Kanazawa, Japan

Capital City

With a population of 462,361, Kanazawa is a sizable regional hub, but its heavy snowfall and bureaucratic headaches are no joke. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, having escaped major wartime destruction, but its centuries-old samurai architecture and "Million-koku Culture" come with persistent red tape. While Kanazawa offers natural splendor in the form of the famous Kenrokuen Garden, the damp, cold climate is a far cry from the sunny coasts many expats crave. Overall, this historic city is best suited for those drawn to Japan's storied past and willing to brave its administrative complexities.