Top 10 Residential Areas in Hyogo Prefecture - Recommended for Foreigners
Sometimes called the “miniature Japan” because when in Hyogo, one can experience Japan’s various cultures and sceneries. For this reason, the prefecture has increased its popularity among both locals and foreigners. In addition, the number of foreigners residing in Hyogo has reached over 100,000 people in 2016, increasing the prefecture’s international atmosphere. In this article, we will introduce the top ten residential areas in Hyogo, recommended to foreigners.
1. Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi (Nishinomiya City) - Ranked best residential area for 5 years straight
Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi’s Characteristics
Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi has been ranked as the number one residential area in Kansai for five years in a row. Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station connects to Hankyu-Kobe Line which enables you to go to the heart of Osaka, Umeda, in only 20 minutes. In addition, nearby is Hankyu Nishinomiya Gardens, one of the biggest shopping centers in the west of Japan.Despite being affected by a big earthquake in 1995, recent reconstructions has transformed Nishinomiya City into a high-class residential area. In front of the station are tower apartments, and in walking distance is a relaxed neighborhood. Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi is highly recommended for those wanting to live in an area with high convenience.
Access to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station
From Kobe: From Kobe-Sannomiya Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Line to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station (25 minutes)
From Osaka: From Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Line to Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station (20 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi Station is approximately 369,800 yen per square meter.
2. Sannomiya (Kobe City) - The heart of Kobe City
Sannomiya’s Characteristics
Sannomiya is the center of Kobe City. Home to three “terminal stations - Kobe Station, Kobe-Sannomiya Station, and Sannomiya Station - everyday commuters transfer to various parts of Hyogo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Shops and restaurants surround the stations, making the area convenient and easy to live.The area is home to famous tourist spots such as the Sannomiya Center Shopping District and The Former Foreign Settlement of Kobe. Furthermore, the international atmosphere remains ever-present through locations such as Kitano Ijinkan and Nankinmachi.
Access to Kobe-Sannomiya Station
From Osaka: From Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Express Line (30 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Kobe-Sannomiya Station is approximately 1,226,000 yen per square meter.
3. Ashiya City - Home to Japan’s finest residential areas
Ashiya City’s Characteristics
Located between Kobe City and Nishinomiya City is Ashiya, a long and narrow city. There are two stations, one which connects to Hankyu-Kobe Line and the other to JR Kobe Line. Due to easy access inside Hyogo and neighboring prefectures, the city is known to be a “bed town” for commuters in Kobe and Kyoto.Ashiya City is also famous for its four high-class residential areas. Rokurokusocho is especially considered to be one of Japan’s finest neighborhoods. Ashiya is where a luxurious lifestyle can be obtained.
Access to Ashiya Station
From Kobe: From Kobe Station, take the JR Kobe Line to Ashiya Station (12 minutes)
From Osaka: From Osaka Station, take the JR Kobe Rapid Line to Ashiya Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Ashiya Station is approximately 393,000 yen per square meter.
4. Shukugawa (Nishinomiya City) - One of Japan’s famous spots for Sakura Trees
Shukugawa’s Characteristics
Shukugawa, known for being a famous Sakura spot, is located between Osaka and Kobe. In the spring, tourists and locals alike walk among the 1600 Sakura trees to bask in the nature. As business is prohibited in the area, you can have an undisturbed view of the beautiful scenery.In addition, Shukugawa is also a convenient area to live in. Transportation is not a worry due to nearby stations connected to Hankyu Line and JR Line. The area of Kurakuenguchi Station, one station away, is a famous residential neighborhood filled with nature and suitable for raising children. Shukugawa and its surrounding area is recommended for those who want to experience the beautiful nature of Japan.
Access to Shukugawa Station
Land Value
The average land value around Shukugawa Station is approximately 344,000 yen per square meter.
5. Takarazuka City - The birthplace of Japan’s all-women musical troupe
Takarazuka’s Characteristics
The streets of Takarazuka City is reminiscent of those in Europe. It houses the Takarazuka Grand Theater, the first theater for Japan’s all-women musical troupe the Takarazuka Revue, built in 1924 and continues to be of huge popularity to this day. Due to the theater and other tourist spots such as the Hananomichi Shopping District, the city is lively all year long. Takarazuka City is impressive in terms of living as well. There are peaceful high-class residential areas, near to stations connected to Hankyu-Takarazuka Main Line and JR Takarazuka Line, enabling you to go to Umeda in 45 minutes, and Nishinomiya-Kitaguchi in 15 minutes.
Access to Takarazuka
Land Value
The average land value around Takarazuka Station is approximately 161,000 yen per square meter.
6. Okamoto (Kobe City) - Hyogo’s Most Fashionable Area
Okamoto’s Characteristics
Despite being located inside Kobe City, Okamoto is famous for its tranquil residential neighborhood. Right in front of Okamoto Station is a fashionable shopping district, often visited by women. Proceed to the north, and you will encounter the tourist spot, Okamoto Plum Park (Bairin Kouen). Only twenty minutes from Umeda, and twelve minutes from central Kobe, Okamoto is increasing its popularity for being a fashionable residential area. Awaiting you is the natural environment reminiscent of the good-old days, perfectly blending with a new modern feel.
Access to Okamoto
From Kobe: From Kosoku-Kobe Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Rapid Line to Okamoto Station (12 minutes)
From Osaka: From Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Rapid Line to Okamoto Station (20 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Okamoto Station is approximately 439,000 yen per square meter.
7. Kawanishi-Noseguchi - An area filled with beautiful landmarks
Kawanishi-Noseguchi’s Characteristics
Kawanishi-Noesguchi is known for being a commuter town in Kawanishi City. Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station is connected to the Hankyu-Takarazuka Line and Nose Electric Railway, providing easy access to various areas in Kansai. Furthermore, the station is directly connected to Kawanishi-Ikeda Station which connects to the JR Takarazuka Line.The station’s surrounding is also convenient, where there are plenty of shops including a 24-hour supermarket. There are two nearby residential areas, Hibarigaoka Hanayashiki, a high-class neighborhood in the north, and one with beautiful houses built years ago in the south. Furthermore, you can experience a part of Japan’s history in places such as the Ikedashiroato Park and Satsukiyama Park, which are popular to foreigners.
Access to Kawanishi-Noseguchi
Land Value
The average land value around Kawanishi-Noseguchi Station is approximately 176,000 yen per square meter.
8. Tsukaguchi (Amagasaki City) - The perfect combination of city and country life
Tsukaguchi’s Characteristics
One of Tsukaguchi’s wonders is its incorporation of the charms of both the city side and country side. While the area of Tsukaguchi Station is rapidly developing by constructing commercial facilities, within walking distance are beautiful locations such as the Kamikasabe-Nishi Park and the Gogazuka Kofun (tombs).The ares is also popular as a residential area. Two highly convenient neighborhoods are in the north and south of Tsukaguchi Station. The south area is also near Amagasaki Station, which broadens your transportation options. Many education facilities surround the area, recommended for families currently raising a child.
Access to Tsukaguchi Station
From Kobe: From Kobe-Sannomiya Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Line to Tsukaguchi Station (30 minutes)
From Osaka: From Umeda Station, take the Hankyu-Kobe Main Line to Tsukaguchi Station (10 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Tsukaguchi Station is approximately 226,000 yen per square meter.
9. Mikage (Kobe City) - The best residential neighborhood of Kobe City
Mikage’s Characteristics
Mikage is one of Kobe City’s most popular residential areas. It is divided in two areas, one along the Hankyu Line (unofficially referred to as Hankyu-Mikage) and one along the Hanshin Line (unofficially referred to as Hanshin-Mikage). While the former is a high-class neighborhood, the latter is a downtown, cozy feel neighborhood. As Hankyu-Mikage is nearby the luxurious Yamate area, it consists of beautiful mansions and is suitable for those in the upper class. Hanshin-Mikage is surrounded by commercial facilities such as a large shopping center, making the area lively all year. Only 15 minutes from Kobe and 30 minutes from Osaka, you can live a luxurious and relaxed life nearby the big city.
Access to Mikage Station
Land Value
The average land value around Mikage Station is approximately 280,000 yen per square meter.
10. Itami City - The international entrance gate to Kansai
Itami City’s Characteristics
Located in Itami is the Osaka International Airport, making the city an entrance gate to Kansai for foreigners. The area is easily accessible not only by plane, but also by numerous trains and buses. A popular tourist spot is Koyaike Park, where you can see sakura trees and a variety of wild birds. As an airport is inside the city, noise might be perceived as a problem. However, there are actually very quiet neighborhoods. Umenoki is especially considered a high-class residential area, where the environment is tranquil. Furthermore, it is in the middle of Shin-Itami Station and Itami Station, providing access to different train lines. You will be able to have a comfortable lifestyle surrounded in nature.
Access to Itami Station
From Kobe: From Kobe-Sannomiya Station, take the JR Kobe Rapid Line to Amagasaki Station, transfer to either JR Tanbji Rapid Line or JR Takarazuka Line to Itami Station (30-40 minutes)
From Osaka: From Osaka Station, take the JR Takarazuka Line to Itami Station (15 minutes)
Land Value
The average land value around Itami Station is approximately 157,000 yen per square meter.
Conclusion
We have introduced the famous residential areas in Hyogo Prefecture. As there are a diverse range of areas with their own characteristics, you will surely find something new everyday. The next time you’re in Japan, why not take a trip to Hyogo?
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