2025 Kansai City Ranking: Where Do You Want to Live?
Umeda, located in Kita-ku, Osaka City, attracted attention in the 2025 Kansai City Rankings for Most Desirable Places to Live. This city, which has topped the list for four consecutive years, is highly rated in all aspects, including commuting, shopping, and leisure. Redevelopment in particular has refined the cityscape, further improving convenience and comfort. It is also a key transportation hub where JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and Osaka Metro lines intersect, making it easily accessible from neighboring prefectures.
In this chapter, we will thoroughly explain the details of the ranking and why Umeda is chosen.
The most desirable place to live in Kansai right now is Umeda
Umeda in Osaka Prefecture, which was ranked number one in the Kansai edition of the city rankings for most people wanting to live, is a particularly popular area in the Kansai region. As the center of Osaka, it has excellent transportation access and is very convenient for commuting to work or school.
There are also many department stores and shopping malls, making it suitable for a wide range of needs, from everyday shopping to special occasion outings. High-rise apartment buildings are also being built in the redeveloped areas, and the improved living environment is also a point of praise. It is truly an ideal city where convenience and urban comfort coexist.
The reasons for its popularity are its convenient transportation, shopping environment, and redevelopment.
The reasons why Umeda is so popular in the rankings of places to live in Kansai can be summed up in three main points: "transport convenience," "shopping environment," and "redevelopment." As a terminal station with multiple lines, it is convenient to go anywhere and has good access to the entire Kansai region.
There are also plenty of commercial facilities, such as Hankyu Department Store and Grand Front Osaka, so you'll have no trouble finding something to buy. Furthermore, redevelopment has refined the entire area, and the convenience of living is increasing year by year, which is another reason for its high reputation. It's perfect for those seeking urban living.
Top 5 cities to live in in 2025
The 2025 Kansai Edition Top 5 City Ranking for Desirable Places to Live has been announced. Osaka's Umeda took first place for the fourth consecutive year, followed by Nishinomiya Kitaguchi, Kobe Sannomiya, Tennoji, and Kyoto City. These cities are highly rated for a variety of factors, including transportation access, living environment, education, culture, and shopping.
For those considering moving to Kansai or looking for an area that offers a good balance of convenience and comfort, knowing the characteristics of these popular areas can be a great hint when choosing a home.
No. 1: The charm of Umeda
Umeda, ranked number one in the Kansai edition of the 2025 ranking of the most desirable places to live, is overwhelmingly popular as the heart of Osaka. Major JR, private railway, and subway lines converge here, making it convenient for commuting to work, school, and outings. There are also plenty of commercial facilities, such as Hankyu and Hanshin department stores and Grand Front Osaka, which add color to your life.
Furthermore, redevelopment has expanded the sophisticated urban space, making it an attractive and comfortable living environment despite being in the city center. This is truly an ideal residential area, where convenience and urban functions are combined at a high level.
2nd place: Characteristics of Nishinomiya Kitaguchi
Nishinomiya Kitaguchi, ranked second, is located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is attractive for its convenient location with easy access to both Osaka and Kobe. It is located at the junction of the Hankyu Kobe Line and Imazu Line, making it extremely convenient for commuting to work or school.
The area around the station is highly rated for its ease of living, with plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, and public facilities. It's also known as an educational district, and its well-developed educational environment makes it popular with families. It's a well-balanced neighborhood that combines convenience with a quiet, peaceful residential area.
3rd place: Convenience of Kobe Sannomiya
Kobe Sannomiya is a popular area in the heart of Kobe, one of the leading port cities in the Kansai region. It is a key transportation hub where JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and the municipal subway lines intersect, and it also offers smooth access to Osaka and Kansai Airport.
The area is also attractive for its stylish streets, including the Motomachi and former foreign settlement areas, and for its abundance of shopping and gourmet spots. Redevelopment has made the areas around the stations even more sophisticated, and the high level of convenience for work, life, and play is a factor in its high ranking.
4th place: Tennoji's living environment
Tennoji, known as one of the most livable areas in Osaka City, is an area with excellent transportation access, with JR, subway, and Kintetsu lines available. Redevelopment centered around Abeno Harukas has brought together commercial facilities, medical institutions, cultural facilities, and more, significantly improving the comfort of daily life.
With natural beauty such as Tennoji Zoo and Tennoji Park, the area is also popular with families raising children. This area, which harmonizes urban functions with a lush green environment, is popular with a wide range of people, from working people to families.
5th place: Cultural attractions of Kyoto City
Ranked fifth, Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture is the renowned cultural and historical center of Japan. Its charm lies in its atmospheric streets and seasonal scenery, unique to an ancient capital. Traditional lifestyles coexist with modern urban functions, making it highly regarded not only as a tourist destination but also as a place to live. It is also home to many universities and research institutes, creating an intellectual and relaxed atmosphere that is another attraction.
The subway and bus networks are also well developed, making it easy to travel to various parts of the city. It is the perfect city for those who want to experience culture in their daily lives. It is also conveniently located near Shiga Prefecture.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
City Livability Ranking 2025 [Kansai Municipalities Edition]
The 2025 "Livability Ranking of Kansai Municipalities" uses everyday comforts such as ease of living, a sense of security, and convenience as evaluation criteria. Cities in Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture rank highly, with municipalities that achieved a particularly good balance between education, public safety, and the natural environment receiving high marks. For those who wish to continue living in Kansai for the long term, the "livability" of a city is an important indicator.
In this chapter, we will introduce the appeal of the municipalities that made it into the top four rankings, along with their specific characteristics and living environment.
1st place: Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture
The city of Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture came in first in the 2025 livability rankings. Known as an upscale residential area, it is attractive for its quiet and well-organized streets, good public safety, and high level of education.
In addition, the area is easily accessible via three lines: Hanshin, JR, and Hankyu, offering excellent access to Osaka and Kobe. The lush greenery around the Ashiya River and the abundance of cultural facilities also support a rich lifestyle. It is especially popular among families and high-income earners seeking a tranquil life in a refined neighborhood.
2nd place: Tennoji Ward, Osaka City
Tennoji Ward, highly rated as a comfortable place to live in Osaka City, is an area that combines urban convenience with a peaceful living environment. The abundance of commercial facilities and medical facilities centered around Abeno Harukas improves the quality of life. In addition, the proximity of history and nature, such as Tennoji Park and Shitennoji Temple, adds to the appeal of enjoying a cultural lifestyle.
The area also has excellent transportation access, with access to multiple lines including the subway, JR, and Kintetsu, making it a popular choice for a wide range of people, from single people to families.
3rd place: Minoh City
Located in northern Osaka Prefecture, Minoh City is popular as a livable municipality with a good balance between natural environment and urban functions. The city is home to Minoh Falls and lush green mountains, allowing you to live a relaxed life while enjoying the changing seasons.
The area also boasts a well-developed educational environment and child-rearing support, making it popular with families. The extension of the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line has further improved accessibility, making commuting to the city center convenient. This is the perfect area for those seeking a quiet residential area and nature.
4th place: Nishinomiya City
Nishinomiya City in Hyogo Prefecture is a popular area that ranks highly every year for its livability. Located in the Hanshin area, it is in an excellent location with easy access to both Osaka and Kobe. With a well-developed educational environment, it is known as a city of culture and is characterized by a high rate of permanent residence, especially among families.
The area is rich in nature, and the views of Shukugawa Park and the Rokko Mountains provide a soothing atmosphere in everyday life. The area offers an excellent balance of convenience, safety, and educational standards, making it a popular place to live for the long term.
Ranking of cities where people want to rent and live, and cities where people want to buy and live
The rankings for "Cities Where You Want to Rent and Live" and "Cities Where You Want to Buy and Live" in the Kansai area are based on criteria such as the comfort of the living environment, rent and property prices, and transportation convenience.
In the 2025 edition, Esaka, Demachiyanagi, and Sannomiya were popular among those looking to rent, while Himeji, Tennoji, and Sakaisuji Honmachi were popular among those looking to buy. Each city has its own appeal to suit different lifestyles, making it a popular area for both singles and families. Here we will introduce their characteristics in detail.
Top 3 cities to rent and live in
The top three cities where people would like to live and rent an apartment or condominium are Esaka, Demachiyanagi, and Sannomiya.
Esaka
Esaka, located in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, is a connecting station for the Midosuji Subway Line and the Kita-Osaka Kyuko Line, and is attractive for its easy access to Umeda and Honmachi. The area is popular with singles and couples, with plenty of commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, making it highly convenient for daily life. The area is also relatively safe, with a plentiful supply of rental apartments. With a well-balanced mix of business districts and residential areas, it's the perfect rental area for those seeking a tranquil lifestyle near the city center.
Demachiyanagi
Located in Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Demachiyanagi is a terminal station on the Keihan Electric Railway and is a popular area among students due to its proximity to Kyoto University and Doshisha University. In addition, the area is attractive for its natural surroundings, including the Kamo River and Kamo River, making it a popular choice among working adults seeking a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. Access to both the Keihan Electric Railway and the Eizan Electric Railway is easy, providing smooth access to central Kyoto. Average rents are also lower than in the center, making for a cost-effective rental lifestyle.
Sannomiya
Sannomiya, the heart of Kobe, is an extremely convenient area served by four lines: JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and the subway. Home to shopping malls, offices, and restaurants, the area is bustling with activity day and night. With a wide range of options, from properties for singles to families, it's the perfect area for those who prioritize convenience. Another plus is that the sea and mountains are nearby, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery that is characteristic of Kobe. It's a popular rental spot that combines ease of living with a stylish cityscape.
Top 3 cities to buy and live in
The top three cities where people would like to buy a house or apartment and live are Himeji, Tennoji, and Sakaisuji Honmachi.
Himeji
Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture is undergoing redevelopment centered around Himeji Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and the improvement of the living environment is attracting attention. While it is a historic city home to the national treasure Himeji Castle, it also has a high level of commercial facilities and convenient transportation, making it a popular and well-balanced city. Land prices are also relatively reasonable compared to Osaka and Kobe, making it attractive for those considering purchasing a detached house or condominium. With a good selection of educational institutions and medical facilities, it is also an ideal area for those raising children.
Tennoji
Located in Abeno Ward, Osaka City, Tennoji has become increasingly popular among those looking to purchase condominiums, as redevelopment has significantly improved its livability. Home to large facilities such as Abeno Harukas and Tennoji Park, the area offers an environment where commerce, culture, and nature coexist. It's also a terminal station with access to JR, subway, and Kintetsu lines, making travel within and outside Osaka Prefecture convenient. This is a noteworthy area for homebuyers, as asset value can be expected to maintain over the long term.
Sakaisuji Honmachi
Sakaisuji Honmachi is located in Osaka's Chuo Ward, and while it has a strong image as a business district, in recent years it has also been attracting attention as a residential area due to the rapid development of condominiums. The Sakaisuji and Chuo subway lines are accessible, providing excellent access to major areas such as Honmachi, Namba, and Umeda. The area also has a well-developed infrastructure, with an abundant supply of compact condominiums for singles and DINKs. As it offers both convenience and comfort while living in the city center, it is popular with prospective buyers who prioritize asset value.
Search for a room
Only furnished properties with appliances are listed!
Checkpoints when looking for a place to live in Kansai
When choosing a city to live in in Kansai, it is important to carefully consider factors that directly affect your daily life, such as rent, transportation, child-rearing, medical care, and shopping. Each area in major metropolitan areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe has its own distinctive features, and the best city will vary depending on your family structure and lifestyle.
Here we explain three key points to help you find a home in Kansai. This will help you choose a city you won't regret, whether you're living in Kansai for the first time or considering moving.
Average rent and transportation access
When choosing a city in the Kansai region, the first thing to consider is the average rent and transportation access. While central Osaka and Kyoto are highly convenient, rent tends to be more expensive.
On the other hand, there are many areas in Nara, Shiga, and the suburbs of Osaka Prefecture where rents are low, and there are also many places that are accessible within an hour of commuting. In the Kansai region, where there are many lines such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan, and Osaka Metro, the convenience of the nearest station determines the comfort of life.
Whether you are renting or buying, it is important to consider the balance between rent and accessibility.
Child-rearing and educational environment
For families with children, the city's educational environment and the level of its child-rearing support system are major factors when choosing a city to live in. For example, Nishinomiya City and Minoh City are popular due to the academic standards of their public schools and their good public safety.
Additionally, in Osaka and Kyoto, there are differences between municipalities in terms of the availability of licensed daycare centers and the number of child-rearing support facilities, so prior research is essential. Furthermore, the availability of libraries, parks, and the activity of the local community are also important indicators of how easy it is to raise children.
Shopping and medical facilities
The shopping environment and the availability of medical facilities are also important factors that affect the comfort of daily life. Cities with many supermarkets and drugstores near the station make life convenient even on busy days.
In addition, having a general hospital or clinic nearby is a major source of peace of mind, especially for families with small children or elderly people. Cities with well-equipped medical and commercial facilities, not only in urban areas such as Umeda and Tennoji but also in suburban residential areas, tend to have higher levels of life satisfaction.
Summary: Key points and trends when choosing a city to live in in Kansai
When choosing a city to live in in the Kansai region, it's important to consider three key factors: transportation convenience, living environment, and future prospects. This article provides a list of popular areas based on the latest 2025 ranking of desirable cities, using aggregated data.
Properties near train stations and areas undergoing redevelopment are highly rated for both convenience and asset value, and consistently rank highly. Cities with good natural environments, public safety, and educational infrastructure also tend to be popular among families.
To find a city that suits your lifestyle and values, check out the latest rankings and local characteristics to help you choose a room you won't regret.
Locations near stations, redevelopment, and natural environments are popular
Looking at the ranking trends for 2025, cities that are "close to stations," "undergoing redevelopment," and "coexist with nature" are often seen at the top. Redevelopment areas such as Umeda and Tennoji are becoming increasingly popular due to improved convenience and urban aesthetics.
On the other hand, cities like Ashiya and Minoh, which are rich in nature and have a calm environment, are also gaining support from families with children and those considering a second life. Cities that strike a good balance between urban functions and nature are likely to continue to be popular areas.
Be sure to check out the latest trends in cities that are attracting attention
It's important to pay attention not only to the top rankings, but also to the trends of towns that are expected to grow in the future. For example, areas currently undergoing redevelopment, such as Nakazakicho, Katsura, and Daikokucho, are not yet well known, but are experiencing rapid growth due to infrastructure development and the supply of new apartments.
Furthermore, development news such as plans for railway extensions and the opening of large commercial facilities also have a significant impact on the value of a city. Choosing a home with an eye to future potential is also a wise choice.
