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Relocation Research

Top Destinations for Expats in Japan: Factors Influencing Popularity Among Foreign Settlers | TechJourney Japan

For foreigners planning to relocate to Japan, choosing where to live is a crucial decision.

While it's ideal to reside in the place you've always dreamed of, it's not always the case that your dream location aligns with reality.

To turn your envisioned place into reality, conducting market research and thorough preparation before moving to Japan is essential.

Popular tourist destinations in Japan among foreigners include the following places:

  • Fushimi Inari-Taisha, Kyoto, Japan
  • Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum
  • Todaiji Temple, Nara Prefecture
  • Itsukushima Shrine, Hiroshima
  • Sensoji Temple, Tokyo
  • Kenrokuen Garden, Ishikawa
  • Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
  • Kinkakuji Temple, Kyoto

Decline in the Number of Foreign Residents: A Trend Analysis

As of the end of June 2020, the number of mid- to long-term residents was 2,576,622, and the count of special permanent residents reached 309,282. This brought the total number of foreign residents to 2,885,904, marking a decrease of 47,233 (1.6%) from the previous year's total of 2,933,137.

In terms of gender distribution, the number of males decreased to 1,425,043, constituting 49.4% of the total, while the number of females decreased to 1,468,661, making up 50.6% of the total.

Total of 196 international nationalities in Japan

The number of nationalities and regions indicated on the residence cards and special permanent resident certificates was 196 (excluding stateless persons). Among the top 10 countries/regions, Vietnam showed an increase of 8,447 persons (2.1%), reaching a total of 420,415. In contrast, the other 9 countries/regions all experienced a decrease compared to the end of the previous year.

RankCountryNumberRatioYoY Comparison
(1)China786,83027.3%(3. 3%)
(2)Korea435,45915.1%(2.4%)
(3)Vietnam420,41514.6%+2.1
(4)Philippines282,0239.8%(0.3%)
(5)Brazil211,1787.3%(0.2%)
(6)Nepal95,3673.3%(1.5%)
(7)Indonesia66,0842.3%(1.2%)
(8)Taiwan 59,9342.1%(7.5%)
(9)USA 57,2142.0%(3.3%)
(10)Thailand 53,3441.8%(2.7%)
...............

Eligibility, Status of residence

The category of 'Permanent Residents' constituted the largest group, totaling 800,872 (increased by 7,708, or 1.0%, from the end of the previous year). It was followed by 'Technical intern training' (comprising No. 1 (a), No. 2 (b), No. 3 (a), and (b)), which numbered 402,422 (a decrease of 8,550, or -2.1% year-over-year), 'Technical/Humanities/International Services' with 288,995 (an increase of 16,996, or +6.2% YoY), and 'Special Permanent Residents' with 309,282 (a YoY increase of 3,219, or +1.1%). The count for those with 'special permanent resident' status was 309,282 (a decrease of 3,219, or -1.0% YoY).

RankType of VISAPopulationRatioYoY Comparison
1Permanent resident800,87227.8%+1.0%
2Technical internship402,42213.9%(2.1%)
3Special permanent resident309,29810.7%(-1.0%
4Technical/Humanities/International Services288,95510.0%+6.2%
5Student Visa280,2739.7%(18.9%)
...............

Tokyo has the largest number of foreign residents, totaling 568,665 (a decrease of 24,793, or 4.2%, from the end of the previous year), accounting for 19.7% of the national total. It is followed by Aichi, Osaka, Kanagawa, and Saitama Prefectures.

RankPrefecturePopulationRatioYoY comparison
1Tokyo Metropolitan area568,65519.7%(4.2%)
2Aichi prefecture (Chuubu area)276,2829.6%(1.7%)
3Osaka (metropolitan area)253,3038.8%(1.0%)
4Kanagawa prefecture (Kantou area)235,3698.2%0.1%
5Saitama prefecture (Kantou area)196,5376.8%0.3%
..............

Foreigner-Friendly Japan: A Ranking Based on Residing Areas

First of all, in which areas do most foreigners live?

By unveiling this ranking, we can identify the regions in Japan with a higher concentration of foreign residents.

No. 1: Tokyo

Tokyo ranks first in the number of foreign residents, hosting 19.7% of the total, more than twice as many as the second-ranked prefecture.

While Tokyo may have a reputation for high rent and living costs, the city's information centers and facilities are well-equipped to provide foreign-language services. This facilitates a smooth process for foreigners to carry out various procedures and respond to emergencies.

The prevalence of foreign languages in various parts of the city makes it easier for those who are not confident in reading and writing Japanese to adapt to life in Tokyo.

Tokyo offers a wide range of rental properties, and numerous property companies are dedicated to guiding foreigners about living in the area. Certain neighborhoods, like Shin-Okubo, are densely populated with foreigners.

The average market rent in Tokyo is approximately 60,000 yen for a studio with an average size of 23 sqm.

Rent tends to be more affordable when residing outside Tokyo's 23 wards. For those aiming to keep rent costs low while living in Tokyo, it is recommended to explore apartments in cities and towns outside the 23 wards, such as Tama City, Tachikawa City, and Komae City. Commuting to Tokyo by train takes about 1 hour or so.

No. 2: Aichi Prefecture

Aichi Prefecture secures the second position in the ranking of the number of foreign residents, constituting 9.6% of the total ratio.

Aichi Prefecture is renowned for housing numerous car manufacturing companies, including Toyota. Many foreigners working in these industries choose to reside within the prefecture, contributing to its second-place ranking in the number of foreign residents.

Apart from its industrial significance, Aichi offers attractions such as Nagoya Castle, making it an appealing place for leisure activities.

Nagoya City, situated in Aichi Prefecture, ranks among the top five most populous cities and towns in Japan and is recognized as a major metropolis. While not as extensive as Tokyo, the city has made remarkable progress in catering to foreign residents. Information centers in the city provide efficient services, including assistance with transportation details such as trains and buses.

The average rent in Aichi Prefecture is approximately 45,000 yen for a studio room. Compared to Tokyo, Aichi is more budget-friendly, making it a relatively comfortable area to live in, especially in terms of rental costs.

No. 3: Osaka Prefecture

Osaka Prefecture secures the third position in the ranking of the number of foreign residents, representing 8.8% of the total.

Osaka, the second-largest tourist city after Tokyo, boasts highly developed urban functions. The city is particularly progressive in welcoming foreign residents, and due to its large number of tourists, foreign languages are commonly observed throughout various locations in Osaka.

Beyond its numerous attractions, the low cost of living, friendly locals, and delectable street foods contribute to Osaka's allure. It is not just an easy place to live; it's a city that never gets boring.

The average rent in Osaka Prefecture is approximately 42,000 yen for a studio room, even lower than in Aichi Prefecture. This is likely because the area offers very affordable housing under flexible conditions. However, it's worth noting that rents may increase in response to the Osaka Expo 2024.

No. 4: Kanagawa Prefecture

Ranking fourth in the number of foreign residents is Kanagawa Prefecture, where foreigners make up 8.2% of the total population.

Kanagawa Prefecture is the second most populous prefecture after the Tokyo metropolitan area, which includes Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, and Chiba prefectures. It holds the second-highest population among all prefectures in Japan.

Beyond its proximity to Tokyo and its welcoming environment for foreigners, Kanagawa is home to numerous corporate factories, research centers, and manufacturing plants. This, in part, contributes to the significant number of foreign residents choosing to live in the area.

Yokohama, a major city in Kanagawa, is renowned for its Chinatown and other neighborhoods that provide a welcoming atmosphere for foreigners. With numerous tourist attractions, Yokohama stands out as a city that has made substantial progress in embracing foreign residents, offering an experience that might feel distinct from typical Japanese living.

The average market rent in Kanagawa Prefecture is approximately 52,000 yen for a studio room—slightly higher than Aichi Prefecture (No. 2) and Osaka Prefecture (No. 3), but lower than Tokyo.

This area is recommended for individuals who wish to commute to Tokyo by train but also desire to save on rent costs.

No. 5: Saitama Prefecture

Ranking fifth in the number of foreign residents is Saitama Prefecture, where foreign residents make up 6.8% of the total population.

Saitama is the fifth most populous prefecture in Japan and home to a significant population. Its proximity to Tokyo makes it a popular choice for those who commute to Tokyo for work or school while residing in Saitama.

Moreover, Warabi City and Kawaguchi City in Saitama Prefecture have notably high numbers of foreigners, including communities of Kurdish and Chinese residents. The prefecture is well-prepared to accommodate foreigners, providing comprehensive information on transportation, including trains and buses, at the city's information centers.

The average market rent in Saitama Prefecture is approximately 46,000 yen for a studio, making it more affordable than in Kanagawa Prefecture in the Tokyo metropolitan areas. This makes it an excellent choice for individuals keen on commuting to Tokyo while saving on rent costs.

Other Prefectures in Rank

6th: Chiba Prefecture
7th: Hyogo Prefecture
8th: Shizuoka Prefecture
9th: Fukuoka Prefecture
10th: Ibaraki Prefecture
11th: Gunma Prefecture
12th: Kyoto Prefecture
13th: Gifu Prefecture
14th: Mie Prefecture
15th: Hiroshima Prefecture
16th: Tochigi Prefecture
17th: Hokkaido
18th: Nagano Prefecture
19th: Shiga Prefecture
20th: Okayama Prefecture
21st: Miyagi Prefecture
22nd: Okinawa Prefecture
23rd: Toyama Prefecture
24th: Niigata Prefecture
25th: Kumamoto Prefecture
26th: Yamaguchi Prefecture
27th: Yamanashi Prefecture
28th: Fukui Prefecture
29th: Ishikawa Prefecture
30th: Fukushima Prefecture
31st: Kagawa Prefecture
32nd: Nara Prefecture
33rd: Oita Prefecture
34th: Ehime Prefecture
35th: Kagoshima Prefecture
36th: Nagasaki Prefecture
37th: Shimane Prefecture
38th: Iwate Prefecture
39th: Yamagata Prefecture
40th: Miyazaki Prefecture
41st: Wakayama Prefecture
42nd: Saga Prefecture
43rd: Tokushima Prefecture
44th: Aomori Prefecture
45th: Tottori Prefecture
46th: Kochi Prefecture
47th: Akita Prefecture

Recommendations for foreigners to move to Japan

Now that you have a better idea of where many foreigners live in Japan, whether you want to save on rent and live near a metropolitan area or belong to the center of the city is entirely your choice. Let's explore some of the more common areas in the country"

No. 1: Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture

The author's recommended area in Japan is Kobe City, located in Hyogo Prefecture.

The reason is that everything is moderately evident. Being an urban area, Kobe offers numerous recreational spots and a plethora of job opportunities. Despite being an urban setting, it maintains a smaller population, contributing to the availability of affordable housing.

Moreover, even within its urban environment, Kobe boasts nearby mountains, highlighting the harmonious coexistence of the city and nature as one of its distinctive features.

Here are some more reasons why Kobe City is a popular place to live:

  • A harmonious blend of city and nature.
  • A conducive environment for raising children.
  • Pleasant climate throughout the year.
  • A lower population density compared to neighboring prefectures.
  • Convenient access to transportation in and out of the city.

Kobe is a city offering a rich natural environment and diverse lifestyle, situated near both the sea and mountains.

Enjoying a mild Setouchi-style climate with abundant sunshine throughout the year, Kobe City, part of the Kansai region, stands as the second-largest economic zone after the Tokyo metropolitan area.

It provides excellent transportation access, including an international airport, expressways, and a railroad network that incorporates the Shinkansen bullet train.

No. 2: Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture

The author's second recommended area in Japan is Kyoto City, located in Kyoto Prefecture.

The reason is that it is by far the easiest place to live. It is not overwhelmingly urban, but it is not too rural either.

Additionally, the following are more reasons for living in Kyoto City:

  • Beautiful towns and landscapes.
  • It has a history of flourishing as a center of Japanese culture and economy.
  • Easy access to transportation.
  • Combining the convenience of the city with the comfort of the countryside.
  • Many attractive stores for gourmet food, sweets, etc.
  • Enjoy nature in all four seasons.
  • Multiple large shopping malls, shopping districts, and other shopping spots.
  • Strong community cooperation and a sense of security.
  • Easy to live with good welfare services.

Kyoto City is situated in the expansive Kyoto Basin, known for its hot summers and cold winters.

While some may perceive the climate as harsh, it is well-suited for those who appreciate the distinct changes in seasons.

No. 3: Tokyo Metropolitan Government

The author's third recommended area in Japan is Tokyo.

Needless to say, it is a popular destination and ranks No. 1 in the number of foreign residents, making it everybody's dream city.

Reasons for living in Tokyo include:

  • Conveniently located with a well-developed transportation network.
  • High quality of medical care and welfare.
  • Numerous cultural facilities and events.
  • Abundant job and college options.
  • High salary opportunities.
  • Access to many seminars and workshops.
  • Attracts new stores, products, and services.
  • Immediate access to stores featured on TV.
  • Ensured security and safety.
  • Convenient public transportation.

In addition, reasons for living in the city include the following:

  • Many opportunities for work.
  • Numerous commercial and medical facilities.
  • Easy access to new information and resources.
  • Minimal interference from others.
  • Easy to living.
  • Abundance of entertainment.

On the other hand, the disadvantages of living in a city include the following

  • Commuter rush and car congestion.
  • High cost of land and rent.
  • Limited access to nature.

No. 4: Fukuoka Prefecture

The author's fourth recommended area in Japan is Fukuoka Prefecture.

Fukuoka is recommended for relocation due to the following reasons: easy access from the airport, short travel time between cities, good food, low rent and prices, and many natural areas even within the city. These are some of the points. If you don't ask for too much, both big-city and rural migrants will be satisfied.

Fukuoka Prefecture is an easy place to live and a great location to relocate. The following are reasons why Fukuoka City is easy to live in;

  • Compact city with excellent accessibility.
  • Easy access from the airport.
  • Short travel time between cities.
  • Delicious food.
  • Low rent and cost of living.
  • Abundance of natural spaces within the city.
  • Well-established transportation infrastructure and a developed city center.
  • Great climate.

In addition, Fukuoka Prefecture is home to both urban and wilderness destinations, each with its own unique characteristics. Many distinctive cities can be reached within an hour from Fukuoka City.

No. 5: Chiba Prefecture

The author's fifth recommended area in Japan is Chiba Prefecture.

Chiba Prefecture boasts a diverse range of attractions that make it an appealing destination. These include

  • Easy access to the city center
  • Abundant nature, featuring seafood, rice, vegetables, and fruits.
  • A mild climate and natural surroundings allow you to live a carefree life.
  • Excellent support for childcare and immigration assistance programs.
  • Presence of theme parks and large shopping malls.
  • A variety of attractions such as historical towns and fishing villages.
  • Affordable land.

Chiba Prefecture has different features and attractions depending on the area. For example, the northwestern part of the prefecture offers the same convenience as urban centers, while the southern part is filled with nature such as the sea.

Chiba Prefecture is also attractive for its abundance of nature and livability, despite being located close to Tokyo. Surrounded by the sea, the region not only provides ample delicious marine products, but rice, vegetables, and fruits are also abundantly available. Why not try living a healthy and secure life in a warm climate, surrounded by nature, and achieve work-life balance and child-rearing.

-Relocation, Research