The real answer is Shizuoka Prefecture

The real answer as to where I would like to live in Japan is Shizuoka Prefecture. Anywhere at all in Shizuoka Prefecture. It is hands down my favorite prefecture of all the prefectures I've been to to-date. The presence of Mt Fuji certainly plays a part, but more than that, I just love the vibe of Shizuoka. It is the one place I feel most at home in, in Japan. 

I have travelled quite a lot in Shizuoka Prefecture over the years and every spot I have been to, I have loved. I love the nature of Shizuoka, the scenery, the people, the food, the history, the culture, the festivals, the fishing towns, the temples and shrines, the tourist attractions and off the beaten path hidden gems, the activities and sports etc. It also has the huge benefit of being considerably cooler in summer than where I live now, particularly at night. 

But I will never live in Shizuoka Prefecture. Because unfortunately I am the type of person who gives too much thought to mother nature and convenience. I could never live in Shizuoka because I would need to live in an area that isn't too rural and the vast majority of those are in areas that are more at risk of a natural disaster than where I live now! The seaside areas will always be at risk from typhoons and tsunami. And the mountain areas to landslides and well let's face it, Mt Fuji is an active volcano after all.

Then there is the practical side - it is too far from any airport, taking at least 2 hours to either Haneda or Narita. It is also far from Tokyo, unless you take the shinkansen, but with six in my family that would not be very economical. Moreover, it's still over an hour by shinkansen. There is also the consideration of practical services such as doctors and dentists, which are fewer and further between than where I live now. 

I can imagine how amazing it would be to live in Shizuoka. I do really love it and it the one prefecture that I haven't lived in that I visit most. My husband has family there too, which gives us an added connection to the prefecture. I will keep going back, but, unfortunately, will probably never get to live there.