Higashikawa, a small town in central Hokkaido with a population of just 8,000, has surged to the top of the list of Japan¡¯s most comfortable municipalities due to its friendliness and safe environment, according to a survey conducted by a major rental housing operator.

In the online survey results released in August by Daito Trust Construction, Higashikawa, which neighbors the city of Asahikawa, had climbed up from 10th place last year.

Tokyo¡¯s Chuo Ward came in second, followed by Ashiya in Hyogo Prefecture, Tokyo¡¯s Bunkyo Ward and Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture.

Known for its natural landscapes and use of groundwater from the Daisetsuzan mountains for drinking water and sewage, Higashikawa has attracted new residents with its strong family and business support systems.

¡°It¡¯s a great environment for raising children, and the natural groundwater is delicious,¡± said one 46-year-old male freelancer who responded to the survey. ¡°There are many stylish restaurants and volunteer activities, and it¡¯s always vibrant.¡±

The town ranked top in the ¡°friendliness¡± category ¡ª which could be attributed to how inclusive it is to outsiders ¡ª in part due to its unique shareholder program, through which residents and people living outside the prefecture can contribute to community projects.

Chuo Ward in central Tokyo, home to the upscale districts of Ginza and Nihonbashi, dropped to second place after topping the list last year. Its continued popularity is tied to its convenience, luxury high rises and proximity to commercial centers.

¡°The public transportation networks are well developed, and despite being in the city center, you¡¯re still close to rivers and parks,¡± noted a 41-year-old female respondent.

Ashiya, a coastal town long favored by wealthy residents, ranked highly due to its scenic location coupled with a strict ordinance aimed at maintaining scenic views, as well as its convenient access to both Osaka and Kobe.

¡°There are mountains and rivers, so you can enjoy nature, and there are many stylish and modern shops,¡± said one 59-year-old male respondent.

Other notable municipalities that made significant moves up the ranking include the city of Urayasu in Chiba Prefecture, which entered the top 10 for the first time, and Yokohama¡¯s Tsuzuki and Nishi wards, which climbed into the top 20.

The city of Fukuoka, meanwhile, retained its status as the city people most want to live in for a fifth straight year. It was followed by Naha and Yokohama.

The annual survey gathered responses from over 183,000 residents across all prefectures and more than 1,800 municipalities. Respondents, between the ages of 20 to 70, rated their satisfaction with the cities and towns they live in based on factors such as transportation, safety, proximity to nature, child-rearing support and local amenities.