Nagano, Japan

Living in Nagano's highlands will test your resilience - the prefecture has an alpine climate with frigid, snowy winters. With a population of 2,024,073, it's the landlocked heart of Japan's mountainous Chūbu region. Bureaucracy is a persistent headache, as Nagano borders more prefectures than any other in the country. However, its natural parks cover over 21% of the total land area, and it boasts some of Japan's highest peaks. Nagano's allure as a winter sports destination may draw adventurous types, but the isolation and climate are not for the faint of heart.