This country is known for its very low crime rates, and healthcare system is universal and one of the best in the world.

In the past, the Japanese job market was not known as being welcoming to foreigners.

Nowadays, due to a declining population and a rise in international companies,

expats are finding more opportunities to work in the island nation with less stringent requirements.

Whether you're looking to move or already live here, these are the ten best places to live in Japan.

10. Sapporo.

Located on Japan's Hokkaido Island, Sapporo is the fifth-largest city in Japan, with a population of 2 million people.

This beautiful city has many parks, galleries, museums, and historic buildings.

It is a great place to visit, with all the trappings of a typical Japanese city.

The annual Sapporo Snow Festival draws in around 2 million tourists from abroad,

while it's also a major winter sports destination, with its mountainous backdrop, home to an array of slopes for skiing and snowboarding.

Since most of the citizens there don't speak English, you can work as an English teacher in numerous English conversation schools.

9. Kobe.

Kobe is one of Japan's largest cities, and is best known for its Kobe Beef.

The city is long and narrow, winding its way between mountains and coast.

Today, Kobe is considered the "Paris of Japan" for its fashion scene.

It's also known for its Kobe Port Tower and promenade with a Ferris wheel and the Arima Onsen hot springs.

The city also has a vibrant shopping, dining, and club scene.

Kobe has many communities of foreigners, with a long history as an international city, has a compact business area and residential area, and is highly convenient and easy to live in.

Expatriates wanting to work in Kobe will need a work permit.

Work permits are also issued to foreigners that have already secured work in Kobe.

8. Fukuoka.

This city is surrounded by mountains on all three sides and by Hakata Bay on the fourth side.

Fukuoka is a charming city to live in, for its low cost of living, vibrant nightlife, and high accessibility.

For those who want to experience Japan, Fukuoka is the right choice as it has fewer foreigners than Osaka or Tokyo.

There's also a great balance of convenience and nature.

If you're planning to start your own business when moving to Japan,

Fukuoka is definitely the perfect area as it is considered Japan's "startup city".

7. Sendai.

Home to one of the country's most famous festivals, Tanabata Festival, every year, Sendai's leafy streets are crowded with people who have come to enjoy traditional sparrow dance.

With a lively nightlife scene and an ancient castle with lovely gardens, Sendai is a pleasant place to visit and even nicer place to live.

From here, you can also head to the nearby hot springs or to Matsushima, which has one of the best views in Japan.

Sendai is relatively affordable.

You can live in a good area in the city for only $800 per month.

6. Yokohama.

Yokohama is another must-see and must-live city in Japan.

Lying on a lovely bay, this city is a cosmopolitan destination, with a large foreign community, different architectural styles, and delicious cuisine from around the world.

Like Tokyo, Yokohama is a big city and populous but offers a low cost of living.

The city is not as crowded as Tokyo, and boasts of many traditional gardens, parks, museums, and art galleries.

Another good thing about Yokohama is it's close to many other modern cities and the sea.

5. Osaka.

The second-largest metropolitan center in Japan is Osaka.

Many foreigners also consider living here for the warm and friendly atmosphere.

Transportation in Osaka is excellent.

Although the subways can get very crowded in rush hour, the services are frequent and delays are rare.

This city has a lower cost of living compared to Tokyo, but has fewer job opportunities.

Although there may be fewer job opportunities for foreigners in Osaka, life quality is still exceptional.

Locals and foreigners have unlimited opportunities to learn about Osaka's history through temples and the famous Osaka Castle.

4. Okinawa.

This city is blessed with an abundance of sightseeing and resort resources,

especially as tourism grows and the Okinawan economy is relying more on the service industry.

Okinawa has a rich, natural environment and subtropical oceanic climate.

It attracts more than 8 million visitors a year, making it the center of tourism in Japan.

Most jobs are limited to teaching English, either at a private or public school.

Okinawa is very reasonable, especially when you consider the fact that you're never further than 3.5 miles away from a tropical ocean.

The total cost of living is around $1,600 in Okinawa.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $800 per month.

3. Hiroshima.

Located in Southwest Japan, Hiroshima is a historical city.

Over the years, it has become a top destination to live in,

thanks to its beautiful landscape, surrounded by the sea and mountains, rivers and plains, plus its mild and pleasant climate.

As a major industrial hub, Hiroshima is one of the country's most important economies, providing many opportunities to everyone.

There are many historical and cultural assets, including national treasures and many natural scenic spots in and around the city.

2. Kyoto.

If you wish to connect with Japan's history and culture, moving to Kyoto is the best option.

Kyoto has the highest concentration of cultural treasure in Japan.

It used to be the Emperor's home and Japan's capital from 749-1896.

For tourists, traveling to Kyoto is traveling to old Japan.

Living in Kyoto means you will be living closest to nature and history.

There are a lot of ancient monuments that have been listed as World Heritage Sites as well.

You also get to live closer to the mountains; you will be spending the rural life in scenic places.

The cost of living in Kyoto is much cheaper than in Tokyo.

Estimated living costs are, on average, about $1,700 per month.

1. Tokyo.

Tokyo is the capital of Japan, and one of the safest cities in the world.

You can find a lot of high-paying job opportunities in Tokyo.

And since Tokyo is the most accessible and popular to foreigners, most of the population can read and speak in English as well.

Living in Tokyo also makes it easier for you to reach other areas in Japan.

And there are parks and temples around to visit and take a break on a busy day.

The only downside of Tokyo living is, the cost of housing can be quite expensive.

Tokyo also has a low crime rate and a highly impressive discipline that will make you want to move in.