Story: What to do…

It has been 2 years since I visited Japan last time, I returned to my hometown for a month in December 2019 (right before COVID). I mainly spend time there and working remotely, but I made a plan to visit Tokyo in 3 days. I lived in Tokyo 10 years ago. I enjoyed my youth there.

I haven’t searched and updated trends in 10 years. To be honest, I don’t know what to do. Therefore, I searched for information like a tourist. I would like to try saving money as much as possible.

How to Enter Japan | Required Documents & Fast-Track Entry | japan-guide.com

©japan-guide.com

I got to Narita International Airport on October 4th, 2022. It was a very strict process. Japan requires 3 shots(not 2 shots) or a negative test within 72 hours. Stuff asked me for the COVID documentation a few times. I printed it out from the official website instead of the APP, MySOS. APP is quite a low rate of review… I am sure that international people could be stuck in the process.

I thought it was very unwelcome. I visited L.A. 2 weeks ago and it was nothing about the COVID check. So, there was a huge gap. Some of my acquaintances came back to Japan in 2021 and early 2022. I can easily imagine how it was.

Rental WiFi by e-ca

I use WiFi rental service since the last visit. It costs $40 a month. It mentions unlimited, but I cannot use it over 3GB/day. I need to disconnect the WiFi with my laptop and iPhone. It was inconvenient. 3GB/day maybe not enough for a digital nomad.

WeWork

WeWork was bankrupted in 2023, but it still running the business. Japan is not exception. I am sure that remote workers and nomads need WeWork.

Station Switch Yokohama

I don’t use an All Access membership for this travel, but WeWork is always available. When I visit Yokohama, I saw a similar service at Yokohama Station. The price is affordable. Check it out.

Station Switch Yokohama
Open Desk
Full time – JP ¥27,500
Weekday – JP ¥22,000
Night&holiday – JP ¥13,200
Morning – JP ¥7.700

Station Switch Hachioji
Open Desk
Full time – JP ¥14,300
Weekday – JP ¥12,100
Night&holiday – JP ¥8,800

*I could not find information easily. I don’t know how foreign people can find this service as a digital nomad.

Co-Working Space

I checked out an alternative to WeWork and found a couple of workplaces. Essentially, these are more affordable than WeWork. However, if you work outside the country, these might not be ideal for you. Nevertheless, if you’re in the Kanto region (Tokyo, Yokohama, Chiba, Saitama, etc.), you can find an affordable workplace.

Transit

I used Narita International Airport for the first time. I used the cheapest way, but it was not easy to transit to Haneda Airport. The waiting time for train is so long(because of COVID?). There are many ways to go to Haneda from Narita. I don’t know how international people handle it.

Haneda Airport was nice. So many shops, restaurants, goods, and souvenirs. There are many desks. Good for a digital nomad.

 YVR 🛩 NRT 🚃 HND 🛩 KIX 🚃 Namba(hotel)

I stayed at a hotel in Osaka and I was so impressed. I spent 2 weeks at Airbnb(unfurnished/$900) in L.A. I faced a heatwave, over 30 degrees in the room, and I could not sleep well for a couple of days. It was tough. However, there was everything in the 3-stars hotel and only CA$35. Convenience stores and restaurants located across the road were open at midnight. Amazingly comfortable and affordable compared with Airbnb/the United States.

How to get to Tokyo affordably?

I booked a night bus. It costs $50. If you are a tourist, not a Japanese citizen, please buy the Japan Rail Pass (JR Pass). This is really affordable.

Type / Ordinary / Green Car(upgraded seats)
7 consecutive days / 29,650 yen / 39,600 yen
14 consecutive days / 47,250 yen / 64,120 yen
21 consecutive days / 60,450 yen / 83,390 yen

How to move in Tokyo affordably?

There are many 1-day passes, but it is a little tricky. Train with metro, only train, only metro… Please ask the staff at the station.

🌎 Great value tickets for traveling around Japan

Tokyo Vacation Travel Guide | Expedia

©Expedia

A lot of major places are covered. It is general information. The local area is cool, Shimokitazawa, Daikanyama, Koenji, Kichijoji, Sangenjaya, etc, but I don’t know the priority for the tourist.

100 Things to do in TOKYO, JAPAN | Japan Travel Guide

©kimdao

She covered minor places, Village Vanguard, Meguro river, Azabu Juban, etc. There are personal preferences, but good to watch.

GO TOKYO

The official website for tourists. So much information and I thought it is useful.

Travel Japan

Travel information for Japan, not only Tokyo.

Experience

Where I visited:
– Shinjyuku
– Shibuya
– Harajyuku
– Omotessando
– Marunouchi
– Aoyama Book Center
– Minatomirai
– *Kyoto(extra)
– *Osaka(extra)

I walked around the above area in 3 days. I saw many cafes and remote workers. The scenery has changed naturally since I left Tokyo, Japan 10 years ago. I stayed only a few days here and I could enjoy it. I thought I can a digital nomad for 2 weeks in Tokyo & Yokohama, Japan. I won’t get bored here. There are many WeWork offices and similar services(co-working spaces and very affordable). I know how to save money in Japan.

This is not the top priority for me. I would like to go to some cities in the United States and Europe(England, France, and Spain…). So, I cannot come back here yet, I may short stay in Japan again someday.

Cool  Places

Museum

*Updated: October 3, 2025

After COVID, I visit Japan every year to see my family and relatives. I spend most of my time in the Tokyo–Yokohama area. I keep working while I’m there, but I also have some free time. I don’t really shop much, since I only travel with a carry-on suitcase and a backpack, which still leaves me plenty of space. Instead, I focus on enjoying experiences, such as visiting bookstores and museums.

Here are some of the major museums in Tokyo. I’m not sure if you want to include museums in your trip, especially since there isn’t much time to explore many areas in Tokyo. I lived and worked there for six years, but there are still many places I’ve never visited.

Conclusion: Enjoy a different culture

I am in Canada since late 2012. I visited Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver. I also stay a couple of cities in the United States, Seattle, Portland, Sun Jose, L.A., and Chicago, but Japan is much more convenient for living. For me, life is not pursuing comfortable. Therefore, I live abroad even so.

Middle of October 2022, the regulation of entering Japan was removed. I saw many tourists who enjoy shopping. Because the Japanese currency is very weak now. I want international people to experience Japan and Asia. The world can improve the quality of living. I don’t say about the quality of life. That’s the component of many aspects and I feel that Japan is not a very high ranking in the world. When I was in Japan, I saw many murders and tragedies which I did not have to know about. It is not good for society(influence) and I hope the next generation grows strongly.

Reference:

Tokyo City Guide – What to do in Tokyo – Japan Guide