u/Aksjxbdhsxjsj

Hi everyone,
I’m a 38-year-old man working in tech, fully remote, currently in Japan on a project. Once it wraps up I’d like to stay long-term, and I’m trying to figure out the best place to base myself.
What I’m after:
Budget: ~$2,000/month (≈¥300,000) for rent plus living costs.

I like Tokyo’s convenience — good transport, things within walking distance.

But I also love nature and clean air. Heavy pollution is a dealbreaker.

I don’t speak Japanese yet, so somewhere reasonably foreigner-friendly would help.

My questions:
Which neighborhoods or cities balance walkability and convenience with access to nature on this budget?

Where would you actually look to rent, and any sites/agencies friendly to non-Japanese speakers?

Open to anywhere in Japan, not just Tokyo. Where would you choose, and why? Thanks!

I’m in Japan for a one-month business trip and would like to stay after the project ends. My cost of living is around $2000/month, covering rent, food, and bills. I lived in Thailand for three years and travelled from there for work, so this lifestyle isn’t new to me. I hold Brazilian and Italian passports.

How do people rent a place in Japan for longer than a month? Do you sign a formal contract, or is it mostly done online? Any guidance on renting and keeping costs near $2000/month would be appreciated.

Edit: I’m fine with not furnished apartment