If working from Japan has always been on your bucket list, now’s your chance! With the official launch of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa in 2024, remote workers can live and work in Japan for up to six months at a time. This program finally opens the door for digital professionals to experience Japan beyond a short tourist trip.

Previously, foreigners wanting to live work and play in Japan could only do so on a Japan Working Holiday Visa or Work Permit to teach English in Japan. This Japan digital nomad visa is a game changer for on-line workers, and just adds to the growing list of countries introducing a digital nomad visa and opening their arms to digital nomads. 

In this guide, guest poster and digital nomad, Trisha, advises everything you need to know about Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa. This includes eligibility, required documents, taxes, and how to apply. I’ll also cover the best cities and towns for digital nomads, the cost of living, and what life is really like working remotely here.

If you’re curious about how to be a digital nomad in Japan and whether Japan can fit into your remote lifestyle, this guide will give you a clear picture of what to expect. So if looking for your next digital nomad destination, consider Japan.

What Is the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

 

As you probably know, a digital nomad is someone who moves abroad to different countries and works online to fund their travels. Japan introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) in March 2024 to attract remote workers and boost tourism. Here’s the key information:

●      Stay length: Up to 6 months
●      Renewal: Currently not renewable back-to-back (you’ll need to leave before reapplying)
●      Income requirement: At least ¥10 million annually (about $66,000 USD) in gross foreign income
●      Who it’s for: Remote employees and freelancers who earn money from abroad. Meaning foreign clients or companies.
●      Family: Spouses and children can join, as long as they also have health insurance

Until now, legally staying long-term in Japan meant securing a work visa, enrolling as a student, going on a working holiday visa, or marrying a Japanese national. This visa finally gives nomads a legal option. The high income requirement and non-renewability are real limitations, but it’s a meaningful step forward.

 

Who’s Eligible for the Japanese DNV?

 

Japan has set stricter rules than many other countries offering digital nomad visas. To qualify, you’ll need to:

●      Be at least 18 years old
●      Work remotely for a foreign company or as a self-employed professional. No Japan-sourced income allowed
●      Earn at least ¥10 million gross annual income (approx. USD $66,000) from foreign sources
●      Hold a valid passport from one of the 50+ eligible countries
●      Have comprehensive health insurance valid in Japan for your entire stay
●      Provide proof of a clean criminal record

Dependents (spouses and children) may apply under the same visa, but they also need health insurance coverage.

 

Required Documents

 

When applying, you’ll need to prepare:

●      Completed visa application form (available from Japanese embassies/consulates)
●      Valid passport (at least 6 months validity beyond your intended stay)
●      Proof of employment or self-employment (contracts, client agreements, or employer letter confirming remote work status)
●      Documents explaining planned stay and activities in Japan
●      Proof of income (tax returns, bank statements, or payslips showing you meet the ¥10M requirement)
●      Health insurance certificate valid in Japan (must include emergency, hospitalisation, and repatriation coverage)
●      Certificate of Eligibility (COE) — some embassies treat this as optional, but in practice, others see it as almost required. Rules vary a lot by location, so confirm with your local mission.
●      Police clearance certificate from your home country or country of residence
●      Recent passport-sized photos

Requirements can vary slightly depending on your nationality, so always double-check with your nearest Japanese embassy or consulate before submitting.

 

How to Apply for a Japanese Digital Nomad Visa

 

Applications must be submitted in person at your local Japanese Embassy or Consulate, even if you use a COE to expedite the process. Fees typically range from ¥3,300–¥6,600 depending on specifics. Processing usually takes anywhere from a few days (with a COE) to 1–8 weeks without, depending on your nationality and consulate workload.

Steps:

1. Gather documents (COE optional but recommended)
2. Submit in person with applicable fee
3. Wait for processing
4. Receive visa sticker and plan entry within validity window

 

A Quick Word on Taxes

 

Here’s the good news. Holders of the Japan Digital Nomad Visa are not considered tax residents unless they stay in Japan for more than 183 days in a calendar year. Since the visa itself is only valid for 6 months, you won’t be liable for Japanese income tax under this program.

Instead, you’ll continue paying taxes in your home country (or wherever your tax residency is established). That said, it’s smart to keep clear records of your foreign income. 

 

Best Cities for Digital Nomads in Japan

 

Japan has a bit of everything. Fast-paced cities, historic towns, ski resorts and beaches. Where you choose to base yourself really depends on how you like to work and live. You will need to find suitable Japanese accommodation so you can unpack and set up your tech gear and equipment so you can continue working online to fund your Japanese travels. Here are some of the best spots for digital nomads to Japan:

 

Tokyo

 

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

 

The ultimate choice to live work and play in Japan if you thrive in big cities is of course, Tokyo. Tokyo offers unmatched infrastructure, world-class co-working spaces, fast Wi-Fi (100–500 Mbps fiber in most areas), and endless things to do after work. Rent is higher (expect $1,500–$3,000/month for central apartments), but the energy and networking opportunities make it worth it.

 

Kyoto

 

If tradition inspires your creativity, Kyoto is the place. The Internet is reliable (up to 200 Mbps in most central areas), and the city has plenty of co-working cafés. Expect living costs around $2,000–$2,400/month depending on your setup. The mix of tradition and modern convenience makes it popular with nomads who don’t mind trading Tokyo’s energy for quieter days.

 

Osaka

 

Friendly, fun, and food-obsessed, Osaka is often cheaper than Tokyo or Kyoto. You can find one-bedrooms starting around $600–$800/month, and a full nomad lifestyle (housing, coworking, eating out) averages $1,500–$2,300/month. The city has a small but growing nomad community and easy access to both Kyoto and Kobe.

 

Fukuoka

 

Often called Japan’s startup capital, Fukuoka has a young, entrepreneurial vibe and a warmer climate. It’s cheaper than Tokyo/Kyoto, with monthly living costs around $1,000–$1,600. Since the city is located on the coast, beach trips are also easily accessible. 

 

Sapporo

 

If you like cooler weather (and winter sports), Sapporo is a strong option. Rent is noticeably cheaper. Furnished apartments can go for $600–$800/month and the city has reliable internet and co-working spaces. Ski resorts like Niseko are close by, so you can literally work weekdays and ski weekends.

 

Okinawa

 

For beach life, Okinawa is the obvious choice. The Internet is improving (usually 50–150 Mbps), but it’s not as fast or consistent as the mainland. Living costs are about $2,500–$2,700/month on average. People come here more for the lifestyle than productivity, it’s better if your work does not require heavy bandwidth.

 

Cost of Living in Japan

 

Japan isn’t as expensive as many people assume, especially outside Tokyo. Here’s a rough monthly breakdown for you geoarbitraging nomads. Prices are in USD.

●      Rent: $800–$2,500 (depends on city and apartment size)
●      Food: $300–$600 (budget-friendly if you enjoy local restaurants and konbini meals)
●      Transportation: $100–$200 (Japan Rail passes, metro cards, bicycles)
●      Co-working spaces: $150–$300 (monthly memberships)
●      Utilities & internet: $100–$200
●      Leisure & extras: $200–$500

Total: $1,500–$3,500/month depending on city and lifestyle.

 

Is Japan Ready for Remote Workers?

 

Absolutely! Japan has some of the most advanced infrastructure you’ll find anywhere, which makes it easy to set up life as a remote worker.

The internet is fast and reliable in the big cities, with fiber speeds at 100–500 Mbps. Smaller towns and rural areas can be slower, but still good enough for most online work. Co-working spaces are everywhere in places like Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. It’s modern, comfortable, and often paired with events that make it easy to meet people.

Finding a place to live isn’t hard either. Options range from Airbnbs and serviced apartments to co-living setups like Borderless House a multicultural share house. Rent can get pricey in Tokyo, but mid-sized cities offer more affordable choices without sacrificing internet or convenience.

Getting around is effortless thanks to Japan’s famous train system, which is fast, clean, and always on time. For longer travels, domestic flights and buses cover pretty much everywhere else. And when it comes to paying for things, you’ll use a mix of digital wallets like Suica and PayPay, as well as credit cards. Just keep some cash handy, especially if you’re exploring smaller towns or countryside cafés.

 

Why Live in Japan as a Digital Nomad?

 

Aside from convenience,  it’s genuinely exciting to live and work in Japan. Every day feels like there’s something new to take in. The food alone is reason enough to stay. You can grab a bowl of ramen for lunch, hit an izakaya with friends after work, and still have room for late-night sushi or okonomiyaki. Eating out is part of daily life here, and it’s hard to get bored when the options are this good.

Safety is another huge plus. Japan consistently ranks among the safest and cleanest countries, and it’s common to leave your laptop on a café table without worry.

The real appeal, though, is balance. You can work from a sleek co-working space in the morning and spend the evening wandering through lantern-lit streets or exploring a centuries-old shrine. And when you’re ready to look beyond Japan, quick flights to Seoul, Taipei, or Bangkok make regional travel easy without breaking your work routine.

Or perhaps consider your next digital nomad destination after Japan.