive options there are. The above list is far from exhaustive, with so many amazing cities and towns to see and visit, it would be a herculean task to cover them all, and we could not do them all justice.
Still, the above is a good starting point and offers some food for thought. If you are worried about how you will adapt after moving to Japan, there are a lot of great tips out there, so don’t fret! It’s now a matter of personal choice.
Are you looking for innovation or tradition, peace or non-stop action, skyscrapers or nature? See, the most convenient cities in Japan for foreigners might just depend on the foreigners themselves.
If language is a problem, options are a little more limited, but if you dabble in Japanese here and there, the world is your oyster. Or, rather, the world is your cherry blossom!
Author: Jassica Mendez
