My girlfriend and I just spent 3 months in Fukuoka, and we're planning to make this city a ‘base camp’ that we return to often.
Here's why we love it so much:
1. It's Japan
That means it's safe, clean, has great food, beautiful nature and plenty to do.
Many nomads prefer South-east Asia because it's cheap, but surprisingly, Japan is also very affordable, especially its smaller cities.
I found my spending in Fukuoka was around the same as in Bangkok.
However, the quality of everything is so much better than South-east Asia.
I mean the food, customer service, infrastructure and public transport, road safety, air pollution (lack of it), and so much more.
Japan is, in my opinion, the most developed country in the world, but incredibly, it still has a low cost of living compared to Western countries.
2. A livable city for young people
Fukuoka is a mid-size city and more affordable for Japanese people than Tokyo. People have less financial pressure, and so are more relaxed, friendly and have more time on their hands.
It's also a well-planned and livable city. It's very walkable and easy to get around so you don't waste time in traffic or on the train. It has a warmer climate, and it even has less earthquake risk than eastern Japan.
That's why many Japanese people from Tokyo are moving to Fukuoka - to start a family or simply escape the rat race.
An influx of younger people is great for cities. Small businesses flourish. There are plenty of cafes, bars, creative spaces and recreational activities.
There are also more business opportunities for foreigners. It's everything we are looking for as digital nomads.
3. A tight-knit international community
Fukuoka has relatively few foreigners living or visiting here. This means the international community is quite small, and everyone knows each other. This is great for making connections, finding things to do and places to hang out.
One event we like to frequent is the JDNA meetup on Wednesday nights at Awabar.
And it's not just foreigners - when I say "international community", this includes many of the English-speaking Japanese who hang out in these circles. These are people who have travelled a lot, studied or worked overseas, so they enjoy spending time in foreigner communities in Japan. For us, it's a rare chance to chat with Japanese people without the language barrier.
Also, Fukuoka's government is quite welcoming to foreigners and nomads.
Fukuoka hosts “Colive Fukuoka” - the largest digital nomad gathering in Asia, with full support of the government and close ties with Fukuoka’s mayor.
It also has organizations for supporting foreign entrepreneurs who want to move to Fukuoka and start a business.
4. Avoid the over-tourism of Tokyo & Osaka
You might have heard that Japan is suffering from overtourism. Huge lines, crowds, and irritated locals.
But really, it’s not all of Japan - just Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.
There is a lot more of Japan to explore - smaller cities and towns that are also full of lovely people, unique cultural experiences, and natural beauty.
Many of these towns are suffering from Japan's population decline and actually want more tourism! By visiting, you help the local economy, rather than being yet another annoying tourist in Tokyo.
You will also have a more unique experience by visiting places that not many foreigners have been.
Fukuoka is less popular as a tourist destination, while still being a large and comfortable city to live and work.
It's the perfect base from which to explore all of Kyushu - Japan's southern island. It's easy to get around by train and visit mountains, beaches, active volcanoes, and unique jungle islands.
It’s the perfect city for people who want to experience a more authentic Japan.
As I’m writing this now, we are leaving Fukuoka to live in Taiwan for the next 3 months. But we’ll be back for Colive Fukuoka 2025!
Subscribe to follow our travels across Japan & Taiwan!
Discussion