What is the best place in Japan to live and work?

Question

I am planning to move to Japan next year, I am computer programmer developing business software. I would like to know the best place to live and work in my profession. Although I am a programmer, I don’t consider myself a geek. In another words I like to party meet people have fun and that’s what I am looking for in Japan. Since I do not know much about Japan, I am starting to plan now, doing some research on where in Japan would be a good place to start. Can anyone share their thoughts?

Answer 1

Well, Tokyo is a good place to start as it is the metropolitan city and you might be easier to find jobs that fits you perfectly.

For place to live, nobody live in the exact downtown area as it is too crowded (hard to sleep at night) due to excessive sounds (dink dunk donk - if you know what i mean). You might be better off on a bit outside of Tokyo downtown area, look for place in Ueno, Ebisu, start with those two as they have excellent subway system which will come handy for your work purpose

Answer 2

No matter where you come from, Tokyo is the best place for American comp programmer. You can go snowboard to north in Winter if you want.

You can't take any opportunity to have fun after 5 if you stay country side to dull daily life.

In Tokyo, using train, metro and bus you can go anywhere even by midnight. Trains start to run before 5AM there.

Go east or north from center of Tokyo if you look for economical living life and on the contrary west or south you have to pay much more to live basically. Security is almost even at anywhere except night towns such as limited area of Roppongi

Answer 3

I think you should start thinking which one of Tokyo and rural Japan is better for you. Here is some thought.

Tokyo:

more jobs

more opportunity to meet people

Rent is higher

more crowded

rural Japan:

less jobs

less people

rent is lower

not crowded

You can check the website.

http://www.japan-guide.com/

Addition:

Oh, you are from Alaska!

There are some "not good places" in Tokyo. But it's not good ONLY because it's expensive. It's the center of Tokyo that it's too expensive for workers to live.

There is NO place in Tokyo which are like, too dangerous or too filthy. You can live comfortably no matter where in Tokyo you live.

Answer 4

Start with Tokyo- everything is right here and its much easier to get settled and more support networks for foreigners. You can always move somewhere else later when you have more of an idea of what you want.

lots of good living info and tips on Gaijinpot website