Four simple rules behind Japan's most liveable cities

Japan's cities, particularly Osaka (ranked 7th) and Tokyo (10th) in the 2026 Global Liveability Index, excel due to intentional and accessible urban design that prioritizes everyday functionality over landmarks. The success stems from features like walkable neighborhoods with covered shopping streets, accessible public transport, and infrastructure designed to serve all users—from wheelchair users to parents with strollers—reducing the need for cars. Key to this liveability is building cities around daily necessities like groceries, work, schools, and healthcare within walkable distances.