Rising costs are driving more Japanese to consider moving to regional areas, with Gunma, Tochigi, and Nagano topping the 2025 relocation survey.
TOKYO, JAPAN (MERXWIRE) – As living costs and housing prices continue to rise in Japan, more people are considering leaving major cities and relocating to regional areas. A recent survey shows that the most popular relocation destination in 2025 was Gunma Prefecture, followed by Tochigi Prefecture and Nagano Prefecture.
The survey was conducted by the JOIN-FURUSATO. It has been carried out since 2009, with 2025 marking the 17th survey. From January 7 to December 26, 2025, a total of 27,242 people participated.
In 2025, the number of relocation consultations exceeded 70,000 for the first time, increasing by 18.3% compared with 2024 and marking the fifth consecutive year of record growth. In addition, 658 consultation meetings and seminars were held throughout the year, including in-person, online, and hybrid events.
In terms of consultation rankings, Gunma Prefecture ranked first for the second consecutive year. Tochigi Prefecture moved up from third place to second, while Nagano Prefecture rose from fourth to third.
Gunma has attracted increasing attention in recent years due to greater media exposure. Rising urban rents have led many people to consider moving to neighboring prefectures while still maintaining access to Tokyo. The ability to commute to the capital has become one of the key reasons for Gunma’s popularity. The number of people relocating to Gunma has also grown significantly, increasing from 124 in 2014 to 1,560 in 2024.
Tochigi Prefecture, ranked second, has promoted relocation through its “Migration Promotion Advisor” program, which offers customized local experiences in different towns. The prefecture also holds relocation consultation events involving municipalities across the region, helping people learn more about various communities. In recent years, the number of female participants has also increased, and some initiatives combine relocation support with marriage-related programs to attract younger generations.
Nagano Prefecture, which ranked third, has drawn attention due to relatively lower housing costs. Educational opportunities and interest in agricultural lifestyles have also encouraged families to consider relocating to the area.
Looking at seminar participation, Gunma ranked first for the third consecutive year, followed by Nagano and Wakayama prefectures. Local governments have organized relocation seminars, lifestyle experience programs, and online events to help people better understand life in regional areas.
Overall, as living costs rise, interest in relocating to regional areas continues to grow in Japan, with many people rethinking their lifestyles and housing choices.
