Unveiling the Sensuous City Rankings in Eastern Japan for 2025

On September 24, 2025, LIFULL HOME'S Research Institute, a think tank under LIFULL Co., Ltd., released the comprehensive research report "Sensuous City 2025." This study evaluates cities based on a fresh perspective, taking into account various factors that contribute to the city's allure beyond mere economic metrics or engineering rationality. Its goal is to articulate and share the intrinsic charm of urban areas, enabling residents to re-imagine their environments for increased happiness and emotional connection.

What is the Sensuous City Concept?

Originally proposed in 2015, the Sensuous City framework attempts to encapsulate the feelings of affection people have towards their cities, often articulated as "there's something special about this place." It seeks to quantify these feelings through new urban evaluation indicators. The recent 2025 iteration aims to delve deeper, examining memories and relationships that dictate our urban experiences. This method raises profound questions about where true happiness resides within urban settings and what actions can enhance the attractiveness of our living spaces.

The Ranking Methodology

The Sensuous City 2025 rankings utilize eight indicators: intimacy of community, public identity, romance, cultural entertainment, culinary culture, street liveliness, urban retreats, and walkability. Each city is assessed based on deviation values, building a composite score that reveals their overall Sensuousness. The rankings ultimately express how residents perceive and derive pride and affection from their cities.

Eastern Japan's Most Sensuous Cities

The results showcase that Tokyo, particularly the Chiyoda and Chuo wards, took the top spots, as in the overall rankings. These areas scored impressively across the board, indicating strong community ties, public engagement, romantic allure, cultural vibrancy, food scene, and lively streets.

Following Tokyo, Yokohama's Nishi and Naka wards rank second and fifth, respectively, characterized by high scores in cultural activities and food culture. Toshima ward comes in third with its focus on public identity and vibrant atmosphere, illustrating a balance of opportunities for solo pursuits and vibrant urban life.

Interestingly, Sapporo's Chuo ward is the only area from Hokkaido to rank in the top ten, primarily due to its rich cultural engagement.

Among the indicators, Setagaya ward shines with the highest score for urban retreats, offering nature experiences through parks and green paths. As for walkability, Bunkyo ward leads the ranking, highlighting its historical overall performance in urban access and connectivity.

Expanded Rankings: Positions 11-30

The 11-30 positions see a variety of urban environments, with 14 areas from Tokyo making the list. However, regions from Aichi, Gifu, Gunma, and Yamagata also make honorable appearances. For example, Taito ward ranks 11th due to strong metrics for public identity and lively streets, while Takamatsu and Matsumoto show significant balance and resilience despite lacking the population scale of larger cities.

Insights from LIFULL's Research Head

Manjo Shimabara, head of LIFULL HOME'S Research Institute, remarked on the ongoing trend of "urban resurgence," with metropolitan centers dominating the rankings. He noted the conspicuous strength of Tokyo and Yokohama, while expressing concern over Sendai's absence from the top 30.

Matsumoto city, with its modest population, scoring 15th, demonstrates the unique charm smaller cities possess when harnessing their strengths, particularly in urban retreats and romance, indicating that charm can transcend size and economic power.

Conclusion

This study offers an invaluable perspective on what makes a city enjoyable and fulfilling to its residents. The Sensuous City rankings encourage local authorities and community leaders to contemplate how to make their areas more appealing and nurturing for all who reside in them, fostering a deeper connection among people and their environments. As urban living continues to evolve, understanding these sensitivities is crucial for guiding the future of our cities.

To access the complete report or to learn more about LIFULL HOME'S, please visit their official website: LIFULL HOME'S.