Tokyo topped the list of the best cities for combining remote work and leisure in a ranking prepared by the Swiss International Workplace Group (IWG).
In 2025, the Japanese capital took first place thanks to its high internet speed, well-developed transport infrastructure, safety, cultural diversity and the country’s recent launch of special visas for foreigners working remotely, the IWG report notes.
Tokyo has the added benefit of being close to mountains, beaches and national parks, making it ideal for those who prefer to work in an urban environment while still being able to get out into nature, according to IWG.
In compiling the ranking, IWG took into account a wide range of criteria, including the availability of housing and infrastructure for remote work, the level of development of public transport, climate conditions, the attractiveness of local cuisine and opportunities for cultural leisure.
This year, for the first time, IWG also focused on the availability and cost of a visa that grants foreigners permission to reside and work remotely in the country.
In addition to Tokyo, the IWG top 10 included (in descending order) Rio de Janeiro, Budapest, Seoul, Barcelona, Beijing, Lisbon, Rome, Paris and Valletta.
“With the introduction of hybrid schedules and the development of cloud technologies, people have gained the freedom to choose the place and time to work that suits them best,” said Mark Dixon, founder and CEO of International Workplace Group.
“This trend is set to continue,” Dixon added, adding that giving workers the option to work flexibly and remotely, particularly during the summer months, not only improves work-life balance by preventing burnout, but also significantly increases productivity.
