Livability Report
ShimonosekiLivability Score
Yamaguchi·Pop. 255,051
Livability analysis of Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi across 5 axes: safety, cost, convenience, welfare, and economy based on government open data.
Published: Mar 20, 2026
Overall Score
62.9
59.8
51.4
56.4
40.5* These scores are based on statistical analysis of public data and do not represent a definitive assessment of any area. Actual livability varies depending on individual values and lifestyle.
5-Axis Score Breakdown
Safety62.9/100Cost59.8/100Convenience51.4/100Welfare56.4/100Economy40.5/100Basic Information
Population
255,051
Prefecture
Yamaguchi
Q&A with Kai
Alex, Yuki, and Kai discuss what it's really like to live here.
Safety
Alex
How safe is Shimonoseki? It's the westernmost major city on Honshu.
Yuki
What are the crime rate figures?
Kai
Shimonoseki's crime rate is 3.22 per 1,000 residents, with an excellent safety score of 62.6. Despite being a core city of about 255,000, crime rates remain low. As a historic port city facing the Kanmon Strait, both tourist areas like Karato Market and Ganryujima Island and residential neighborhoods maintain a peaceful atmosphere.
Cost of Living
Alex
How expensive is Shimonoseki? Famous for fugu, but is it pricey?
Yuki
What are the specific land and rent prices?
Kai
Shimonoseki's average land price is 47,594 yen per square meter, and the average rent is 39,322 yen, with a cost score of 58.3. Housing costs are quite affordable. While famous for fugu (locally called 'fuku'), being a production area means fresh seafood is available at reasonable prices. The integrated living sphere with Kitakyushu across the strait provides diverse shopping options.
Convenience
Alex
How's the transportation access? It's close to Kyushu, right?
Yuki
What about public transit and commercial facilities?
Kai
The public transit usage rate is 11.3%, with a convenience score of 50.4. Shin-Shimonoseki Station serves the Sanyo Shinkansen, and the Kanmon Tunnel and Bridge provide direct connection to Kyushu. Kokura Station in Kitakyushu is just 15 minutes by local train — a major advantage. Retail density is 9.00 per 1,000 residents with 4.66 restaurants, and the food culture centered on Karato Market is deeply embedded in daily life.
Welfare
Alex
How are healthcare and education in Shimonoseki?
Yuki
Are there sufficient hospitals and schools?
Kai
The welfare score is 55.0. Medical facilities total an impressive 11.33 per 10,000 residents with 24 hospitals and 265 clinics — excellent healthcare coverage. The high clinic density ensures good access to primary care. Schools number 0.26 per 1,000 residents across 66 facilities. The warm maritime climate surrounded by sea on three sides creates small temperature ranges, making it comfortable for residents of all ages.
Economy
Alex
How's Shimonoseki's economy doing?
Yuki
What do the income and population data show?
Kai
The economy score is 42.1. Taxable income per capita is approximately 3.06 million yen, with the port city economy based on fisheries and trade. Net migration is -1,265 with a rate of -0.50%. The Kanpu Ferry connecting to Busan, Korea positions Shimonoseki as a gateway to East Asia. The economic integration with Kitakyushu effectively expands employment options for residents.
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Detailed Data
| Indicator | Value |
|---|---|
| Avg. Land Price (¥/m²) | 47,594 |
| avg_rent | 39,322 |
| Clinics | 265 |
| Clinics (per 10,000) | 10.39 |
| Crime Rate (per 1,000) | 3.22 |
| Hospitals | 24 |
| Hospitals (per 10,000) | 0.94 |
| Medical Facilities (per 10,000, hospitals + clinics) | 11.33 |
| net_migration | -1,265 |
| net_migration_rate | -0.5 |
| Total Population | 255,051 |
| Public Transit Usage (%) | 11.3 |
| restaurant_count | 1,189 |
| restaurant_per_1000 | 4.66 |
| retail_count | 2,295 |
| retail_per_1000 | 9 |
| Schools (elementary + junior high + high) | 66 |
| Schools (per 1,000) | 0.26 |
| taxable_income_per_capita | 3,062,639 |
Data: 2024