Digital Nomad Japan: The Most Updated Information In 2024
The world of remote work has been rapidly evolving, and Japan has emerged as a top destination for digital nomads, as reported by The World Economic Forum. As we enter 2024, it's essential to have the most up-to-date information to make the most of your digital nomad experience in Japan.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the latest trends, opportunities, and insights for becoming a digital nomad in Japan. Then, you will be well-equipped to have a unique lifestyle in the Land of Rising Sun.
Japan's Digital Nomad Visa Options
This new visa provides an opportunity for digital nomads to experience Japan’s rich culture and work remotely. IG: @Lady_laaaaaaadyy
With its perfect blend of cutting-edge technology and rich cultural heritage, Japan has always been on the digital nomad’s radar. And now, with the launch of the Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, the Land of the Rising Sun has become even more alluring for remote workers.
1. The New Launch Digital Nomad Japan Visa
To be eligible for Japan's Digital Nomad Visa, you must be a citizen of one of the 49 approved countries, which include the US, UK, and Australia.
The visa allows you to stay and work in Japan for up to six months. Unlike some other visas, there is no possibility of reapplying for this specific visa after the six-month period.
Once your initial six-month period ends, you’ll need to leave Japan or switch to a different visa category if you wish to continue staying and working in the country.
- Demonstrate an annual income of at least 10 million yen (approximately €55,000 or $68,000) earned from business outside Japan
- Hold a private private health insurance.
2. Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa is a popular option for young digital nomads aged 18-30 (or 18-25 for some countries) who want to experience living and working in Japan.
This visa allows you to stay in Japan for up to one year and engage in short-term employment to supplement your travel funds. To qualify, you must be a citizen of one of the 20 countries with a working holiday agreement with Japan, such as Australia, Canada, or the UK.
- Requirements:
- Be between the ages of 18-30 (or 18-25, depending on your country)
- Have a valid passport from a participating country
- Demonstrate sufficient funds to cover your stay and return travel
- Have no criminal record
- Obtain travel insurance.
Check the official list on the Immigration Services Agency website for more information. Photo credit: Kawano Yu
3. Startup Visa
While Japan's Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic option for short-term stays, there's another visa that could be a game-changer for those looking to establish a business in the Land of the Rising Sun: the Startup Visa.
The Startup Visa in Japan is designed specifically for individuals who are founders or core members of a startup company. This visa allows you to invest in a Japanese business, hire employees, and establish your startup in the country for an extended period.
- Requirements:
- Invest at least 5 million yen in a Japanese company or business
- Hire at least two full-time employees in Japan
- Demonstrate a clear business plan and sufficient funds to support your business
- Obtain necessary business licences and permits.
4. Highly Skilled Professional Visa
As a digital nomad seeking a more long-term work option in Japan, the Highly Skilled Professional (HSP) Visa could be your ticket to an extended stay. Introduced in 2015 to attract top talent from around the world, the HSP Visa offers a pathway for foreign professionals to contribute their expertise to Japan's workforce.
The HSP Visa application process is more rigorous than other visas, requiring detailed documentation of your work history, salary, and qualifications. To prepare for your application, ensure you have the following:
- Educational qualifications (master’s degree, PhD, etc.)
- Work experience (both domestic and international)
- Annual income (at least 3 million yen)
- Research achievements
- Language proficiency (Japanese and/or English)
- Other specialised skills.
Why is Japan Attractive for Digital Nomads?
As a digital nomad, deciding where to travel and work remotely can be a challenge, with many options available. Japan is one country that stands out as an attractive base for digital nomads.
1. Safety First
Japan provides digital nomads with the peace of mind to focus fully on their work. Photo by Caito - stock.adobe.com
With one of the lowest crime rates in the world, remote workers can leave their accommodations each day without concern for their safety or belongings. This allows for maximum productivity without distractions. Beyond statistics, Japan's cultural emphasis on respect creates a lived experience of safety. Digital nomads in Japan consistently remark on feeling welcome and protected wherever they go. Help is always near in this society steeped in courtesy.
2. Living Large on a Budget
Who said living as a digital nomad had to break the bank? Japan's lower cost of living is a pleasant surprise for budget-conscious nomads. Typical monthly living expenses fall well below €2000, with savvy budgeting allowing stays at an even lower rate. This amount is equivalent to one-third or one-half of the living costs in major cities in the UK and the US.
Fresh, high-quality meals are remarkably inexpensive - sushi, sashimi, udon and more staples can be found for less than €10 with minimal effort. Extensive public transportation helps reduce outlays for travel, with Japan Rail Passes offering unlimited travel on the punctual subway and rail networks at a fraction of individual fares.
The accommodation also provides savings versus other major cities; compact apartments or hostel beds in central Tokyo run €500 - €1200. Additional frills like entertainment and nightlife are also budget-friendly.
3. Advanced Digital Infrastructure and High-Speed Internet
One of the biggest draws for digital nomads choosing where to set up remote work is connectivity - without reliable, high-speed internet, it's nearly impossible to do the job effectively while on the move. Luckily for digital nomads in Japan, speeds regularly top 50 Mbps with 4G LTE cellular service, while fibre internet connections at accommodations provide Gigabit speeds for large projects.
4. Vibrant Cities and Serene Rural Areas
Metropolises like Tokyo offer endless distractions if inspiration wanes - world-class art, culinary experiences, nightlife, and cultural attractions are mere minutes from working spaces. The bustling energy refuels creativity for new projects. Yet Japan also uniquely provides the option to easily escape busy urban areas.
Remote towns and villages just footsteps from natural wilderness allow digital nomads to Japan to dramatically change scenery for a refreshed perspective. The tranquillity of rural Japan is the perfect antidote to city stresses.
Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in Japan
Tokyo, Japan's bustling capital, is a top destination for digital nomads. Photo credit: Leo Mark Jedhael Mejos / @lmj.mejos
With its extensive transportation network and variety of locations, Japan has many excellent cities and towns to use as a remote work base. The following are some of the top destinations attracting digital nomad Japan.
1. Tokyo
Tokyo is easily one of the top picks for digital nomad Japan due to its immense size, amenities, and global buzz. With nearly 14 million people across the massive metro region, Tokyo offers endless dining and entertainment options to break up work. Ultra-fast internet is available nearly anywhere. Between Tokyo's energy and nearby day trips like Nikko and Hakone, it's easy to see Tokyo's enduring appeal.
2. Kyoto
If you find Tokyo too crowded or expensive for your liking, this is another choice. Kyoto captures digital nomads with its blend of ancient heritage and modern pleasures. Wandering the geisha districts and spectacular temples transports visitors to old Japan.
Yet Kyoto also has top-tier coffee, international cuisine, and co-working spaces tucked into quiet neighbourhoods just steps from zen gardens. The pace feels slower, yet all necessary amenities are at hand. Digital nomads leave feeling recharged by Kyoto's natural retreat spaces minutes from downtown.
3. Okinawa
Okinawa's lovely islands and beaches are a favourite for remote workers seeking a more exotic, secluded Japanese experience. Warm weather year-round and crystal coastlines make it an easy off-season destination.
Coworking cafes have sprung up in Fiji's beach towns like Naha, making it feasible for a digital nomadic visit. English is more visible in Okinawa than in other areas, increasing accessibility. Even in busier areas, island vibes facilitate focus and relaxation.
4. Fukuoka
In the downtown Hakata area preferred by digital nomads, skyscrapers are rare and neighbourhoods intimate. One can walk virtually anywhere in under 30 minutes, whether connecting at a local izakaya for a dish of mentaiko pasta or tracing the shoreline path above the sea.
With direct flights as close as an hour, Seoul and several Chinese cities also become weekend possibilities. This accessibility paired with laidback island living has cemented Fukuoka as a sought-after destination with plenty still undiscovered by foreign visitors.
5. Sapporo
In winter, the powdery slopes see far fewer crowds than in central Japan, providing solitude for solo ski explorers. Yet, for those nights spent working late, Sapporo's cafe culture keeps its energies high with hearty local specialties like miso ramen and fresh seafood.
Co-working spaces understand the need for occasional distraction, often hosting guest talks or outdoor activities. When it's time to refresh the mind, the pristine shores of Lake Toya provide the perfect escape within a short drive.
Tips To Work In Japan As A Digital Nomad
While English is common among younger Japanese, the local language is a must-have skill. Photo by Seventyfour - stock.adobe.com
To make the most of your adventure in this fascinating country, consider the following detailed tips for digital nomads locating to Japan:
1. Language and Communication
While many younger Japanese study English and major cities/tourist spots have English signage, the language is far from ubiquitous. Learning basic greetings, numbers, and phrases in Japanese will go a long way in being respectful and getting assistance when needed.
Popular translation apps like Google Translate or Imiwa? are helpful for reading menus or having short conversations, but be aware they aren't perfect. You can also consider studying hiragana and katakana alphabets to recognise simple words.
2. Cultural Etiquette
Emails/phone/meetings being formal is still pretty much the norm. Speaking at a meeting (or anywhere for that matter) should be done in a low voice.
Working at cafes and coworking spaces is a normal thing in Japan. However, some cafes don’t allow you to work at the place for more than 90 minutes or even outright ban remote meetings to not disturb other guests. So it may takes a bit of effort to find the right place to work outside your rental place.
Fun fact about Japanese working culture: A day at a Japanese firm involves long work hours, with people stay past 7pm. Afterwork, people go for nomikai (drinking parties). However, things have change for the better after Covid, with people going home when their work is done for the day and everyone is encouraged to book their holiday.
3. Social Networking
Another thing to be aware of is the “isolation” feeling (one that the movie “lost in translation” movie conveyed very well). As you may have noticed, everything and everywhere is tightly packed, so the way people respect each other’s boundaries can seem overwhelming to most of us. It’s not easy to make friends and the digital nomad community in Japan is small.
But hey, it’s not surprising since as a digital nomads, we often have our fair share of ups and downs. Yes, Japan is fun and you will have the time of your life here, whether it’s travelling or working. Japan is different. It’s the way the locals live, so we need to adapt to that.
Learing the language is a must. The locals may seem distant at first (even when eating out with them after work). But if you get to know them, they will be one of the nicest people on earth. You could go go hostels, walking tours, or meet ups to get to know more people.
4. Exploration
A change of scenery can boost your producitivy. Photo by shiryu01 - stock.adobe.com
It's so easy to lose track of the hours when you're immersed in a big project and travelling at the same time. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for digital nomads in Japan.
But don't forget to take occasional walking breaks - you'll discover little parks and shrines. Be sure also to carve time on weekends to hike scenic trails and experience the changing seasons. Finding balance is what keeps this lifestyle sustainable for a long time.
5. Opt for Street Food
When it comes to food, we recommend venturing beyond the tourist areas to find locals' favourite hidden gems. Hit up the convenient stores for on-the-go meals or ask shopkeepers at markets what's selling out that day. Be open-minded and you may discover a new favourite ramen spot or tempura joint. Following etiquette like slurping your noodles is also a nice way to fit in.
6. Transportation
Public transit in Japan is extremely efficient. You can't go wrong in big cities just using the subway to zip all over. However, learning to use them is a skill. Accept that you will struggle and be confused for the first few days. Be patient; everything will make sense and be logical in due time. Google Maps is also very helpful.
7. Choose A Good Digital Nomad Backpack
The CabinZero backpack is an ideal companion for digital nomads, combining a minimalist design with versatile functionality. Its clean, uncluttered aesthetic appeals to those who prioritise simplicity, while its adaptability makes it suitable for various activities, from day hikes and commuting to grocery shopping and road trips.
The Military Backpack series stands out for its durable construction and practicality, crafted from Military Grade 1000 Denier Nylon. With sizes ranging from 28L to 44L, these backpacks cater to different travel needs while adhering to cabin baggage allowances for all major airlines. Get your CabinZero backpack today and travel smarter, lighter, and more efficiently.
Wrapping Up
This digital nomad in Japan guide has provided you with valuable insights, practical tips, and a deeper understanding of navigating this unique country. If you have any recommendations to share with us, don’t leave without writing a comment and sharing this article with your friends. And don’t forget to invest in a quality backpack for work and play to maneuver with ease in this wonderful and beautiful nation, too.
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