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Japan is still a draw to English speakers from all over the world for its ancient culture blended with cutting-edge modernity. Whether you’re considering teaching English, corporate employment with a foreign company, or simply living life as the Japanese do, where to set up shop can really be the determining factor. In the following article, we’re going to take a look at Japan’s best places for English speakers based on such variables as English availability, expat populations, job opportunities, and overall standard of living.
Tokyo: The Global Hub
As the capital and largest city of Japan, Tokyo naturally offers the best support system for global inhabitants, particularly English speakers.
Advantages:
- Ample English-speaking jobs: Highest concentration of English teaching jobs, foreign companies, and start-ups in Japan
- International comforts: English-speaking hospitals, international schools, and imported food restaurants
- Transportation ease: Extensive English signage throughout the subway and train networks
- Expat communities: Formed international communities and networking sites
- Leisure time that is English-friendly: Regular global events, English movie theatres, and multicultural activities
Best English-speaking Neighbourhoods:
- Roppongi: The quintessential expat hub with plenty of foreign restaurants, bars, and most foreign residents
- Hiroo/Azabu: Upscale neighbourhoods with global schools, foreign embassies, and high-end global supermarkets
- Shibuya/Ebisu: Hip areas popular with young expats offering a blend of Japanese culture and global convenience
- Shinjuku: Business district with excellent transport links and affordable housing a short distance from the center
Considerations:
- Higher lifestyle than other Japanese cities
- Spillover from the “expat bubble” if you’re not careful
- The pace and crowds may be too intense for some to absorb
Osaka: The Friendly Alternative
Constantly described as having Japan’s friendliest citizens, Osaka offers a more relaxed urban lifestyle than Tokyo but with plenty of international amenities.
Advantages:
- Lower cost of living: Rent is significantly lower than in Tokyo
- Friendly environment: Osakans are renowned for friendliness and interest in communication with foreigners
- Good English teaching market: Abundant eikaiwa (English conversation schools) and international schools
- Central location: Convenient proximity to Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and other cultural attractions
- Lively food culture: “Japan’s kitchen” with excellent affordable dining
Top Areas for English Speakers:
- Umeda/Kita: Business central district with foreign companies and new, modern conveniences
- Namba/Shinsaibashi: Foreign dining and shopping entertainment districts
- Tennoji: Expanding international area with lower-cost housing
- Ashiharabashi/Fukushima: Young, trendy areas popular with young expats
Considerations:
- Fewer foreign companies than in Tokyo
- Public transportation, good but not as comprehensive as Tokyo’s
- English signage less common in smaller neighborhoods
Yokohama: Tokyo’s Elegant Neighbor
Just 30 minutes from Tokyo, Yokohama offers a less frenetic lifestyle and more spacious living without losing the ease of getting to Tokyo’s opportunities.
Benefits:
- Global history: Ever since Japan’s first port city, Yokohama has boasted developed international communities
- Space and harbor living: Spacious flats and nice harbor views
- Family-friendly: Great international schools and green parks
- Tokyo access: Easy train rides to Tokyo for work or fun
- International business community: Home of many international companies and the Yokohama World Business Support Center
Most Convenient Areas for English Speakers:
- Minato Mirai: Young and hip waterfront district with shopping, restaurant, and entertainment
- Yamate/The Bluff: Foreigner settlement district with Western-style houses
- Motomachi: International-influenced shopping district with hip cafes
- Shin-Yokohama: Conveniently located near Shinkansen station with newer residential apartment buildings
Factors to Consider:
- Less expensive than central Tokyo but still very expensive
- Some areas have longer commute times
- Nightlife is not as happening as in Tokyo or Osaka
Kyoto: Traditional Japan with International Appeal
Japan’s historic capital offers unparalleled access to traditional culture in addition to ongoing support of foreign residents.
Advantages:
- Cultural immersion: Home life amidst 1,600+ temples, traditional gardens, and historic districts
- International academia: Strong university presence with international students and research positions
- Tourism industry: English-speaking careers in tourism and hospitality
- Size that works: Easier to navigate than Tokyo with excellent public transportation
- Expat community: Growing number of foreign residents, primarily academics and artists
Top Places for English Speakers:
- Downtown (Nakagyo): Central location with shopping, restaurants, and easy transport
- Northern Kyoto (Kamigyo): Close to universities with lower-cost housing
- Higashiyama: Beautiful historic district (though expensive)
- Sakyo: Academic district near Kyoto University with international atmosphere
Things to Keep in Mind:
- More traditional thinking makes integration harder
- Fewer international giant companies
- Tourist mobs in trendy neighborhoods
- Summer heat and humidity can be oppressive
Kobe: Worldly Comfort
With its centuries-long history of foreign trade, Kobe has long been receptive to foreigners and remains cosmopolitan in atmosphere.
Advantages:
- Natural beauty: Mountains and sea with moderate climate
- International heritage: Ancient history as port city with foreign influences
- Large houses: Greater availability of Western-style living and parks
- World-class food: Renowned for Kobe beef, but also extensive range of international cuisine
- Accessibility to Osaka: Easy access to Osaka’s job market and amenities
Best Neighborhoods for English Speakers:
- Kitano: Foreign-style neighborhood with Western houses
- Sannomiya: Urban center with shopping and entertainment
- Rokko Island: Modern planned development popular with expat families
- Suma: Seaside district with more relaxed pace of life
Points to Ponder:
- Smaller employment market than Tokyo or Osaka
- Can be quiet compared to large cities
- Public transportation less well developed than Tokyo
Fukuoka: Gateway to Asia
As Japan’s Asian gateway, Fukuoka offers cosmopolitan living with international links and a reduced cost of living.
Advantages:
- Significantly lower cost of living: Lower housing and daily costs
- Compact city structure: Major sights within a 30-minute bike ride
- International connection: Easy proximity to South Korea and other Asian countries
- Tech startup scene: Developing reputation as Japan’s startup hub
- Balance between work and life: Renowned for prioritizing lifestyle over long working hours
Best Spots for English Speakers:
- Tenjin: Shopping and entertainment central business district
- Hakata: Good eating district close to central station with historic area
- Momochi: Modern waterfront district with newer apartments
- Nishijin: University district with lower-priced housing and younger resident population
Things to note:
- Lower rate of English speakers than Tokyo
- Lower expat population
- Fewer international school options
- Local dialect (Hakata-ben) is not standard Japanese
Sapporo: Northern Comfort
Hokkaido’s capital city has a unique climate, outdoor recreation opportunities, and greater room to live than Japanese cities.
Advantages:
- Four seasons: Famous winter with excellent skiing
- Space and nature: Spacious housing and outdoor recreation available
- Lower humidity: Comfortable summer compared to most of Japan
- Food culture: Famous for fresh seafood, dairy foods, and farm produce
- Affordable cost of living: Less expensive than Tokyo or Osaka
Best Areas for English Speakers:
- Chuo-ku (Central Ward): City center with most amenities and nightlife
- Higashi-ku (East Ward): Residential near Hokkaido University
- Toyohira-ku: Less pricey residential areas with good transport links
Points to Consider:
- Severe winters with deep snow
- Smaller English-speaking job market
- More limited international community
- Less sophisticated public transport system
Okinawa: Island Paradise
With its balmy weather and laid-back lifestyle, Okinawa entices those who want a different kind of Japanese living.
Pros:
- Beach lifestyle: Close proximity to beautiful beaches and aquatic sports
- American presence: English more commonly spoken due to U.S. bases
- Relaxed pace: Less stress on the high-strung work ethic of the mainland
- Unique culture: Other than mainland Japan with its own foods and customs
- Lower cost of living: Housing and daily expenses usually lower than in Tokyo
Favorite Places for English Speakers:
- Naha: The capital city with most urban services
- Chatan: Residential area near American Village with many English-friendly restaurants and shops
- Yomitan: Upcoming beach town with expats
- Onna: Resort town with beautiful shoreline
Things to Keep in Mind:
- Career opportunities limited beyond English teaching and the military
- Typhoon season is disruptive
- Car dependence in most areas
- Cultural and language differences from mainland Japan
Nagoya: Overlooked Urban Hub
Far too often underappreciated, Nagoya offers a big city experience with less intensity than Tokyo and lower cost of living.
Pros:
- Industrial hub: Home to Toyota and other global manufacturing titans
- Central location: Easy access to both Tokyo and Osaka by Shinkansen
- Lower cost of living: Living much cheaper than Tokyo
- Less congestion: All the services of a big city without the overwhelming crowds
- International schools: Foreigners have excellent school options
Best Areas for English Speakers:
- Sakae: Primary downtown shopping and entertainment area
- Higashi Ward: Popular residential ward among foreigners
- Nagoya Station area: Convenient transport center with advanced technological amenities
- Chikusa Ward: University town with international atmosphere
Points to Consider:
- Sometimes perceived as less lively than other large cities
- Less foreign community members than Tokyo or Osaka
- Less extensive English support in some services
Conclusion
Choosing where to live in Japan as an English speaker is based on what your priorities are—career, cultural experience, affordability, or lifestyle. Though Tokyo can provide the most comprehensive setup for English speakers, Osaka, Fukuoka, and Kyoto present compelling choices with their respective strengths.
The best strategy for the majority of immigrants would be to begin in one of the English-friendlier areas and develop Japanese language skills and cultural background from there. This is a foundation that could then lead to a move into more immersive situations in smaller rural towns or villages, where the “authentic Japan” experience is balanced by both greater suffering and greater reward.
Wherever you choose to live, flexibility, patience, and a willingness to learn about cultural differences will be important in helping to ensure a successful experience as an English speaker developing a life in Japan.