I moved to Japan on a one-year visa. I'm spending less on housing than I did back home while exploring new cities.

Alessa Hickman, a Canadian expatriate, decided to move to Japan for a year to explore different cities. Instead of purchasing an apartment, she opted to live out of short-term rentals, which proved to be more comfortable and affordable than she initially imagined. The couple sold most of their possessions before the move, leading to a more minimalist lifestyle.

Living in short-term rentals allowed Alessa to experience various parts of Japan, from Tokyo and Osaka to Kumamoto, and even visit other cities on day trips. While adapting to new places can be challenging, she has found the lifestyle to be more convenient and manageable than expected. She spends a significant amount of time reviewing the workspace, kitchen, bathroom layout, location, and price before booking a place, but once settled, she feels at ease.

The all-inclusive nature of the rentals simplifies budgeting, leaving her with more funds for experiences such as trying local cuisine and visiting day trips. The flexibility of living in different cities has been one of the best aspects of her journey, as she can easily move on when she's ready to explore a new place. Additionally, she has managed to avoid the expenses associated with buying furniture, signing long-term leases, and dealing with security deposits.

Alessa's move to Japan has taught her to be more open and adaptable to change, realizing that she needs less than she initially thought.