Ichikawa, Japan

Capital City

With a population of 474,200, Ichikawa is no sleepy suburb. This western Chiba city boasts excellent transportation links to Tokyo, but the bureaucracy is a persistent headache. The area's history as a battleground has left it with a climate prone to heavy rainfall, though the coastal location offers some reprieve from winter's chill. For those seeking an affordable commuter hub close to the capital, Ichikawa may be worth considering, but the red tape and natural challenges are not to be underestimated.