I'm gonna recommend Fukuoka, Japan. The city is large enough to have many creature comforts, but small enough that you can 'get out' and experience the country

I'm gonna recommend Fukuoka, Japan. The city is large enough to have many creature comforts, but small enough that you can 'get out' and experience the countryside very easily. Compared to Tokyo you will likely save a good amount of money on rent and transport. You'll probably pay around $400 for a simple room near the city center. You can cycle almost everywhere, Fukuoka is much flatter than Tokyo, or just use the subway. The city center is very walkable. Eating out is cheap and high quality. You'll probably pay $5-10 for a basic meal, or $30 for a lot of food with alcoholic drinks. Depending on your nationality you might be able to get a working holiday visa, which is a good way to experience Japan in general. Some downsides: It's very difficult to get into Japan right now, English is not widely spoken. EDIT: Just realised you stated your age as 31 and the working holiday visa is only for people up to age 30.