Tokyo has been ranked the world’s best city for a “workation” – a working vacation – thanks to its fast broadband, strong transport links, safety, rich culture, and a new digital nomad visa.
The International Workplace Group’s third annual “Work from Anywhere Barometer” ranked 40 cities, with Tokyo beating last year’s winner, Budapest, as well as the likes of Barcelona, Paris and Beijing.
This was the first year Tokyo was included.
“The city also benefits from proximity to mountains, coastal regions, and national parks – ideal for hybrid workers seeking an exciting urban atmosphere alongside natural escapes,” the report said.
Japan’s new visa, launched in April 2024, allows high-earning foreign workers from 51 countries to stay up to six months, also covering spouses and children. Last year, Japan issued 257 digital nomad visas.
Tourism is already booming in Japan, helped by the weak yen. Tokyo earned top marks for its “cultural quality”, praised for its abundance of Michelin-starred restaurants and vibrant calendar of cultural events, while also standing out for the relative affordability of its food.
According to the new report from IWG, 78 per cent of workers consider a “work from anywhere” (WFA) policy a key factor in choosing a new job. Among hybrid workers, 87 per cent say this flexibility boosts productivity, while 85 per cent report lower burnout and 87 per cent cite improved work-life balance.
IWG’s rankings put Rio de Janeiro second, followed by Budapest in third, with Seoul and Barcelona completing the top five.
The Brazilian city secured its silver medal spot thanks to a citywide 5G rollout, an ever-expanding network of coworking spaces, and a relatively low cost of living, the report said. Hybrid workers can tap into a vibrant digital nomad community, strengthened by government initiatives to attract remote talent – all set against the backdrop of Rio’s iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches and the lush rainforest trails of Tijuca National Park.
Other cities in the top 10 include Beijing, Paris and Rome.
Top 10 ‘workation’ cities ranked
- Tokyo
- Rio de Janeiro
- Budapest
- Seoul
- Barcelona
- Beijing
- Lisbon
- Rome
- Paris
- Valletta
A number of Asian megacities make the global top 40,…
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