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Hokkaido's Living Satisfaction Rankings for 2026

Daito Kentaku Co., Ltd., based in Minato, Tokyo, has conducted an extensive survey measuring residential satisfaction across Hokkaido, compiling the results into the 2026 Hokkaido Living Satisfaction Rankings and the 2026 Hokkaido Desired Neighborhood Rankings. This report is based on responses from residents across various towns and stations within the region, revealing which locations resonate most with individuals looking for a place to call home.

Key Findings

Top Stations for Living Satisfaction

The station that earned the highest satisfaction rating for 2026 is Soen, moving up from fourth place last year. This station is situated in Chuo Ward of Sapporo City, an area known for its vibrant urban life and accessibility. Following Soen is Maruyama Park, which has consistently ranked well due to its picturesque surroundings and convenient transport links. Hassamu, also in Sapporo, advanced to third place from fifth, further highlighting the city's appeal.

Among the top ten, other stations such as Kitajuhachi, Bus Center Mae, and Megumino have all climbed higher than in previous years, showcasing the dynamic changes in resident preferences. Notably, roughly 90% of these top-ranked stations are located within Sapporo, underscoring the city’s dominance in livability.

Best Places to Live

On the municipal front, Higashikawa Town in Kamikawa has secured the top spot for five consecutive years. This location is notably unique in Japan, being one of the few places without a public water supply, owing to its high groundwater quality. Following Higashikawa are Higashikagura and Chuo Ward of Sapporo, both maintaining their positions over the past five years, demonstrating regional stability in livability.

Desired Neighborhood Rankings

Sapporo A, comprising key areas of Sapporo City, continues to dominate the Desired Neighborhood Rankings for the eighth consecutive year. The proximity to urban amenities and excellent transport options play a significant role in this ongoing popularity. Shin-Sapporo A, which moved up from fourth place to second, shows signs of increasing desirability among residents, while Hakodate maintains a strong third place.

For municipal rankings, Sapporo's Chuo Ward has established itself as the most sought-after area, followed by the districts of Tokyo and Hakodate City, with Tokachi and Toyohira Ward newly entering the top rankings, highlighting shifting urban interests.

Factors Influencing Satisfaction

Research has identified several factors contributing positively to the rankings of these stations, particularly emphasizing Transportation Convenience, Friendliness, and Vibrancy. Stations located along the Tozai and Namboku Subway Lines, especially in central Sapporo, received high marks for these aspects, reflecting a clear correlation between public transport accessibility and overall satisfaction.

Insights from Broader Rankings

Hokkaido's rankings also reflect individual aspects such as Safety, Quietness, and Administrative Services. Among municipalities, towns like Miyoshi and Biei have made a mark, particularly in Safety and Affordability, suggesting that smaller towns might provide substantial living benefits that residents find increasingly attractive.

As the data reflects shifting preferences and evolving living demands in Hokkaido, it will be interesting to see how these trends develop further into the coming years. The residents of Hokkaido appear to have a strong sense of place, as reflected in their choices—and the results of these rankings will help guide future urban planning and community developments across the region.

Research Methodology

The survey conducted by Macromill targeted adult residents across Hokkaido, collecting data from a total of 36,402 respondents over several years, with freshness in the responses brought by the large sample sizes and detailed question structure. The results are segmented by demographic, ensuring a comprehensive view of living satisfaction across diverse populations.

This report aims to deliver insights relevant not only to prospective residents but also to policymakers and real estate developers eager to understand and cater to the evolving needs of Hokkaido's community.

For more details, check out the official links: Living Satisfaction Rankings and press releases from Daito Kentaku at Pless Releases.