Last Updated on 2025年9月23日 by Kenty
1. Why Choose Saitama Prefecture for Your New Life in Japan?
Moving to Japan as a foreign resident presents both exciting opportunities and practical challenges. While Tokyo remains the economic heart of Japan, the high cost of living can be overwhelming for newcomers. Saitama Prefecture offers an ideal solution: affordable living costs combined with excellent access to Tokyo’s business districts and cultural attractions.
Located just north of Tokyo, Saitama Prefecture provides foreign residents with the perfect balance of urban convenience and financial sustainability. With comprehensive multilingual support services, efficient transportation networks, and vibrant international communities, Saitama has become increasingly popular among expatriates, international students, and foreign workers.
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2. Top 7 Recommended Cities for Foreign Residents
Based on extensive research analyzing rental costs, transportation access, multilingual support, and quality of life factors, these seven cities represent the best options for foreign residents seeking affordable living with convenient Tokyo access.
①Kasukabe City – Most Affordable Option
Rental Costs:
- 1K Apartment: ¥70,000 per month
- 1LDK Apartment: ¥89,000 per month
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Skytree Line and Tobu Urban Park Line junction
- Access to Tokyo requires transfers but offers multiple route options
- Ideal for budget-conscious residents who prioritize affordability
Foreign Resident Support: City provides multilingual consultation services and connects residents to prefectural international support programs.
Key Advantages: Kasukabe offers the lowest rental costs among our recommended cities, making it perfect for newcomers to Japan who need to minimize living expenses while establishing themselves.
②Tokorozawa City – Western Hub with Great Balance
Rental Costs:
- 1K Apartment: ¥72,000 per month
- 1LDK Apartment: ¥115,000 per month
Transportation Access:
- Seibu Ikebukuro Line: 22 minutes to Ikebukuro Station
- Seibu Shinjuku Line also available for route flexibility
- Major transportation hub for western Saitama
Foreign Resident Support: City maintains international exchange programs and provides comprehensive consultation services for foreign residents.
Key Advantages: Excellent transportation connectivity, wide range of apartment sizes, and established international community make Tokorozawa ideal for families and professionals.
③Kawagoe City – Historic Charm with Modern Convenience
Rental Costs:
- 1K Apartment: ¥72,000 per month
- 1LDK Apartment: ¥113,000 per month
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Tojo Line with direct access to Ikebukuro
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line direct service to Shibuya area
- Multiple route options for flexible commuting
Foreign Resident Support: International Exchange Center offers Japanese language classes, cultural programs, and multilingual consultation services.
Key Advantages: Rich historical atmosphere with traditional architecture, tourist attractions, and excellent dining options while maintaining modern living standards and transportation access.
④Soka City – Excellent Value and Accessibility
Rental Costs:
- 1K Apartment: ¥75,000 per month
- 1LDK Apartment: ¥101,000 per month
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Skytree Line to Kitasenju and Oshiage
- Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line direct service
- Approximately 50 minutes to central Tokyo areas
Foreign Resident Support: International consultation corner providing services in English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Thai, and French. Comprehensive English-language city information available.
Key Advantages: Outstanding overall balance of affordability, accessibility, and foreign resident support services. Particularly strong multilingual support infrastructure.
⑤Shiki City – Strategic Location on Tojo Line
Rental Costs:
- 1K Apartment: ¥75,000 per month
- 1LDK Apartment: ¥113,000 per month
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Tojo Line rapid and express service to Ikebukuro (20+ minutes)
- Access to Kawagoe for regional connectivity
- Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line direct service available during certain hours
Foreign Resident Support: Japanese language learning programs and multilingual consultation services available through city programs.
Key Advantages: Strategic location offering access to both Tokyo and regional Saitama destinations. Moderate rental costs with good transportation flexibility.
⑥Asaka City – Redeveloped Areas with Modern Amenities
Rental Costs: Competitive rates within the region, with specific pricing varying by location and proximity to station areas.
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Tojo Line rapid and express service to Ikebukuro (20+ minutes)
- Access to Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line for Shibuya direction
- Well-developed station area facilities
Foreign Resident Support: Multilingual consultation services available in 10 languages plus Easy Japanese. Comprehensive support for immigration, labor, legal, and welfare matters.
Key Advantages: Modern redeveloped station areas with high-quality living amenities. Strong transportation connectivity and comprehensive multilingual support.
⑦Koshigaya City – Shopping Paradise with Family Appeal
Rental Costs: Range varies by area and apartment type. Generally competitive within the region with good value for larger apartments.
Transportation Access:
- Tobu Skytree Line with Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line direct service
- Approximately 50+ minutes to central Tokyo
- Multiple station options within the city
Foreign Resident Support: Koshigaya International Association (KIA) provides comprehensive multicultural programs and volunteer development initiatives.
Key Advantages: Home to Aeon Lake Town, one of Japan’s largest shopping complexes with over 700 specialty stores and cinema facilities. Ideal for families seeking comprehensive shopping and entertainment options.
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3. Comprehensive Multilingual Support Services
One of the most significant advantages of choosing Saitama Prefecture is the extensive multilingual support available to foreign residents. Services are available in Japanese, English, Korean, Chinese, Vietnamese, Myanmar (Burmese), Nepali, and Sinhala (Sri Lankan), ensuring that residents from diverse backgrounds can access essential services and information.
Saitama International Association (SIA) – Your Primary Resource
The Saitama Foreign Residents Comprehensive Consultation Center provides support in 13 languages covering:
- Daily life guidance and orientation
- Immigration and visa consultation
- Employment and labor rights information
- Legal consultation and referrals
- Japanese language learning resources
- Multilingual information distribution
City-Level International Support
✨ Exceptional Multilingual Coverage:
Saitama Prefecture stands out for its comprehensive support in Vietnamese, Myanmar (Burmese), Nepali, and Sri Lankan (Sinhala) languages – making it one of the most inclusive regions in Japan for Southeast Asian and South Asian communities.
Each recommended city provides additional multilingual services:
- Kawaguchi City: Weekly international consultation with Chinese, English, Tagalog, and additional South/Southeast Asian language support
- Soka City: International consultation corner supporting English, Chinese, Spanish, Korean, Thai, French, and expanded Asian language services
- Asaka City: 10-language telephone consultation plus Easy Japanese support, including Myanmar and Nepali assistance
- Wako City: Coordination with prefectural and neighboring international exchange facilities offering comprehensive Asian language support
- Kawagoe City: International exchange center with Japanese language classes and cultural programs welcoming all language communities
- Tokorozawa City: Multicultural consultation programs with comprehensive Asian language capabilities
- Koshigaya City: International Association (KIA) programs supporting diverse language communities including Sri Lankan and Nepali residents
🌍 Why This Matters: Many regions in Japan primarily focus on English, Chinese, and Korean support. Saitama’s commitment to serving Vietnamese, Myanmar, Nepali, and Sri Lankan communities demonstrates genuine inclusivity and cultural understanding.
4. Cost Comparison: Saitama vs Tokyo
| Location | 1K Apartment (Monthly) | 1LDK Apartment (Monthly) | Savings vs Tokyo* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo 23 Wards (Average) | ¥137,000 | ¥180,000+ | – |
| Kasukabe City | ¥70,000 | ¥89,000 | ¥67,000 – ¥91,000 |
| Tokorozawa City | ¥72,000 | ¥115,000 | ¥65,000 – ¥65,000 |
| Kawagoe City | ¥72,000 | ¥113,000 | ¥65,000 – ¥67,000 |
| Soka City | ¥75,000 | ¥101,000 | ¥62,000 – ¥79,000 |
*Savings calculated based on LIFULL HOME’S 25㎡ apartment average for Tokyo 23 wards. Actual savings may vary based on specific location, building age, and amenities.
5. Essential Information for Foreign Residents
Healthcare and Medical Services
Saitama Prefecture provides comprehensive medical facility search services, including foreign language support options. The prefecture maintains an online database where residents can search for medical facilities by city, specialty, and language support capabilities.
Safety and Security
Saitama Prefecture Police publishes monthly and annual crime statistics by municipality, providing transparent safety information for prospective residents. The recommended cities consistently maintain low crime rates compared to urban averages.
Education and Japanese Language Learning
Each city offers Japanese language classes through international exchange associations and local NPO organizations. The prefecture maintains a comprehensive list of Japanese language schools and community classes available throughout the region.
6. Transportation and Commuting Guide
Understanding Rush Hour Congestion
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the Tokyo metropolitan area maintains an average congestion rate of 139% during peak hours (2024 data). While this represents improvement from previous years, morning peak hours still experience significant crowding.
Key Transportation Routes
- Tobu Tojo Line: Serves Kawagoe, Shiki, and Asaka with express service to Ikebukuro
- Tobu Skytree Line: Connects Soka and Koshigaya to Tokyo via Kitasenju and Oshiage
- Seibu Ikebukuro Line: Provides Tokorozawa residents with direct access to Ikebukuro
- JR Lines: Available in some cities for additional route options
Commuting Time Expectations
- To Ikebukuro: 20-30 minutes from most recommended cities
- To Tokyo Station: 45-60 minutes depending on route and transfers
- To Shibuya: 30-45 minutes via Fukutoshin Line direct service
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7. Getting Started: Your Next Steps
Apartment Hunting Process
When searching for rental properties in Saitama, consider the following factors:
- Proximity to your preferred train station
- Building age and amenities
- Initial costs (deposit, key money, agent fees)
- Guarantor requirements (many companies now offer guarantor services for foreign residents)
Initial Settlement Support
Upon arrival, contact your city’s international consultation center to:
- Complete resident registration procedures
- Obtain information about local services
- Connect with Japanese language learning opportunities
- Access community integration programs
Building Your Community Network
Saitama’s international communities are welcoming and supportive. Many cities host regular international exchange events, festivals, and volunteer opportunities that help newcomers integrate and build lasting friendships.