Discover Trial Living in Rural Japan: A New Choice for Digital Nomads

This article is contributed by ELENTO LLC.

The rise of remote work has fundamentally transformed how we live, work, and travel. For digital nomads—individuals who leverage technology to work from anywhere—this shift has opened up the world as a workplace. Among the countries drawing increasing interest from nomads is Japan, long admired for its cultural richness, safety, and infrastructure.

Japan is becoming an aspirational destination for many digital nomads, and the country has begun to explore pilot programs targeting international remote workers. While Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto remain popular urban hubs, a growing number of nomads are setting their sights on rural Japan as the next frontier for long-term stays and deeper cultural immersion.

Why Digital Nomads Are Exploring Rural Japan

Urban Exodus and the Rise of Remote Work

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a normalized and often preferred mode of employment around the world. According to Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, telework adoption among Japanese companies surged in 2020, with many retaining flexible work policies even after pandemic restrictions eased. Internationally, a similar shift has occurred, with digital nomadism emerging as a global lifestyle trend. A 2021 MBO Partners report estimated that over 15.5 million Americans identified as digital nomads, a number that continues to grow.

With this shift, many workers—both in Japan and abroad—are choosing to leave crowded urban centers in search of a quieter, more affordable, and more meaningful way of life. This trend has given rise to interest in Japan’s rural regions, which are often overlooked by tourists but offer rich cultural experiences, lower costs of living, and a slower, more intentional lifestyle.

In Japan specifically, the national government and local municipalities have been actively promoting regional revitalization policies to address population decline in rural areas. Programs like the Regional Revitalization Cooperation Corps (Chiiki Okoshi Kyoryokutai) support urban residents in relocating to rural towns to contribute to community development. Although these programs target Japanese citizens, they reflect a broader movement toward decentralization and the revitalization of rural areas—making them more accessible and attractive to international visitors as well.

Why Rural Japan?

1. Meaningful connection within small communities

Digital nomads who move from place to place are often in search of meaningful connections and a place to feel at home. In contrast, rural areas in Japan often offer tight-knit communities where residents know each other and take time to connect. In smaller towns, it’s more common to have casual conversations with neighbors or be invited to community events. This organic social interaction creates an environment where nomads can build genuine relationships, even during short to medium-term stays.

Many newcomers claim "community interaction" and "feeling welcomed" as positive aspects of life in rural towns. For digital nomads seeking more than a Wi-Fi connection and a desk, this human connection is increasingly important.

2. Lower Cost of Living

Rural Japan is generally much more affordable than urban centers like Tokyo or Osaka. Rent in regional areas can be less than half of that in metropolitan cities. Utilities, groceries, and services also tend to be more budget-friendly, allowing nomads to stretch their budgets while enjoying a higher quality of life. This affordability makes it easier for remote workers to stay longer, travel slowly, and truly immerse themselves in their surroundings.

3. Close to nature, Better for Sustainability

Japan’s countryside is renowned for its natural beauty, from mountainous landscapes to coastal towns and rice field valleys. For many nomads, proximity to nature is not just about aesthetics, it’s also about wellness, sustainability, and a slower pace of life. With the growing popularity of regenerative travel—a movement that encourages travelers to leave places better than they found them—rural Japan offers the right conditions for conscious living.

Some digital nomads are motivated by a desire to give back to the communities they visit. Rather than simply passing through, they seek opportunities to contribute through community-based impact projects—such as farming support, eco-tourism, cultural preservation or business collaboration. Staying in the rural part of Japan offers more opportunities for nomads to exchange skills and support regional sustainability efforts.

4. Real local life in countryside

For those considering future relocation or seeking a deeper understanding of Japan beyond tourism, rural areas offer an authentic look at daily life. Instead of staying for just a few days to visit famous landmarks, digital nomads can live in a town, shop at local markets, attend seasonal events, and experience how life unfolds across weeks or months.

Trial stays also help individuals assess whether a certain lifestyle or region suits them before making long-term commitments. For example, they may discover preferences for a coastal town over a mountain village or realize the importance of access to coworking spaces or transportation hubs.

5. The Rise of Trial Living & Trial Working

In response to these increasing needs, a new program has emerged to support aspiring digital nomads known as trial living and trial working. This structured experience allows visitors to test both lifestyle and career paths, giving them a soft landing into local communities as well as the nomadic lifestyle.

What Is Trial Living / Trial Working?

Trial Living

Trial living refers to temporarily living in a new place for a few weeks or months, rather than relocating for several years. Unlike a full move, it’s a way to “test out” a location before making a long-term commitment. It goes beyond tourism by attending local events and connecting with neighbors, immersing yourself in authentic living.

The common accommodations for this kind of stay are coliving spaces, shared houses, or renovated traditional homes.

Trial Working

Trial working involves bringing your existing remote job from outside of Japan and working remotely while staying in a rural area. Changing your environment can spark new ideas and unlock creative energy that might not surface in a routine setting. It can also be a great opportunity to pick up new skills along the way.

 But trial working doesn’t have to mean sticking to your usual job. For some, it's a chance to try something completely different for a short period: trying new digital skills, joining a local farming project, learning traditional crafts, or even apprenticing with a sushi chef. These hands-on experiences offer a glimpse into alternative career paths and ways of living that go beyond the digital world. For city dwellers feeling stuck in the fast-paced grind, rural Japan can become a space to reset, reflect, and explore possibilities for a second chapter in life.

Beyond personal development, trial working can also open unexpected doors. While staying in rural towns, participants may discover local businesses or social initiatives in need of support. These encounters often lead to organic collaborations—such as helping a regional craft business with branding, or supporting a tourism project through content creation—allowing nomads to contribute their skills in a way that benefits both their own portfolio and the local community.

For those interested in learning more about life in rural Japan—including challenges, practical tips, and programs to get started—continue reading to explore realities, communities, and legal tips for digital nomads.