Japan's most liveable cities follow four simple rules

Four simple rules behind Japan's most liveable cities

Japan's most liveable cities follow four simple rules

Japan's cities consistently rank among the world's most liveable, and residents say it's down to intentional design. From covered shopping streets that make errands social, to a transit system that works for everyone, to preserving old trees and maintaining courtesy in shared spaces, these four rules reduce the friction of daily life. The result: cities that are easy to navigate, pleasant to live in, and surprisingly calm despite their size.

Liveability often comes down to reducing the friction of ordinary life.

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2026-08-06