Best Neighborhoods for Foreigners in Kanagawa: Where to Live Near Tokyo
Published On: 5월 4, 2026
Explore the best neighborhoods in Kanagawa for foreigners, from Yokohama to Kamakura. Find the perfect balance of city access, lifestyle, and affordability.
목차
Supervised By: 카자토 히로키
Real Estate Expert
Kanagawa is a great spot if you're looking for a break from Tokyo. You get the convenience of being close to the capital while enjoying more space, quieter neighborhoods, and better value for your money. Some prefer Yokohama’s energy - others lean into Kamakura’s slow coastal rhythm. Space, peace, and smarter prices come included either way. A change of pace sits within reach, quietly waiting.
In this guide, we'll show you 8 top neighborhoods and cities in Kanagawa that are perfect for foreigners. These areas are known for being friendly, easy to live in, and having great transport options, which makes adjusting to life in Japan much smoother. Each place carries its own rhythm yet links easily to bigger hubs. Getting around tends to require little planning thanks to frequent trains and buses.
Why Kanagawa?
Kanagawa is just south of Tokyo, which makes it super convenient if you work in the city. With trains that move on time and rarely stall, reaching downtown Tokyo takes anywhere from half an hour to a full one. The rhythm of transit here fits neatly around office hours.
But it’s not just about convenience.
Open air fills your days here. Larger homes sit beside quiet roads, while trees line most paths. Think ocean glimpses, old shrines hidden among hills, leafy squares where people stroll. Life moves slower, quite unlike Tokyo's rush that never sleeps.
Out of nowhere, daily life clicks better without packed streets or insane housing costs. To folks from elsewhere, that kind of calm means everything.
Yokohama: City Living with a Chill Vibe
Yokohama is the biggest city in Kanagawa and a favorite for foreigners.
Right away, the city feels connected to everywhere else. English-speaking staff work at many service spots, kids attend schools meant for foreign families, plus food from different countries fills the streets. Areas such as Minato Mirai draw outsiders looking for comfort, just like Yamate does. Expats settle there more often than elsewhere.
Buses and trains run often here. Getting to Tokyo is quick since Yokohama connects straight by rail line. What surprises most is how roomy it seems, unlike Tokyo’s crush. By the water, things slow down - locals linger, drawn to the quiet.
If you’re after a blend of city life and comfort, Yokohama is a top pick.
Kawasaki: Budget-Friendly and Convenient
Kawasaki is nicely positioned between Tokyo and Yokohama, making it a smart choice. It’s practical.
Out near Kawasaki, prices drop compared to downtown Tokyo - yet trains still zip into busy districts fast. From hubs such as Kawasaki Station, core work zones are only a short ride away.
Buildings rise each season, changing how the streets look by surprise. Year after year brings fresh spots where people eat, shop, or wander without planning.
While it might lack the charm of coastal towns, Kawasaki is all about convenience and good value.
Kamakura: Laid-Back Beaches and History
Kamakura offers a totally different lifestyle. It’s the place to go if you want to take it easy.
Just past the crowded streets of Tokyo, Kamakura slips into view with quiet shrines tucked between hills. Old stone steps lead up to places where monks still chant at dawn. Sand stretches along the coast, wide enough for long walks but never packed. Artists come here because light falls differently through sea mist. Some write novels in cafés that smell like roasted barley tea. Others fix bicycles near train stations, taking their time. Life moves slower when you're not rushing every minute. People who dislike noise tend to stay once they visit. Even on weekends, there are no loud crowds spilling out of bars. The mountains block much of the wind, making winters feel softer. Homes sit behind hedges of camellia, hidden yet welcoming. You might hear temple bells instead of traffic horns. That sound alone makes some decide to move.
You can still get to Tokyo in about an hour, making it a decent option for occasional commuting. Sure, you’ll find fewer urban conveniences here, but many foreigners find the lifestyle is worth it.
Fujisawa: The Best of Urban and Coastal
Fujisawa is often seen as a nice mix of city and beach life. It’s close to the popular Enoshima beach but still has strong connections to Tokyo and Yokohama.
Young families find their rhythm here just right. Schools earn solid nods from parents who settle in. Shops line the streets, offering what most need without fuss. Life moves at a calm clip, never too loud or rushed.
There’s also a growing international scene, which can make settling in easier. If you want beach access without losing convenience, Fujisawa is definitely worth considering.
Yokosuka: A Strong Expat Community
Yokosuka has a unique international vibe. Folks around these parts pick up English fast - military presence has shaped daily life. Not every city in Japan sees this kind of language shift, yet here it sticks like morning fog on harbor decks.
Enjoy international restaurants, imported goods, and services that cater to foreigners. Sitting right by the coast, Yokosuka offers beautiful views and a laid-back atmosphere.
Getting to Tokyo takes a bit longer than from Yokohama or Kawasaki, so this area is better suited for those who don’t need to commute every day
Chigasaki: Chill Beach Vibes
Chigasaki is a hit with surfers and those looking to unwind. It has a relaxed, almost vacation-like vibe, with life focused around the beach, cozy cafes, and outdoor fun.
You can still easily access Tokyo via the JR Tokaido Line.
What makes it special is how close you stay to everyday life, even if flights here are fewer. Still, getting around stays simple, just without the crowds seen elsewhere.
If lifestyle matters more to you than being super close to the city, Chigasaki is a great choice.
Sagamihara: Spacious and Affordable
Sagamihara gives you what many foreigners want: space. Apartments here are usually bigger and less pricey than in areas closer to Tokyo.
Surrounded by greenery, it has a suburban feel that’s especially nice for families or anyone who prefers a quieter lifestyle.
Train access is still good, but commutes might take a bit longer depending on where you’re headed. If you want more room to live comfortably without breaking the bank, check out Sagamihara.
Odawara: Nature’s Gateway
Odawara is perfect for nature lovers and history buffs. It’s famous for its castle, coastal views, and being close to Hakone, a hotspot for hot springs.
With the Shinkansen stopping here, you can reach Tokyo quickly even though it’s a bit out there.
Out here in Odawara, days unfold at a gentler pace, rooted in custom. For anyone stepping back from urban speed, it offers quiet rhythm - yet stays close enough to reach quickly.
Summary
Every area in Kanagawa offers a unique lifestyle. If you want international vibes and convenience, Yokohama or Kawasaki might be for you. If you prefer ocean views and a laid-back life, Kamakura, Fujisawa, or Chigasaki could feel like home. Looking for extra room without spending much? Sagamihara fits that need well. When a bustling group of foreigners matters, Yokosuka might be the place to land. And if nature is your thing, Odawara combines accessibility with tranquility.
Kanagawa has tons of options.
Close to Tokyo yet calm enough to breathe. Pick a pace - urban rush, coastal quiet, or bits of both mixed in. Not too loud, not too far. For many foreigners, this flexibility makes Kanagawa one of the best spots to live in Japan.
Home feels different for everyone, yet clues hide in your usual morning steps. Maybe it’s the walk to work that matters most - or how light hits at dinner. Picture where quiet fits, then notice which place lets breath come easy. When the right spot shows up, moving in won’t need force; it pulls like habit.
Source
- Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) – Housing and Urban Development Reports
- Kanagawa Prefecture Official Website – Living Guide
- Yokohama City Official Website – Living Information
- Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) – Living in Japan Guide
- Statistics Bureau of Japan – Regional Statistics
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) – Kanagawa Travel Guide
- Real Estate Japan – Foreign Resident Housing Guides
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