Tokyo:

When most people think Japan they think Tokyo, when some people have this thought it becomes a fantasy, and in a few people this fantasy turns to obsession. If obsession levels have been reached then it is unlikely that that person will find any other placement satisfying and the road-that-must-be-taken becomes Tokyo. If this is you, identify it quickly. If you know you will feel absolutely at home inside a pinball machine, a freaky fashion house, or an apocalyptic landscape you can only see from a drone’s perspective, then all signs point go. Just be aware that this dream is a collective vision, and you might have some stiff competition for the best positions. That said, the city is huge and jobs quite numerous, so you can expect to find something, even if it’s not your first choice. Cost of living will also be higher, though it can be easy to find cheap and wonderful things to do, even in the most uber-swanky and busy districts of Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Harajuku.

Osaka:

If Tokyo is already the future, Osaka is the now. You can feel all the vibes of super-urban Japan without so much of a price leap. This is also the city where everyone wants to eat all the time, so if you adore octopus balls and udon noodles with tofu, you will love your life. For those prone to homesickness Osaka is your best bet, as there is a lot of Anglophilia going on. Head to Amerika-mura (what could be more homey than a shopping spree in a part of town called American village?) or the nearby Universal studios Hogwart’s castle to ground yourself in the familiar, before venturing out again to Dotonburi, Namba, or Umeda for restaurants and nightlife. It is impossible to regret Osaka taking in the skyline view in the Umeda Sky Building. There is plenty to consume here.

Nagoya:

This is the city that makes cars work and gamblers gamble. Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi are all here and that game you see played absolutely everywhere called pachinko (basically pin ball) was also created and manufactured here. Nagoya is smack dab in the middle of Honshu island and well connected to the rest of Japan’s larger cities and holiday spots by rail, so it may be an ideal choice for teachers hoping to see many destinations during their stint. Aside from the obvious fit with car aficionados who can see Toyota’s automobile museum, or gamblers who can try to hit it big, the city would suit those who appreciate a more laid back, albeit productive and structured, ambiance.