Table of contents
Before You Land
Getting a few things sorted before you arrive will save you a lot of stress in your first 48 hours.
Get a Japan eSIM or SIM card
You have three main options for mobile data in Japan:
- eSIM (recommended): Activate before landing. Ubigi, Airalo, and Mobal all offer Japan data eSIMs starting around $10 for 7 days. You'll have internet the moment you clear customs.
- Physical SIM: Available at airport kiosks (Bic Camera, Yodobashi) or from providers like IIJmio and Sakura Mobile. Requires passport.
- Pocket WiFi rental: Good for groups. Reserve online and pick up at the airport.
For nomads staying longer than a month, Sakura Mobile and Mobal offer monthly SIM plans without the typical 2-year contract that Japanese carriers require.
Download essential apps
- Google Maps — best for transit directions in Tokyo
- Suica app (iPhone) — digital IC card for trains
- PayPay — Japan's most common QR payment app
- Google Translate — camera translation for menus and signs
- Tabelog — Japan's top restaurant review app (more trusted than Google reviews locally)
Day 1: Landing and Getting to the City
Airport to city center
From Haneda (HND): Take the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to central Tokyo. About 30 minutes, ~$5.
From Narita (NRT): The Narita Express (N'EX) takes about 60 minutes to Tokyo Station. Around $30. Budget option: Keisei Skyliner or Access Express.
Get a Suica / Pasmo IC card
This is your number one priority. An IC card lets you tap to ride on all trains, buses, and pay at convenience stores and vending machines. Options:
- Mobile Suica (iPhone/Apple Watch or Android): Set up in the Wallet or Suica app. No physical card needed.
- Physical card: Buy at any JR station ticket machine. ¥500 deposit, then load money as needed.
Get cash
Japan is still more cash-dependent than most countries. ATMs at 7-Eleven and Japan Post accept most international cards. Withdraw ¥20,000–30,000 ($130–200) to start.
Day 2-3: Settle Into Your Accommodation
Check your WiFi speed
Run a speed test as soon as you arrive. Most furnished apartments and share houses advertise speeds, but actual performance varies. If you're below 50 Mbps, consider a portable WiFi device as backup.
Stock up at a convenience store
Japanese convenience stores (konbini) are lifesavers. 7-Eleven, FamilyMart, and Lawson are everywhere and sell meals, basic groceries, toiletries, and even underwear. Most are open 24/7.
Find your nearest supermarket
For groceries, look for Life, OK Store (cheapest), Seiyu (Walmart-owned), or Hanamasa (great for bulk meat). Evening visits get you discounted bento boxes.
Day 4-5: Set Up Your Work Routine
Try a coworking space
Visit at least one coworking space to see if it fits your style. Many offer free trials or day passes. See our Tokyo coworking guide for recommendations.
Scout nomad-friendly cafes
Not every cafe in Tokyo welcomes laptop workers. Look for places with power outlets and WiFi signs. Chain cafes like Doutor, Tully's, and Starbucks are reliably laptop-friendly. See our cafe guide.
Set your work schedule around trains
Rush hour in Tokyo (7:30–9:30 AM, 5:30–8:00 PM) is intense. If possible, commute outside these windows. Many nomads shift their schedules to start at 10 AM and finish after 7 PM.
Day 6-7: Explore Your Neighborhood
Walk your area
Spend time walking around your neighborhood. Find the nearest station, supermarket, laundromat, park, and a few restaurants you like. Tokyo rewards walking — each block has something different.
Join a meetup or community
Check Meetup.com, Facebook groups ("Foreigners in Tokyo", "Tokyo Digital Nomads"), and the Nomad List Tokyo Slack channel. Making connections early makes the entire stay better.
Open a bank account (if staying 3+ months)
With a residence card, you can open an account at JP Bank (Japan Post) or Shinsei Bank (English-friendly online banking). Without a residence card, your options are limited — most nomads on tourist visas rely on their home bank + international ATM withdrawals.
Quick Reference Checklist
- eSIM or SIM card activated
- Suica/Pasmo IC card loaded
- Cash withdrawn (¥20,000+)
- WiFi speed checked at accommodation
- Essential apps downloaded
- Nearest konbini, supermarket, and station located
- Coworking space or cafe tried
- One meetup or community group joined
Welcome to Tokyo. You're going to love it here.