Eng 
日本語 
Are you looking to become a digital nomad in Japan? Do you want to explore the world’s third-largest economy while having access to incredible technology, culture, and cuisine? Working remotely can be a great way of experiencing all that Japan has to offer. In this blog post, we’ll show you how it’s done by providing tips on preparation and creating successful strategies for living & working as a digital nomad in Japan. Whether you’re just getting started or have been wanting to make your international dreams come true for years, these actionable steps will give you the insight necessary for making an informed decision about life in Japan!
Table of Contents
What is a Digital Nomad and What are Examples of Work They do?
How Many Digital Nomads are in Japan?
Does Japan Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
Alternative Visa Options for Digital Nomads
Types of Work Visas
The Working Holiday Visa
Finding Affordable Housing that Fits Your Needs
The Benefits of Learning Japanese in Japan
Why Study with Coto Academy?
Conclusion
What is a Digital Nomad and What are Examples of Work They do?
A digital nomad is a person who uses technology to work remotely while having the freedom to travel and explore. They have a location-independent lifestyle and just need reliable internet and a device to work. One example of a digital nomad’s work is freelance writing. With just a laptop and Wi-Fi connection, one can write articles, blog posts, and social media content for clients based anywhere in the world. Digital Nomads can also be teachers, SEO specialists, web designers, and virtual assistants who manage social media campaigns, email marketing campaigns, create graphics, and analyze data without ever stepping foot in an office.
The possibilities are endless for those who choose to live the digital nomad lifestyle. But have you heard of digital nomads in Japan?
How Many Digital Nomads are in Japan?
It’s hard to find an exact number on how many digital nomads are in Japan. Official numbers might be hard to track because the Japanese government does not offer a digital nomad visa. However, no need to fret! There are a few visa options for digital nomads, so keep reading to find out what they are.
Does Japan Offer a Digital Nomad Visa?
Regrettably, as of 2023, Japan hasn’t rolled out the red carpet with a dedicated digital nomad visa. It seems the concept of sipping sake under Sakura while typing away on your laptop hasn’t quite caught on with the Japanese government yet. But not all hope is lost!
Word on the street (and by “street”, we mean credible news outlets) is that Japan is contemplating a special visa for globe-trotting remote workers. No one really knows when it will be available.
While we wait for this digital nomad visa to materialize, there are other options to explore. After all, experiencing Japan isn’t just about cherry blossoms and bullet trains; it’s also about finding ways to navigate the complex maze of bureaucracy to get things done.
Alternative Visa Options for Digital Nomads
As far as short-term options, Japan offers a 90-day visa to tourists from various countries. If this option is not accessible or ideal for you, another option could be a work visa if you’re eligible and want to stay longer than 90 days.
Types of Work Visas
If you do white-collar work that’s not tech-related, the most suitable visa for you may be the Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Studies Visa. This visa is typically for technicians and white-collar professionals, so it covers a broad range of foreigners in Japan. Some job titles included under this visa are English teacher, Interpreter, Designer, Salesperson, and Business Manager.
The Engineering Visa and the Highly Skilled Professional Visa (HSPV) in Japan are both designed for foreign professionals to work in the country, but they have some key differences in terms of eligibility, benefits, and restrictions.
The Engineering Visa is specifically for those who plan to engage in services that require skills or knowledge pertinent to physical science, engineering, or other natural science fields. This visa category is often used by software engineers and other tech professionals. The primary advantage of this visa is that it’s not tied to a specific employer, meaning you can change jobs without needing to alter your visa status.
On the other hand, the Highly Skilled Professional Visa is a more exclusive category. It’s issued through a point-based system to foreigners who meet certain criteria like having an annual income of at least 3 million yen. Points are given based on factors like academic background, professional experience, salary, age, and language proficiency. Further, the HSPV is connected to the company you work for. However, the HSPV has several advantages over the Engineering Visa. For instance, it allows for a longer duration of stay, easier procedures for inviting relatives, permission for the spouse to work, and the possibility of permanent residency. Furthermore, the HSPV even allows for an indefinite stay as long as the scope of work falls under the designated categories. Note that you generally need at least a Bachelor’s degree to be approved for these visas.
So, the main difference boils down to this: the Engineering Visa is more job-specific and offers greater flexibility with employment, while the HSPV is more exclusive, offers broader benefits, and can potentially lead to permanent residency in Japan.
If you still don’t feel like these visa options are suitable for you, there is one more type of visa that could be a possibility. It’s a working holiday visa.
The Working Holiday Visa
The Working Holiday Visa in Japan is a special type of visa that allows young people from certain countries to live and work in Japan for up to one year. The primary purpose of the visit should be to holiday in Japan, but visa holders are allowed to work part-time to supplement their travel funds.
Applicants must be citizens of countries that have a mutual agreement with Japan for the Working Holiday Programs. This includes countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom among many others.
There are some limitations to this visa as well. One is the age restriction, with the minimum being 18 and the maximum being 30 years of age. For some countries, the maximum is younger than that. Secondly, you cannot work at places like bars, clubs, and gambling establishments.
You can read more information on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs site and in this Coto blog article from February 2023. Application procedures can usually be on the aforementioned site or on websites of the Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan in your country/region.
Lastly, you need to prove you have sufficient funds. This differs from country to country, and I don’t believe the government gives any exact figures. To get an idea, your best bet may be to search on Google and in forums like Reddit.
Finding Affordable Housing that Fits Your Needs
As a digital nomad, finding the perfect place to live can be a challenge. If you’re looking to settle down in Japan, it’s important to consider your needs and lifestyle. Do you need a quiet space to work or do you prefer a more communal living situation? Are you looking for a minimalist apartment or a more spacious room to store your gear? Luckily, Japan offers a wide range of housing options. But the process can be bureaucratic and tedious. For a stay of 90 days or less, you can do a search for Sakura House, Tokyo Vacation House, or Tokhouse among others. For help finding affordable housing in Tokyo and Yokohama, check out this article. We also have three cheat sheets of Japanese vocabulary and expressions related to apartment hunting. You can find the first cheat sheet here.
Conversely, seeing as much of Japan as possible may be your objective, in which case AirBnB would be worth checking out. Traveling around Japan as a digital nomad is an adventure that blends the wonders of ancient traditions with the excitement of modern technology. The country’s unique blend of history and innovation creates an environment that is both stimulating and inspiring, making it an ideal destination for those who work remotely and crave cultural immersion.
However, no matter if you decide to stay in one place or move around, Japan is a country in which learning some of the language and a little about the culture go a long way.
The Benefits of Learning Japanese in Japan
To many visitors’ surprise, Japan is still very much a country where most people do not speak English. So learning Japanese while living or working in Japan as a digital nomad can offer numerous benefits:
Enhanced Communication: Understanding Japanese will allow you to communicate more effectively with colleagues, clients, and local residents. This can lead to better working relationships, friendships, and a more fulfilling social life.
Networking: In the same vein as the first point, speaking Japanese can help you build relationships with people outside of your immediate circle, providing opportunities for networking as well as personal and professional growth.
Professional Opportunities: Many places of work prefer employees who can speak Japanese. This even goes with the IT industry, which is more progressive in certain aspects as compared to some others. Being able to understand the language can make you stand out and open up more job opportunities.
Cultural Understanding: From reading historical signs at sites at museums to listening to stories being told by knowledgeable Japanese nationals, learning Japanese can help you better understand and appreciate the country’s rich history and culture. This can enhance your overall experience in Japan.
Independence and Confidence: Being able to navigate daily activities such as shopping, dining, paying bills, or using public transportation without assistance can increase your independence and confidence.
Personal Fulfillment: Learning a new language and accomplishing some or all of the aforementioned points can be a rewarding personal achievement.
Learning Japanese in Japan is particularly special due to the total immersion aspect—you’re completely surrounded by the language and culture here. Now you may be asking how or where can you learn Japanese? Well, one popular option once you touch down in Japan is a Japanese language academy. There are a lot of Japanese Language Academies to choose from. Of course, we would recommend you check out the classes we have to offer at Coto Academy!
Why Study with Coto Academy?
At Coto Academy, we focus on communicative skills and Japanese that’s actually useful in everyday interactions. Some classes even take you out to use your Japanese in authentic environments.
We offer one-on-one courses in addition to group lessons, virtual lessons, and cultural courses. We have two brick-and-mortar locations. The original school is in Iidabashi, and the newest location is a stone’s throw from the famous Shibuya Scramble! That means you can have Japanese class and then hop on over to Udagawacho with your friends and practice using the Japanese you’ve learned. We are very active on social media platforms like TikTok and IG, where we post fun language tips and entertainment. Coto Academy even has a comedy show every once in a while that teachers and students can come to watch or sign up to perform in!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Japan offers a unique and enriching experience for digital nomads. Whether you’re navigating the neon-lit streets of Tokyo or finding inspiration in the serene landscapes of rural areas, it’s an unparalleled opportunity for personal and professional growth. Although Japan doesn’t have a specific digital nomad visa, several other visas are available that can facilitate a short or long-term stay in the country. As you prepare to embark on your digital nomad journey here, thoughtful planning and strategic decision-making will be your keys to success. Embrace the adventure, let Japan inspire your work and life, and remember that Coto Academy is here to support your journey through language and culture support!
