Ashiya City in Hyogo Prefecture, located approximately halfway between Osaka and Kobe, is a residential city known for its convenient access and natural environment. Under the “Construction of Ashiya as a City of International Culture with Good Residential Environment Act”, Ashiya has been developed into an attractive town rich in both international and local culture. Learn about life in Ashiya to help you find your ideal home!
Ashiya City
Ashiya City, situated next to Kobe City, offers excellent access to both Osaka and Kobe. Nestled between Mt. Rokko to the north and the Seto Inland Sea to the south, Ashiya has long been recognized as a scenic and elegant residential area. This area is ideal for those who prefer living close to urban centers but desire a quiet, serene environment.
Ashiya, a city worthy of the name “Garden City”, has been designated as “City of International Culture with Good Residential Environment” according to the Act. This designation reflects the city’s excellent living conditions and its suitability for international residents, contributing to the cultural and economic development of Japan.
“In view of Ashiya City’s favorable environment from an international cultural perspective and its excellent location as a residential city, this law aims to develop the city as an international cultural residential city, making it suitable for international residents, while also promoting the attraction and settlement of foreign visitors.The law intends to contribute to the utilization and development of Japan’s cultural and tourism resources, thereby improving international culture and aiding economic recovery.” (Author’s translation)1
Accessibility
JR Ashiya Station is highly convenient, with rapid trains reaching both Kobe Station and Osaka Station within 20 minutes. Local, Rapid and Special Rapid services are accessible at the station, allowing easy access to various areas without the need for transfers.
To the north of JR Ashiya Station (in the direction of the mountains) is Hankyu Ashiyagawa Station, and to the south (in the direction of the ocean) is Hanshin Ashiya Station, both of which can be reached in about 12 to 15 minutes on foot.
- JR-West: JR Kōbe Line, Ashiya Station
- Hanshin Electric Railway: Main Line, Ashiya Station
- Hankyu Railway: Kobe Line, Ashiya-gawa Station
National Route 2 runs near JR Ashiya Station, making it suitable for traveling by car. All parts of Ashiya City are easily accessible by taking the Hankyu bus from the JR Ashiya bus stop.
Commuting Information
Living in Ashiya offers easy access to major stations in the Kansai region, expanding options for schooling and employment.
| Station (Railway Company) | Number of passengers | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Ashiya (JR-West) | 23,667 | The number of passengers does not include the number of passengers disembarking (daily average in 2022).2 |
| Ashiya (Hanshin Electric Railway) | 26,046 | Daily average for November 20223 |
| Ashiya-gawa (Hankyu Railway) | 13,820 | 2023 average4 |
Characteristics of the Ashiya District
Nature and Landscape
With Mt. Rokko to the north and Osaka Bay to the south, Ashiya’s landscape is rich in natural beauty. The area around the Ashiya River offers unobstructed views, creating a picturesque setting unique to the Hanshin region sandwiched between the mountains and the sea.
(This is is because the area is protected by the “芦屋川特別景観地区”5 or, “Ashiya River Special Scenic District” designation, based on the City Planning Act which preserves the landscape by placing restrictions on the height of buildings.)
Local Regulations
Ashiya City’s lush greenery and elegant landscape are preserved through strict ordinances. Rooftop advertising and neon signs are prohibited, and restrictions are placed on signage color and font size.
There are also architectural regulations that cover everything from building and population density, preservation and formation of greenery, and universal design to ensure a spacious and rich living environment.
Ashiya is a great place for people who prefer a quiet and serene environment.
Internationalization Efforts
As a “City of International Culture with Good Residential Environment”, Ashiya is a hub for international exchange, with various programs and facilities supporting cultural interactions and multilingual accessibility.
Some examples are:
- Multilingual notation in public facilities, etc.
- Attracting international early childhood education facilities with a focus on English education and collaborating with foreign schools
- Ashiya Municipal Shio-Ashiya Exchange Center provides international exchange and local communication projects such as exchange events and Japanese language classes
- Sister city partnership with Montebello, California, USA.
Historical Significance
From the late 19th century through the early 20th century, the Hanshinkan area* , which includes Ashiya, was a center of unique cultural and architectural development, giving rise to what is known as “Hanshinkan Modernism.”
* The geographical boundaries of ‘Hanshinkan’ are not strictly defined and may vary depending on the context. In a broad sense, it refers to the metropolitan area that includes the cities of Osaka and Kobe.
Ashiya was home to many famous people, and houses that were built there include those designed by top architects of the time, such as Setsu Watanabe and Togo Murano. The Yodoko Guest House designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, symbolizes Ashiya’s unique architecture as a Japanese-Western style building.
Rent Market Prices around JR Ashiya Station
While rent in Ashiya may be higher than in other parts of Hyogo Prefecture, the peaceful living environment and convenience make it a worthy consideration.
| Floor Plan | Market Price6 | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 1R | 59,400 yen | A studio layout where the kitchen and living area are combined into a single space. |
| 1K | 62,300 yen | A layout featuring a separate kitchen (K) and living area. |
| 1DK | 69,000 yen | A design with a separate dining (D) and kitchen area (K), distinct from the living space. |
| 1LDK | 109,100 yen | Includes a living room (L) and an LDK (living room, dining room, and kitchen) of over 8 tatami mats (approximately 12.96 m2). |
| 2LDK | 136,400 yen | Features a combined living (L), dining (D), and kitchen (K) area, plus two additional rooms. |
| 3LDK | 185,200 yen | Offers three separate rooms along with a living (L), dining (D), and kitchen (K) area. |
Places of Interest
JR Ashiya Station District
Grocery Stores
The JR Ashiya Station area is not just about high-end stores but also features many supermarkets, 100 yen shops and other everyday conveniences. Popular Japanese supermarkets such as “Ikari Supermarket”, “Meidi-Ya”, “Pantry”, and “SEIJO ISHII” are located right near the station.
Shopping
Ashiya Laporte
Ashiya Laporte, which is directly connected to JR Ashiya Station by a bridge, is full of convenient facilities for daily life, such as grocery stores, restaurants, bookstores, and health clinics. There is also “Hotel Takezono Ashiya” within Laporte, which is recommended as a place to preview life in Ashiya City or as a place to stay when friends or family come to visit.
MONTetMER-Ashiya
A shopping mall directly connected to the station, with the west building housing many restaurants and health clinics, and the main building completed with food corners such as “Daimaru” and “SEIJO ISHII”, as well as fashion and household goods specialty stores.
Hanshin Ashiya Station District
- Public facilities such as the city hall, library, and child care center are located in this district.
- There are fewer slopes than the area on the mountain side, making it convenient to travel by bicycle.
- You can enjoy “Ashiya Municipal Ashiya Onsen”, where authentic hot spring water flows directly from the source without added water or heating.
Ashiya-gawa Station District
- The living environment is close to mountains and rivers. The scenery of cherry blossoms against the backdrop of the Rokko mountains around the Ashiya River is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot.
- There are stylish cafes, bakeries, interior goods stores, restaurants, and more. You can get food-to-go to eat by the Ashiya River, take a leisurely walk, and feel nature close to your daily life.
- As it is the starting point for climbing Mt. Rokko, the area around Ashiya-gawa Station is crowded with mountain climbers on weekends.
Northern/Mountain District
- Known for its peaceful environment.
- In particular, Rokurokuso-cho has a carefully preserved townscape7 with no entertainment facilities, apartments, or commercial facilities, and the telephone poles and wires are buried underground.
- There are many steep slopes but boasts beautiful views. On clear days you can see Ashiya City and Osaka Bay (Seto Inland Sea).
Shio-Ashiya District
- Shio-Ashiya is an artificial island created as part of a development plan as a cultural residential city.
- There is “miratap park ASHIYA(Ashiya City Grand Park)”, a leisure complex where you can enjoy activities such as sports and barbecues.
- There is “Shio-Ashiya Onsen SPA Suisyun”, where you can enjoy hot springs, saunas, rock baths, relaxation, hot yoga, and more.
- There is a shopping mall called “Life Garden Shio-Ashiya” lined with supermarkets, drugstores (pharmacies), and restaurants. “Gourmet City Ashiyahama Store”, located just across the bridge, is also one of the shopping options for residents of this area.
Editor’s Note
Ashiya offers a combination of excellent transportation access, a tranquil living environment, and active internationalization. However, it is important to note that the Japanese real estate industry has unique business practices, and proficiency in Japanese can be essential.
If you encounter any difficulties finding a place to live in Japan, please contact SUGEE Housing. Our company specializes in assisting international residents and has extensive knowledge and experience in finding housing. We offer comprehensive support, including housing search, procedural assistance, and language support tailored to your needs.
References
1 芦屋国際文化住宅都市建設法（昭和二十六年法律第八号）（目的）第一条
2 兵庫県統計書令和4年(2022)
3 阪神電気鉄道株式会社(2023年).『ハンドブック阪神』,P.36～37「駅別乗降人員」
4 阪急電鉄駅別乗降人員（阪急電鉄 / Hankyu Corporation), https://www.hankyu.co.jp/station/passenger/index.html
5 Ashiya City Website, 芦屋川特別景観地区, （Date accessed:2024-08-05）https://www.city.ashiya.lg.jp/toshikeikaku/keikan/keikanchiku/ashiyagawa.html
6 LIFULL HOME’S（https://www.homes.co.jp/）（Date accessed:2024-08-01）
- 六麓荘町地区建築協定
- 六麓荘町 町内会規定・資料
- Ashiya City Website, 六麓荘町地区地区計画, （Date accessed:2024-08-05）https://www.city.ashiya.lg.jp/toshikeikaku/rokufumotoshou.html
