Retire in Japan
Your complete guide to financial independence in Japan for 2026
Incredible safety and food at surprisingly affordable prices due to weak Yen.
💰
65%
Cost of Living
vs NYC baseline
🏠
$900
Average Rent
per month
📊
20.0%
Capital Gains Tax
on investments
🛡️
10/10
Safety Score
security rating
How Much Do You Need to Retire in Japan?
Lean FIRE
¥534,857
For ¥1,300/mo lifestyle
Moderate
¥802,286
For ¥1,950/mo lifestyle
Comfortable
¥1,069,714
For ¥2,600/mo lifestyle
Luxury
¥1,337,143
For ¥3,250/mo lifestyle
Note: These calculations use the 3.5% safe withdrawal rate and include Japan's 20.0% capital gains tax.
Visa & Residency Options
Available Visas
Digital Nomad Visa (6 mo) / Business Manager
Cost by Location Type
Urban
¥1,170
30% more
Suburban
¥900
baseline
Rural
¥540
40% less
Cheaper Alternatives to Japan
Compare with More Expensive Countries
Frequently Asked Questions about Japan
Geo-arbitrage is the strategy of earning a strong currency (like USD or EUR) while living in a country with a lower cost of living. In 2026, this is the fastest way to achieve FIRE, allowing you to reduce expenses by 40-60% without lowering your quality of life.
The Freedom Clock calculates your exact 'Freedom Date' based on your savings, income, and the real-time cost of living in your target country. It accounts for 2026 inflation rates and tax laws to give you a precise timeline for early retirement.
It allows remote workers earning at least 10 million JPY (~$68,000 USD) to stay for up to 6 months. It cannot be extended.
Generally no; since the visa is capped at 6 months, you do not meet the 1-year threshold for tax residency.
Yes, spouses and children can accompany the primary visa holder, provided they also have private health insurance.
While Yen fluctuations occur, Tokyo remains more affordable than NYC or London. A comfortable life costs roughly $2,500–$3,500/month.
Japan has one of the world's best healthcare systems. Nomad visa holders must have private insurance with at least 10M JPY coverage.
The nomad visa does not grant a Residence Card, making long-term rentals difficult; most nomads use 'Monthly Mansions' or Airbnbs.
Japan is exceptionally safe with very low crime rates. Standard precautions are enough even in the largest cities.
Japan has world-class fiber optic and 5G infrastructure. Public Wi-Fi is common, and pocket Wi-Fi rentals are very popular.
Tokyo is the hub, but Fukuoka and Osaka are becoming top choices due to lower costs and dedicated startup/nomad support.
Generally no; without a long-term residence card, you should rely on international banks like Wise, Revolut, or your home accounts.
Calculate Your Personal Freedom Date
Use our interactive calculator to see exactly when you can retire in Japan based on your current savings and income.
Try the Freedom Calculator →