News Tiny Hokkaido town takes top spot in livability survey

A recent survey by rental housing operator Daito Trust Construction has crowned a new champion: Higashikawa, a charming town in central Hokkaido. This small community, boasting a population of just 8,000, has soared to the top of the list for Japan's most comfortable municipalities. The online survey, released in August, revealed Higashikawa's impressive rise from 10th place last year. Residents and respondents likely cited the town's welcoming atmosphere and secure environment as crucial factors in its newfound ranking.

The Top 4 according to the survey:

1. Higashikawa, Hokkaidō
2. Chūō-ku, Tōkyō
3. Ashiya, Hyōgo
4. Nagakute, Aichi

Known for its natural landscapes and use of groundwater from the Daisetsuzan mountains for drinking water and sewage, Higashikawa has attracted new residents with its strong family and business support systems. "It's a great environment for raising children, and the natural groundwater is delicious," said one 46-year-old male freelancer who responded to the survey. "There are many stylish restaurants and volunteer activities, and it's always vibrant." The town ranked top in the "friendliness" category — which could be attributed to how inclusive it is to outsiders — in part due to its unique shareholder program, through which residents and people living outside the prefecture can contribute to community projects.

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Other notable municipalities that saw significant improvements in the rankings include the city of Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, which debuted in the top 10. Tsuzuki and Nishi wards in Yokohama also climbed into the top 20. Meanwhile, Fukuoka cemented its position as the most desirable place to live for the fifth year. Naha and Yokohama followed closely behind. The annual survey collected responses from over 183,000 residents across Japan and evaluated municipalities based on various factors such as transportation, safety, proximity to nature, child-rearing support, and local amenities.

The pictures on Google Maps certainly make it look nice. And it is clear that the town isn't quite so crowded, more room between buildings and, at least from the pictures, it seems less busy. The temperatures seem much nicer too, though I do admit that I prefer cooler climates to warmer ones.

Looks nice, but I could never live there. It's just way too rural for my taste.

I don't mind going rural but I guess they have like six months of snow up there.

thomas said:

I don't mind going rural but I guess they have like six months of snow up there.

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I'm from Northern Wisconsin, six months of winter used to be the normal season when I was growing up.
Also, I really like to ski, so there is that too.

Higashikawa-cho, Hokkaido may meet with a bear.
"News of the witness information of the bear.
In the neighborhood of forest of the Tuesday, May 7 around 12:30 wild bird (Nokanan) two bears (parent and child),
There was witness information (two) of one bear by 2, Higashi-12-gokita Line at around 14:10.
To live near by, the passed person, please be careful enough.
In addition, please let me know at the following when I witness a bear.
Higashikawa-cho agriculture promotion section agriculture and forestry business promotion room"