Tokyo is easily one of the most beloved travel destinations, offering short flight times, countless places to eat and shop, highly convenient transportation, and a reassuring sense of safety. This time, I spent about a month living here for remote work. In this guide, I will share my insights on accommodation, travel, food, and the overall suitability for a digital nomad Tokyo experience!
Recommendation Index for a digital nomad Tokyo life: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 Stars)
⭕️ Pros – Abundant food options / Numerous co-working spaces / Convenient transportation / Plenty of suburban areas to explore on weekends
❌ Cons – Higher long-term accommodation costs / Many cafes do not provide Wi-Fi / Expensive single-entry gym passes
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Tokyo Accommodation
Since I had friends visiting during this trip, I primarily chose to stay in hotels for convenience. However, if you are visiting purely for remote work and traveling solo, I suggest looking into hostels. These typically provide communal spaces where you can work and interact with others. If you have a slightly higher budget, you can check Facebook groups like the Japan Vacation Rental Exchange Network, which lists short-term rentals specifically for tourists that are often much cheaper than daily hotel rates.
📌 Tokyo Accommodation Recommendation | Mount Fuji Views from the Lobby: Park Hyatt Tokyo Review
📌 Tokyo Accommodation Recommendation | A Classic Luxury Experience: The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo Review (Coming Soon)
📌 Tokyo Accommodation Recommendation | Located Near Shinagawa Station: The Prince Sakura Tower Tokyo, Autograph Collection Review (Coming Soon)
📌 Tokyo Accommodation Recommendation | Only 5 Minutes from Asakusa: Dormy Inn EXPRESS, Featuring Hot Springs and Ramen! (Coming Soon)
📌 Hakone Accommodation Recommendation | Excellent Service: Hyatt Regency Hakone Resort and Spa Review (Coming Soon)
Working Remotely in Tokyo
As mentioned earlier, cafes in Tokyo that provide Wi-Fi or power outlets are not the majority. Therefore, the following post will organize several locations suitable for remote work, such as co-working spaces and specific cafes, hoping to provide better direction for anyone planning a digital nomad Tokyo stay.
📌 Tokyo Digital Nomad | Essential Guide: 5 Recommended Working Spaces in Tokyo (Coming Soon)
Tokyo Travel SIM Card
Once you experience the convenience of an eSIM, there is no going back. You don’t need to remove your original SIM card or worry about keeping it safe. It is “buy and use” immediately without having to visit a counter for a physical card. I highly recommend this for anyone whose phone supports eSIM. Don’t worry about the installation; there are clear instructions provided after purchase, and I haven’t encountered any issues after trying it several times.
👉 My Recommended Japan SIM Card: KKDay (I chose the unlimited data plan, but you can select based on your own usage)
Tokyo Transportation
Public transportation in Tokyo is incredibly convenient, making it possible to reach most places without a car. While the network of Toei, JR, and private railways might seem complex, all you really need is a Suica or Pasmo card. As long as you top up, you can ride almost any line. Especially if you have an iPhone, the built-in Wallet app allows you to add a Suica card directly. You can top up using Apple Pay without ever needing to use a machine at the station, which is extremely convenient.
If you only take a few trips a day, the cards mentioned above are enough. However, if you plan to travel frequently within a few days or visit several attractions in a single day, you might consider the Tokyo Subway Ticket on Klook, which can be much more cost-effective.
Tokyo Food
The food in Tokyo needs no introduction, as many world-famous restaurants originated here. From high-end Michelin-starred cuisine to everyday local snacks, each has a unique charm worth discovering. Below, I’ve shared my list of must-eat recommendations from my month-long stay. While I’ve tried my best to include everything, I’m sure there are many hidden gems I’ve missed, so feel free to share your favorites with me.
📌 Tokyo Food Recommendations | Top 30 Must-Eats: Yakiniku, Sukiyaki, Izakayas, Ramen, and Bars (Part 1 – Coming Soon)
📌 Tokyo Food Recommendations | Top 30 Must-Eats: Yakiniku, Sukiyaki, Izakayas, Ramen, and Bars (Part 2 – Coming Soon)
Best Time to Visit Tokyo
Tokyo is actually suitable for travel all year round. Spring offers cherry blossoms, summer is for water activities, autumn brings maple leaves, and winter provides snow. Each season has its own beauty. However, for a better quality of life and travel, I recommend avoiding Japan’s Golden Week (around late April to early May). Also, if you plan to visit for New Year’s Eve, keep in mind that most shops are closed on December 31st!
Tokyo Attractions
The city of Tokyo has no shortage of attractions, and with nearby destinations like Hakone, Karuizawa, and Nikko, you could visit many times and still not see it all. Feel free to refer to the following list for your planning.
📌 Tokyo Travel Recommendations | A Must-See for Hipsters: One Day in Shimokitazawa
📌 Tokyo Travel Recommendations | 20+ Popular Attractions to Visit (Coming Soon)
📌 Karuizawa Travel Recommendations | 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary from Tokyo (Coming Soon)
📌 Hakone Travel Recommendations | 2-Day 1-Night Itinerary from Tokyo (Coming Soon)
📌 Tokyo Suburbs Travel Recommendations | 3-Day 2-Night Itinerary for Kamakura, Enoshima, and Hakone (Coming Soon)
If you are interested in a digital nomad Tokyo experience or living in other cities, feel free to check out my other city guides:
📌 Digital Nomad City Recommendations – Portland, USA
📌 Digital Nomad City Recommendations – Denver, USA
📌 Digital Nomad City Recommendations – Seattle, USA
📌 Digital Nomad City Recommendations – Living in New York City for a Month
📌 Digital Nomad City Recommendations – Liuqiu Island, Taiwan
Check some hot tours in Tokyo:
📌 SHIBUYA SKY Observatory E-Ticket | Buy and Use: KKday｜Klook
📌 Tokyo Disney Resort Park Tickets: KKday｜Klook
📌 Tokyo Subway Ticket (24, 48, or 72 Hours): KKday｜Klook
📌 Tokyo SKYTREE® Ticket: KKday｜Klook
📌 Warner Bros. Studio Tour Tokyo – The Making of Harry Potter: Klook
📌 Japan SIM Card | Unlimited Data, Total Data SIM | Shipping to Taiwan: KKday
To see more attractions, follow my Facebook page and Instagram 🙂
Facebook: Wen the Travel Begins
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