What Every Digital Nomad Must Know Before Landing in Japan: Cash Culture To Mobile Data

Japan is one of those places digital nomads immediately feel hooked on: clean urban centers, a well-developed transportation system, a peaceful working environment, and a culture based on the combination of innovation and tradition. However, underneath this pristine surface, you’ll find dozens of details that could surprise a first-time visitor; some of them are cute, others are slightly inconvenient.

There’s a lot you need to know if you’re taking a trip to Japan, whether a short work trip or a long-distance remote stay. The following are the necessities that you must know to get settled quickly and prevent all the common first-time errors.

Japan Essential

Everything you need to get settled in 60 seconds or less.

Japan Remains a Cash-First Society

Japan is heavily dependent on physical currency even in the era of digital transactions. Small restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, guesthouses, and even some suburban train stations do not accept cards. What should you do? Withdraw money from ATMs at airports and banks (the most popular ATMs in 7-Bank and Japan Post are the surest ones regarding foreign cards).

Carry a minimum of Y10,000 to Y20,000 in cash at all times. Transport, convenience stores, and vending machines might accept Suica or PASMO.

Digital nomads who are either of Southeast Asian or European origin (wherever tap-to-pay is the dominant option) are usually caught off guard by this, so plan in advance.

Your SIM Setup Is More Important Than You Think

Japan has excellent connectivity. Network quality is rarely a problem. More often, travelers run into issues with onboarding.

There are dozens of SIMs available at airport counters with various requirements, and not all plans can be switched on without a Japanese payment card or local registration.

Most nomads get past this fiasco by coming prepared. The last thing you want to do after a long flight is to wait in a queue or service some data plan. That is why most travelers pre-arrange their mobile devices, particularly those who depend on a stable internet connection to work.

Ultimately, staying productive from day one comes down to choosing the right eSIM for Japan, so you’re connected the moment you touchdown.

Quiet Trains and Good Etiquette

The public transport in Japan is of the highest quality. It is clean, timely, and widespread. Yet the unspoken rules are also very essential:

• No loud conversations
• No phone calls
• Priority seats are given without question
• Local trains (except Shinkansen) discourage eating

To nomads, this renders trains ideal for working or reading quietly. However, you can’t hold meetings or have work calls during your commute.

Accommodation Is Compact and Often Bare

Japanese cities have little space, and that is reflected in the hotels. Even the middle-tier rooms in Tokyo or Osaka may seem extraordinarily tiny. These options and the minimalistic Airbnb apartments are not very well suited to remote workers.

Before booking, check:

• The room size. Also, remember it is in square meters.
• Whether there is a desk or workspace.
• Location of nearby convenience stores.
• Soundproofing, in case you want to work late or receive calls.

Convenience Stores are Vital

You will learn to love the convenience stores: FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, Lawson. They’re not just for snacks.

You can also find:

• Wi-Fi access
• Hot meals
• Printing and scanning
• Cash withdrawals
• Package shipping
• Toiletries and essentials
• Drinks and pre-cooked lunches

Cultural Subtleties Matter

Japan is polite but indirect. Small gestures go a long way.

Travelers should learn:

• Bowing slightly (don’t think too much about it)
• Accepting things with both hands
• Removing shoes indoors
• Getting “sumimasen” and “arigatou” right

These subtleties are even greater in case you enter the rural territory, where English is not commonly spoken.

The Weather Can Change Quickly

Japan’s weather may strike hard depending on the season. Summer is hot and very humid. People find autumn to be pleasant and scenic.

Winter is surprisingly cold. The rainy season has high humidity. Carry a light rain jacket, waterproof devices, and storage that can withstand humidity in case you are carrying costly equipment.

Avoid Peak-Hour Trains

The rail efficiency of Japan is unbelievable, even during rush hour. However, you might want to know when to avoid the trains. Trains in Tokyo and Osaka can be so crowded that you can literally not move.

Times to avoid include:

• 7:30-9:00 on weekday mornings
• 17:00-19:30 on weekday evenings

Beyond these windows, travel is very comfortable.

Plenty of Work-Friendly Environments

The places to work in Japan are countless:

• Co-working hubs
• Manga cafes
• Quiet coffee shops
• Hotel lobbies
• Public libraries

Keep in mind that cafes might require you to make frequent payments or purchases. Not all hotels allow people to stay and work. Co-working offices can be more expensive than those in Southeast Asia. Plan for this in your budget.

Make the Most of Japan

Japan is among the most enjoyable locations for digital nomads. It is organized, secure, inspirational, and compelling. However, the more you ease your initial days, the more you get to experience the country. If you can manage your connection, money, and accommodation arrangements in advance, the rest of the trip will be much easier.

With those necessities under your belt, Japan becomes an ideal place to find accommodation, and you can go about doing whatever you must do.

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.