Story: What is a nomad?
The internet allows us to work everywhere in the world. Even full-time worker sometimes works at home if the company arrows it. It’s helpful for an employee to taking care of a family and a dog. It’s a good era for a freelance graphic designer. You can be a digital nomad.
Digital Nomads are a type of people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and, more generally, conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles. This is often accomplished through the use of devices that have wireless Internet capabilities such as smartphones or mobile hotspots. – Wikipedia
To be honest, I don’t have a desire to work as a digital nomad. I prefer meeting people in physical space, collaborate with other creators. It may be old fashioned nowadays. However, meeting people beyond nationality is my life purpose. I felt so when I attended CreativeMornings. It inspired me a lot.
Even so, I have to visit Japan once a few years. I am not here without parents. I have to keep working wherever I am, but Japan is quite outdated about public Wi-Fi. Therefore, I searched how to manage a work environment for a temporally digital nomad.
DW Documentary: Working online and traveling the world – digital nomads
Are you admire? I don’t. In my opinion, work is not agony. Work is not only achieving a task. Creation and contribution. Work, design in my case, is tools to help local people beyond the country. The process has constructive fighting and meaningful learning with each other. In result, there is a mutual treaty and delight achievement.
Pros:
– Work wherever and whenever you want
– The ability to travel non-stop
– Personal & professional growth
– Quality of life
– No longer trading time for money
– No office politics
Cons:
– Socially isolating and socially freeing
– Pay rent where you live and accommodation where you stay
– May always need to be working
– Time managing
– Fear of missing out
– The wifi struggle
– A traditional career in society
Before packing
Once I could book an airplane, I feel at ease. I often forget to prepare about hotel or plan until a week before fright. I would like to organize everything here for myself. Before thinking about the suitcase, I have to remind general rules. Before going to the airport, I have to apply for a visa online if it’s north US.
To the United States:
– Visitor Visa: A foreign people who wish to enter the United States must first obtain a visa
– Esta: Electronic System for Travel Authorization
To Canada:
– eTA: Electronic Travel Authorization
Online check-in
Offered by just about every major airline, online check-in allows you to check-in for your flight in advance from the comfort of your home, office, or hotel room. Most airlines permit online check-in up to 24 hours before departure.
You typically need to provide your name and booking confirmation number, though sometimes you can also check in with a frequent flyer or credit card number. (Note: If you booked your flight through a third-party website such as Expedia or CheapOair rather than directly with the airline, make sure you use the airline’s reservation code, not the confirmation number from the booking site, to check-in.)
Smarter Travel: The Ups and Downs of Online Check-In
The packing list
Clothes to Pack
– Cusual/formal ware
– Sandals/flip-flops
– Collapsible totes(plastic bag)
– Umbrella
– Outdoor gear(rainwear)/swimsuits(if it needs)
– Cap/Hat(glove)
– Laundry bag
Toiletries to Pack
– Contact lenses/solution/glasses
– Toothbrush/Toothpaste(usually hotel has it in JP)
– Shampoo/conditioner(usually hotel has it in JP)
– Brush(usually hotel has them in JP)
– Toner/moisturizer
– Nail file/clippers
– Tweezers
– Medications
– Bandages(First-aid ointment)
Miscellaneous Items
– Cell phone
– Laptop/tablet(MacBook Pro is too heavy..)
– Electronics chargers
– Voltage adapter
– Film/memory card(it depends)
– Credit card/bank contacts
– Emergency contacts
– Copies of passport/credit card/etc.
– National drivers license(it depends)
What to Pack in Your Carry-on
– Passport/visa/ID(must)
– Books or e-books
– iPhone(Camera/Video/MP3 player)
– Earbuds/headphones
– Travel pillow
– Earplugs/eye mask
– Tissues
– Lip balm
– Clothes for AC
– Food/snacks/gum
– Empty water bottle(fill water after baggage check)
– In-flight medications
– Paper/pen
– Cash
– Credit/ATM cards
– Insurance cards(medical, travel)
– Itinerary
– Maps/directions
– Guidebook
– Glasses/sunglasses
– House keys
Fewer priorities for me. (You can buy these goods in Japan):
– Under-clothing document holders
– Laundry kit(soap, stain remover)
– Shaving supplies
– Soap
– Deodorant
– Pain relievers
– Vitamins
– Sunscreen
– Makeup
– Makeup remover
– Feminine-hygiene products
– Insect repellent
– Birth control
– List of medications
– Pashmina/travel blanket
– Hand sanitizer
Smarter Travel: The Ultimate Packing List
USA.gov: Liquids Rule
DFA: U.S. Customs and Border Protection Declaration Form
Canada Border Services Agency: E311 – Declaration Card
Pocket Wi-Fi
When I beyond the country, I always face about Wi-Fi problem. In Japan, public space does not always install free Wi-fi. Korea or China may exceed more than in Japan. In the countryside, it’s a crucial issue. Without connecting internet, a digital nomad is just an audinarry traveler. No income in daily based if you don’t have contract work or e-commerce. I searched Pocket Wi-Fi in English. These are common for tourists below. Because of the 1st page on Google.
Japan Wireless: Mobile Wi-Fi Rental, SIM Sales in Japan
PUPURU WiFi Rental Japan: Easy Pickup & Easy Return
Easygo Japan: Same-day Delivery in Tokyo
I took a look at these services. It’s not so affordable.
In results, I finally found e-ca thanks to all my stubborn efforts. It does not show English on the website. If you have a friend who understands Japanese, please ask her/him.
*It was just extension. It was canceled on departure day. I booked e-ca anyway. I will receive the device at the hotel.
Rakuten Global Market: e-ca – To extend the rental period of the wifi router during the plan extension plan use in 2 weeks.
Domestic transportation
Transportation around Tokyo is quite great. You can find a lot of line of trains. Please don’t try to understand all of them. Even Japanese who comes from the countryside loses their way. I did. Please ask staff on the station. It’s much easier than find out yourself.
I reccomends you to buy Suika or Pasmo which is IC card for train/bus. It works across the companies. You don’t have to buy ticket each times. After all, it will save your travel time.
Co-working space
I am going to work rather than vacation this time. I will list some inspiring places which I know later. Once you search, “co-working space” “your place”, you can find a place nowadays. I have a conference in Yokohama in July 17-18, 2019. I found a few places below.
G Innovation Hub Yokohama – Coworking Space/Share office
Drop off: 1500yen($13.8 USD)/day
Hour: –
Address: Yokohama Daiichi Yuraku Bldg., 3-35 Onoe-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Email: info-gih.yokohama@list.co.jp
Phone: 045-264-4552
mass x mass – Coworking space
Drop off: 1000yen($9.2 USD)/day
Hour: 10am – 5pm(weekday only)
Address: Kannai Future Centre – 231-0003, Naka-ku, Yokohama Kitanaka-dori 3-33 1F/2F
Email: info@massmass.jp
Phone: 045-274-8700
Bukatsudo – Coworking space
Drop off: 500yen($4.6 USD)/hr, 2000yen($18.4 USD)/day
Hour: 9 am – 11 pm(Mon-Sat), 9 am – 9 pm(Sun, Holiday)
Address: Landmark Plaza Basement 1F, 2-2-1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi
Email: –
Phone: 045-681-2880
Yahoo! Lodge – Coworking space
Drop off: free(promotion by the end of September 2019)/day
Hour: 9 am – 9 pm(weekday/weekend) *Close at first Sunday and national holiday
Address: Tokyo Garden Terrace 2F – 1-3, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
Email: info-lodge@mail.yahoo.co.jp
Phone: –
* Yahoo! Japan ID required
I visited Yahoo! Lodge in 16th July, 2019. I was in Tokyo in 7 years ago in 6 years, but I was not familier this area, Akasaka. It took 1 hour by train from Yokohama. I got near here at 7:30 am(open at 9 am). So, I had a coffee at Starbucks which I found. Actually, it was the Hakuhodo building which is the second leargest advertising company in Japan.
I created an Yahoo! Japan accound at there. It may be tough to complete if you cannot understand Japanese. Follow the Google map and security guard of the building, I got Yahoo! Lodge. The receptionist explains the steps. According to her, I can use here anytime during a campaign. It’s amazing.
It located for 17 floors. It was rain, but no big deal. I could work at free dest with good scenery. Yahoo! mentions that this is no co-working space, this is collaboration space. However, without an event, it might be tough to talk with others. I tried to talk a few people. It’s interesting.
WeWork – Ocean Gate Minatomirai
Drop off: N/A
Hour: –
Address: 3 Chome−7−1 Minatomirai, Nishi-ku, Yokohama-shi, Kanagawa
Email: –
Phone: 050-1744-1744
TSUTAYA Yokohama Minatomirai
Hour: 10 am – 2 am
Address:〒220-0012 Kanagawa, Yokohama, Nishi Ward, Minatomirai, 4 Chome−7−１
Email: –
Phone: 045-227-7676
*No WiFi? I believe you have Pocket WiFi.
Last day of Kanto area, I used Starbucks in Minatomirai for the temporary workplace. This shop is convened Tsutaya(video/book shop). There are many tables. Quite comfortable space. You don’t need to worry about what people think.
Extra at Tokyo
I stay Kannai, Yokohama. The hotel(capsule) costs ￥22,230($204.9 USD) for 6 days. Not bad. Pocket Wi-Fi costs ￥6,192($57.0 USD) for 14 days. I could not pick it up at the airport. I ordered it the day before my fright. Therefore, I looked for free Wi-Fi on the first day. I got Starbucks in front of Shibuya Station. I could find it. It’s rainy Sunday morning. I made a plan for 3 hours. I visit several book store below.
I visited Aoyama Book Centre and it was great as same as in 7 years ago. I like the book store which is expanded my curiosity. Especially magazine. Good feature and contents. It was very attractive. I bought several design books. It focuses on process, not output. I hope it henhance my design values.
How many magazines do the publisher still make? I could not leave there easily. I feel sorrow for the language barrier. Because typography usage is different in Japanese(right to left) and English(left to right). English speaker can enjoy visual design, but they cannot understand the story, background.
Anyway, I miss this kind of habit, visiting a book store and spend time, in my current daily life. I cannot find it in Vancouver, BC. Chapters is quite general to me. It does not quite focus on design, art and culture. I highly reccomend Aoyama Book Centre if you visit to Tokyo.
Aoyama Book Centre: Omotesando main store
Here is also a nice place. Daikanyama is a famous as high-end fashion spot. It’s not Harajuku style. More mature. Tsutaya is an originally rental DVD store. Some concept shop has a bookstore and Starbucks at the same building. There are several seats, but it may be full if you visit in the afternoon.
Tsutaya: Daikanyama T-site
Extra at Osaka
I stay Osaka in 2 days before departure at KIX(Kansai International Airport). I don’t use co-working space this time. I would like to introduce seclet cafes which you can work.
Starbucks Coffee Umeda Tsutaya Book Store
Address: 3-1-3 Umeda, Kita-ku Lucua1100 9F, Osaka Osaka
Telephone: 06-4799-1530
Business Hours: 07:00～23:00
Regular holiday: Irregular
The secret place. It’s at 9F. You can leave your luggage here instead of a hotel which is a little far from the station.
Starbucks Ebisubashi
Address: 542-0071 Osaka Chuo-ku Osaka 1-8-19 Dotonbori
Telephone: 06-6214-5130
Business Hours: 08:00～28:00
Regular holiday: Irregular
Wireless Hotspot: at_STARBUCKS_wi2
There are many seats at 2F. You can see Crabs doll outside of the window.
TULLY’S COFFEE
Location: Grand Front Osaka, North Building 9F
Business Hour: 07:30～20:00(Weekday) 09:00～20:00(Weekend/Holiday)
This is a secret place. You can get there by an elevator of the entrance.
Cafe Lab.
Location: Knowledge Capital 1st Fl., Grand Front Osaka North Building, 3-1 Ofuka-cho, Kita-ku, Osaka
Business hours: 8:00 – 23:00 (Last order at 22:30)
Capacity: 99 seats (Floor area: 273m²)
TEL&FAX: +81-6-6372-6441
There is a Tablet at the seat. You can read a book in the store. Good for waiting for a friend.
Reference
Local food: The Shin-Umeda Shokudogai
*Updated: January 24, 2022
Masayoshi Son famously invested in WeWork. I have not been backed Japan since 2019, but Japan naturally adapted to WeWork and expanded the location. You can find WeWork in the major cities.
Reference
WeWork: Office Space and Workspace Solutions
Nomad in 2 weeks
I am writing this blog in 2 days before my flight. I don’t want to waste money, but if I forget something, I can buy it in Japan. If I arrive at the airport with passport 2 hours ahead, I will be able to departure at least. According to the weather forecast, it’s rain during I stay in Tokyo. Oh, no…
I am thinking about remote work. If I have data on the cloud, it’s more comfortable. I am going to take a hard disk. I have another hard disk at home. If hard disk brake during travel, it’s a problem. My work is almost available online, WordPress and Webflow. I hope it will be a productive time.
*I will write a blog for this experience. Stay tuned.
I left KIX at 9 am in July 27th. I arrived in Canada via Beijing at 11:45 am in July 27th. Vancouver is comfortable weather as same as usual.
During travel, I walked around Tokyo and Osaka. There are so many tourists compare to 7 years ago. They are significantly contributing to the Japanese economy. I don’t want to exaggerate, but there are tons of products in Japan. They can enjoy a quite different culture. Good for travel.
Like:
– Affordable food.
– Many books.
– Comfortable hotels.
Dislike:
– Trashy news.
– Coffee(for refill, you need $1.5 with the receipt. It works a day).
– Less community.
Reference:
Nomadic Designers: Stories, guides and resources from designers traveling around the world.
Medium: The Pros and Cons of Being a Digital Nomad
Visit Tokyo: The Official Tokyo Travel Guide, GO TOKYO
JapanGuide.com: Tokyo Museum Guide
