MMoving to Japan

Moving to Japan June 1st – Looking for Area Recommendations + Remote Work Question

  • May 4, 2025

I’m moving to Japan on June 1st and I’m looking for advice on places to live and how to best structure my lifestyle.

I’ll be employed full-time with a company based in Shibuya, Tokyo, but the role is fully remote, so I have the flexibility to live anywhere in Japan (or even travel within south east Asia) as long as I stay within a similar timezone.

What I’m Looking For:

  • Monthly mansions (furnished, short/medium term rentals) – I plan to move my home base every 3–4 months to explore different parts of Japan (or potentially SE Asia).

I enjoy hiking and the outdoors, so I'd love to live in places with:

  • Access to large parks or green areas

  • Reasonable cycling/train access to hiking trails or nature

  • Ideally looking for areas that are livable without a car.

  • Budget is flexible, but would prefer to stay <130k/month yen, I'm happy with absolutely bare accomodation, I'll be there just to sleep.

Any monthly mansion providers you’d recommend? Any favorite towns or areas that match this lifestyle? I'd prefer to stay around the Tokyo region or its outskirts if possible, for the first few months at least while I settle in.

Places I’m Currently Considering:

  • Nishiazabu (Tokyo) – although doesn't fit my requirements, this is my fallback option as it's within 15mins walk of my work and might be a good option for my first 2-3 months while I settle in and find somewhere else.

  • Kichijoji (Tokyo) – access to Mt. Takao

  • Kanagawa – close to mountains

  • Kamakura – access to the beach and hiking

  • Fukuoka – urban but still access to nature

Would love to hear any suggestions or personal experiences!

Bonus Question – Residence Registration While Abroad?

Since my job is remote, I’m considering spending 2–3 months each in South Korea & Thailand later this year. I’d still be employed by my Japanese company and paying taxes in Japan.

Am I required to update or cancel my Japanese residence registration if I temporarily leave the country (e.g. for 3-6 months)? What’s the right way to handle this from a legal/residency standpoint?

by TemporaryKoala

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