Tokyo

Japan, Tokyo

The world's most functional megacity. New Digital Nomad Visa (6 months) plus engineer/highly-skilled paths for longer stays.

Humid subtropicalJPYJapanese13,900,000 people

The numbers

Cost, tax, and quality of life

Cost of living

Verified

85 idx

Numbeo Cost of Living Index · Jun 2026 ↗

Rent · 1BR center

Verified

$1,400 /mo

Numbeo Rent Prices · Jun 2026 ↗

Effective tax (remote)

Verified

28%

PwC Worldwide Tax Summaries · Jun 2026 ↗

Healthcare

Verified

85 idx

Numbeo Health Care Index · Jun 2026 ↗

Safety

Verified

90 idx

Numbeo Crime Index (inverted) · Jun 2026 ↗

Internet

Verified

240 Mbps

Ookla Speedtest Global Index · Jun 2026 ↗

Climate score

Verified

75 idx

Climate-Data.org · Jun 2026 ↗

Freedom

Verified

82 idx

Cato Human Freedom Index (2024) · Jun 2026 ↗

Visa pathways

How to legally live in Japan

JP-DNV · Short-Term Remote Work

Digital Nomad Visa

Min income $68,000

Processing 30-60 days

Japan's 2024 DNV — 6 months only, high income bar. For longer stays, look at Highly Skilled Professional.

Remote work for non-JP company
Min ¥10M (~$68k)
Health insurance
6-month stay, non-renewable
+1 more

Visa info is research, not legal advice. Always verify with a licensed immigration professional before applying.

If price is the problem

Cheaper cities with a similar vibe

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Osaka

36% cheaper rent · 12% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $900/mo

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Tbilisi

61% cheaper rent · 65% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $550/mo

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Raleigh

29% lower cost of living · same climate

Rent: $1,400/mo

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What's next

Compare Tokyo against your situation

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