Where to Buy Property in Japan: Top Rural Towns to Live in Japan
Japan’s "Best Rural Towns to Live Ranking in 2025”
The 13th Annual "Best Rural Towns to Live In" Ranking is a comprehensive guide published by Takarajimasha in their magazine, Inaka Gurashi no Hon. This ranking evaluates rural municipalities across Japan, offering valuable insights for individuals considering a countryside lifestyle, including international property buyers.
100 Best Places to Live in Japan 2025
What is "Inaka"?
The word "inaka" (田舎) in Japanese refers to rural or countryside areas. It contrasts with Japan's urban centers, offering more space, lower costs, and a slower pace of life. Many people in Japan and abroad are now considering inaka living due to the rising cost of city life and the desire for a closer connection to nature.
Where Does the Data Come From?
The ranking is compiled based on surveys sent to over 1,700 municipalities in Japan, with 587 responding in the latest edition. The ranking considers:
Property affordability and availability
Population trends (growth, stability, or decline)
Local support for migration and relocation
Infrastructure, medical services, and job opportunities
Community and lifestyle factors
Ranking Categories: Breaking It Down
To provide tailored information, the ranking is divided into two main classification systems: population size and demographic appeal.
Population-Based Groups:
Villages – Smallest municipalities, often remote and deeply rural.
Towns under 10,000 residents – Small communities with tight-knit living.
Towns over 10,000 residents – Slightly larger towns with improved infrastructure.
Cities under 30,000 residents – A balance of countryside and urban convenience.
Cities between 30,000-50,000 residents – Midsized urban centers with essential services.
Cities between 50,000-100,000 residents – Larger towns offering diverse amenities.
Cities between 100,000-200,000 residents – Significant urbanized areas with major infrastructure.
Cities over 200,000 residents – The largest considered in this ranking, providing rural benefits with city convenience.
Demographic-Based Categories:
Overall Ranking (総合部門): Evaluates general livability for all residents.
Young People/Single Individuals (若者世代・単身者部門): Focuses on career opportunities, social life, and affordability.
Child-Rearing Families (子育て世代部門): Highlights education, safety, and family-friendly policies.
Senior Citizens (シニア世代部門): Prioritizes healthcare, accessibility, and community support.
Why the Overall Ranking is Best for International Buyers
For international property buyers, the Overall Ranking is the most relevant. Unlike demographic-specific rankings, this category provides a comprehensive evaluation of livability, making it the best reference for a wide range of needs.
Comprehensive Evaluation: It assesses property prices, infrastructure, healthcare, and essential services, which are key for buyers unfamiliar with rural Japan.
Balanced Perspective: Ensures listed towns are not overly focused on one demographic, providing a well-rounded environment for newcomers.
Simplified Decision-Making: Instead of sorting through categories designed for local preferences, buyers can rely on a broad and inclusive selection of ideal rural areas.
Top 10 Locations in the 13th Annual "Best Rural Towns to Live In" Ranking (Overall Category)
Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture
Tabayama Village, Yamanashi Prefecture
Sakae, Nagano Prefecture
Yufu City, Oita Prefecture
Bungotakada City, Oita Prefecture
Shimokitayama, Nara Prefecture
Agematsu Town, Nagano Prefecture
Nishihara Village, Kumamoto Prefecture
Ojika Town, Nagasaki Prefecture
Saku City, Nagano Prefecture
Outcomes and Regional Trends
Looking at the ranking results, some trends were expected, while others came as a surprise:
Nagano Prefecture remains a stronghold for rural living, with its mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, and relatively convenient access to major cities like Tokyo and Nagoya.
Fukuoka and Oita Prefecture’s continued popularity highlights the appeal of Kyushu, where warmer climates, affordability, and strong infrastructure make rural living more accessible.
An interesting trend this year was the high number of ranked areas along the Ehime coastline near Matsuyama. While Shikoku isn’t typically a first-choice location for buyers, its affordability and coastal charm seem to be drawing attention.
The biggest surprise was the strong showing of towns along the Fukushima coast. Given its history with the 2011 disaster, it’s great to see that redevelopment efforts have made it an increasingly attractive place to live.
What do you think about these results? Are there any locations that stood out to you? Let me know your thoughts in the comments!
Food for Though: Foreign Investment vs. Local Buyers
As more international buyers look to purchase property in Japan, it's important to consider how this might impact local communities. Many Japanese people are also looking to relocate or invest in rural areas, especially as teleworking and lifestyle shifts make inaka living more appealing.
Foreign investment in real estate has historically brought both opportunities and challenges. For example, in Australia, Chinese real estate investment has driven up property prices, making it harder for local buyers to afford homes. While Japan's rural property market is still relatively open, a surge in international interest could influence pricing and availability over time.
This isn't necessarily a negative development—foreign investment can help revitalize declining areas. However, it's worth thinking about how this trend may shape Japan’s countryside in the future.
What are your thoughts? Do you think increased international property buying will be a positive or negative change for Japan’s rural areas?
Get the Top 100 Full List: My Interactive Property Map for the Top 100 Towns
Top 100 Countryside Property Locations 2025 on My Map
For those interested in exploring more options, I have created a Google My Map featuring all 100 top-ranked towns in the Overall Category. This interactive map includes:
Pinned locations of each town/city
Detailed descriptions about the town’s pros and cons for foreign buyers
Nearby attractions and amenities
Property price trends and accessibility
Example Entry from the Map:
1. Sakai Town, Ibaraki Prefecture
A small town near Tokyo (about 60 km away) with low land prices and a rural atmosphere. Easy access to Tokyo and Narita Airport makes it a convenient option for those wanting space without losing city access. The town is developing, but foreign-language support is limited.
Pros for International Buyers:
Short travel time from Tokyo (about 1 hour by car)
Mild climate with no heavy snow
Lower cost than Tokyo suburbs while still offering urban access
Attractions:
Edo-era Sekiyado Castle
Tone River cycling paths and waterfront parks
Kashiwa-no-ha Park, a large nature space nearby
Example description
If you want to explore all 100 towns and make an informed decision about where to buy, check out the full map!
This ranking is a valuable tool for any international buyer looking to find property in Japan. Instead of searching randomly, use this data-backed list to discover towns with real potential for your dream home in Japan’s beautiful countryside!
Want my map of location recommendations? I’ve plotted my own Top 21 locations to buy property in Japan with the international buyer in mind.
