Digital Nomad Life in Tokyo

"Tokyo is a great city for meeting people and making new friends. There are many great ways to meet people such as joining a local class or club, going to a language exchange event, using social media apps like Meetup and Couchsurfing, or networking events such as those hosted by coworking spaces like Tokyo Creative Lab. You can also find local events and festivals, get involved in the volunteer scene, or use websites like Meetup to find events and activities that interest you. No matter what you decide to do, there are plenty of chances to make new friends and meet interesting people in Tokyo," explained one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Living in Tokyo as an expat or digital nomad can be an exciting and rewarding experience. The city is a vibrant and bustling metropolis, offering a wide range of activities and attractions. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy the city's unique culture, cuisine, and nightlife, as well as its modern infrastructure and efficient public transportation system. Tokyo is also home to a large international community, making it easy to meet people from all over the world. The cost of living in Tokyo can be high, but there are plenty of affordable housing options available. With its excellent healthcare system, reliable internet, and abundance of coworking spaces, Tokyo is an ideal destination for digital nomads," remarked one member in Tokyo.

"I chose my neighborhood based on my commute to work. I found something that only took one train and was under 30 minutes. I specifically found my apartment with the help of a real estate agent, which is the norm here. I told him my preferences and sent him some listings that interested me. He responded by showing me some of the listings I found and some other similar places he had found," said one expat who made the move to Tokyo.

"Finding a place to live in Tokyo can involve a lot of research and legwork. A few good starting points include talking to friends, family, and coworkers for advice and recommendations on good places to live, visiting local real estate agents, or browsing online listings for apartments and homes for rent. When visiting real estate agents, bring a full list of your requirements such as size, budget and location so that the agent can best match you with the ideal home. You should also take advantage of online informational resources such as forums, websites, and online communities that are dedicated to assisting with relocation to Tokyo," explained one foreigner living in Tokyo, Japan.

"The initial cost is about 3.5~5 times of monthly rent which is included the rent in next month and any other additional charge. You also have an option for short-term contract apartment which is called "monthly mansion" in Japanese. It makes to you to have thinking time to explore and find your thought clearly, you can even register the address there and get the bank account or phone number here. It is sometimes difficult for foreigners to pass the screening for housing application because it is usually required Japanese conversation capability, the phone number, and emergency contact here. Quality of Japanese lease apartment is well so you do not have to consider too deep but please remember there is no furniture installed at all but air conditioner," said one in Tokyo.

"-Make sure to research the cost of living in Tokyo to ensure you can afford to live comfortably. -Find out if the area you want to live in has access to services like hospitals and transportation. -Understand the local language or make sure you can access multiple services if you are unable to speak Japanese. -Be aware of any visa or residency requirements for long-term stays. -Find out about any taxes or other financial obligations that may affect your retirement. -Look into the availability of leisure activities in the area. -Familiarize yourself with cultural customs and common social norms of the area. -Have a plan in place for health and medical care while living in Tokyo. -Ensure you have easy access to banking, travel and communication services," said one person in Tokyo.

"I really enjoyed the little things like the design of different packaging of different snacks I'd never seen before. I liked watching the way people interacted with each other. I liked the new sounds I heard on the new trains I rode. I liked how it was more socially acceptable to binge drink. It might not be a good thing, but it's pretty hilarious sometimes. I appreciated how quiet the streets could be late at night in such a huge city," said one expat in Tokyo.

"Expatriates in Tokyo appreciate the modern technological infrastructure the city has to offer, as well as its safety and efficient public transport. They also enjoy the vibrant and unique culture with its many traditional festivals, modern fashion, and culinary delights. Expats praise the efficient and friendly customer service in shops, restaurants, and even convenience stores and are surprised by the presence of amenities like heated toilet seats, escalators for pedestrians, and plentiful recycling bins across the city. They admire the politeness, etiquette, and respect other cultures receive from Japanese people, as well as the unique architecture, from temples to skyscrapers. Expats are often amazed by the hospitality and kindness of strangers, as well as the range of interesting activities Tokyo has to offer - from karaoke to high-end restaurants," remarked one member in Tokyo.

"Community - spirit and the phrase gambarimasu (to keep on going strong And never give up!)," explained one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Expats often find it challenging to adjust to the cultural differences in their new home, find housing and employment in the new location, make friends, develop a new social network, learn the language, and obtain necessary documents from the government. Additionally, some expats may experience feelings of homesickness, loneliness, and anxiety when starting out in a new country," explained one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"The language for sure. That was always a point of stress. I hate being misunderstood, and well..that happened a lot! Also just the grind of being part of the "herd", waiting in long lines for packed trains etc," said one person in Tokyo.

"If you are entering Japan as a tourist, you generally need to obtain a tourist visa before entering the country. There are a variety of visa types including single-entry visas, multiple-entry visas, and student visas. Once you have obtained the requisite visa to legally enter the country, you will be required to present your passport and visa at the immigration control on your arrival in Japan. If you plan to stay in Japan for an extended period of time, you will be required to register at the local city office within 14 days of your arrival. You will need to submit a Certificate of Residence to the city office in order to obtain a Residence Card (Zairyu Card). The residence card will be valid for up to three years and serves as your official proof of immigration status in Japan. In addition, you will be required to apply for a re-entry permit if you plan to leave Japan and return during your stay," remarked one member in Tokyo.

"In Tokyo, it is important to observe good manners, and there are several faux pas that should be avoided. Being punctual is expected in many Japanese contexts, so one should make sure to arrive on time for activities or appointments. It is also important to remove one's shoes before entering a home or certain restaurants, as it is considered polite. As a sign of respect and politeness, bowing is the expected greeting in Japan. When eating, it is rude to make noise and chewing with one's mouth open is also frowned upon. Public displays of affection should also be avoided, as this is typically not well-received. Finally, it is important to avoid talking on one's phone in public spaces, such as public transit or temples," said one person in Tokyo.

"Yes, verbalizing my anger and frustration against lawyers and judges who told me you are not married what are you still doing in japan go home!!," said one expat who made the move to Tokyo.

"One time on the weekend of thanksgiving I was on a train with some friends. They handed me a beer, and I thought yeah sure I'm on vacation I'll have a beer on the train. It felt kind of wrong or something but I don't think it was illegal, just maybe culturally wrong. So I went to take a sip of my Kirin tallboy and watched in terror as it spilled and rolled across the floor of the moving train. 30 people instantly turned and stared at me, and I sheepishly tried to sop up the beer with some napkins. Really embarrassing," explained one foreigner living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Healthcare services in Tokyo, are known for their high quality and advanced medical technology. The city is home to numerous hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical centers that cater to both residents and visitors. Public and private healthcare providers coexist, with the national health insurance system covering a significant portion of medical expenses for Japanese citizens and residents. Tokyo's healthcare facilities are staffed with well-trained and experienced medical professionals, many of whom have international experience and can communicate in English. The city boasts several world-renowned hospitals, such as the University of Tokyo Hospital and St. Luke's International Hospital, which offer a wide range of medical services, from primary care to specialized treatments and surgeries. In addition to hospitals, Tokyo has numerous clinics that provide primary care, dental services, and specialist consultations. Pharmacies are also widely available throughout the city, making it easy for patients to access prescription medications. Emergency medical services in Tokyo are efficient and reliable, with ambulances and emergency rooms equipped to handle various medical situations. The city also has a number of mental health facilities and counseling centers to support individuals dealing with mental health issues. Preventive healthcare is also a priority in Tokyo, with regular health check-ups and screenings encouraged for residents. The city also promotes a healthy lifestyle through public health campaigns and initiatives, such as promoting exercise and healthy eating habits. Overall, healthcare services in Tokyo are comprehensive, accessible, and of high quality, ensuring that residents and visitors have access to the medical care they need," remarked one member in Tokyo.

"I tell them that everyone is under the same health insurance and not to worry about choosing from medical insurance plans. Also, for those with chronic diseases, I would advise them to check if their medicine and care is available in Japan, as a lot of medicine that is available in America is not available in Japan," explained one expat living in Tokyo, Japan.

"Expats and digital nomads generally like the following aspects of living in Tokyo: 1. Efficient and extensive public transportation system: Tokyo has a world-class public transportation system that is clean, punctual, and easy to navigate. 2. Safety and low crime rates: Tokyo is known for its safety, with low crime rates and a strong sense of security. 3. Rich culture and history: Tokyo offers a unique blend of traditional and modern culture, with numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural events to explore. 4. Excellent food scene: Tokyo is a food lover's paradise, with a wide variety of cuisines, from traditional Japanese dishes to international fare. 5. High-quality healthcare: Japan has a well-regarded healthcare system, with modern facilities and highly skilled medical professionals. 6. Cleanliness and orderliness: Tokyo is known for its cleanliness and well-maintained public spaces. 7. Access to nature: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Tokyo has many parks and green spaces, as well as easy access to nearby mountains and beaches for outdoor enthusiasts. However, there are also some aspects that expats and digital nomads may dislike about living in Tokyo: 1. High cost of living: Tokyo is an expensive city, with high costs for housing, transportation, and dining out. 2. Language barrier: While English is spoken in some areas, it is not as widely spoken as in other major cities, which can make daily life challenging for those who do not speak Japanese. 3. Work culture: Japan is known for its demanding work culture, with long hours and a strong emphasis on company loyalty, which may not suit everyone. 4. Crowdedness and lack of personal space: Tokyo is a densely populated city, which can lead to crowded public transportation and limited personal space. 5. Difficulty in finding housing: It can be challenging for foreigners to find suitable housing in Tokyo, as many landlords may be hesitant to rent to non-Japanese tenants. 6. Limited social integration: Some expats and digital nomads may find it difficult to make local friends and fully integrate into Japanese society. 7. Humidity and weather: Tokyo's summers can be hot and humid, which may be uncomfortable for some people," wrote one digital nomad living in Tokyo, Japan.

"The city is safe and clean, people are generally friendly, the food is very good quality. It's hard to talk to locals, they don't engage much with each other unless you're a colleague or friend. It can feel lonely as an expat," said one foreigner in Tokyo.