Tokyo, japan.

before you go

What to plan around.

Drawn only from the verified figures on this page, the things worth knowing before you book.

• Pronounced wet season

  Rain peaks around Mar, May & Jun, up to 289 mm in the wettest month. Time a visit for the drier half of the year.

• Seasonal air-quality dip

  PM2.5 climbs to about 37 µg/m³ around Dec, well above the WHO guideline. Sensitive lungs should plan around it.

• Seismically active region

  52 quakes of M6+ within 200 km over 50 years (strongest M7.9). Know your building's earthquake rating before signing a lease.

• Tropical storm exposure

  28 hurricanes and 94 tropical storms passed within 200 km over 46 years. Avoid peak storm season and check that travel insurance covers weather disruption.

where Tokyo ranks

Tokyo also makes these lists.

• The cheapest cities for digital nomads

  solo nomads live for ~$1,192/mo here

• Cities with the fastest internet for remote work

  300 Mbps country median internet

• The safest cities for digital nomads

  8.3/10 safety score

• Cities with the most coworking spaces, by OSM tagging

  12 OSM-verified coworking spaces

• The sunniest cities for digital nomads

  2,973 sun hours / year

• Cities with dedicated nomad / expat tax regimes

  Non-permanent resident status (first 5 years), foreign-source income NOT remitted to Japan is exempt.

frequently asked

Tokyo, honest answers.

How much does it cost to live in Tokyo per month?

A solo nomad in Tokyo runs roughly $1,192/month, broken down as rent $448 (verified), food $320, mobile $28, utilities $140, transit $100, plus coworking and a 10% buffer. That puts it in the budget tier globally.

How much does international school cost in Tokyo?

International primary school in Tokyo costs about $20,000/year per child (range $15,000 to $28,000, mid-market to premium), a national-average baseline for Japan applied to Tokyo, not a quote from a specific school here. Full-day international preschool runs about $12,000/year per child. International secondary is higher: we model it around $26,000/year per child as a grade uplift over primary, a modelled estimate, not a separately sourced figure. Tuition only; it excludes one-off enrolment/capital levies, bus, lunch, uniforms and exam fees, which add materially at most schools.

What is the tax situation for nomads in Japan?

Tax residency triggers at 183 days in any 12-month period. Foreign income is taxed only when remitted in (limited / remittance basis). Top marginal personal income tax is 45%. Non-permanent resident status (first 5 years), foreign-source income NOT remitted to Japan is exempt. Verify current details at the country's tax authority, link on the city's Tax & Stay card.

What visa do I need to live in Tokyo?

EU passports get 90 days visa-free; US passports get 90 days. Longer stays require a residence permit or remote-worker visa, verify at the country's official immigration site.

How is the air quality in Tokyo?

Annual PM2.5 averages 26 µg/m³, which unhealthy for sensitive groups, plan around the worst months. The 12-month curve on this page shows the seasonal swing, many cities have a sharp burning season or winter inversion that doesn't show in the annual number.

Is Tokyo safe for solo female travelers?

Japan scores 8.0/10 on the women's-safety indicator, very safe by international standards. Country-level scores; major cities often differ from country averages, especially by neighborhood.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo?

Jul typically scores best on our combined comfort index, average temperature 28°C, low rainfall, high sunshine. Each city's Climate Chart on this page shows the full 12-month picture.

Are there earthquakes in Tokyo?

Yes, the historical record includes 780 M5+ earthquakes and 52 M6+ within 200 km over the last 50 years. The largest was M7.9 in 2011. Modern buildings in major cities are engineered for this; factor it into long-stay decisions.