Yamaguchi, Japan

With a population of just over 1.3 million, Yamaguchi Prefecture is a sleepy backwater on Japan's western edge. The region has developed a reputation as an industrial hub, thanks to its petrochemical complexes, but the reality is a slow, bureaucratic pace of life that can test the patience of newcomers. Yamaguchi's coastal location brings the benefits of scenic natural parks and a lively maritime culture, but also the drawbacks of a heavy tax burden and persistent headaches with red tape. For those seeking a quiet, traditional slice of provincial Japan, Yamaguchi may be an ideal fit - but the city is decidedly not for the faint of heart.