mofa visit japan

• About Japan

Visiting Japan

• Information Related to COVID-19 - JapanGov
• Border enforcement measures to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19)　- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan
• TeCOT (COVID-19 Testing Center for Overseas Travelers) - Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry
• Vaccination Certificate for Overseas Travel - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) advisory information - Japan National Tourism Organization

We welcome you to visit Japan

Empowering the Disabled

This movie introduces the new essential steps ahead of an unforgettable travel in Japan.

General Information

Japan: the Official Guide

Japan National Tourism Organization

General tourism information of Japan in multi languages. Climate, Healthcare, Money, Visa, Emergency info, etc. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/

Open for Professionals

Japan External Trade Organization

The Government of Japan strongly welcomes highly-skilled foreign professionals. WEB: https://www.jetro.go.jp/en/hrportal/

Disaster Prevention Portal

Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism

Portal Site for Disaster Prevention in a Tokyo Inland Earthquake Ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. WEB: http://www.mlit.go.jp/en/

Safety Tips

Safety tips is an app to push notify the disaster information of Japan. Download the app from the website as follow; WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/safety-tips/

Japan Weather Forecast for Travelers

Weather forecast in English for travelers. WEB: http://www.jnto.go.jp/weather/eng/index.php

Japan Meteorological Agency

WEB: http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html

Embassies, Visas, Customs and other Tourism Related Information

• Japanese Embassies, Consulates and Permanent Missions Overseas [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Visas – Guide to Japanese Visas – [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Customs – Procedures of Passenger Clearance – [Japan Customs]
• The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Animal Quarantine [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]
• Plant Protection Station [Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries]

Studying and Teaching

• Study in Japan Comprehensive Guide [Ministry of Foreign Affairs]
• Gateway to study in Japan [Japan Student Services Organization]
• Erin's Challenge! I can speak Japanese [The Japan Foundation]
• Marugoto: Japanese Language and Culture [The Japan Foundation]
• Portal Site on Policies for Foreign Residents [Cabinet Office]
• The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme (JET)

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Inside Kyoto

A Kyoto Travel Guide

A Guide to the Visit Japan Web app and Japan Entry Procedures

While it’s recommended to use the Visit Japan web app, it’s not mandatory. In fact it may be quicker to use the standard paper immigration forms on arrival in Japan.

There are now no Covid protocols for Japan. The Japanese government still recommends that visitors to Japan use the Visit Japan Web app, which replaces the paper arrival card and customs declaration, but you DO NOT HAVE TO USE THE VISIT JAPAN WEB APP.

On our last entry to Japan in October 2023, those not using the app actually moved faster through immigration and customs. So, it’s really up to you: use the app or just go old school and fill out a paper arrival card and customs declaration (and if you don’t get them on the plane, you can pick them up at immigration and customs).

Visit Japan Web

Time required to fill out and instruction manuals

When you first download the app and look at the instruction manual, you may get the impression that it’s going to take a long time to complete Visit Japan Web. In practice, it takes about 15 minutes and is pretty intuitive. I suggest using the simplified manual and quarantine section manuals linked below.

Three parts to Visit Japan Web

Note, Visit Japan Web actually consists of three parts: 1) immigration information (ie, disembarkation card information), 2) customs information (ie, customs declaration), and 3) tax-exemption section. When you successfully complete these sections, you will receive three QR codes. The first two you will show at the airport upon arrival. The third you will show at shops that offer tax-free shopping to tourists.

Important tip

You will need a charged smartphone with internet access for Visit Japan Web to work at the airport when you arrive. Japanese airports have free wifi, so connectivity is not an issue, but be sure to charge your phone before flying. Just in case something goes wrong with your phone or you cannot get online at the airport, it’s a good idea to do two things to print out your immigration and customs QR codes to show at the airport.

Important Visit Japan Web Links

• Here’s the Visit Japan Web download site .
• Here’s a detailed manual for using Visit Japan Web.
• Here’s a simplified Visit Japan Web Manual (scroll down for instructions).

Kyoto Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
• Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Kansai International Airport (for Osaka and Kyoto) or Tokyo's Narita Airport . Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
• If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world

Kyoto District Map

• Central Kyoto
• Northwest Kyoto
• Northern Higashiyama
• Southern Higashiyama
• Downtown Kyoto
• Kyoto Station Area
• South East Kyoto

Disclosure: InsideKyoto.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

Visit Japan Web: The Online Registration Before Arriving in Japan

Japanese customs: mysos replaced from november, 14,  2022.

During the Covid pandemic, entry procedures in Japan have changed a lot, which created some confusion. It is still somewhat the case after the reopening to tourism since October 11, even if a focus has been placed on easing the procedures especially through digitalization , to minimize human interactions and subsequent contamination risks.

Until recently, the Japanese government asked visitors to install specific app on their smartphones:

• MySOS, for advance registration of information regarding vaccine status / PCR test, for faster airport procedures in Japan (the "fast track" system)
• COCOA, an app to track contact-cases and infected persons, but it was discontinued in September 2022.

MySOS was not mandatory but highly recommended . Travelers who could not use the app were directed upon their arrival in Japan to a specific line in order to complete the necessary steps (showing a valid vaccination certificate / PCR test, etc.) which lengthened their time at the airport.

New website available since November 1st, 2022

In mid-October 2022, a new change in the procedure has been announced for all entry in Japan from November 14 included : every traveler (tourist, foreign resident and Japanese citizen alike) can register in advance on the Visit Japan Web site.

Visit Japan Web is a free, single portal to group formalities related to:

• Covid-19   🦠 ( quarantine , vaccination certificate, PCR test); The Pre-registration for Quarantine Procedures section collects the information that were previously filled in the MySOS app ("Fast Track" function);
• Immigration : the Disembarkation Card for Foreigner that was formerly handed in the plane  ✈️ just before landing (does not concern Japanese citizens and foreign permanent residents);
• Customs  🛂 , with the Declaration of Personal effects and Unaccompanied Articles , to fill upon arrival, formerly either on a paper form or on the Japanese government’s Zeikan shinkoku app (税関申告アプリ).

In the facts, registering on the website has been possible since November 1, 2022 , for any arrival in Japan from November 14 in one of its largest airports:

• Tokyo -Narita,
• Tokyo-Haneda,
• Osaka - Kansai (KIX),
• Chubu ( Nagoya ),
• Fukuoka ( Kyushu ),
• New Chitose ( Hokkaido ) and
• Naha ( Okinawa ).

Travelers arriving in Japan before November 14, 2022, can still use the MySoS app to fill their Covid related data and are not the target of the Visit Japan Web.

1 blue screen and 2 QR Codes to show on a smartphone

Like with MySOS previously, each step of the registration process is ended by a change in the page display that includes:

• A blue screen , for a successful quarantine procedure registration,
• and the creation of 2 QR Codes for customs and immigration procedures.

Once all the steps are completed, a visitor’s smartphone  📱 will display first a blue screen, then 2 QR Codes to show at each checkpoint.

Starting April 29, 2023 , according to March 10 and April 26 latest announcements of the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, some of the borders restrictions will be lifted and the Covid-19 quarantine procedure (blue screen) will not be required anymore .

It is highly recommended to register before departing for Japan : at the latest 6h prior to the flight’s departure, and ideally within the 10 preceding days , in order to allow time for the review of the submitted documents. Reviews are sorted by date of arrival in Japan . Visit Japan Web is available in English.

Whether you are fully vaccinated or not, consider using Visit Japan Web to make sure to board your flight to Japan, as airlines reserve the right to refuse passengers who may potentially be banned at the Quarantine Procedures step.

The necessary documents are:

• A valid email address (will be used as a user ID to each access to Visit Japan Web);
• Until April 29, 2023 , Covid vaccination certificate or negative PCR test result taken less than 72 hours before departure and translated in English (use the Japanese-English form provided by the Japanese Ministry of Health here );
• An address in Japan (for example, of the first accommodation you will be staying at).

If traveling with underage children , it is possible to register them on the same Visit Japan Web account (up to 10 travelers). Dependent or handicapped adults who cannot go through the procedures alone can also be registered in the Family members traveling with you section. However, each of them has to have their own passport or equivalent immigration document.

Each member of the family registered on the same account will also have their blue screen and 2 QR Codes, to show at checkpoints at the arrival airport in Japan.

Like with MySOS, registering with Visit Japan Web is not mandatory , however it helps going through the entry procedures in Japan faster, and reduces the hurdles of tedious formalities after 12 hours of more spent in a plane.

On April 5, 2023, Kono Taro, the Japanese Minister of Digital Affairs, announced that travelers are no longer required to show any document at arrival airport’s quarantine in Japan . However, filling information forms for immigration and customs is still a requirement.

Additional tips and advice

An Internet  📶 connection is required to use the Visit Japan Web site, especially to create the account, fill in the user’s information, and their family’s when applicable (name, passport number, etc.), the forms regarding vaccination or PCR test and create the first QR Code. The digital Disembarkation Card for Foreigners and custom procedures can be completed offline and the QR codes created upon arrival at the airport.

Creating a Visit Japan Web account is possible on a computer (Chrome browser is recommended) or on a smartphone (Chrome browser recommended on Android). In any case, before departure, make sure to be logged in only on the device you will use to travel (a smartphone ideally), and check that all information is up-to-date.

Questions asked at immigration and customs procedures are the same than on the paper forms. In any event, official Japanese sources (the Embassy of Japan or the Border Control page of the Japanese Ministry of Health for example) are the ultimate references regarding entry procedures in Japan and should be checked frequently.

• Flights and Airports
• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Internet & Phones
• Budget and money
• Japanese Food
• Visit with Kids
• Seasons: spring / summer / autumn / winter
• Weather forecast
• Time in Japan
• Holidays & Festivals
• Natural Disasters
• Customs and Duties
• Works and Closures
• From April 29 to 5 May -- Japanese Golden Week
• May 12 -- Mother's Day in Japan
• June 6 -- Beginning of the rainy season (Tsuyu) in Japan
• June 21 -- Summer starts in Japan
• July 1 -- Season start for climbing Mount Fuji
• From July 1 to 31 -- Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto with float processions on July 17 and 24
• Tokyo : Shinjuku , Shibuya , Harajuku , Asakusa , Akihabara , Odaiba , Ikebukuro , Ueno , Roppongi , Chiyoda , Ryogoku ...
• Around Tokyo: Kamakura , Nikko , Hakone , Mount Fuji , Mount Takao , Yokohama ...
• Kansai: Kyoto , Nara , Osaka , Mount Koya , Himeji , Kobe , Kinosaki , Kumano Kodo , Ise ...
• Japanese Alps: Kanazawa , Matsumoto , Takayama , Shirakawa-go , Nakasendo ...
• West: Hiroshima , Miyajima , Shikoku , Onomichi , Naoshima , Izumo , Kurashiki , Matsue ...
• South: Kyushu , Okinawa , Yakushima ...
• North: Hokkaido , Tohoku ...

• Temples and Shrines
• Gardens and Parks
• Hiking and Trekking
• Observation Decks
• Public Baths (Onsen and Sento)
• Festivals (Matsuri)
• Amusement Parks
• Visit on a Budget / Luxury

Keikaku is a travel agency specialist of Japan and providing different kind of services:

• Japan Rail Pass
• English speaking Guides
• Pocket Wi-fi
• Japan Nightlife
• Working in Japan
• Religion and Spirituality
• Arts and History
• Movies / Animated Movies
• Japanese Music
• Studio Ghibli
• Photos / Videos
• Weird Japan
• Translations
• Kana & Kanji
• Japanese Swear Words
• Honorific Suffixes (san, kun, chan...)
• Introducing yourself
• Thank you / Apologize
• Count / Say Your Age
• Say the Date / Tell the Time
• Happy birthday
• Enjoy Your Meal
• Writing your name

Kanas are the much-needed basic characters of written Japanese language. Memorize them at a fast pace with our method.

Ask any kind of question and share your knowledge about Japan in Kanpai’s community space, our Q&A section Kotaete.

Isshoni means "together" in Japanese: share your trip details (dates, places you would like to visit) and find companions to travel in Japan.

Create your Kanpai account to manage your profile and view your participation history (questions, answers).

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• Experiences in Japan
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• COVID-19: Practical Information for Traveling to Japan
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• Traveling by Rail
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• Helping You Plan

All you need to know about entering, leaving and staying in Japan

Any foreign visitor entering Japan must have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, and all visitors must comply with the conditions of their visas.

See below for information about the current visa requirements for Japan.

If you have any further questions, please contact the Japanese embassy or consulate in your country of residence.

Enjoy the Digital Nomad Lifestyle in Japan

Japan introduced a new visa program specifically for "digital nomads" -international remote workers who are attracting worldwide attention.

Click here for details:

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The New Japan Digital Nomad Visa Guide: How to Apply, Country List, & Full Requirements

For digital nomads visiting Japan that would love to spend more time working in and exploring the “Land of the Rising Sun” than a normal tourist visa allows, the Japan digital nomad visa is an excellent new option for you to visit Japan and experience the archipelago more deeply.

Everyone who has had the pleasure to visit Japan will tell you the experience is otherworldly. This extraordinary country somehow perfectly blends the past and beautiful ancient history with the future via innovative, entertaining, and always satisfying ways to accomplish even the smallest of tasks. The result is a place that satisfies your senses with efficient pleasures in a way nowhere will. For the digital nomad lucky enough to work from this futuristic place, I guarantee you will have one of the most efficient, enjoyable, and satisfying work and nomad experiences of your life.

The only unsatisfying thing about a trip to Japan has always been, the 90 day trip, limited by the tourist. But, but not anymore.

Beginning March 2024, Japan now offers a 6 month digital nomad visa, so you can work and travel from Bepu, to Tokyo, to Hokkaido and your heart’s contentment.

In this complete guide to the new Japan Digital Nomad Visa we’ll share the visa requirements, qualifying countries, and how to apply. Read on to discover everything you need to know to start remote working in Japan.

• Full Japanese Digital Nomad Visa Details and Requirements
• Visa Limitations
• List of countries that qualify for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa
• List of countries that do not qualify for Japan Digital Nomad Visa, but do qualify for a visa exemption

How to Apply for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

Excellent info on why Japan should be your next destination for remote work on a DN visa

• How does the 6 month Japan digital nomad visa compare to the normal 90 day Japanese Tourist Visa?

Background of the Japanese Digital Nomad Visa

• 11 Reasons why is Japan the best place in Asia for digital nomads?
• How easy is Japan to navigate without learning Japanese?
• About the Japan Digital Nomad Scene: Growing, welcoming, and fun to discover

My experience traveling Japan as a nomad

Official sources and resource.

Don’t forget to check out our Guide to Japan for Digital Nomads and Long Term Travelers

Japanese Digital Nomad Visa Details and Requirements

• Visa Length: 6 Months
• Renewable: No
• Minimum Income Requirement: ¥10 million income annual income ($67,000 USD), demonstrated
• Family members eligibility: Spouses and dependents are eligible for the on the same initial application
• Application Process: Online via the Japanese Immigration Services Agency Online Portal . The option for “Designated Activities” will be activated as a selection option in the online visa application as Japan plans to activate the visa as option in the portal in late March via the MOJ Online Residence Application System.
• Eligible Countries: All citizens of countries that have both a 1) signed tax treaty with Japan (verifiable at the Ministry of Finance site ) and 2) do not require a short term visa (verifiable at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs site ).

Visa Limitations:

• Nomads must wait 6 month before applying for a follow on Digital Nomad Visa for Japan
• Recipients are allowed remote work (freelance or employed) for companies or clients located outside of Japan only . No work for customers or clients within Japan is allowed
• Recipients are not permitted to rent long term accommodation
• Time spent on Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa does not count for permanent residency

Who qualifies for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa?

Foreign remote workers and digital nomads that meet the annual income requirement of ($67,000 USD) and are from one of the 49 countries that have a tax treaty with Japan and whose passport holders qualify for a visa exemption.

Of course, applicants will need a valid passport with 6 months validity from the day their potential visa will expire.

Last, applicants will need to show proof of health insurance to cover the entire trip.

Japan Digital Nomad Visa Countries List

• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• Switzerland
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs: https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html ?
• Japan Ministry of Finance: https://www.mof.go.jp/english/policy/tax_policy/tax_conventions/tax_convetion_list_en.html ?

List of countries that qualify for a Japan visa exemption but do not qualify for the Japan Digital Nomad Visa, because no tax treaty exists between Japan and the country

• Andorra – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Bahamas – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists – Only Tax Information Exchange Agreement Exists]
• Barbados – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Costa Rica – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Cyprus – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Dominican Republic – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• El Salvador – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Guatemala – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Honduras – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Lesotho – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Liechtenstein – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists – Only Tax Information Exchange Agreement Exists]
• Luxembourg – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Macao – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists – Only Tax Information Exchange Agreement Exists]
• Malta – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Mauritius – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Monaco – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• North Macedonia – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• San Marino – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Surinam – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Taiwan – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• Tunisia – 90 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]
• United Arab Emirates – 30 Days Visa exempt stay [No Tax Convention Exists with Japan]

To apply, visit the Japanese Immigration services agency Online Resident Application System website to create an account, select and apply for the appropriate visa category, and submit the required documents. For instructions on how to navigate the application portal, visit the MOJ Online Shinsei Guide .

How does the 6 month Japan digital nomad visa compare to the normal 90 day Japanese Tourist Visa? Absolutely, with the right

Though the visa exemption for most countries is 90 days, easy, and simple, I highly recommend the Japan digital nomad visa for a full 6 month stay, for the perfect balance of working, relaxing, and exploring.

In my experience, three weeks to month is the perfect amount of time to purely travel from Tokyo to either the southern tip of Japan (Bepu in Kyushu) or the northern tip of Japan (Hokkaido) not including the islands (Ryuku islands including Okinawa and around) at a brisk pace. If you wanted to travel only , 2 months would be a good amount of travel time. So, you could possibly travel north to south or vice versa over a 2 month period with 1 month of interspersed work in there.

However, if you’re a nomad that actually needs to work and stay productive, I’d advise against this. The ideal period to work, experience, and travel Japan is 6 months, easily.

For work and just living the culture, spend one month in the city of your choosing in the south. I recommend Fukuoka and exploring Kyushu.

Then spend one month in central Japan. If you like it busy, aim for Tokyo proper. If not, aim Kyoto, Osaka, or one of the many small towns outside of Tokyo.

Finally, spend one month in the north around Hokkaido, ideally in Sapporo or around.

With the remaining three months, plan on spending two months hopping on and off the Japan Rail train as you explore the amazing, charming, and surprisingly pleasant smaller cities and sites between Kyushu, Kyoto/Tokyo, and Hokkaido. Then, save one more for odd adventures you won’t expect.

The bottom line: If you get the opportunity to slow travel and work in Japan for 6 months, absolutely take it!

Thanks to an entire year of lobbying by groups within the Japanese government and private advocates for digital nomads in Japan, the Japanese Immigration Services Agency has approved and enacted a digital nomad visa for Japan.

This lobbying of the local community and government in support of digital nomads, and the quick and efficient action to make this visa a reality is a great sign of what you’ll experience in Japanese not only in the efficiency of daily life and exploration, but the budding community of nomads in places like Fukuoka Kyushu

The Japanese Digital Nomad Visa will be valid for six months and is non-renewable, and nomads will only be able to use the visa once every 12 months.

The choice for a 6 month visa was made by the Immigration Services agency after reviewing nomad surveys and studies stating that nomads prefer travel periods within a single country for more than 90 days but less than 9 months with 6 months being the optimal stay

About the Japan Digital Nomad Scene: Opening, booming, welcoming, and fun to discover

This new digital nomad visa is only possible because awareness and support for digital nomads from within Japan, which means there is absolutely community.

Keep an eye out at billboards in hostels and business hotels listed on backpacker centric sights, and you’re bound to bump into other nomads.

While Tokyo boasts the highest number of digital nomads strung out across the metropolis, the more manageable Fukuoka has a more active, connected, and easy to reach nomad scene.

Global Nomad ambassador did a great video of Fukuoka and the digital nomad scene in Japan that absolutely represents the nomad scene in Fukuoka and what you can expect.

Japan is easily one of my favorite destinations in the world to work and explore. The cultural experience is always rich, the food is amazing, and day to day life is so oddly satisfying it will leave you feeling you’re on another planet.

My biggest recommendation, for digital nomads that are balancing work and travel, is to take it slow in Japan, and don’t be afraid to stay in one place longer than you plan.

First, the efficiency of just living in Japan – going downstairs to an onsen, getting an amazing meal at a 7 Eleven next door, enjoy a pristinely clean and perfectly on time train – will put you in a mental place of maximum efficiency for work. If you recognize this and go with it, you’ll not only work better but enjoy more.

Second, every single destination you will visit in Japan has far more than you expect. More food. More temples. More events. More art. More beautiful surprises. Staying in a place longer than you originally planned, its digging deeper into the experience. Japan is one of the few destinations that you can dig as deep as you want and you will still find more. Remember, you can always come back, so enjoy whatever is in front of you as long as you want, and don’t be a slave to your itinerary. Again, you can always come back.

Bottom line on the Japan Digital Nomad Visa

The opportunity to travel and work in Japan at an enjoyable place is an amazing possibility that I highly recommend anyone with the resources take advantage of as soon as possible, and this new visa has easily made that possible. Visit the Japanese Immigration Services Agency website to start your application today!

More Great Articles on Japan for Nomads and Travelers

• The Digital Nomad’s Guide to Japan
• The Japan Rail Pass: Is it worth it for your trip?

Other Great Resources

• Japan Rail Home
• Japan Tourism Board’s “Travel Japan” site
• Embassy of Japan (Washington, DC)
• Online Residence Application System: https://www.ras-immi.moj.go.jp/WC01/WCAAS010/
• Application Instructions: https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/guide/onlineshinsei.html
• https://www.moj.go.jp/isa/applications/procedures/shikakugai_00001.html
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/visaonline.html
• https://www.evisa.mofa.go.jp/index
• https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html

Japan Digital Nomad Visa FAQ

Can you work remotely in japan as a foreigner.

• According to Japan’s labour ministry, foreigners in Japan on tourists visas or visa exemptions technically cannot work remotely or otherwise according to Japanese law.  However the prudent remote worker that does not casually discuss his work likely will not attract sufficient attention to cause any trouble.  Personally, I have worked remotely in Japan for months with no issues at all

Is Tokyo good for digital nomads

• Tokyo is an excellent place for nomads as it is affordable, livable, and easier to navigate.  However, as Tokyo is a normal mega city and can be chaotic at times, most digital nomads will have a far more satisfying experience living in the alternatives of Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, and Fukuoka.

Can you move to Japan as a digital nomad?

• Yes, with the new digital nomad visa you can legally and effectively move to Japan for up to 6 months.  On a visa exemption you can easily live and remotely work in Japan for up to 90.  Being visa issues, Japan’s livability, internet strength, public transportation network, and general infrastructure make it one of the best places in the world a digital nomad could live.

Can I work remotely in Japan as a tourist?

• Though remote work in Japan on a tourist visa or visa exemption is technically not legal according to the Japanese government, if you are performing remote work for non-Japanese clients that are not based in Japan it is unlikely you will attract the kind of attention that will cause you problems.

Other options to consider

• South Korea digital nomad visa for up to 2 years
• Taiwan visa up to 3 years
• Visa run to Vietnam at the end of a 90 exemption stay in Japan
• Thailand 90 day tourist visa

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Carlos is a nomad, slow traveler, and writer dedicated to helping others live abroad and travel better by using his 7+ years of experience living abroad and background as a management consultant and financial advisor to help other nomad and expats plot better paths for an international lifestyle. Click here to learn more about Carlos's story.

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Countries & Regions

Prime minister kishida's visit to france, brazil and paraguay.

From May 1 to 6, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, is scheduled to visit France, Brazil and Paraguay.

• This year marks the 60th anniversary of Japan's accession to the OECD, and Prime Minister Kishida will attend the OECD Ministerial Council Meeting in France, which Japan is chairing, to lead the discussions on solutions to various economic and social issues, facing the international community. He will also hold the summit meeting with France to exchange views on bilateral relations and international affairs.
• Prime Minister Kishida will also make his first visit to the Latin American countries of Brazil and Paraguay since he assumed office and hold meetings with the leaders of both countries to confirm further strengthening of bilateral relations and cooperation in the international arena. In addition, in Brazil, Prime Minister Kishida will deliver a speech on Japan’s foreign policy towards Latin America and the Caribbean for the first time in ten years as the Prime Minister of Japan.
• May 1 Departure from Tokyo Arrival in France
• May 2 Departure from France Arrival in Brazil (Brasilia)
• May 3 Departure from Brazil (Brasilia) Arrival in Paraguay
• May 4 Departure from Paraguay Arrival in Brazil (Sao Paulo) Departure from Brazil (Sao Paulo)
• May 6 Arrival at Tokyo

Related Links

• Japan and OECD