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Overview of Nagano's Living Rankings for 2026

Daiko Rentok, based in Tokyo, has released the results of a comprehensive residential satisfaction survey as part of the "Good Room Network's Enjoyable Living Rankings 2026 for Nagano." This survey, the largest of its kind so far, evaluates and ranks various living environments across Nagano Prefecture.

Key Findings of the Enjoyable Living Rankings

The results showcase the top three areas as follows:
1. Haramura, Suwa District
2. Obuse Town, Takai District
3. Minamiminowa Village, Iida District (which rose from sixth place last year to third this year).

The village of Haramura, located strategically only about 2.5 hours from Tokyo and 3 hours from Nagoya by car or train, has played an integral role in its ranking. It has been designated as a model area for relocation support, receiving high scores, particularly due to active cooperation between local government and residents in welcoming newcomers. This year, it regained the top spot with an impressive rating.

Minamiminowa Village stands out not only for its scenic beauty but also for its demographics; it has the highest birth rate in the southern part of Nagano and boasts a youthful population where roughly 70% of residents hail from outside the village. Its rise to third place marks a leap from sixth, reflecting its growing appeal.

The rankings are based on a cumulative assessment of responses collected from 2022 to 2026, ensuring a comprehensive overview of local opinion.

Insights from the Preferred Areas Rankings

Turning to the "Desired Living Area Rankings for 2026," the results are:
1. Tokyo's 23 Wards (for the second consecutive year)
2. Matsumoto City (also for the second consecutive year)
3. Nagano City (which has been in this position for four straight years).

Notably, 77.8% of respondents expressed satisfaction with their current living conditions, despite 58.6% indicating they have no particular preference for a different area.

The rankings further underscore that three of the top five preferred areas reside in Nagano Prefecture, highlighting the region's attractiveness.

Additional Rankings Details

The survey collected data on various factors that influence the livability of areas:

• - Convenience of Daily Life

- 2nd place went to Nakano City.

• - Friendliness

- 3rd place was awarded to Hakuba Village, Kitaazumi District.

• - Cost of Living and Rent

- 3rd place was attributed to Yamagata Village, Higashichikuma District.

• - Disaster Prevention

- 3rd place went to Sakuhu Town, Minamisaku District.

These scores reflect the average satisfaction ratings where scores range from total satisfaction (100 points) to total dissatisfaction (0 points).

Research Methodology

This survey was conducted by Macromill, collecting responses from a pool of 12,995 participants — residents of Nagano aged 20 and above. The demographic breakdown shows a balanced gender ratio of 50.8% male to 49.2% female, with a mix of married (64%) and single individuals (36%).

The survey methodology allows for a nuanced gathering of public sentiment through internet surveys distributed to registered panel users over time, enhancing reliability and relevance to current living preferences.

Conclusion

This comprehensive survey not only ranks areas by satisfaction and desirability but also sheds light on the overall living climate in Nagano Prefecture, a vital aspect for both current residents and potential newcomers. With its mix of natural beauty, community engagement, and accessibility, Nagano continues to hold a strong position among desirable places to live in Japan. For further insights, more detailed breakdowns can be found on the Good Room Network's website.