A picture of the famous bridge in Nikko, 2 hours out of Tokyo
A shot of me doing Calligraphy in Wakalture great teacher in Tokyo
A Torii Gate In Tokyo. These beautiful gates represent the entrances from the regular world into the spiritual realm for temples / shrines in Japan
Detailed Visa and Legal Information
For a comprehensive understanding of visa and legal options for digital nomads in Japan, here are key points from recent resources:
This is not intended to be legal advice – please visit embassy websites for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
- Types of Visa Options
- Tourist Visa: Digital nomads can often enter Japan on a tourist visa (up to 90 days for many nationalities), although this does not permit employment in Japan. It’s important to remember that this visa is intended for tourism purposes, not for remote working.
- Working Holiday Visa: Available to citizens of countries with which Japan has a working holiday agreement. It allows holders to stay for up to one year and work while traveling, though remote work may be allowed under specific conditions.
- Business or Investor Visa: For those planning to establish a business or invest in Japan, this visa requires substantial proof of capital investment or business creation.
- Visa Requirements and Application Process
- Tourist Visa: Typically, applications for tourist visas can be done online or at a Japanese embassy, and entry is contingent on meeting basic health and financial requirements. Digital nomads should be prepared to prove their financial self-sufficiency.
- Working Holiday Visa: This visa requires the applicant to be between the ages of 18 and 30 (depending on nationality). Applicants must demonstrate they have sufficient funds for their initial stay. Applications are processed through the Japanese embassy in their home country.
- Investor/Business Visa: This type of visa is designed for individuals with significant business plans or investments. Applicants must submit detailed business plans and proof of financial investment.
- Legal Requirements for Working Remotely in Japan
- Remote Work from Japan: Japan does not yet have a specific digital nomad visa. Therefore, remote workers should ensure that their employment activities comply with Japan’s tourist visa rules if staying under that status. There may also be tax implications for those staying long-term.
- Registration and Reporting: After arriving in Japan, digital nomads may be required to register their address at a local municipal office. Additionally, those staying long-term might need to report their income for tax purposes, depending on their visa type and residency status.
By thoroughly understanding these visa options and requirements, digital nomads can avoid any legal complications while enjoying their stay in Japan. Always check the latest immigration guidelines as rules may change.
Visitor Visas
- Visa Exemptions: Currently, tourists from certain countries, including the United States, do not need a visa for short-term visits to Japan. These visits can be for up to 90 days within a 6-month period. However, it’s important to note that travel regulations and restrictions may change, so it’s always a good idea to check with the appropriate authorities or embassy for the most up-to-date information.
- Short-Term Visa: If you are not eligible for visa exemption, you will need to apply for a short-term visa before your visit. Short-term visas typically allow stays of up to 90 days. You can apply for these visas through the appropriate embassy or consulate of Japan in your country of residence.
- Valid Passport: All foreign visitors entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay. Make sure your passport is valid and meets the requirements set by the Japanese immigration authorities.
- eVisa: For certain countries, there is an option to apply for a short-term tourism visa online known as eVisa. This is available for stays of less than 90 days and for single entry only.
A shot of a buddy of mine watching his girlfriend go into one of the tiny restaurants in Shibuya. You will find streets with these miniature restaurants that have 4 – 8 seats inside, bar style. It was one of the coolest memories I had while in Japan.
Cultural and Networking Insights
Here are the lists related to cultural and networking insights for digital nomads in Tokyo.
- Cultural Etiquette and Social Practices
- Respect for Privacy: Japanese culture places a high value on personal space and privacy, which can sometimes make it challenging for digital nomads to navigate social situations. It’s important to be aware of the norms regarding noise, personal interactions, and the respect for quiet spaces in public places.
- You also shouldn’t be taking photos of places where strangers faces are included in the photo or video. It’s not a hard rule, but something I noticed.
- Eye contact is generally not made with anyone, if you’re making a lot of eye contact with Japanese people, you know you’re in a very touristy area.
- A Deep Respect For Rules: Rules are followed in Japan, while no one will notice you in your day to day life, you can find videos of people suffering, or crying in public, and japanese people just ignoring them. The moment you break a rule though all of the sudden someone will notice you and quickly work to put you back into your place (yes, I’m still a bitter about my time there haha).
- Punctuality: Timeliness is highly valued in Japan. Whether attending meetings or simply making plans with friends, being on time is crucial.
- Formality in Professional Settings: Japanese business culture is typically more formal than in many other countries. It’s important to address people using their titles or honorifics unless invited to do otherwise.
- Respect for Privacy: Japanese culture places a high value on personal space and privacy, which can sometimes make it challenging for digital nomads to navigate social situations. It’s important to be aware of the norms regarding noise, personal interactions, and the respect for quiet spaces in public places.
- Networking Opportunities for Digital Nomads
- Coworking Spaces: Tokyo offers a range of coworking spaces that provide not only fast internet but also a vibrant community of remote workers. Popular options include andwork in Shibuya and Cafe Lapin, which are great for networking and collaborating with fellow nomads.
- Digital Nomad Communities: Joining Facebook groups such as “Digital Nomad Japan” and “Tokyo Expat Network” can help newcomers connect with fellow nomads and locals who can offer advice and share opportunities.
- Coliving Spaces: For those looking for a more integrated community experience, coliving spaces like Kizunaya provide affordable accommodation options and the chance to meet other digital nomads while sharing living spaces.
- Local Opportunities for Digital Nomads
- Going to Bars: This is about the only place where you can consistently find Japanese people to talk to, outside of this and really touristy areas, it can be difficult.
- Balancing Work and Exploration: Digital nomads can enjoy Tokyo’s juxtaposition of modern city life with traditional culture. From working in coworking spaces to visiting historical landmarks like the Senso-ji Temple, there’s always a blend of work and cultural exploration.
- Social Events: Participate in local events and festivals like the Cherry Blossom viewing season, which can provide ample opportunities to bond with locals and other expats while experiencing Japanese culture. Not sure whats going on in Tokyo? Check out Viator for sweet events!
- Food Culture: Exploring Japan’s rich culinary traditions is a must for any nomad. Tokyo is home to diverse food experiences, from Michelin-starred restaurants to local ramen shops, making it a great way to unwind after a productive day.
These insights can help digital nomads in Tokyo build meaningful relationships and integrate into local culture, making their experience more enriching and productive.
Cost Of Living / Traveling Through
- 🧍Avg. Cost Of Living (For Single Adult) – $2,100
- 🏨 Avg. Price Per Night For Hotel Room (near city center) – $60
- 🏩 Avg. Price Per Night For Hostel Dorm Room (near city center) – $40, If you’re planning to stay in Tokyo as a digital nomad, here are the Top 14 Coliving Spaces in Japan you can book right now
- 🏡 Avg. Price for apartments (near city center) – $1500
- ☕️ Latte – $3,50
- 🍺 – .5 Liter Beer – $4
- 🏋️♀️ – Monthly Gym Membership – $100
- 🚊 – Local Transport – Avg. One Way Ticket Price – $1.20
- 🍝 Avg. Dinner Price – $8 – $15
- 📱 – Avg. Data Plan Per Month – $30, the only ESIM company I use is Airalo
- 🏢 – Avg. Cowork Per Month (near city center) – $200
Wifi Speed Tests
Read my guide to getting fast wifi anywhere in the world here
Co-Lives & Where I Stayed
A Map Of The Places I Stayed & Recommend
The Millenials Shibuya
- OVERALL – 4/5 – I definitely made most of my friends in Tokyo while staying at this place. I really liked it here. They do have a capsule style setup. You can get your own small nook with your bed. They also have a co work area included in the price.
- Affordability – 3.5/5 – Not the most affordable place – ~$100 a night
- Wifi – 5/5 – Great, super fast super stable wifi here.
- Avg. Download Speed = 301.59 MBPS
- Avg. Upload Speed = 206.49 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 7 MS
- Sense Of Community – 4/5 – The staff is super cool and there are a lot of other single / nomadic folks here that are easy to connect with.
- Location – 4/5 – Right near the heart of Shibuya. Great spot in the heart of the busiest part of Tokyo.
- Amenities (Kitchen, Pool, etc.) – 4/5 – They do have a shared kitchen, but you can’t use it in the mornings, and it’s shared with everyone at the hotel (it’s a big hotel). No pool, they do have a pretty chill lobby space that usually has people in it. As mentioned they do have a cowork space that has small rooms for calls too which is great.
- Cleanliness – 4/5 – It’s Japan, super clean, super tidy haha.
Places To Stay – Honorable Mentions
This is a section where I’ll add hotels / places to stay at that I either didn’t stay at, or had a flaw that made me unable to recommend them completely.
- Borderless House In Japan – This looks like a great option, with locations in Tokyo, Kobe Kyoto & Osaka. Unfortunately, you do need to book a room for 1 month minimum, and I don’t book 1 month without seeing the place first (usually 😂)
- Grids Hotel – Heard good things about these guys.
Super interesting art piece conveying the juxtaposition of traditional Japanese culture with the incredibly quick technological advances that came about after the Meiji Restoration
Co-Works & My Favorite Places To Work From
A Map of The Cafes & Co-works I Worked From
Cafe Lapin
- OVERALL – 4/5 – Killer spot with probably the best coffee I had in Tokyo.
- Wifi – 4/5 – Pretty damn good wifi
- Download Speed = 39.16 MBPS*
- Upload Speed = 87.15 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 12 MS
- *Not sure what these metrics mean? Read my guide to getting fast wifi here.
- Service & Friendliness – 4/5 – The staff is super attentive, not crazy friendly, but nothing out of the ordinary for Tokyo.
- Amount Of Outlets – 3.5/5– There are a couple outlets but not a crazy amount
- Amenities / Ergonomics (Places to take calls, standup desks etc.) – 2/5 – Not a place to take calls, not a lot of different types of charis / places to stand, etc. but it’s a kickass cafe!
- Location / Ambiance – 4/5 – Super cozy place located on a side street in a pretty central spot of town.
.andwork Shibuya
- OVERALL – 4/5 – By far my favorite cowork in Tokyo. Many other coworks were very dark with little to no natural lighting and crazy depressing IMO.
- Wifi – 5/5 – Great, super fast super stable wifi here.
- Avg. Download Speed = 301.59 MBPS
- Avg. Upload Speed = 206.49 MBPS
- Avg. Latency = 7 MS
- Service & Friendliness – 5/5 – There’s not too much staff on site, but the people that do work there are nice for sure.
- Amount Of Outlets – 5/5– Plenty of outlets
- Location / Ambiance – 4/5 – For Tokyo coworks, this is the best ambiance you’re going to find IMO.
- Amenities / Ergonomics (Places to take calls, standup desks etc.) – 3.5/5 – They had some different seating options, a place to take calls, and some free tea included. Nothing too crazy though, nothing like my favorite coworks from Paris.
Places To Work From – Honorable Mentions
This is a section where I’ll add co-working places / places to work that I’ve heard a lot of good things about, I either didn’t make it to the place, or I went and personally didn’t like it. In service to you all, if the place seems to have enough buzz, I will still share it.
- Sajiki Coffee Bar – Super friendly staff, not too bad wifi & great location in the heart of Asakusa
- Starbucks At Ueno Park – This is one of the prettiest Starbucks I’ve been to (Playa Del Carmen has a pretty beautiful Starbucks too btw)
Finding Community / Making Friends
Interested In Building Community As A Nomad? I interviewed 9 other digital nomads to come up with a complete digital nomad guide to building community, check it out!
Japan is not the easiest place to make friends. The culture tends to be more introverted & there are a decent number of Japanese people who are (justifiably) getting tired of all the tourists. You can sense that a bit as well while you’re there.
That being said
- Meetup.com – has a good amount of events posted pretty regularly
- Expats In Tokyo – This is the best Facebook group I was able to find for foreigners in Japan
One of the Torii’s from Meiji Jingu, a super beautiful spot
Transportation
- Getting Around
- The metro is a great way to get around, with English options on the kiosks to buy tickets. You can take the train both around Tokyo as well as to pretty much anywhere in Japan. Here’s a guide on the Tokyo metro.
- UBER – Uber does run here, and the prices are reasonable
Looking for the best Digital Nomad Spots around the world?
Check out my guides to digital nomad hotspots around the world
One of my favorite art pieces, Lake Suwa By Hokusai. From his series 36 views of Mt, Fuji.
Exercise / Outdoors
Shot near Mount Jinba just outside of Tokyo. Tokyo is surrounded by mountains in the north and the west.
Nature
Mount Jinba
- Pretty beautiful mountain, super close to Tokyo with quite a few hiking trails
Nikko
- A very beautiful small town about 2 hours from Tokyo by train. The main picture of this article (the one with the bridge) is from Nikko.
Exercise
Anytime Fitness
- Good option for gyms, lots of locations around Tokyo, fairly affordable (I recall it being about $50 US a month) you can also get agreements here for as low as 2 months.
Meetup
- I found a couple great groups for running, and tennis. Here is the running group, and the tennis group. Although if these aren’t running anymore feel free to look on Meetup for more groups, there are quite a few to choose from.
Conclusion
In conclusion, by 2025, Tokyo offers a unique experience for digital nomads – the history, food and art are some of the most incredible in the world. If you’re looking for a place where you can make friends without going to bars, it’s maybe not the best place for you.
Digital Nomad FAQ’s
Is Tokyo a good place for digital nomads?
It wouldn’t be my first choice. There aren’t a whole lot of digital nomads mostly people traveling through for a couple days and it’s a bit harder to make friends with locals. That being said, the wifi, history & infrastructure is incredible. If I did Japan all over again, I would spend more time in the north in nature & Osaka.
How is the internet connectivity and speed in Tokyo?
It’s great. Plenty fast enough for video calls. See a breakdown of all wifi speeds here.
Is it easy to meet people and make friends in Tokyo?
This isn’t the easiest place to meet locals. But if you’re staying in Shibuya or Shinjuku you can easily meet foreigners, as well as Japanese people interested in foreigners Here’s how I made friends while in the city.
How much should I budget for a month in Tokyo?
A minimum of $1,800 a month, accommodation can be a bit expensive but you can get food quite cheap. See a breakdown of prices for common digital nomad stuff here.
Are there lots of places to work from in Tokyo?
Yes. There are plenty of cafes and co-works you can work from. More details on this below.
What are the best digital nomad neighborhoods in Tokyo?
Shinjuku & Shibuya, If you’re looking for a place with a few less tourists Asakusa.
Does Tokyo have a digital nomad visa?
As of right now, no.
What visa options are available for digital nomads in Japan?
- Tourist Visa: Allows stays of up to 90 days for many nationalities, but prohibits employment in Japan.
- Working Holiday Visa: For nationals of countries with a working holiday agreement, allowing stays of up to one year.
- Business/Investor Visa: For individuals planning to establish or invest in a business in Japan, requiring proof of capital and business plans.
Can I work remotely in Japan on a tourist visa?
While Japan’s Tourist Visa allows entry for short stays, it technically does not permit employment within Japan, including remote work. However, many digital nomads use this visa for remote work as long as they are employed by a foreign company, but they must be aware of the legal implications and ensure their activities align with the visa’s restrictions.
What cultural norms should digital nomads be aware of in Japan?
- Respect for Privacy: Avoid taking photos where strangers’ faces are visible.
- Punctuality: Timeliness is crucial in both personal and professional settings.
- Formality: Use titles and honorifics in business environments unless told otherwise.
What networking opportunities are available for digital nomads in Tokyo?
- Coworking Spaces: Popular spots include andwork in Shibuya and Cafe Lapin.
- Online Communities: Join groups like “Digital Nomad Japan” or “Tokyo Expat Network” on Facebook.
- Coliving Spaces: Options like Kizunaya offer integrated living and networking experiences.
How can digital nomads balance work and social life in Japan?
- Bars and Social Events: Bars are common places for informal socializing. Participate in local festivals for cultural immersion.
- Exploration: Visit landmarks like Senso-ji Temple or enjoy Tokyo’s culinary scene for a balance of work and exploration.
Want to stay fit & eat healthy while traveling? Check out my guide to diet fitness while traveling here!
Bali Digital Nomad Guide Coming Next!