Walkable cities aren’t just convenient—they shape how we experience daily life. When streets are designed for people rather than just cars, it changes everything: how we commute, how we connect with others, and even how we feel. Walkable cities tend to be healthier, more sustainable, and more socially vibrant.
A recent study from travel comparison website Skyscanner delved into 10 of the world's most walkable cities, and two Japanese destinations made the cut. First up was Nagasaki, a compact port city on Kyushu known for its unique blend of Japanese and international history.
At first glance, Nagasaki may not seem like an obvious candidate. The city is carved into hills and wrapped around a harbor, giving it a dramatic topography that poses some physical challenges. But it’s precisely this geography that has helped keep Nagasaki's urban core dense and pedestrian-friendly.
Historical neighborhoods like Dejima and the Dutch Slopes were designed long before the age of cars, with narrow alleyways, staircases, and stone paths still in use today. Nagasaki’s streetcar network—one of the oldest in Japan—is affordable and makes it easy to hop between neighborhoods, especially when the hills become too much.
Hiroshima, the second Japanese city to feature on the list, offers a blend of historical significance and modern urban planning that caters to pedestrians. The city’s layout is notably flat, with wide streets and open spaces that make exploring on foot both comfortable and intuitive. Additionally, the city itself is compact, allowing visitors to traverse between major attractions with ease.
Landmarks such as the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, Hiroshima Castle, and the bustling Hondori shopping arcade are all within a short walking distance of each other. In fact, it's estimated that one can walk between the city's primary attractions in about 40 minutes!
