Japan eyes boost from digital nomads despite overtourism crisis
Local authorities across Japan are stepping up efforts to attract more digital nomads, even as major cities grapple with tourist overload
06:13
Japan has an overtourism problem, but could a new type of tourist be the answer?
Until recently, Lin Lo commuted daily to her nine-to-five office job in Melbourne, Australia. Any big travel plans often consisted of visiting her home in Taiwan every two to three years.
The digital marketer’s company, however, has now ditched its office in favour of a co-working space.
“Once they said we were allowed to work remotely, the first thing I thought was, ‘Where could I go?’” Lo said. “Outside Melbourne, outside Australia.”
She decided on a two-week “workcation” in Tokyo, Japan, allowing herself a slower pace of travel compared to her typical hectic schedule as a tourist.
“I get to do sneaky lunch breaks that allow me to explore the city a bit more, try different restaurants, do a little shopping,” she said.
