Tokyo
Japan · East Asia · Asia
Tokyo blends futuristic convenience with deep tradition, offering nomads near-flawless public transit, ubiquitous fast fiber, and one of the safest urban environments on earth. The food scene is unmatched and 24/7 cafes, konbini, and coworking hubs make round-the-clock work easy. The catch is cost and a language barrier that can isolate non-Japanese speakers outside the expat bubble.
Wealth migration
Inflowing+400Tokyo bucks the high-tax exodus: a rising safe-haven pulling in Chinese millionaires (+600 in 2025) despite ~56% taxes.
Tax regime
High-tax (~55.95% top rate) but a net HNWI magnet, no special regime for movers
45% national + 2.1% surtax + ~10% local; new high-income minimum tax from FY2025 plus exit tax on unrealized gains for ¥100M+ asset holders leaving
Golden / investor visa
Business Manager Visa (no golden visa / CBI exists)
from $200,000
Tightened from Oct 16, 2025: minimum capital raised from ¥5M to ¥30M (~US$200k), now requires 1+ full-time employee, Japanese-language ability, and a validated business plan. Residency-only, not citizenship; HSP points fast-track also available.
Official source →Why the wealthy are moving, 2025-26
- Chinese HNWI flight-to-safety: an accelerating post-Covid wave of mainland Chinese millionaires relocating to Tokyo for political stability, security and rule of law, the single biggest inflow driver
- Weak yen (near multi-decade lows through 2024-25) makes Tokyo prime real estate and assets cheap for foreign-currency wealth, fueling property buying by overseas HNWIs
- Record Nikkei/equity rally and economic recovery restored confidence, Japan entered Henley's global Top 10 wealth-destination list for the first time in 2024 (+400), rising to ~+600 net in 2025
- Lifestyle/safety pull: world-class healthcare, low crime, and quality of life position Tokyo as a 'safe-haven' hub for Asian wealth alongside Singapore
- Counter-current friction: high ~56% top tax, a new FY2025 high-income minimum tax, and an exit tax on unrealized securities gains (¥100M+ assets) deter domestic founders from leaving and complicate departures, but inflows still dominate
More of Tokyo
Monthly cost breakdown
$2,400solo nomad · mid-rangeClimate
Humid SubtropicalPros
- Among the safest big cities in the world
- Excellent fast fiber internet and public transit
- World-class food, from konbini to Michelin
- Extremely clean, reliable and well-organized
Cons
- High cost of living, especially rent
- Significant language barrier outside expat areas
- Hot, humid summers and rental setup hurdles for short stays
Where nomads stay
Buzzing hub with most coworking spaces, cafes and nightlife
Bohemian, walkable, indie cafes and a younger creative crowd
Stylish canal-side area popular with expats, great for remote work
Affordable, retro, vibrant local scene west of the center
Coworking
- WeWork (multiple locations)
- The Hive Jinnan (Shibuya)
- Creative Lounge MOV (Shibuya Hikarie)
- Impact HUB Tokyo
Annual events
- Cherry Blossom (Hanami) SeasonApr
- Sumida River Fireworks FestivalJul
- Tokyo International Film FestivalOct
