Is Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa Worth the Effort?

Man, let me tell you about my six months in Tokyo. It all started after a wild week in the city back in January. I was struck by the intense cultural shock and organized chaos, which woke me up from my autopilot life in Germany. That’s when I decided I needed more time in Japan. And lucky me, the Digital Nomad Visa came along in April. After some hurdles, my boss agreed to let me work from Japan for six months. Fast forward to August, I landed in Tokyo, ready for the adventure.

Living in a quiet neighborhood in West Tokyo, away from the hustle and bustle, I found peace in the midst of the city. Walking around, especially during cherry blossom season, was pure magic. The food scene was incredible, with delicious and affordable meals at every corner. Despite being introverted, I managed to connect with locals at izakayas and through apps like Timeleft.

While Tokyo stole my heart, I did venture out to Hiroshima and Kyushu but always found myself longing to return to Tokyo. Dealing with the paperwork for the visa and finding housing were challenges, but the kindness and helpfulness of the Japanese people made up for it. Even when I fell ill with a severe flu, the care and support I received from locals made me appreciate Japan even more.

Despite the hurdles, my time in Tokyo was the best of my life. I found peace in the chaos of the city and fell in love with Japanese culture, food, and the warmth of the people. If you’re a digital nomad, I highly recommend spending time in Japan. It was an experience I’ll never forget, and I hope others can have a similar life-changing journey. Feel free to ask me anything about my time in Tokyo.