Japan was ranked as first in the list of best countries to work remotely in Asia Pacific in 2022 by Work from Wherever Index by Cheapflights. Out of 111 countries, with each country ranked against 22 factors across six categories, the travel fare metasearch engine listed Japan as number 5, with Portugal, Spain, Romania, and Mauritius topping the list. Cheapflights’ Work from Wherever Index is scored based on several factors which include travel, local prices, health and safety, remote work, social life, and weather.
Working from home may be incredibly productive, according to a huge finding from the previous few years. However, gazing at the same scenery and having only the dog to bounce thoughts off of may be exhausting and uninspiring. Cheapflights’ new index assesses 111 countries based on their remote working circumstances and access to incredible travel options.
The index uses 22 distinct characteristics grouped into six areas, such as health and safety conditions, cost of travel, and social possibilities, to provide clear insight into which countries would be the most convenient for you to work from while having a great time in your spare time. See which countries came out on top as the best countries to work remotely
How did Japan perform on the global and regional levels?
Cheapflights gave Japan a total score of 90/100 with subscores of 70/100 in travel, 60/100 in local prices, 79/100 in health and safety, 75/100 in remote work, 94/100 in social life, and 38/100 in weather.
Globally, Portugal is ranked on the travel metasearch engine’s index as the world’s best country to work from with a total score of 100/100, with its partial score in health and safety reaching 94/100. It is followed by its neighbouring country, Spain, with a score of 93/100, then the southeastern European country of Romania with a score of 92/100, then the island nation of Mauritius in the Indian ocean with a score of 90/100. Japan ranks 5th in the global level and the only Asian country to make it to the top 10.
While ranking only 5th at the global level, Japan tops the list of best countries to work remotely in the Asia Pacific. The former empire was followed by Sri Lanka scoring a total of 80/100, but surprisingly scoring 94/100 in the local prices category which means that the South Asian island nation has the cheapest prices of basic commodities. The contested territory of Taiwan ranked third in the list with a score of 80/100, same as Sri Lanka. Thailand came 4th with a score of 79/100, and then Indonesia and Australia, both with the score of 74/100 and landing 5th and 6th respectively.
Global Top 10 best countries to work remotely and travel in 2022
- Portugal
- Spain
- Romania
- Mauritius
- Japan
- Malta
- Costa Rica
- Panama
- Czech Republic
- Germany
Asia Pacific’s Top 10 best countries to work remotely and travel in 2022
- Japan
- Sri Lanka
- Taiwan
- Thailand
- Australia
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- Philippines
- New Zealand
Expat living in Japan
Expat living in Japan is a unique experience that blends the bustling, sophisticated, and thrilling metropolis of Tokyo and Osaka with the ancient and traditional rural landscapes of Kyoto and Matsumoto. Japan’s economy has had significant problems in recent years and is now in transition. In general, Japan has a high level of life, with excellent health care and educational facilities. The culture is distinct, and expatriates will find living here to be an interesting experience.
As an overseas location, Japan provides a unique opportunity to live a life that is radically different from your own. Around 2 million expats presently reside in Japan, with an estimated 75 percent hailing from Asia’s bordering countries.
Japan has a distinct and distinctive culture, which may be difficult for outsiders to comprehend. The Japanese people, particularly the youth, embrace western ideas and trends and have a friendly attitude toward foreigners. Language and communication might be challenging, especially in rural locations, but larger towns have English-speaking physicians and foreign schools.
Japan is known around the world for its high cost of living. The findings of the 2012 Mercer cost of living study, which ranked Tokyo and Osaka as the top and third most expensive cities in the world, corroborated this. Expatriates who want to live here will require a large money to get by, especially if they want to enjoy western comforts. Many expatriates discover that if they are willing to live outside of the major cities and acclimate to living like the locals, they may drastically reduce their expenditures.
Cost of living in Japan for expats
Accommodation in Japan is one of the most costly in the world, yet apartments are small and densely packed. Utilities are also rather costly. Food is reasonably priced at the local stores, but visitors seeking western cuisine can expect to pay a premium.
Are you considering moving to Japan?
Do you want to know how to move to Japan? Relocating to Japan, unlike some other Asian countries, is not difficult if you are prepared. This means having all of the necessary documentation in order before flying to the island country.
What are the requirements for relocating to Japan? Getting a job before moving to the Land of the Rising Sun is one of the simplest methods to make the transition. If you visit Japan on a tourist visa and find work, you will need to depart the country so that your Japanese employer may begin the visa application process.
The high salary and great quality of life in Japan attract a large number of expats. However, this excellent quality comes with a premium price. For expats, Japan is one of the most costly countries, however most say that the cost is well worth it. Other advantages of relocating to Japan include excellent healthcare, high-performing schools, and, last but not least, delectable ramen on practically every street corner.
How to move to Japan?
As long as you are prepared, relocating to Japan is a simple procedure. In general, expats may bring most of their belongings into the nation without difficulty. Having a detailed list in both Japanese and English is a smart idea. Duty-free items can be carried into the nation as long as you can prove ownership of such items for a minimum of six months before prior to your relocation.
It’s also simple to move to Japan with dogs, however pet owners may be unhappy to find that the country requires a quarantine. The quarantine period for dogs and cats is merely seven days. However, if the owners are unable to present all required evidence, such as titer test results or a microchip number, the quarantine may be extended.
All vaccinations in Japan are required to be standard except for one. Foreign visitors to Japan should get vaccinated against Japanese encephalitis, which is carried through mosquito bites. Expats wishing to travel around Japan and nearby Asian countries should get vaccinated, despite the fact that the disease is mostly present in rural regions.
What are the ways to acquire visas and work permits?
Are you looking for information on how to obtain a visa or work permit in Japan? Being given a job before you arrive in the country is one of the simplest ways. Your Japanese firm will subsequently begin the visa application procedure on your behalf. This will be accomplished through the issuance of a Certificate of Eligibility, which is required for all Japanese visas.
The sort of Japanese visa you apply for will be determined by your work. There are roughly 30 distinct visa kinds available in Japan, including visas for performers, teachers, engineers, and others. The cost of each visa is the same, but the paperwork needed to apply differ. Applicants seeking a research visa, for example, will be required to provide documentation explaining their study as well as a case as to why they have to be in Japan.
How much is the rent in Japan?
When it comes to lodging in Japan, two words come to mind: pricey and small. “Expensive” because Japan is an expensive country overall, with Tokyo being one of the world’s most expensive cities. The average monthly rent in Japan is between 50 and 70,000 JPY (470–650 USD). It’s important to note that utilities aren’t always included. Because Japan is a small island nation with a population of roughly 130 million people, the word “space” comes to mind. That’s a lot of people packed into a little space.
In Japan, there are many distinct forms of housing. High-rise, contemporary apartment complexes to detached, Japanese-style residences with traditional woven tatami mat flooring are among the options. Larger, Western-style housing is also available, however, it is more likely to be found in the countryside than in any of Japan’s major towns.
Do you want to know how a foreigner may buy a property in Japan? Expats who own a home in Japan are not subject to any legal restrictions. Buying a property, like renting, is costly, with average house prices in Japan hovering at 35,760,000 JPY (337,000 USD).
To purchase a home, you do not need to be a citizen of the United States. Purchasing a property in Japan does not guarantee foreigners a pathway to permanent residency. Expats without Japanese citizenship or a permanent resident visa, as well as those married to a Japanese national, should be aware that purchasing a property will be difficult.
How to find a job in Japan?
Finding job in Japan is not difficult because the country has a healthy economy. However, simply applying for a job opening does not absolutely assure you a position, and because Japan is a popular expat destination, you will need to stand out as a candidate. Demonstrating some mastery of the Japanese language is one way expats may set themselves apart. Although it is not a prerequisite for every profession, Japan is known for its lack of English proficiency. Employers will be impressed by a candidate who is keen to learn and utilize Japanese.
In Japan, registering for social security is simple. You will be automatically enrolled with the Japanese social security system when you apply for your residency card. You may obtain your 12-digit number the same day you apply, but you will have to wait a few weeks for your official card to arrive in the mail.
Expats who want to work for themselves in Japan may face certain challenges. As a cultural norm, Japanese individuals prefer to stay at the same job for the rest of their life. They consider their coworkers to be extended family. As a result, persons who do not work in a typical workplace are looked with suspicion. Self-employment is becoming more popular in Japan, although self-employed persons may have to work harder to establish themselves.
Keep in mind that, while working in Japan has numerous advantages, such as a high average pay (almost 4 million JPY (37,800 USD) per year) and a corporate culture that encourages teamwork, the country is also highly work-centric. Expats seeking a more relaxed lifestyle in Asia should go elsewhere.
How to go around in Japan?
Learning how to drive in Japan is one method to feel at ease. Did you know that honking is unusual in this country and that doing so is considered aggressive? Japan’s roads are well-kept, and drivers are typically courteous. It is very simple to see the beauty of the country from the very comfort of your own vehicle. Getting a Japanese driver’s license is one way to start seeing the best of Japan.
It is not an issue if you do not enjoy driving. Japan’s public transportation system is extremely efficient. Trains are so reliable that they frequently make national news when they are late. Every method of transportation is available across the nation, including buses, trains, buses, domestic planes, and ferries. The country is served by four main airports, making it simple to travel in and out as needed.
