Why Nagoya is the Perfect Base for the Digital Nomad Life
PUBLISHED March 13th, 2025 02:55 pm
Times have changed since the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, with remote work becoming a permanent reality for many. Digital nomads—those who work from anywhere with a stable internet connection—are reshaping travel and work cultures worldwide. Japan, long a bucket-list destination, is now more accessible than ever for remote workers, thanks to its newly introduced Digital Nomad Visa.
Whenever Japan comes up in conversation, the major cities of Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto are usually the first to be mentioned. The neon-lit Shibuya Scramble, the historic red torii gates of Fushimi Inari, and the fashion hubs of Harajuku and Namba define Japan’s most famous urban landscapes. But beyond the bustling crowds and iconic sights, there are lesser-explored cities that offer just as much charm—without the overwhelming foot traffic.
For digital nomads looking for a balanced urban experience, Nagoya presents an ideal alternative. As Japan’s fourth-largest city, it combines modern infrastructure, efficient transport, and a lower cost of living, making it a strategic yet underrated destination for remote workers. If you’re considering an extended stay in Japan, Nagoya might just be the perfect base for both work and travel.
Japan’s New Digital Nomad Visa: A Game Changer
Launched in April 2024, Japan’s six-month Digital Nomad Visa aims to attract remote workers while boosting the local economy. Given the weak yen, now is the ideal time to take advantage of this opportunity and explore Japan beyond a short-term visit.
Visa Requirements at a Glance:
- Open to citizens of 49 approved countries.
- Applicants must prove they earn over JPY10 million annually (about SGD90,350), with supporting financial documents.
- Comprehensive health insurance coverage is required.
- A clear itinerary or plan for the duration of the stay.
- Applications must be submitted in person at a Japanese embassy in the applicant’s home country, along with photo identification and a valid passport.
Applicants must pay the registration fee in cash and wait for processing, which typically takes about a week. The Japanese government advises submitting applications up to three months in advance to accommodate any additional document requests or administrative delays.
Why Nagoya? A Well-Connected, Less Crowded Alternative
Nagoya is Japan’s fourth-largest city and the capital of Aichi Prefecture, often considered the heartland of Japanese industry. It serves as the headquarters for global corporations like Toyota, Honda, Fuji, Sony, and Mitsubishi, making it an economic powerhouse with the third-largest economy in Japan. The city also boasts Japan’s largest port, handling 70% of the country’s trade profits and connecting with 39 countries worldwide.
Beyond its industrial significance, Nagoya is an essential transportation hub, home to the Tokaido Shinkansen, the country’s busiest high-speed rail line. This bullet train system connects Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka, with extensions reaching Hakata in Fukuoka, moving over 430,000 passengers daily.
For digital nomads, this means unparalleled access to Japan’s major cities while enjoying lower living costs, a relaxed urban pace, and excellent infrastructure. Here’s why Nagoya stands out as an ideal base for those looking to experience Japan while working remotely.
1. Great location as a base for travelling around Japan
Conveniently located in the Chubu (Central) Region, Nagoya is an ideal base for digital nomads planning extended travel across Japan. With a well-developed transportation network, it offers quick access to major cities via train, bus, and air travel. The Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) connects Nagoya to key destinations:
- Tokyo: 90 minutes
- Shizuoka: 50 minutes
- Kyoto: 35 minutes
- Osaka: Under an hour
- Kobe, Hiroshima, Hakata: Within a few hours
Nagoya Station is the one of the world’s largest train stations and the seventh busiest train station in Japan, making it one of the most well-connected hubs in the country, serves as the gateway to Nagano, Mie, and Gifu Prefectures, making it an essential stop on the Tokaido Line. The city’s extensive train network includes:
- Kintetsu Line – Express rail connecting Nagoya to Mie, Nara, and Osaka.
- JR Central – Services to Mikawa-Anjo, Gamagori, Inuyama, and Gifu.
- Meitetsu – Connects Chubu Centrair International Airport to Nagoya’s city center, with routes to Toyota, Gifu, and the Chita Peninsula.
- Nagoya Subway – A reliable urban rail system serving the city’s districts.
Apart from trains, Nagoya’s highway bus system is extensive and well-connected, offering inter-city services to both nearby and distant destinations. The Meitetsu Highway Bus links Nagoya to Kanazawa, Toyama, Gifu (including Shirakawago, Takayama, and Gujo Hachiman), Matsumoto in Nagano, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Mt. Fuji, Hakone, and Tokyo. Additionally, the JR Tokai Bus Company provides quick access to Kobe and Tokushima (Shikoku), while Nohi Bus and Willer Express offer further connectivity.
For those commuting within the city, Nagoya’s bus network is affordable and convenient, with a flat rate of 210 yen per ride, making it possible to navigate the city without needing a car. Highway buses also provide a budget-friendly alternative to the Shinkansen, making long-distance travel more accessible.
For international travel, Chubu Centrair International Airport, Japan’s eighth-busiest airport, offers flights across Asia, keeping you well-connected even if you need to return home for business or personal reasons.
2. A Calmer, More Manageable Urban Experience
With 9.5 million residents, Nagoya is far less crowded than Tokyo (37 million) and Osaka (19 million). Public transport is less packed, commute times are shorter, and the city’s layout offers a more relaxed urban environment—ideal for those seeking a balance between work and leisure.
Thanks to its excellent public transport system and walkable city layout, most places of interest are within a 20-minute train ride. Unlike Tokyo or Osaka, where crowded trains and long commutes are the norm, Nagoya offers a more comfortable and efficient urban experience. Attractions are rarely as packed as those in larger cities, meaning you won’t find yourself squeezed into subway cars by professional passenger pushers—unless, of course, you want to check that off your Japan bucket list. No judgment here.
3. Cost of Living: A Smart Choice for Long-Term Stays
One of the biggest perks of the digital nomad lifestyle is the ability to choose where you want to live and work. Japan consistently ranks as one of the top ten safest countries in the world, making it an easy choice for long-term stays. But what about affordability?
Nagoya is 23.1% more affordable than Tokyo, making it a cost-effective alternative for digital nomads. Rent is significantly cheaper, dining out is more budget-friendly, and daily expenses remain reasonable. While Osaka is 4.7% cheaper than Nagoya, it comes with the trade-off of higher population density and a more fast-paced environment. With approximately 19 million people living in the Osaka metro area, navigating the city can be overwhelming for those who prefer a quieter, more laid-back lifestyle.
Nagoya offers nearly everything that major cities like Tokyo and Osaka provide—cultural attractions, diverse neighbourhoods, and excellent public transport—but with the added benefit of a more manageable pace of life. If you’re looking for a city that blends modern conveniences with a comfortable work-life balance, Nagoya is worth considering as your digital nomad base.
4. A Variety of Lifestyle and Entertainment Options in the City
Nagoya has all the izakayas, nomihoudais (all-you-can-drink), and tabehoudais (all-you-can-eat) options found in other Japanese cities. The city’s shoutengai (covered shopping districts), karaoke bars, pachinko parlours, nightclubs, and hostess bars provide vibrant nightlife options.
The resident expat community has contributed to a diverse food scene, featuring Mexican, Turkish, Indian, Korean, and Thai cuisine, as well as American barbecue and European cafés. Whether you’re looking for international dining or a quiet café to work from, Nagoya has reliable options without the overwhelming hustle of Tokyo or Osaka.
After work, enjoy Latin dancing, food trucks, Christmas and weekend markets, and beer and wine festivals, all of which add to the city’s lively atmosphere.
5. Nagoya is Rich in Culture & Traditional Festivals
Nagoya is deeply rooted in Japanese tradition and hosts some of the country’s most significant cultural events. One of Japan’s most revered sports, sumo wrestling, is held six times annually, and Nagoya proudly hosts one of these Grand Sumo Tournaments every summer at the Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium. In the lead-up to the event, sumo stables relocate to Nagoya, offering a rare chance for visitors to observe morning training sessions—an exclusive experience for those interested in Japan’s national sport.
Beyond sumo, Nagoya’s festival calendar is packed year-round. During the summer, shrines across the city come alive with firework displays, Obon-dori dances, and vibrant matsuris. Among them, Atsuta Jingu Shrine, one of Japan’s most revered places of worship, hosts the grand Atsuta Festival (Rei Sai Festival) every June. This spectacular event features martial arts performances, cultural displays, and an awe-inspiring fireworks show, even drawing an envoy from the Japanese emperor.
October welcomes the Nagoya Matsuri, an annual festival filled with parades, giant floats, and samurai re-enactments, allowing visitors to witness traditional battle gear and delve into Japan’s warrior history.
Nagoya is also a hub for pop culture enthusiasts. The city is home to major cosplay events, including the World Cosplay Summit, which gathers global cosplay talents for an immersive cultural exchange. Looking ahead, Nagoya is set to host the Olympic Asian Games in 2026, further cementing its status as a dynamic cultural hub.
From centuries-old traditions to modern-day spectacles, Nagoya offers a rich, immersive cultural experience for digital nomads and visitors alike. With so much happening in this thriving city, when asked, “Why Nagoya?”, perhaps the better question is—Why not?
