Happiest Places in Hyogo 2025
In 2025, Daiko Kenta conducted a comprehensive survey to determine the happiness and desirability rankings of various neighborhoods in Hyogo Prefecture. This extensive research, based on the inputs of nearly 40,000 residents, aimed to gauge overall satisfaction and highlight the areas where individuals express a desire to continue living.
Methodology of the Survey
The assessment for the happiness ranking required participants to rate their current happiness on a scale from 1 to 10. For the desirability ranking, respondents indicated their willingness to remain in their current neighborhood using a 5-point scale. Areas needed at least 30 responses for stations and 50 for municipalities to be considered in the rankings, ensuring a broad perspective on resident satisfaction.
Key Findings
Overall Happiness Ranking (Municipalities)
The city of Ashiya took the top spot with an impressive score, classified as the only area with a rating above 70. This remarkable achievement marks its rise from third place last year. Additionally, Ashiya scored highest in four different categories, including livability, pride in the neighborhood, and belonging.
Fukusaki Town claimed the second position for the second consecutive year, with Takarazuka City rounding out the top three, climbing from fourth place last year.
The top 10 also welcomed new entries such as Shiso City, Akō City, and the Nada Ward of Kobe, who all improved their rankings significantly from the previous year.
Most Desirable Neighborhoods (Municipalities)
Once again, Ashiya City stood out as the premier location where residents expressed a wish to stay. It has consistently held this position for five years, complemented by its high livability rating. Nishinomiya followed closely in second, while the Nada Ward in Kobe improved to third place from last year.
Station Happiness Ranking
In the realm of station-specific happiness, Yanagami Station in Kobe's Kita Ward achieved first place for the second straight year. Kazeoka Station, which experienced a significant leap from 46th last year to 2nd this year, showcased the dynamic nature of passenger experiences in transportation hubs. Kurakuen-guchi Station held on to the third position, while Island Center increased its rank to fourth.
Desirability among Stations
Leading the list for desirability among stations was Ashiya River Station, holding its top spot for three years running and also scoring above 70. Nishikanshin Central in Kobe maintained second place, followed by Kōyōen Station in Nishinomiya in third.
Insights and Community Perspectives
The findings from this survey showcase a strong connection between happiness, the feeling of belonging, and residents' pride in their community. Notably, all top-ranking neighborhoods in both the happiness and desirability categories emphasized the importance of strong community ties.
Ashiya City not only secured the highest score for livability and desirability but also represented a community where residents feel deeply connected and proud. The data collected over the five-year period from 2021 to 2025 reveals trends in happiness that suggest efforts toward community engagement, beautification, and support can significantly impact perceptions of a neighborhood.
Conclusion
As communities and municipalities in Hyogo continue to evolve, the 2025 rankings serve as a valuable tool for local governments and planners. Understanding what makes a place desirable allows for better planning and resource allocation to enhance residents' quality of life. The results can ultimately shape future urban development initiatives, ensuring that Hyogo remains a vibrant and attractive place to live.
Stay tuned for more insights and detailed rankings, available on the dedicated website!
For complete details and specific rankings, visit:
Eheya Net
Survey Overview
Conducted by Macro Mill with responses from 38,873 individuals aged 20 and older living in Hyogo, the survey ran over multiple years to get the most accurate reflection of resident sentiment. The diverse demographic of respondents ensures the findings are representative and can guide future community initiatives.