The most relaxing city in Japan?

[haho]

I'm moving to Japan soon but have no idea which place to go. I want to get away from the "soulless" salarymen and stressful overtime hours. Does any one know where there is a place that has laid back people and relaxing environment?

[MMM]

I am going to guess that Okinawa is the most laid back. I have never been there, but that is what I hear.

[samokan]

in the mountain area like maybe, kumihama, notogawa, aomori, ibukiyama, wakayama ( not the city ), get away from tokyo, osaka and other major cities cause that is where the majority of the salarymen are

[MMM]

C'mon, the salarymen aren't evil... just misunderstood...

[madzanta]

If you still want to be close to big cities I guess that Nara is a very good choice. Very nice city between Kyoto and Osaka.

[SaintessRisa]

I used to have a friend living in the Yamanashi Prefecture. He told me once that the place is a great getaway.

I don't know though, never been to Japan before.

[Shadowulf]

haha yeh okinawa is probably a relaxing place
except its not the best choice if youre planning on learning the japanese language while youre there, coz apparently okinawans have a different (weird.. maybe?) accent

[madzanta]

Okinawa feels very different to mainland Japan "its a nice place to visit but I wouldn't wanna live"

[fruitoil]

Shinjuku station in rush hour is the most relaxing place

[LearnAmazingJapanese]

Ooboke Koboke in Shikoku. I haven't been there, but my kids and wife have visited, and they say it's gorgeous and quiet.

Or anything on the west coast of Japan.

Of course, there's no work, no shopping, no entertainment...

If you're looking for a place to work (e.g. for a decent-sized company), but is also not too frenetic, I vote for either Sendai or Kobe.

Sendai is a little more "country" and Kobe is a little more sophisticated, but neither even come close to the busy-ness of Tokyo.

HTH.

Sore ja.