Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is a bustling metropolis known for its blend of traditional culture and modern innovation. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 14 million in the 23 special wards, with over 37 million in the Greater Tokyo Area. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 90 Mbps, with many cafes and coworking spaces offering free Wi-Fi. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 JPY ≈ 0.007 USD; cash is commonly used but major credit cards are accepted in many places. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of high quality, safe for consumption directly from the tap. |
| 🔌 Power | 100V, 50Hz, with Type A and B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers include SoftBank, NTT Docomo, and AU. Prepaid SIMs available at airports and convenience stores. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Popular options include Shinsei Bank and HSBC; ATM access to international cards available at convenience stores. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels (like Park Hyatt) to Airbnb and serviced apartments like Oakwood. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards widely accepted, particularly in urban areas, though cash is still frequently used. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and Vacation Rentals widely available throughout the city. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Affordable hostels like K's House and Hotel Gracery Shinjuku. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | Shinjuku is ideal for tourists due to its nightlife, shopping, and transport accessibility. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Shibuya and Minato are popular for their coworking spaces and vibrant expat communities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | WeWork in Harajuku and The Hive in Shibuya are popular for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Bear Pond Espresso in Shimokitazawa is renowned for its ambiance and quality coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup.com hosts events for expats and digital nomads regularly across the city. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Tokyo English Language Meetup Group offers regular social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | JapanTaxi and Uber operate in Tokyo, with JapanTaxi being more popular. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Services like Docomo Bike Share are available in many neighborhoods. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Kamakura Beach, about an hour by train, offers great seaside access. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | ANA and JAL are primary carriers for domestic flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | ANA and JAL also dominate international flight options. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Shuto Expressway, providing access throughout the prefecture. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Tokyo Station is the city's main rail terminus, connecting to most train services. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | SUICA and PASMO cards offer convenient access to trains and buses. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Shinkansen (bullet trains) connect Tokyo to major cities like Kyoto and Osaka within hours. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Keio University Hospital is highly regarded for international patients. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Tree in Shibuya offers various yoga classes. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gold's Gym and Anytime Fitness are well-known gym chains in Tokyo. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Many convenience stores offer wash-and-fold services or self-service laundromats. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Uber Eats and Demae-can are popular food delivery services. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Ramen is a must-try, with famous spots like Ichiran and Ippudo. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | T's Tantan in Tokyo Station serves excellent vegan ramen. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | After You Cafe in Shinjuku is famous for its Thai desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Tsukiji Outer Market offers affordable and fresh food options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Rakuten and Amazon Japan dominate the online shopping landscape. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Services like Seiyu and Aeon provide grocery delivery options. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Golden Gai in Shinjuku and Roppongi are famous nightlife districts. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Yebisu Beer Museum offers tours and tastings of local beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Le Cafe de Joël Robuchon provides a fine selection of wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Nishiki Market in Kyoto (just a train ride away) offers a variety of street food experiences. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Izakaya-style restaurants serve a mix of international cuisines with local flair. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Tokyo Tower and Senso-ji Temple are iconic landmarks to visit. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The teamLab Borderless exhibition showcases immersive digital art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Meiji Shrine offers a serene retreat amidst the bustling city. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The historic Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa is Tokyo's oldest temple. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Sakura (cherry blossom) festivals take place every April, drawing large crowds. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Harajuku is known for youth culture and fashion, while Yanaka preserves traditional Japanese vibes. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Kabukiza Theatre offers traditional Kabuki performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Ameyoko Market is a famous street market where you can find anything from food to souvenirs. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Shibuya and Shinjuku host many live music venues from indie to jazz. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Shibuya and Yokohama have vibrant street art scenes worth exploring. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Kansha Cooking offers classes on making traditional Japanese dishes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Roppongi Hills is home to several contemporary art galleries. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Tokyo Station itself is an architectural marvel of the early 20th century. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The Tokugawa shogunate's history is preserved in the Edo-Tokyo Museum. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden provides a tranquil escape within the city. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Chichibu-Tama-Kai National Park is a popular natural retreat located just outside Tokyo. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Imperial Palace has beautiful grounds for walking and jogging. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Tokyo Skytree observation deck offers breathtaking views of the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Shinjuku Gyoen is also popular for birdwatching among locals. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas in parks like Showa Kinen Park allow for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Yamato Transport offers reliable parcel delivery services throughout Japan. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Yamada Denki provides tech support and device repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Ping Pong bars like 404 offer great table tennis experiences. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Tokyo Language School offers Japanese classes tailored for foreigners. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | The National Diet Library has quiet spaces for study and research. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Tokyo International Community Center hosts various events for expats. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Akihabara is a hub for gamers, with many gaming lounges available. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | While gambling is limited, pachinko parlors are very popular in Tokyo. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥1,000,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥30,000,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥600,000 per m² (e.g., 30 m² = ¥18,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥900,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥54,000,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥500,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = ¥30,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. ¥800,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥64,000,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. ¥400,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = ¥32,000,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 23.2%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Japan taxes residents on worldwide income, with various deductions available. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 45%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard Consumption Tax rate is 10%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, specific rules apply for foreign subsidiaries. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is based on the assessed value of the property. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Acquisition tax rates vary, generally around 3-4%. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax deductions for business expenses and investment incentives may be attractive. |