Hachioji, Japan

Capital City

With a population of 580,053, Hachiōji is no sleepy suburb. This Tokyo commuter hub boasts a dense urban core, but the real estate comes at a premium - the average home price is sky-high compared to the rest of Japan. The weather is humid and subtropical, with hot summers and mild, relatively snowless winters. Navigating the bureaucracy as a foreigner can be a persistent headache. However, Hachiōji's abundance of universities and colleges makes it an attractive option for students and academics seeking an affordable alternative to central Tokyo.