Tokyo was recently named the best city for workcations by 2025, according to the International Workplace Group's (IWG) "Work from Anywhere Barometer" report. Workcations are a trend where workers combine work and leisure, leveraging technology to stay productive while enjoying a new environment. Among the 40 cities evaluated, Tokyo outperformed Budapest, Barcelona, and Paris thanks to its unique combination of modern infrastructure, cultural excellence, and a special visa for digital nomads.
What is Workcation?
Workcations, or "working vacations," emerged due to the rise of hybrid work models, where employees are no longer tied entirely to the office. They can work from anywhere, as long as they have a sufficient internet connection. Workcations provide the opportunity to:
- Refresh your mind with a new atmosphere
- Keeping productivity high
- Integrating vacation time without having to take a long leave
In the post-pandemic era, 78% of workers cite the ability to work from anywhere as a key factor in choosing a new job. This trend is driving cities around the world to compete to provide the best facilities for remote workers.
IWG Assessment Methodology
IWG used 12 criteria to evaluate 40 cities as workcation destinations:
- Climate
- Accommodation
- Food
- Transportation
- Price of living (example: price of cappuccino)
- Broadband speed
- Level of happiness of the population
- Availability of flexible workspace
- Cultural quality
- Digital nomad visa (availability & pricing)
- Access to beaches, mountains, or national parks
- Environmental sustainability
Across all these criteria, Tokyo scores highly on almost every aspect, making it a top choice for hybrid workers and digital nomads.
“Exceptional” Internet Speed
One of the main reasons Tokyo excels is its extremely high broadband speeds. Many residential areas and cafes in Tokyo offer connections of 1 Gbps or more. For remote workers, stable and fast internet ensures:
- Uninterrupted video calls
- Upload and download large files faster
- Cloud access and business applications run smoothly
At this rate, 86% of hybrid workers feel the availability of flexible workspaces is very influential in their choice of workcation location.
Modern and Spacious Public Transportation
Transportation is key to a comfortable workcation. Tokyo has a convenient train, subway, bus, and taxi system that:
- On time to the second
- Easy to reach in almost every corner of the city
- Integrates with smart cards like Suica and Pasmo
This connectivity makes it easy for workers to move from a coworking space to a restaurant, shopping spot, or tourist destination without stress.
City Safety and Comfort
Tokyo is considered one of the safest cities in the world, with a low crime rate. This security factor provides peace of mind for workers living temporarily. Furthermore, clean streets, public facilities, and prompt emergency services ensure everyone feels comfortable, whether working nights or exploring the city on weekends.
Cultural and Culinary Wealth
Tokyo is known for its rich culture, both traditional and modern. From ancient temples in Asakusa to classical gardens in Ueno, to the tech hub of Akihabara. In terms of culinary delights, the city is home to hundreds of Michelin-starred restaurants as well as simple, budget-friendly eateries. Tokyo received top marks for cultural quality and relatively affordable dining compared to other top-ranked cities.
New Digital Nomad Visa
In April 2024, Japan launched a digital nomad visa, allowing foreign workers from 51 countries to stay for up to six months without local business restrictions. The visa also covers the applicant's spouse and children. In its first year, more than 250 visa holders were registered in Japan, helping to increase the number of remote workers choosing Tokyo as their base.
Access to Nature and Surrounding Tourism
Despite being a large metropolitan city, Tokyo is close to some of the most popular natural destinations:
- Mount Takao and Fuji are within reach by day train
- The beaches in Chiba and Kanagawa can be reached within an hour.
- The national parks and bamboo forests around Kyoto and Nara are also connected by Shinkansen.
This condition is ideal for hybrid workers who want to take a break from the laptop screen without having to travel long distances.
Positive Impact on Productivity and Health
IWG research results show:
- 87% of hybrid workers report increased productivity when given work location flexibility
- 85% felt their burnout levels reduced
- 87% said workcations help improve work-life balance
Tokyo offers the ideal combination of work efficiency and the opportunity to unwind, making a workcation in this city truly fulfilling the goal of boosting work morale.
Conclusion
Tokyo's diverse offerings, from super-fast internet, advanced transportation, high security, rich culture, and digital nomad visas, make it the best city for a workcation in 2025. The flexibility of working while on vacation is no longer just a dream, but a fun and productive reality. For those of you who want to experience working while exploring Japan's unique culture, prepare your passport, visa, and travel plan for Tokyo.
