Recommended cities for foreigners to live in.

Japan has become more internationalized, and the number of foreigners coming to Japan from abroad and settling down is increasing.
You can see foreigners in most cities, but which cities in Japan are the most comfortable for people from abroad to live in?

In this issue, we will introduce some cities that we can recommend to foreigners that are easy to live in.

By prefecture?

The following are the most popular cities for foreigners to live in by prefecture.

Tokyo

More than 660,000 foreigners already live in Tokyo.
It is the most popular place in Japan.
Many people live here for work or study, or for international marriages.
It is the center of Japan, easy to come to from abroad, and conveniently located in Japan with well-developed trains and subways.

It is an easy place to live with excellent schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
There are many companies and stores, and it is easy to find a job, which is an advantage.
Many people come from overseas, so it is easy to find friends.

It is also easier to live here than in other areas because Japanese people are more accustomed to foreigners.
However, the disadvantage is that land and housing are expensive, and rents are also high.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is also committed to assisting foreign residents and offers numerous support services.

Here are some examples.

Tokyo Metropolitan Multicultural Portal Site

The site is written in English, Chinese, Korean, and easy Japanese.
The site explains what to do when living, working, raising children, getting sick, or experiencing a disaster.

Please refer to it.

Source: Tokyo Metropolitan Government Multiculturalism Portal (TIPS) (tokyo-tsunagari.or.jp)

Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture is currently home to more than 290,000 foreign residents.
In particular, many foreigners live in Toyota City, where the automobile industry is thriving.
Since there are many international companies, it is easy for people from abroad to find work, which is a big advantage.

Transportation is convenient, and there are excellent schools, hospitals, and other facilities.
The people living in the city are also highly conscious of accepting foreigners, making it easy to coexist and live in the city.

Aichi Multicultural Net

Aichi Multicultural Net” written in 14 languages is easy to understand and informative.

Source: Aichi Multicultural Net (pref.aichi.jp)

Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture is already home to more than 270,000 foreign residents, and there are signs in English and Chinese throughout the city.
Therefore, it is easy for foreigners to live in the city.

People in Osaka are lively and friendly, and the good thing is that you can easily get to know foreigners.
Food and drinks are good, and life is easy.
It is also good that there are many jobs and people from abroad can work easily.

Osaka Living Essentials

We can recommend the “Osaka Seikatsu Nitsuyo” (Essentials of Living in Osaka) published by the Osaka Foundation of International Exchange, which can be read in 11 languages.

Source: Osaka Information Corner for Foreign Residents | Osaka Foundation of International Exchange (OFIX)

Kanagawa Prefecture

Many people commute to central Tokyo for work because of its proximity to Tokyo and convenient transportation.
Rent is a little cheaper than in Tokyo, and because it is a bedroom community, it is a quiet place to live.
There are many foreigners in the area, and people in the area tend not to look at you as special just because you are a foreigner.

There are also historical sightseeing spots such as Hakone and Kamakura, where you can enjoy your holidays.

Information provided in multiple languages

Kanagawa Prefecture’s public relations magazine, “Providing Information in Multiple Languages,” is very well done.

It is written in 10 languages, including English, Chinese, Korean, etc. Please refer to it.

Source: Multilingual Information – Kanagawa Prefecture Web site (pref.kanagawa.jp)

Saitama Prefecture

Close to Tokyo, convenient for commuting to central Tokyo.

Rent is cheaper than in central Tokyo, making it popular with people coming from abroad.
There are already many foreigners living in the area, so a community has been established.
Therefore, it is a big advantage that people from abroad can easily blend in!

Supporting the Lives of Foreign Residents

Living information magazines written in English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese are very helpful.

Source: Supporting the Lives of Foreign Residents – Saitama Prefecture (saitama.lg.jp)

Summary

Recommended cities for foreign residents to live in by prefecture include Tokyo, Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Saitama Prefectures.

Places where a large number of foreigners already live are well prepared to accept them, making it easier for them to live there.

If you are going to live in Japan for a long time, please choose a city that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.