5 places to work and live in Japan besides Tokyo
Monday, July 23, 2018
There is a world full of possibilities outside the capital
Maybe you are contemplating Japan as the right place for you to start a new life, but where in Japan? The total land area is 377,972 square kilometers, so there are plenty of suitable cities for you to choose from!
If you love the city life, Tokyo may be your first option. According to statistics, much of the expat community in Japan lives and works within the Tokyo area. But what if you don't feel comfortable in the overcrowded metropolis? Maybe you prefer life in the countryside, or you just aren’t willing to pay the cost of living in a big city. If you are looking for something slightly different, let us introduce you to our top cities to work in Japan!
- Osaka: The third largest city in the country, Osaka is well-known for its delicious food and friendly people. Osaka is currently experiencing a marked increase in development and tourism, so salaries are quite competitive and living expenses are not as high as in Tokyo. If you are an IT specialist, it could be a fantastic place to begin your adventure in Japan.
- Kyoto: A perfect choice for those who prefer quiet, charming cities with a strong manufacturing industry. The beautiful city of Kyoto will allow you to immerse yourself in the Japan’s more traditional side, so dust off kimono and prepare some 抹茶 (matcha, Japanese green tea). Kyoto is also an excellent option for students. Kyoto University is one of the most prestigious academic centers of the world; so many young people also reside within the area.
- Yokohama: Do you want to live near Tokyo but would rather be somewhere a little more peaceful? Do you have experience in logistics? Say no more! This city near the sea is a safe bet! Yokohama is the second largest city in Japan, and infrastructure is the main industry here. Explore the amazing Chinatown, create your own custom-made ramen at the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum, or take a walk around the harbor area in your free time. If you ever miss the neon lights of Shibuya, it only takes a 30 minutes train ride to get there!
- Fukuoka: The economy in the vibrant, lively city of Fukuoka is booming and it seems the trend is not going to stop any time soon. Fukuoka boasts the highest population growth rate in the country, but the cost of living remains quite reasonable. As many IT startups are establishing their headquarters there, it's a fabulous area to both start a new business or to find a job in that area.
- Sapporo:Located on the northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo is the most populated city in its prefecture. While it's not as crowded or busy as some of the other cities on this list, it’s still a great place for job hunting purposes. If you are interested in tourism or hospitality, you should definitely look into holiday resorts there. Sapporo is also a great city for experiencing the changes in the cities, with a snowy winter and a warm summer, plus cherry blossoms in the spring and colorful leaves in the fall.
Did you already decide where you want to live in Japan? Will you give these cities a try? Check our job section and start a career in your preferred location.
About the Author
Half writer, half reader. Tokyo based and deeply in love with - you can easily find me meandering around Shibuya or Shin-Okubo. Communication and marketing assistant by day, video game localizer by night.
