Asia · 5 cities on Nomada

Digital nomad guide to Japan

Updated May 2026

Mid-tier monthly

$1,730–$2,520

median $2,050

WorkableDigital nomad visa · 5

Best for: One 6-month stretch in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Fukuoka, or rural Naoshima.

Japan's DNV launched in 2024 with a high income bar and a brutal non-renewable single-entry rule — 6 months, no extensions, exit and don't re-apply within 6 months of departure. Treat it as a one-shot experience, not a base, until they fix the renewal limitation. Outside the DNV, the Highly Skilled Professional visa and the Designated Activities visas are the realistic long-stay paths.

Visa story

Digital Nomad Visa launched 2024 (¥10M+ income, 6 months single-entry, non-renewable).

Open the per-city visa cards on each city page for the specific income tests, durations, and program names. None of this is legal advice — confirm with the consulate before booking.

5 cities on Nomada

Sorted by monthly cost · cheapest first

Naha
Japan-curious nomads who want subtropical island weather without Tokyo prices.
$1,730per month
Cost Climate FIRE
Kyoto
Japan nomads who want Tokyo-quality infrastructure at small-city density and cultural depth.
$1,970per month
Cost Climate FIRE
Osaka
Japan nomads who want Tokyo-quality infrastructure at lower rents.
$2,050per month
Cost Climate FIRE
Kobe
Kansai nomads who want a quieter port-city base than Osaka with the same DNV access.
$2,180per month
Cost Climate FIRE
Tokyo
Nomads who can afford it and want a once-in-a-lifetime stay in a hyper-functional megacity.
$2,520per month
Cost Climate FIRE

Best months across Japan

Months where the country’s averages cluster within nomad-comfortable temp, humidity, and rainfall ranges.

Visa story

5 cities on Nomada

Best months across Japan

Other Asia bases

Build your stack for Japan