Students are attracted to Japan's rich cultural and historical component. The country doesn't disappoint in welcoming international students with open arms. There are many great cities to choose from in Japan, but here are some of the best options.

1. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Tokyo

Japan's capital is ideal for those looking for a fast-paced lifestyle in the biggest metropolis in the world. With over 37 million residents, Tokyo is home to 12 internationally ranked universities and holds high standards for education and living. The living costs in Tokyo aren't exactly cheap, but the city offers a quality of life so high it makes up for the extra investment. The University of Tokyo is the #1 ranked university in Japan, with solid programs in physics, space science, and chemistry.

2. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Osaka

Osaka, Japan's second-largest metropolitan area, is another great destination for international students. Home to Japan's third best higher education institution, Osaka University, the city offers a calmer, more friendly environment for those looking for a more relaxed routine. Lee, an American student who lived in Osaka, told GoGoNihon, "When I was in Tokyo everyone told me that people from Osaka are more friendly than people in Tokyo. Tokyo is a business city so everyone is very busy. I want to make plenty of Japanese friends so I chose Osaka."

3. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Kyoto

Kyoto hosts an impressive 13,000-plus international students, making it a perfect home for those searching for cultural integration. Kyoto University is Japan's #2 institute, but students can also choose between Ritsumeikan University, and Doshisha University, both of which are located within the Kyoto Prefecture. Kyoto is known for its rich history and has no less than 17 UNESCO Heritage Sites in its territory, all of which contribute to the blend of tradition and modernity that permeates the city.

4. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Sendai

Sendai is lesser-known than other Japanese cities, but that's what makes it an excellent place for those who want to avoid tourist-filled cities in favor of a more authentic Japanese experience. The city hosts Tohoku University, Japan's #4 university, and the Sendai Shirayuri Women's College, a women-only institute. Ben Shearon, a Sendai resident, writes on Quora, "It's the perfect size. Not too big, not too small. Good public transport. Good food. All the shopping you could want. 90 minutes from Tokyo Station by shinkansen. Pretty bike friendly."

5. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Nagoya

Nagoya is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy the urban lifestyle without necessarily living in a city as big as Tokyo. University of Maryland, Baltimore County international student Amanda Buker, who studied in Nagoya, says, "Nagoya is a big but manageable city, unlike Tokyo. There are many places to visit, and places to see in and around the city, while also being not so densely populated. It is easy to walk about and enjoy the scenery." Nagoya University is the fifth best institute in Japan, and most programs are taught in Japanese, although there are some undergraduate and graduate programs taught entirely in English.

6. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Fukuoka

The Fukuoka Prefecture is the third region in Japan with the most international students, with nearly 20,000 students from other countries. The city hosts Kyushu University, Japan's #6 institute, and the Japan University of Economics. Fukuoka is one of Japan's oldest cities and has become a "startup city" thanks to its many programs designed to support local startups, like the "Start-Up Visa", a special visa category for foreign entrepreneurs.

7. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Tsukuba

The city of Tsukuba is located less than an hour away from central Tokyo, making travel between the two cities easy and convenient. The University of Tsukuba ranks #8 among Japan's institutes and offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate courses taught in English. "Tsukuba's located in a really perfect location where it's not really far from Tokyo, but we still have really low fees and living expenses in comparison to other cities around Japan," says Klaire Hoang Nae, a student at the University of Tsukuba, "So we save up a lot of money, and we still enjoy our lives to the fullest."

8. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Sapporo

The island of Hokkaido is known for its year-round natural beauty. The island's main city, Sapporo, hosts the campus of Hokkaido University, the ninth top university in Japan. Living in Sapporo is cheap, so international students can find great accommodation for small prices. Natasha, anternational student from Indonesia studying at Hokkaido University, says, "Sapporo has wide roads and beautiful streetscapes. It's not as crowded as Tokyo and people live at a slower pace. There is very little litter in the streets and the greenery is kept in beautiful condition. It's cold in winter, but the snow is beautiful."

9. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Kobe

Kobe is another excellent option for international students who want a more relaxed routine while still having the chance to reach bigger cities easily - its proximity to Osaka and Kyoto makes day trips between the cities easy. Kobe University, Japan's #12 institute, has a high ratio of international students, with 1 in every 14 undergraduate students being international. Philip Nguyen, who studied in Kobe, told Quora, "I've lived and studied in Kobe, and it's a beautiful place! It's also not far from Kyoto or Nara, the two historical capitals of Japan. You can easily do day trips to both of those cities. If you like history, Kobe is the place to be!"

10. Top 10 Student Cities in Japan: Chiba

Located in the Kanto region, Chiba is a 30-minute train ride away from Tokyo. International students in Chiba can expect a reasonable cost of living and a comfortable lifestyle while maintaining easy access to the world's biggest metropolitan area. Chiba University is the #17 university in Japan and currently houses over 1,000 students from approximately 50 different countries.

Studying in Japan is much more than an excellent addition to your resume. For many, it's a life-changing experience. Japan is known for its cutting-edge technology development, but many other fields attract thousands of international students every year. If you've decided to make Japan your new temporary (or perhaps, permanent) home, find the perfect degree and university for you in Japan and begin your application!