as big as Tokyo, Fukuoka is a major city. It's also the biggest city I've ever lived in. For me, Fukuoka is the perfect size. It has all the conveniences of a city but is also a good distance away from the hustle and bustle to escape into nature. Having a car or a motorcycle is a must, but the public transportation system is one of the best in Japan. For families with small children, it’s good to live in a place where they can take a break and enjoy the slow life. Having a car-centered lifestyle is also convenient for families raising children, and it's perfect for shopping, hobbies, and weekend trips. The cost of living is much cheaper than in Tokyo. You can live very close to downtown, and taking the Shinkansen or plane is easy as the train stations and airports are also close. And yet, the rent is not unbelievably expensive. As Fukuoka continues to become more and more convenient, the prices are likely to increase little by little, but I feel that they are not comparable to Tokyo. Fukuoka is also a city with excellent access to urban functions and nature. It is overwhelmingly convenient to access the whole of Kyushu, Okinawa, as well as Asian countries. And there is fresh seafood, mountain produce, local cuisine, and an exotic food culture, all of which are delicious.