You may not plan on starting a family in Japan, but life tends to work in fun ways. Even if it was intentional, there are many benefits to beginning the new stage of your life in Japan. Every area there can offer something for everyone, and there are some that beat out the rest. Looking carefully can ensure that you will get everything you could need out of your new city.

Tokyo

Pros:

The city of Tokyo has everything that a family could need. Being that it is the biggest city in all of Japan, it sees the most visitors as well as getting the most imports for those looking for something from home. There are some of the most popular places in Japan such as Akihabara, Ikebukuro, and Shibuya. There are a ton of activities that can work with children or for adults to enjoy by themselves. The job market in Tokyo has more opportunities for foreigners to find well-paying jobs. It is great for visitors and people who wish to start a new life.

Cons:

Because it is the largest and most popular city in Japan, it comes with the costs of being number one. Expect high prices for living, and even some other facets of life will be a little more expensive than other places. You will also have the most crowded areas in the country. There will be a steady flow of visitors entering the city, and eventually, tourists will become more annoying the more you have to encounter them. The pricing of everyday commodities can be a drain on a low earning family budget.

Fukuoka

Pros:

Fukuoka is one of the largest cities in Japan and is the largest city in the southern part of Kyushu. It is surrounded by mountains and boasts beautiful nature. With the Ocean being as close, the beach is only a short trip away. The beaches there are better kept than in other major areas of the island. There is less of a foreigner element, so there isn’t a lot of noisy tourists that will be around. It isn’t as crowded as Tokyo, and it is closer to South Korea, so it makes a vacation there an easier process. The city boasts everything a family could need, from family-friendly activities to thriving nightlife. General living expenses are cheaper than the larger city of Tokyo.

Cons:

It is a bit out of the way so traveling there can be a bit of trouble. Fewer foreigners mean that there are opportunities for well-paying jobs. Because of its position, it receives more rain on average than in other places. Take that into consideration, especially for the typhoon season.

Osaka

Pros:

Osaka is known for being the 3rd most popular city in Japan and having some of the most friendly locals. Because of this, it is an attractive place to live for foreigners. It is the main area of Kansai and sees most of the business in the area. There is lots of natural beauty that compliments the modern structures of the city. It is also near to other popular cities, such as Nara and Kyoto, so it can be ideal for those who like to travel. Living costs are lower than in most big cities, and the nightlife is comparable to the others as well. The area is known for its takoyaki and its own version of okonomiyaki.

Cons:

Even though the locals are more friendly and outgoing, there are fewer job opportunities. The area of Kansai has its own version of Japanese that uses different words than the standard Japanese dialect. It can lead to confusion for those learning the language. Kansai college is located there, and the idea of a college town can turn some people off. It can seem to be a little behind modern times when compared to other cities too.

Yokohama

Pros:

Yokohama is positioned next to Tokyo and is on the water. It has many beaches and the famous Future Harbor. Yokohama allows families to have more room, but keep the big city feel. If you want to enjoy Tokyo, it only takes around 30 minutes by train to get there. It is generally cheaper to live there too, and it is as modern as most places in Tokyo.

Cons:

It has fewer job opportunities available, being that it is so close to Tokyo. It may seem like it would be easy to just commute, but being that it is a little far away it could end up costing more money in transportation fees.

Kyoto

Pros:

Kyoto has the best combination of historic and modern Japan. It has a lot of universities and can be considered a college town. It is cheaper than Tokyo and is close to other popular cities. It is a good way to see the historical areas of Japan.

Cons:

Again the job opportunities are fewer there, and the shopping and nightlife aren’t as good as the nearby Osaka. Because of the colleges, it can be crowded with younger people who can be noisier. It isn’t as modern as other large cities either.

These are just a few places in Japan, and most are popular areas. There are a ton of smaller places outside of the main cities that can meet all of your needs. You’ll have to do your own research so you can find the best place for you. Whatever you decide on, you can be sure it will help make your experience the best it can be.