Four simple rules behind Japan's most liveable cities

Grisdale likes that in Japan, public transit is accommodating and he doesn't have to plan ahead when travelling as he does in other countries. "Coming from Canada, I still find it strange that I can show up at almost any station [in Japan] and get where I'm going by rail or bus, on time, without reservations," he said. "Elevators are very rarely out of service, and when one is down there's a plan B; staff will bring a portable stair climber rather than tell me it can't be done."