2025 Kansai Edition: Ranking of the Most Desirable Cities to Live in | What's the No. 1 City?

Umeda, located in Kita-ku, Osaka City, attracted attention in the 2025 Kansai City Ranking of 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 has particularly refined the cityscape, further improving convenience and comfort. It is also a key transportation hub where JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and Osaka Metro lines intersect, and it is 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 ranking of the most desirable places to live, is a particularly popular area in the Kansai region. As the center of Osaka, it has excellent transportation access and is convenient for commuting to work or school.

There are also many department stores and shopping malls, making it possible to do a wide range of things, from everyday shopping to special occasions. High-rise apartment buildings have been built in redeveloped areas, and the living environment has also improved. 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 people want 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 will never run out of things to buy. Furthermore, redevelopment has refined the entire town, and the convenience of living there is increasing year by year, which is also behind its high evaluation. It is ideal for those who want to live an urban lifestyle.

Top 5 cities to live in in 2025

The top 5 Kansai cities to live in for 2025 have been announced. In first place for the fourth consecutive year was Umeda in Osaka, 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 relocating to the Kansai region or those looking for an area that offers a good balance of convenience and comfort, knowing the characteristics of these popular areas will provide a great hint when choosing a home.

No.1: The charm of Umeda

Umeda, ranked first in the 2025 Kansai edition of the city rankings, is the center of Osaka and has overwhelming support. Major JR, private railway, and subway lines converge here, making it convenient for commuting to work, school, and outings. There are also many 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 place to live in despite being in the city center. It is truly an ideal residential area, combining convenience and urban functions at a high level.

2nd place: Characteristics of Nishinomiya Kitaguchi

Ranked second, Nishinomiya Kitaguchi is located in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is attractive for its convenient 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.

There are plenty of shopping malls, restaurants, and public facilities around the station, and it is highly rated for its ease of living. In addition, it is known as an educational district, and its well-developed educational environment makes it popular with families. It is a well-balanced town that combines convenience with a quiet, peaceful residential area.

3rd place: Convenience of Kobe Sannomiya

"Kobe Sannomiya" is an area that is always popular as the center 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 intersect, and it also has smooth access to Osaka and Kansai Airport.

Other attractions include the fashionable streets of Motomachi and the former settlement area, as well as the 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 the reason for the area's high ranking.

4th place: Tennoji's living environment

Tennoji, which has a reputation for being 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 facilities, cultural facilities, and more, greatly improving the comfort of daily life.

The area is also popular with families with children, thanks to its natural surroundings such as Tennoji Zoo and Tennoji Park. This area, which combines 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

Kyoto City in Kyoto Prefecture, ranked 5th, is the well-known cultural and historical center of Japan. Its charm lies in its atmospheric streets and seasonal scenery that can only be found in an ancient capital. Traditional life and modern urban functions coexist, and the city is highly regarded not only as a tourist destination but also as a place to live. There are also many universities and research institutes, and the city has an intellectual and relaxed atmosphere that is also an attraction.

In addition, the subway and bus networks are 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.

City Livability Ranking 2025 [Kansai Municipalities]

The 2025 "Kansai Municipalities Ranking of Cities Where Livability Is the Best" is based on the criteria for everyday comfort, such as ease of living, sense of security, and convenience. Cities in Hyogo Prefecture and Osaka Prefecture rank highly, with municipalities that have a good balance between education, public safety, and the natural environment receiving particularly high marks. For those who want to live in Kansai for a long time, a city's "livability" 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 features and living environments.

1st place: Ashiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

The city of Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture came in first in the 2025 livability ranking. 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, three lines, Hanshin, JR, and Hankyu, are available, providing good 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 with families and high-income earners who are looking for a relaxed life in a refined town.

2nd place: Tennoji Ward, Osaka City

Tennoji Ward, which has a high reputation for being 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 area is close to history and nature such as Tennoji Park and Shitennoji Temple, making it an attractive place to enjoy a cultural lifestyle.

The area also has good transportation access, with multiple lines available, including the subway, JR, and Kintetsu. It is a popular choice for a wide range of people, from single people to families.

3rd place: Minoh City

Minoh City, located in the northern part of Osaka Prefecture, 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 mountains, and you can live a relaxed life while enjoying the changing seasons.

In addition, the area has a well-developed educational environment and childcare 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 an ideal area for those who want 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. It has a good educational environment and is known as a city of culture, and is characterized by a high rate of settlement, especially among families.

There is a lot of nature, and the scenery of Shukugawa Park and the Rokko mountain range provides a sense of relaxation in your daily life. The area has an excellent balance of convenience, safety, and educational standards, making it a popular place to live for a long time.

Ranking of cities where people want to rent and live/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/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 town has its own appeal to suit different lifestyles, making it a popular area for singles and families alike. Here we will introduce their characteristics in detail.

Top 3 cities to rent and live in

The top three cities where people want to rent an apartment or condominium are Esaka, Demachiyanagi, and Sannomiya.

Esaka

Esaka, located in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture, is a connecting station between the Midosuji subway line and the Kita-Osaka Kyuko line, and is attractive for its good access to Umeda and Honmachi. There are plenty of commercial facilities and restaurants around the station, and it is very convenient for daily life, so it is popular with single people and couples. The area is relatively safe, and there is a plentiful supply of rental apartments. With a well-balanced mix of office and residential areas, it is an ideal rental area for those looking for a calm life 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 town among students as it is close to Kyoto University and Doshisha University. In addition, the area is also attractive for its rich natural environment, including the Kamo River and Kamo River, and is also chosen by working adults looking for a quiet and peaceful lifestyle. Two lines, the Keihan Electric Railway and the Eizan Electric Railway, are accessible, providing smooth access to central Kyoto. Average rent is also lower than in the center, making for a cost-effective rental lifestyle.

Sannomiya

Sannomiya, the center of Kobe, is an extremely convenient area served by four lines: JR, Hankyu, Hanshin, and the subway. It is bustling with activity day and night, with shopping malls, offices, and restaurants. With a wide range of options from single-person to family-type properties, it is the perfect area for those who value convenience. Another plus is that it is close to the sea and mountains, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful scenery that is characteristic of Kobe. It is a popular rental spot that combines ease of living with a stylish streetscape.

Top 3 cities to buy and live in

The top three cities where people would like to buy a house or condominium and live are Himeji, Tennoji, and Sakaisuji Honmachi.

Himeji

Himeji City in Hyogo Prefecture is undergoing redevelopment around Himeji Station, where the Shinkansen stops, and the improvement of the living environment is attracting attention. Although it is a historic city that is home to the national treasure Himeji Castle, it is also highly convenient for commercial facilities and transportation, making it a well-balanced city that is popular. Land prices are also relatively reasonable compared to Osaka and Kobe, making it attractive for those considering purchasing a detached house or condominium. There are also educational institutions and medical facilities in place, making it an ideal area for those raising children.

Tennoji

Located in Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Tennoji has become much more livable through redevelopment, and is becoming increasingly popular among those looking to purchase condominiums. With large facilities such as Abeno Harukas and Tennoji Park, the area has an environment where commerce, culture, and nature coexist. It is also a terminal station where JR, subway, and Kintetsu lines can be used, making it convenient for travel within and outside Osaka Prefecture. This is a popular area to purchase a home, as you can expect your asset value to maintain even in the long term.

Sakaisuji Honmachi

Sakaisuji Honmachi is located in Osaka City'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 with the development of condominiums. The area is accessible via the Sakaisuji and Chuo subway lines, and has excellent access to major areas such as Honmachi, Namba, and Umeda. The area also has a rich infrastructure for daily life, with an abundant supply of compact condominiums for singles and DINKs. As it is possible to live in the city center while enjoying both convenience and comfort, it is popular with buyers who value asset value.

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 the factors that directly affect your daily life, such as rent, transportation, childcare, medical care, and shopping. In major metropolitan areas such as Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe, each area has its own distinctive features, and the best city for you will vary depending on your family structure and lifestyle.

Here we explain three main points that will be useful when searching for a home in Kansai. This will provide hints for those who are living in Kansai for the first time or considering relocating to the area, so that they can choose a city they won't regret.

Average rent and transportation access

When choosing a city in the Kansai region, the first thing to look at is the average rent and transportation access. In central Osaka and Kyoto, rent tends to be higher because of their convenience.

On the other hand, there are many areas with low rent in the suburbs of Nara, Shiga, and Osaka Prefecture, and many places that are accessible within an hour's commute. In the Kansai region, which has many lines such as JR, Hankyu, Keihan, and Osaka Metro, the convenience of the nearest station determines the comfort of your life.

Whether you are renting or buying, it is important to consider the balance between rent and accessibility.

Childrearing and Educational Environment

For families with children, the city's educational environment and the level of its childcare support system are major points to consider 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.

In addition, in Osaka and Kyoto, there are differences between municipalities in terms of the availability of licensed daycare centers and the number of childcare support facilities, so it is essential to do research in advance. Furthermore, libraries, parks, and the lively local community are also important indicators for measuring the ease of raising children.

Shopping and medical facilities

"Shopping environment" and "medical facilities" are also factors that affect the comfort of daily life. Towns 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 great 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 high levels of life satisfaction.

Summary | Points and trends for choosing a "city to live in" in Kansai

When choosing a city to live in in the Kansai region, it is important to consider three things: transportation convenience, living environment, and future prospects. This article provides a list of popular areas based on the 2025 ranking of the most desirable places to live, using aggregated data.

Properties near train stations and areas undergoing redevelopment are highly rated in terms of both convenience for living and asset value, and are always ranked highly. Cities with good natural environments, public safety, and educational infrastructure also tend to be popular with 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 train stations, redeveloped areas, and natural environments are popular

Looking at the trends in the rankings for 2025, cities that are "close to stations," "undergoing redevelopment," and "coexist with nature" were often seen at the top. Redeveloped areas such as Umeda and Tennoji are becoming more popular due to improved convenience and urban beauty.

On the other hand, cities with abundant nature and a tranquil environment, such as Ashiya and Minoh, are also popular among families with children and those looking for a second life. Cities that have a good balance between urban functions and nature are likely to continue to be popular areas in the future.

Be sure to check out the upcoming trends in the city

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, Nakazakicho, Katsura, and Daikokucho, which are currently undergoing redevelopment, are not yet well known, but are rapidly growing areas due to infrastructure development and the supply of new apartments.

Additionally, development news such as plans for railway extensions and the opening of large commercial facilities also greatly affect the value of a city. Choosing a home with future potential in mind is also a wise choice.