Shizuoka, Japan

With a population of 3.6 million, Shizuoka is a sprawling Pacific coast metropolis with a lot to offer, but some harsh realities. The tax burden is heavy, and bureaucracy is a persistent headache, but the prefecture's temperate climate and scenic Mount Fuji views are hard to beat. Shizuoka also has a storied history as the home of the first Tokugawa shogun, and today it's a manufacturing powerhouse, producing a whopping 28% of Japan's motorcycle exports. However, the region's earthquake risk is no joke - a major quake hits every 100-150 years on average. So if you can tolerate the red tape and occasional tremors, Shizuoka might be the perfect blend of natural beauty and industrial might for the right expat.