Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan for the Best Digital Nomad Experience

The question of where to stay in Tokyo comes up repeatedly when talking to friends and peers wanting to visit this amazing country. Most lists will simply contain the basic and most popular answers of Shinjuku, Shibuya, and Roppongi, and whilst these might be on every tourist’s to-do list, they don’t necessarily make the perfect home base for everyone.

In this post, you’ll find seven of the best Tokyo neighbourhoods to stay in for every type of person, particularly those wanting to stay in Japan for more than just one or two weeks. Keep reading to learn:

Working Remotely in Japan

I’ve been working as a full-time freelancer in Tokyo for over two years and I truly cannot recommend it enough. You can read more about my experience and why Tokyo should be your next digital nomad destination here:

Why You Should Become a Digital Nomad in Tokyo

If that doesn’t convince you, here are four reasons why should consider visiting Japan as a digital nomad…

Advantages of Working Remotely in Japan

Unmatched Safety: Tokyo might be one of the largest and most populated cities in the world, but it feels safer than even the smallest towns in the UK. Whether working alone in cafés or strolling down the streets at night, safety concerns are simply not an issue when living in Japan. For solo female travellers especially, working remotely in Tokyo is an experience like no other.
Affordability: You might expect the cost of living in Tokyo to be akin to London or LA, but with the Yen at an all-time low, Japan is significantly more affordable than its Western counterparts. Accommodations for vacationers can be a little high, however, daily living expenses, food, and transportation are generally cheap, making longer stays much more accessible.
Cultural Richness: With intricate shrines and stunning temples scattered throughout the city, even the busiest parts of Tokyo can be considered beautiful. Tokyo is undeniably a modern cosmopolitan but its history is never more than a few steps away.
Exceptional Customer Care: In Japan, there’s a deep-rooted commitment to delivering the highest quality goods and services. English is common for anyone working in customer service throughout Tokyo making it possible to navigate the city, order food and drinks, and make appointments even with limited Japanese.
Tokyo Cafe Culture: This city truly contains some of the highest-quality coffee shops and cafes in the world. Like many remote workers, I spend a considerable amount of days working from cafes, and in Tokyo, I’m simply spoilt for choice. Read my guides on Tokyo Cafes for Remote Workers and Best Shinjuku Cafes to learn more.

Remote Work Visas in Japan

There has never been a better time to live and work remotely in Japan. For short tourist visits, many citizens can visit Japan with a simple visa waiver or short-term tourist visa. For longer trips to work from Japan and experience the culture, country, and people on a deeper level, you might consider one of the following options:

Digital Nomad Visa in Japan

Also known as the Specified visa: Designated Activities, this new visa was introduced in early 2024 and is targeted at those wanting to live and work in Japan for up to 6 months. To apply you must be from an eligible country listed on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and have a proven annual income of over 10 million yen (approximately $64,000 USD).

Japan Working Holiday Visa

The Working Holiday Visa is an immigration option that allows citizens of over 25 different countries to travel to Japan, typically for up to a year, and work legally. It offers an opportunity to experience the culture and lifestyle of Japan with the freedom of making money whilst here.

The Working Holiday Visa covers all forms of work, including Digital Nomad and Remote Work, meaning you can legally work in the country for an extended period of time. Applicants need to be from one of the 29 countries that offer the program and aged between 18 and 30 in most cases.

To find out if you’re eligible to apply, check out the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan

Now in my third year of life in Japan, I have curated this list of the best areas to stay in Tokyo for digital nomads looking to make this city their home for several weeks, months, or even years.

Shinjuku

Stay Here If: You’re a city-lover who wants to be in the centre of the action and in close proximity to almost anything.

Known For: Shopping, nightlife, and beautiful parks. Shinjuku is a vibrant area famous for sightseeing where you can find almost anything you could ever need, want, or imagine.

Atmosphere: When most people think of Tokyo, they think of Shinjuku. The streets are filled with shops, restaurants, and people. There, you’ll find some of the best (and most unique) spots in the city for food, drinks, and entertainment, and there’s truly never a dull moment in Shinjuku.

Cost: $$$

Kagurazaka

Stay Here If: You’re interested in exploring a taste of Europe within Tokyo.

Known For: Kagurazaka, or ‘Little Paris’, is famous for its bakeries and cafes reminiscent of those found in the cobbled streets of France.

Atmosphere: Small streets with a more laid-back atmosphere than found elsewhere in the city. Kagurazaka feels like the suburbs whilst being in the heart of the city and moments from the famous Tokyo Dome. The area is small enough to feel like home whilst also offering an abundance of wonderful izakayas, bistros, and boutiques meaning there’s always something new to discover.

Cost: $$$

Azabujuban

Stay Here If: You prefer a modern, upscale environment and are happy to pay a premium to experience the best.

Known For: Clean and chic, Azabujuban is a foreigner-friendly area that offers some of the nicest boutiques, cafes, and spas in the city.

Atmosphere: Traditional meets contemporary, Azabujuban is home to impressive cars, designer dogs, and stunning real estate. The streets are calm and well-kept and you won’t feel out of place as a non-Japanese person living in the area. Perhaps not the most exciting area of Tokyo, but walking through Azabujuban’s neighbourhood is always a true delight.

Cost: $$$$

Naka Meguro

Stay Here If: You like to find the hidden gems of a city and always have the perfect recommendation of where to go and what to do.

Known For: Naka Meguro is Tokyo’s answer to Brooklyn. Found along the Meguro River famous for its Springtime cherry blossoms, Naka Meguro is filled with independent coffee shops, international cuisine, and handmade crafts. Also home to the Starbuck Reserve Roastery, one of only six in the World.

Atmosphere: Trendy, fun, and foodie. Naka Meguro is a diverse neighbourhood home to great food and even better vibes. You can spend mornings wandering along the river, afternoons sipping funky speciality coffee, and evenings enjoying meals in cosy restaurants serving food you might not find anywhere else.

Cost: $$$$

Ikebukuro

Stay Here If: You like to live like a local without sacrificing convenience, experience, or excitement.

Known For: Many a Tokyo-ite’s favourite spot for dining and drinking, Ikebukuro offers almost as many bars and restaurants as Shinjuku, but without the hoards of tourists taking photos on every corner.

Atmosphere: Raucous, fun, and electric, there’s never a dull moment in Ikebukuro. The streets are full nightly with friends and salarymen looking to blow off some steam with countless izakaya and restaurants to choose from. Although busy, Ikebukuro is safe and clean, with some amazing cafes and parks scattered throughout the area.

Cost: $$

Yoyogi

Stay Here If: You like to have the world at your fingertips without being in the centre of the chaos.

Known For: Home to the beloved Yoyogi Park, one of the few spots in Tokyo without strict rules and regulations. Next to the famous park and Meiji Jingu shrine, Yoyogi gives you access to some of the busiest parts of the city without having the hustle and bustle right outside your door.

Atmosphere: Despite being just one stop away from Shibuya or Harajuku, Yoyogi is a surprisingly quiet area with this relaxed neighbourhood being able to make anyone feel at home, whether you are Japanese or not. Although quiet, the Yoyogi area has no shortage of food and izakaya options that can easily become your local go-to spot.

Cost: $$

Kichijoji

Stay Here If: You prefer to be a little out of the city with the mountains right on your doorstep.

Known For: Most famous for the Ghibli Museum, to locals Kichijoji is known for its winding streets, second-hand shopping, and beautiful Inokashira Park. About 30 minutes West of central Tokyo, Kichijoji bridges the cosmopolitan Tokyo lifestyle with the tranquillity of the Japanese inaka (or countryside).

Atmosphere: Although generally more relaxed, Kichijoji can get pretty busy on the weekends; You can find both peace and action within this one unique neighbourhood. Kichijoji offers nature within its park and nearby mountains whilst still having a myriad of shops and dining establishments for all your city needs. If you want to be close to Tokyo without the overwhelm of 30 million people, Kichijoji might be the perfect spot for you.

Cost: $$

I hope you agree that this list contains something for everyone. The truth is, there is no bad place to stay in Tokyo. Every neighbourhood contains its own charm and local secret spots just waiting to be discovered.

For those new to remote work, try checking out some of the other guides and resources found on this blog like:

How to Work From a Coffee Shop (and actually be productive)

Self Control Secrets to Effortlessly Work from Home

Why It’s Time to Define Your Growth Mindset

Where to Stay in Tokyo Japan for the Best Digital Nomad Experience