The Tokyo suburb of Kakamura has shown great appeal to expatriates because of its availability of space and proximity to scenic natural resources -- attributes that sharply contrast the dense and bustling big city one hour away.
"Tired of the scene but still tied to Tokyo by jobs and connections, some expatriates are choosing to move to Kamakura, a city known for its greenery and quiet surroundings. By the shortest train route, it is just an hour away from the center of Tokyo, and it is considered well within the reach of daily commute."
"'It's hard to find that which is uniquely Tokyo. Tokyo has to be accommodative to everyone who is there,' American resident Dan Rosen said. But, 'Kamakura is a boutique city. It is not required to deliver as many things.'"
"It also offers a variety of housing, with more single-family homes than most Tokyo suburbs, and by regulation apartment buildings in the oceanside part of the city generally must be no more than five stories tall."
FULL STORY: A refuge from Tokyo's sprawl
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