Tochigi, Japan

Tochigi is a landlocked prefecture in Japan's Kantō region, home to over 1.9 million people. While the mountainous north boasts scenic hot springs and ski resorts, the reality is that this region can be a bureaucratic headache, with radioactivity levels spiking after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The climate is also a mixed bag, with dry, blustery winters and humid summers prone to thunderstorms. Overall, Tochigi may appeal to those seeking a quieter, more affordable alternative to Tokyo, but the tradeoffs in convenience and unpredictable weather should give potential residents pause.