Living in Ashiya

Kansai's most upscale residential area, on a gentle slope between Mt. Rokko and Osaka Bay. You can use three lines, JR, Hanshin and Hankyu, and both Osaka and Kobe are within commuting range. It is quiet and safe enough that its number of recorded penal-code offenses is near the bottom among Hyogo Prefecture's 41 municipalities, but rents are also markedly expensive, so it suits families and professionals with financial room who put a dignified living environment first. (The three stations are separate locations 3 to 13 minutes apart on foot.)

This is Kansai's leading top-tier residential area, served by JR, Hanshin and Hankyu. It is quiet, safe and has an excellent educational environment, so it is preferred by wealthy and professional families, and is regarded as a symbol of the wealthy Hanshin corridor. Rents are very high, so the barrier to entry is large, which you should keep in mind. Commuting to both Sannomiya and Umeda is easy, so it suits families who want a dignified living environment.