Colive Fukuoka will be happening again in October 1st to 10th, 2026. We at The Digital Nomad Asia have joined this event since its start in 2023 and seen it grow year after year. In 2025, Colive Fukuoka brought together almost 500 participants, and 2026 is expected to be even larger!
Want to know what Colive Fukuoka is like? Read on to get a glimpse of Colive Fukuoka 2026, and revisit the highlights from 2025.
Colive Fukuoka 2026
Colive Fukuoka is a digital nomad event with a unique opportunity to experience life in Japan with fellow nomads in the vibrant city of Fukuoka, nestled in the scenic and culturally rich southern region of Japan.
| Event | Colive Fukuoka, Japan |
| Dates | October 1-10, 2026 |
| Location | Various locations throughout Fukuoka City |
| Tickets | Membership Registration Needed ・Standard pass: €449 ・Premium pass: €899 (Early bird discounts available) |
| Organizers | Fukuoka City / Planning and Operation by yugyo Inc. |
| Tickets | Get 25 EUR discount with code TDNASIA |
Fukuoka: The Perfect Entry Point to Japan for Digital Nomads and Entrepreneurs
Fukuoka is a great city to start your nomad journey in Japan. It is Japan’s gateway to Asia, the city mixes everyday Japanese life with a growing startup scene, modern cafés, and plenty of coworking spaces, all close to traditional temples and amazing natural scenery of Kyushu.
This coastal city offers everything you’d expect from a Japanese city. It’s convenient, lively, yet compact enough to really get to know. There’s always something happening, from buzzing bars and restaurants to malls and hidden vintage shops. And when you need a break, nature is right around the corner.
It has a kind of creative pulse that draws entrepreneurs, artists, and adventurers alike. Fukuoka also stands out for having the highest proportion of young people aged 15 to 29 among all major cities in Japan.
The city of Fukuoka and the Fukuoka Convention & Visitors Bureau actively invite digital nomads from around the world to experience life here. Colive Fukuoka was created as part of this effort, together with yugyo inc., as one of the region’s first retreats made specifically for remote workers.
Their involvement shows how serious Fukuoka is about becoming a welcoming place for digital nomads and global talent.
Inside Colive Fukuoka: Highlights from the Last Year’s Event
Colive Fukuoka took place in October 2025, and once again, it didn’t disappoint.
What started just two years ago as a small gathering of around 50 nomads has now grown into one of the most inspiring digital nomad communities in Asia, with more than 1,000 registered members from 55 different countries.
And it wasn’t just about the numbers. The variety and quality of the programs were simply impressive – almost overwhelming, in a good way. Every part of it felt so well-prepared and thoughtfully designed. Kudos to the Colive Fukuoka team for pulling it all together so seamlessly!
Here’s a look back at what those 10 days at Colive Fukuoka 2025 were like.
Welcome Party
The week began with a lively welcome party in a spacious outdoor venue filled with good food, drinks, and laughter.
Digital nomads who’ve been traveling across continents reuniting here, greeting each other with joyful surprise, and newcomers quickly finding their circle.
From the very first night, it was clear: Colive Fukuoka has become a true hub for global nomads.
Global Nomad Summit Conference
The main conference was held at Sumiyoshi Shrine, one of Fukuoka’s most historic Shinto shrines. The setting was magical – an elegant contrast between tradition and innovation.
The opening performance of Japanese traditional music instantly set a serene and spiritual tone, reminding everyone that this wasn’t your typical tech or business conference.
Across two days, speakers from diverse backgrounds shared insights on nomadism, local tourism, innovation, entrepreneurship, and mindset. The atmosphere was open and inspiring, blending professional growth with cultural appreciation.
Synapse Festival
The first weekend brought Synapse Festival — a vibrant art and music gathering held on Nokonoshima Island, just a short ferry ride from Fukuoka.
The festival started in the late afternoon and carried on through the night, all the way into the next day, with music, food and drinks, art installations, sauna, yoga, and dancing on the beach. It was a perfect mix of creativity and community spirit.
Nomad University
Nomad University was a place to learn, share, and get inspired.
Nomads, entrepreneurs, and community leaders took the stage to share their insights, experiences, knowledge, and skills – from building remote businesses and creative projects to growing communities and navigating personal challenges. Some talks were deeply personal, others practical and hands-on, but all were filled with honesty and inspiration.
The atmosphere was cozy and down-to-earth, and each talk had its own personality. You could feel the speakers’ passion as they shared what they’ve learned along their nomad journey — the kind that makes you take notes, nod along, and walk away feeling motivated to try something new.
Ramen Tech
Running alongside Colive Fukuoka was Ramen Tech, the city’s annual startup event. Fukuoka has built a strong reputation as one of Japan’s most dynamic tech hubs, and this event showcased it.
With conferences, pitch sessions, and networking events happening around Tenjin and Daimyo, Ramen Tech offered an excellent opportunity for tech-savvy nomads to dive into Japan’s startup ecosystem.
Many Colive participants joined in, making the crossover between the two events a unique highlight of the week.
Side Events & Community Activities
We’ve never seen a nomad event so packed with side events and activities. Day trips, group dinners, DJ nights, workouts, cultural experiences, art workshops, coworking in different spots around the region… Every single day had multiple fun things going on, simultaneously.
The only challenge? You can’t be everywhere at once. So you’ve got to choose one and give up other – unfortunately, you’ve only got one body.
Actually, many of the activities were so popular and sold out quickly, and even with last-minute capacity expansions by the organizers, spots filled up fast. So if you’re planning to join Colive Fukuoka next year – book your spots early! (Note to self, too.)
Editor’s Take on Colive Fukuoka: Japanese Craftsmanship in a Nomad Event
Colive Fukuoka started in 2023 with about 50 nomads attending. Two years later, it has grown into a community of more than 1,000 members – an incredible achievement. You can really see how much it has scaled up every single year.
The team has built something special: a digital nomad event where people not only have fun, but also get to experience Japanese culture in meaningful ways. The conference held at a shrine is one example. A trip to the onsen or a group dinner featuring local motsu-nabe is another.
At Colive Fukuoka, you can feel the spirit of Japanese craftsmanship in every detail — the thoughtful planning, the smooth organization, and the dedication of the leaders and staff.
If you’re planning to visit Japan as a digital nomad, I truly recommend coming in October and joining Colive Fukuoka. It’s the perfect season, and a wonderful way to get to know Japan and make new friends.
See you next year in Fukuoka. 🌸
The Foundation of Colive Fukuoka: A Vision of Community and Collaboration
Colive Fukuoka is an initiative by yugyo inc., a forward-thinking marketing company deeply rooted in the principles of community and collaboration. Yugyo specializes in creating unique coliving experiences, and Colive Fukuoka is their latest endeavor. The event is designed to create a space where people from different backgrounds and professions can live, work, and create together, inspiring new ideas and projects (and have fun, of course).
At the helm of yugyo Inc. is Ryo Osera, a seasoned professional with a rich background in digital marketing and tourism. As an executive advisor to the Japan Workcation Association, Ryo brings invaluable insights into the evolving dynamics of work and travel.
His entrepreneurial journey includes co-founding HafH, a successful subscription-based coliving platform, which has given him a deep understanding of Japan’s startup ecosystem as well as its grinds and hustles.
When asked about the motivation behind his initiative, Ryo shared his insights. “Having spent over five years as a digital nomad, I’ve always believed that Japan could foster vibrant digital nomad communities similar to the ones I’ve encountered, especially in Asia.”
“With the continued rise of remote work, I’m confident that digital nomads can unlock significant potential in Japan, particularly in its rural regions.”
While Ryo was presenting at various conferences on the market value of digital nomads, the city of Fukuoka showed interest in a potential collaboration. “Fukuoka is akin to the capital of Kyushu, where my hometown, Nagasaki, is situated. Kyushu’s economic impact is on par with that of the Netherlands, and the island’s potential is vast.
“Fukuoka offers an exceptional environment, with its close proximity to the airport, its reputation as one of Japan’s premier foodie destinations, the local population’s openness to foreigners due to its position as the gateway to Asia, its status as a startup hub, and easy access to the stunning natural landscapes in areas like Kumamoto and Oita.”
When questioned about the future of the digital nomad scene in Japan, Ryo stressed, “Community and connections are most important for digital nomads. Yet, language barriers, cultural differences, and geographical distance have so far kept Japan somewhat removed from the digital nomad community. However, I believe this is set to change. Particularly for Japan, which is wrestling with societal issues such as population decline and aging, the influx of digital nomads could be highly beneficial.”
“In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become the norm in Japan, and young Japanese people are adopting work styles significantly different from traditional Japanese practices. Their skills, their appreciation for diversity, and above all, their passion for living not only in cities but also in rural areas, unquestionably render Japan’s countryside extremely appealing to digital nomads.”
Ryo anticipates that it won’t be long before Japan, and specifically Fukuoka, are recognized as go-to destinations for digital nomads in Asia. “If Fukuoka’s allure reaches digital nomads globally, it will facilitate connections with digital nomad communities in East Asia, such as those in South Korea and Taiwan. Our goal is to cultivate a refined community in Far East Asia, offering a unique appeal distinct from renowned digital nomad hotspots like Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia,” he concluded.
The team behind Colive Fukuoka includes Akina Shu, a seasoned digital nomad and a podcaster. Akina has been living the nomadic lifestyle for over 5 years, presenting at digital nomad events and conferences worldwide.
She’s the driving force behind Nomad University, a program dedicated to the digital nomad lifestyle, and has interviewed over 50 digital nomads during her global travels.
We asked Akina about the appeal of Fukuoka and Japan for digital nomads. As a seasoned traveler and digital nomad herself, she shared her insights on what makes a location attractive to this growing community.
“In my experience, there are five common elements that make a place a digital nomad hotspot. First, there are events like community gatherings, festivals, and summits for digital nomads. Second, the entry requirements to the country are straightforward, and visa applications can be completed online. Third, the location has a good internet environment, safe surroundings, and a wide variety of food options. Fourth, there is easy access to transportation, natural beauty like mountains or sea, and nightlife. Lastly, the place is diverse and has a startup-friendly atmosphere.”
“Throughout my travels, I’ve often heard from other nomads that ‘Japan is in my top priorities for visiting!’ However, until now, Japan hasn’t really been a popular destination for digital nomads. That said, Japan already fulfills the third and fourth elements, and Fukuoka in particular, meets the fifth. As for the first element, with the launch of initiatives like Colive Fukuoka, we’re building a community that welcomes digital nomads in Japan. Regarding the second element, the future looks promising with the Japanese government’s proactive consideration of issuing digital nomad visas to Japan.”
Message from Colive Fukuoka team
“Whether you’ve visited Japan before or not, we’ve prepared numerous experiences designed to reshape your perception of Japan. This pop-up event, which has garnered attention from both the city of Fukuoka and the Japanese government, is set to be a groundbreaking event for Japan’s future.
Those who participate play a pivotal role in shaping and changing the future of Japan. We hope that your enjoyment and engagement will help open the doors of Japan, a country that may sometimes perceived secluded. We would be thrilled if you could join and contribute to this exciting evolution.”
In conclusion, Colive Fukuoka is not just an event, but a movement. It’s a bold initiative that aims to redefine the way we live and work, and to show the world that Japan is ready to welcome the digital nomad community with open arms.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fukuoka Digital Nomad Event
Colive Fukuoka is the largest digital nomad event in Asia. It combines inspiring talks and conferences with cultural experiences, fun activities, and countless opportunities to connect with fellow nomads from around the world.
Participants of Colive Fukuoka 2026 can join community dinners, skill-sharing workshops, excursions, etc. Lots of community activities are planned.
Yes, there are numbers of coworking spaces in Fukuoka like The Company or Engineer Café, where you can work while participating Colive Fukuoka. See the list of coworking spaces in Fukuoka for more details.
Daimyo, located between Tenjin and Akasaka stations, is the hipster heart of Fukuoka. Known for its vintage boutiques, indie cafes, record stores, and local craft beer spots, Daimyo often serves as a social hub for Fukuoka digital nomad events and informal gatherings.
Fukuoka is generally more affordable than Tokyo or Osaka, making it a great choice for digital nomads who want city convenience and a lively urban vibe.
Japan: The Emerging Digital Nomad Destination
Curious about nomad-friendly spots in Kyushu?🇯🇵
Japan is poised to become the next hot destination for digital nomads. Known for its unique blend of tradition and modernity, Japan offers a clean, safe, and efficient living environment.
Its fast internet infrastructure, affordable living costs compared to many western countries, beautiful landscapes and its unique culture make it an attractive choice for digital nomads.
In 2024, the Japanese government introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing remote workers to reside in Japan for up to six months.
