[jasonbvr]

Hmm, difficult question...

On the one hand, Nagano has bigger and steeper mountains. On the other, Hokkaido gets more and better snow. Definitely plenty of wide open places in Nagano but even more in Hokkaido. Then again, I kind of like living in Gunma just wish I was closer to the center in Maebashi or Takasaki.

Really depends on what you plan to do in Japan. For me, snow is a fairly big deal. If you want to blow all your money partying and clubbing, take your pick of the big cities. If sightseeing and picture taking is your deal, live near Kyoto. If you want to get away from all the foreigners and really get into Japan, live somewhere like the Tohoku region or Shikoku.