When choosing to study in Japan, many international students and parents are not only interested in the school itself but also want to understand the living environment of the area. Among the prefectures in the Kanto region, Gunma Prefecture has become an increasingly popular destination for international students and technical trainees thanks to its reasonable cost of living, peaceful environment, and convenient transportation.
Gunma is located in the northwestern part of the Kanto region, not far from Tokyo. The prefectural capital is Maebashi, while Takasaki is considered the economic and transportation hub of the prefecture. From Takasaki Station, residents can reach Tokyo by Shinkansen in approximately 50–60 minutes, making travel for study, work, or leisure very convenient.
Natural Environment and Living Conditions
Gunma has a distinctive geographical landscape, with around 60% of its land area covered by mountains and forests. As a result, the population is not evenly distributed across the prefecture. Mountainous areas in the north and west have lower population density, while most residents live in the southern plains and urban areas, where cities, industrial zones, and educational institutions are located.
According to information published on Gunma’s official website for foreign residents, several Vietnamese residents who live and work in the prefecture have described Gunma as “a very comfortable and easy place to live,” highlighting its calm lifestyle and affordable living costs compared with larger metropolitan areas.
Source: Gunma Prefecture official website for foreign human resources
https://www.pref.gunma.jp/site/gaikokujinzai/100501.html
Cost of Living and Housing
One of Gunma’s advantages is its relatively lower cost of living compared with major cities such as Tokyo or Osaka. Various cost-of-living surveys indicate that expenses in regional areas of Japan can be around 20–40% lower, particularly housing costs, which may be 30–50% cheaper depending on the location.
Because of this, many international students are able to balance their studies and part-time work more comfortably, reducing financial pressure during their time in Japan.
Climate in Gunma
Gunma’s climate reflects that of Japan’s inland regions and features four distinct seasons.
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Summer: average temperatures around 25–32°C, often hot and dry.
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Winter: temperatures typically range from 0–8°C, and some mountainous areas experience snowfall.
Overall, the climate is similar to many other parts of Japan and allows students to experience the country’s seasonal changes.
Vietnamese Food and Daily Life
The Vietnamese community in Gunma has grown steadily in recent years. In the prefecture’s major cities, students can find Asian supermarkets and international grocery stores where familiar ingredients such as rice noodles, instant noodles, Vietnamese sauces, and other Asian foods are available. This allows Vietnamese students to cook traditional meals and maintain familiar eating habits while living abroad.
A supermarket in Takasaki (Gunma)
a supermarket in Fujioka (Gunma)
Opportunities for Social Interaction
Some parents worry that studying in a regional prefecture might limit social interaction. In reality, most schools and companies in Gunma are located in urban areas with active communities. Students can participate in local festivals, school activities, and cultural exchange programs, which provide many opportunities to interact with Japanese residents and other international students.
According to Gunma Prefecture’s official information for foreign residents, these community activities help international students build friendships and integrate more smoothly into Japanese society.
Source: Gunma Prefecture official website for foreign human resources
https://www.pref.gunma.jp/site/gaikokujinzai/100501.html
Conclusion
With its proximity to Tokyo, affordable living costs, and peaceful lifestyle, Gunma Prefecture offers a supportive environment for international students. Many Vietnamese students have studied and worked here and consider Gunma a stable and comfortable place to live while gaining valuable educational and professional experience in Japan.
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