Digital Nomads in Japan – an Ultimate Guide

Japan Digital Nomad Guide

Japan has become one of the most talked-about destinations for digital nomads. Over the past few years, the number of nomads visiting the country has surged, and by 2025, the momentum was was impossible to ignore.

Digital nomad events and retreats took place across Japan, from cities like Fukuoka and Osaka to coastal towns like Shimoda, mountain areas such as Hakuba, and island destinations including Okinawa and the Goto Islands.

With so many regions offering different ways to live and work, we put together this guide to help digital nomads explore Japan.

Choose from 198 Hostels in 57 Cities in Japan

Top Destinations for Digital Nomads in Japan

Japan isn’t just Tokyo! For digital nomads, although Tokyo is a good starting point with its internet cafes and great transportation, you’ll get a different vibe in every region you visit. So here are some of the best spots to explore. In these spots you’ll find a lot of English speakers, too!

Tokyo

Of course, if you love the city lifestyle then Tokyo is where to start on a digital nomad trip to Japan. One of the things travelling freelancers love about Tokyo is that it’s a city that never sleeps. During the day you can find tons of parks, internet cafes, and coworking spaces to work in, then in the evening you can go drinking in Golden Gai, clubbing in Shibuya, or even go for a late-night arcade session.   

With thousands upon thousands of unique restaurants and themed cafes, plenty of museums and galleries, and even onsen (public baths) all over the place, you’ll never get bored in Tokyo.

Osaka

Osaka is Japan’s second-largest city after Tokyo, and often gets high rankings as one of the world’s most liveable places. The atmosphere is totally different to Tokyo. Whereas Tokyoites are often glued to their phones and busy on their way to work or the shops, Osaka locals are much more friendly and open. That even comes across in their clothing! Osaka people are known for wearing more brightly coloured clothes and not caring as much about what others think. This makes it a great place for digital nomads, because people are welcoming and fun.

A lot of people from Osaka are fiercely proud of their hometown, and love to talk about their superior street food, entertainment and general way of life. We’ll let you be the judge of that!

Fukuoka

Fukuoka in Kyushu Island is quickly becoming known as a digital nomad hub, with the city actively working to create an environment that attracts global remote workers. It’s also home to Colive Fukuoka, the largest annual digital nomad festival, which brings together professionals from around the world to connect and experience the city’s vibrant nomad-friendly culture.

If you’re unfamiliar with Japan, you may not have heard of Fukuoka, but this sunny southern city is an ideal destination for digital nomads. Fukuoka has everything that an urban city has to offer, while also boasting nice beaches and being close to Kyushu’s stunning natural landscapes. In addition, it has a rich history, featuring attractions like its historic castle, shrines, and the impressive Great Buddha.

Coworking Spaces in Fukuoka for Digital Nomads

Kyoto

Kyoto is Osaka’s quieter neighbour. In Kyoto you’ll find that the overall atmosphere is much more demure and peaceful – other than the major tourists spots, of course. There are plenty of ways to experience tradition here too; from kimono rental and the old castle, to traditional restaurants and picturesque streets.

Kyoto is perfect for digital nomads looking for a quieter area that’s still well connected and has a few English speakers around. While coworking spaces outside of modern cities can be a little hard to come by, in Kyoto there are plenty of cafes with wifi, and comfy and spacious Airbnbs to stay in.

Rural Areas

If you’re feeling more adventurous, Japan offers plenty of opportunities for digital nomads beyond its major cities.

Life in rural areas feels completely different. The further you move away from Tokyo or Osaka, the fewer Western influences you’ll see, and the more deeply you’ll experience traditional Japanese culture, daily rhythms, and local community life.

In recent years, some regional towns have actively started welcoming international digital nomads. Instead of mass tourism, they focus on hosting small-scale nomad events, retreats, and workations to showcase what everyday life in their town looks like.

These places may not be obvious on a typical travel map, but they often leave a stronger, longer-lasting impression.

Shimoda (Shizuoka Prefecture)

Shimoda is a relaxed seaside town located about three hours from Tokyo, at the southern tip of the Izu Peninsula. Known for its beautiful beaches, surf culture, and strong connection to Japan’s modern history, Shimoda offers a very different pace from urban Japan.

Each year, the town hosts Tadaima Shimoda, a community-focused nomad and workation event designed to help visitors feel less like tourists and more like temporary locals. For digital nomads who enjoy ocean views, quiet workdays, and deeper cultural exchange, Shimoda is one of Japan’s most appealing coastal options.

Hakuba (Nagano Prefecture)

Hakuba is best known internationally as a ski resort, but outside winter, it turns into a quiet mountain town surrounded by forests, rivers, and hiking trails. The green season attracts remote workers looking for nature, cooler summers, and space to slow down after work.

In November 2025, Hakuba hosted Co-Lab Hakuba, a digital nomad and remote work event that brought international nomads together with local residents and businesses. Events like this show how Hakuba is positioning itself not just as a tourist destination, but as a temporary home for people who want to work remotely while staying connected to nature and community.

Kanazawa (Ishikawa Prefecture)

Kanazawa blends historical charm with modern comfort, making it one of the easiest “small cities” in Japan for digital nomads. Samurai districts, traditional crafts, and one of Japan’s most beautiful gardens exist alongside good infrastructure, reliable transport, and strong food culture.

LINNAS Kanazawa, a community-oriented hotel and coworking space, regularly hosts Urban Retreats for digital nomads, bringing together remote workers who want structure, connection, and cultural immersion without giving up comfort. Kanazawa is ideal for nomads who want history, walkability, and a balanced daily routine rather than nightlife or fast-paced city life.

Kyushu: Beyond Fukuoka

Kyushu is often associated with Fukuoka, one of Japan’s most nomad-friendly cities and the home of the annual Colive Fukuoka event. But beyond Fukuoka, Kyushu is full of smaller towns that are quietly attracting remote workers.

Places like Beppu and Yufuin are known for onsen culture and slower lifestyles, while Hyuga appeals to surfers and outdoor-focused nomads. The Goto Islands, located off the coast of Nagasaki, offer an even more remote experience, ideal for nomads looking to disconnect, focus deeply on work, and live close to nature.

Why Digital Nomads Love Japan

So why should you visit Japan as a digital nomad? Well, from a deep culture and history to fun and crazy cafes, Japan has so much to offer!

We couldn’t possibly explain it in just a sentence, so here are some of the reasons you should consider Japan for your next trip.

Surprisingly Affordable

Many people think of Japan as too expensive to visit, but if you’re savvy about spending your money, even backpackers in central Tokyo can enjoy Japan on a budget. So how do you stay savvy?

One of the best ways is to always go for local food. Ordering anything in European-style restaurants often doubles the price, whereas local chains like Yoshinoya sell gyudon (a beef and rice dish) for just $3.50. You’ll also likely find a number of Kaiten-zushi (conveyor belt sushi), where a lot of the items are just 100 yen per plate.

It’s also good to keep in mind that finding accommodation slightly outside of your main target tourist destination will often be cheaper. In Tokyo for example, many people want to visit Shinjuku, but accommodation in Asakusa is much cheaper, and it takes less than 30 minutes on the train to go between the two, and Asakusa in itself is a major tourist destination anyway!

As for activities, there are plenty of outdoor activities that you can do for free, and Japan is actually a great destination for avid hikers.

Clean and Modern

In comparison to many other countries you may have visited, Japan as a whole is very well-kept and things run very smoothly. Public toilets are kept clean, you’ll often see train staff cleaning the handles of escalators, and there’s virtually no litter to be seen. One thing to note is that trash cans are a slightly rare sight, so most people will carry trash with them until they get home or find a rare trash can – whichever comes first.

As for modernity, in the big cities you’ll find state-of-the-art skyscrapers, and buildings with the latest earthquake-proofing technology. But you’ll need to take the modern aesthetics with a pinch of salt, as some processes are a little stuck in the past, such as the surprising lack of contactless payment.

Unique Traditions and Culture

Japan is a gorgeous country that prides itself on its rich history and culture. Wherever you go you’ll find a shrine or temple is just around the corner, whether it’s sitting in between two monstrous skyscrapers or hidden away in the depths of a forest. These are often accompanied by a torii, a (usually red) gate that signifies the entrance to a Shinto shrine.

On top of that, you’re likely to find a lot of festivals and events throughout the year that you can easily join in on. And although it’s rare to see anyone just casually going for a walk in traditional kimono, many do wear them to these special events, and you can often rent them in the more touristy areas.

People are Very Polite

In Japan, although the locals aren’t likely to give you a hug or shake your hand, people are generally very polite and will try their best to help if you look lost. People will often walk you all the way to your destination, rather than giving you confusing directions! This is a part of Japan’s omotenashi culture, which essentially refers to Japanese hospitality. Of course, this varies where you go, so don’t expect a busy business executive to stop and walk you to the local train station, but don’t be surprised if someone sparks up a conversation in a local bar, either!

Japanese Public Transport is Amazing

As a Brit myself, I’m used to trains being delayed or cancelled on a daily basis, so it was a refreshing change when I came to Japan and was able to reliably plan my day around public transport! Trains do get delayed on occasion, but it’s very rare for them to be cancelled entirely.

On top of that, you can get to nearly every corner of Japan using some kind of public transport. Recently, Hokkaido was even added to the Shinkansen (bullet train) route, meaning you can travel from the north of Japan all the way down to the south with ease. Just be aware that public transport can get a little expensive, so if you’re planning to be in one place for a while, you might want to invest in a bike to get around.

Things to Note

With all these amazing things about Japan, there are a few things to keep in mind. One main issue is that English is not widely understood. Although you’re likely to come across staff with basic English skills in big cities, anywhere in between is generally lacking in English speakers. If you want to visit more rural areas, make sure to carefully plan your trip in advance, and note down some essential vocabulary, or go with a guide.

One other point to note is that Japan is still a very cash-based society. While this is slowly changing, and mobile apps such as PayPay are becoming more widespread, international credit cards are still not accepted everywhere. Make sure to notify your bank before you visit Japan, and look for ATMs that accept international credit cards (such as 7-Eleven ATMs) to take out money before going to local restaurants and the like.

When to visit Japan: While spring cherry blossoms and autumn leaves steal the spotlight, January in Japan has its own quiet magic. Crisp air, clear skies, and fewer tourists make it ideal for exploring temples, cities, and snow-covered mountains in peace. If you’re into snow sports, head north—Hokkaido and Nagano are world-class for skiing and snowboarding. Even if you’re not, soaking in an outdoor onsen while snowflakes fall around you is pure nomad bliss.

Oh, and the further you go into rural Japan, the less fancy the toilets get! (Don’t be surprised if you come across a traditional floor toilet!)

Visa to Japan as a Digital Nomad

In April 2024, the Japanese government introduced a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign remote workers to stay in Japan for up to six months. While this duration is shorter than that of digital nomad visas in many other countries, it reflects Japan’s progress in creating a more welcoming environment for digital nomads.

There are also other types of visas for those with different skillsets and intentions.

Tourist visa: Most countries do not require a visa for their citizens to enter Japan for up to 90 days. However, this is for sightseeing purposes only and requires that the traveller does not earn compensation during that time.

Working holiday visa: Some countries like the UK and Australia allow their citizens to visit Japan and work part-time for up to a year. There are restrictions on what kind of work you are allowed to do, but this is the easiest to acquire and allows the most travelling freedom.

Work visa: There are many different types of work visa, such as the new start-up visa, the humanities visa, and the skilled labor visa.

For more detailed information about each different type of visa in Japan, visit your embassy’s website or take a look at our Japan Visa for Digital Nomad article.

Coworking Spaces in Japan

Recently, there has been a growing need for remote offices around Japan, so in bigger cities like Tokyo and Osaka you’ll have no problem finding a decent coworking space with reliable wifi and all the perks of a regular office.

However, for digital nomads looking to travel outside of the more international cities, you might have to hunt a bit more to find a good coworking space. Some hotels and guest houses are starting to offer their shared areas for coworking, and most chain cafes will offer free wifi. For the retro option, you could also look for manga cafes and internet cafes, where you can pay an hourly fee to have a booth or spot to yourself.

Digital Nomad Japan – YouTube Videos

If you want to get a good idea of what life is like in Japan before you visit, there’s certainly no shortage of J-Vloggers to choose from on YouTube!

Abroad in Japan

An absolute essential to the J-Vlogger list is Chris from Abroad in Japan. Full of sarcasm and dry humour, Chris has changed his style somewhat over the years, pivoting from weird things in everyday life to a more travel based style. Here you’ll find a lot of interesting information on where to go and what to do while you’re in Japan.

https://www.youtube.com/c/AbroadinJapan/videos

Life Where I’m From

Greg has two styles of video on his YouTube channel: One where he goes on fun adventures with his family, and one that’s a more documentary-style giving an insight into life in Japan. Both styles can be informative for travellers or those looking to spend a longer time in the country.

https://www.youtube.com/c/LifeWhereImFrom/videos

Bappa Shota

Bappa Shota is a Japanese-born nomad living the van life and travelling around Japan with Scotland-born Ruth. Their vlog-style content not only shows their travels but the fun they have decking out their van with everything they need for a comfortable travelling home. This is good, fun content and great travel inspiration!

https://www.youtube.com/c/BappaShota/videos

Japan Guide

Japan Guide’s website was established in 1996 and has been constantly adding new and useful information for travellers even since. They started their YouTube channel in 2016, and have some great guides and information on where to go in Japan and what to do, such as this great video about how to stay at a ryokan (traditional inn):

https://www.youtube.com/c/japanguide/videos

Traveling with Kristin

Kristin has been traveling all over the world for the past 15 years, working online as a digital nomad. She has some great general information on how to live the digital nomad life, but she also spent some time in Japan! This 18-minute video serves as a great overview and beginners guide to your first time in Japan, from which airport to use to visa information.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCS2ezhBvebMx6BUL-4qpadQ

Digital Nomad Japan – Facebook Groups

Facebook groups are a great source of information for digital nomads, no matter where you’re going. Plenty of people have been in the same situation as you, so you can often search within the group for related words or questions, and find that a lot of people have already answered. If your question is unique or new, there will always be someone eager to help!

Digital Nomad Japan

Of course, we have our very own Facebook Group “Digital Nomad Japan” as a dedicated platform for your thoughts and questions. Here you can freely ask any questions you have about being a digital nomad in Japan, before or during your stay.

Tokyo Expat Network (TEN)

A strictly-run but incredibly informative group, TEN is designed for foreigners living in Japan looking for the answers to questions you can’t simply find on Google. Make sure to check the rules and previous posts before posting, as many questions have already been answered.

Working Holiday Japan

This group is mostly interesting tourism-related part-time job postings and apartment listings, with the occasional question and group discussion. This is a relatively small group that is intended for those coming to Japan on a Working Holiday visa, so does not have freelancing information, but is good if you would like to earn a bit of money while travelling.

Japan Travel, Friendly Discussion Group

This group is specifically made for travelling to and around Japan, rather than for digital nomads or workers. This is a well-run group with strict admins making sure people stay polite and on topic, but it’s also a fun group with lots of interesting information on what to do around Japan.

The Digital Nomad Asia

Yes, we know, this is another one of our own groups! But given that we have communities specifically for digital nomads, it would be silly not to mention them. This group is for digital nomads wanting to explore around Asia. You’ll find information about Japan here, but also about your next potential Asia destinations. Perhaps you can even meet other nomads along the way!

Frequently Asked Questions about Digital Nomad in Japan

Reddit Conversations on Digital Nomad in Japan

My definitive review of Japan as a digital nomad from r/digitalnomad

In this Reddit post, a digital nomad Steingar shares their experience in Japan, praising its safety, fast internet, and great food, while also pointing out challenges like high costs and limited social interaction with locals. Although the experience will vary for each traveler, this detailed review is worth a read to get a feeling of what it’s like to live in Japan as a digital nomad.

Wrap up

Japan is full of rich culture, quirky activities, and great food. There’s so much to experience and explore in Japan as a digital nomad, and so much you can learn about a different way of life.

In conclusion, embracing the life of a Digital Nomad in Japan is an adventure that promises a blend of modernity, tradition, and unique cultural experiences. Japan’s digital infrastructure, coupled with its vibrant cities and serene rural landscapes, make it a compelling destination for digital nomads.

Whether you’re exploring the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or immersing yourself in the tranquil beauty of rural Japan, the country offers a wealth of opportunities for exploration. So, if you’re contemplating the digital nomad lifestyle in Japan, it’s time to pack your bags and gear up for an extraordinary journey into Asia’s next digital nomad hotspot.