On my trip through Japan, I not only explored Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto, but also tested two exciting coworking spaces. In this article, I share my experiences with you and show you the challenges I had to overcome.
Coworking in Tokyo
On my first day in Japan, I worked in a Starbucks, which was only 2 minutes away from the hotel.
On the second day of my trip, I wanted to put in a few productive hours before my next hotel change and looked for a Coworking Space near my accommodation in Shinjuku - a vibrant neighborhood full of restaurants, stores and the famous Golden Gai (absolute recommendation!).
I came across a coworking space that offered something special: Eown room with a desk, monitor and even the option of using a TV screen as an additional monitor. An ideal solution, but a little too dark for concentrated work in the middle of one of Tokyo's liveliest areas. However, I found the dark rooms and couches not really ideal for working.
To summarize:
- Extensive equipment with monitors
- Peace and quiet for focused work
- The rooms would be too dark for me in the long run
- Couch not necessarily suitable for working
- Friendly staff
- Drinks are already included in the price (even with alcohol 😅 Not used, but made me smile)
- Fair price at approx. 15 € for 3.5 hours
I would not book again because of the couch and the darkness.
Coworking in Osaka (Workers24)
In Osaka, I originally wanted to stay in the WeWork Namba SkyQ on the 27th floor work. I was impressed as soon as I entered the modern building - the view over the city is simply breathtaking! Unfortunately, I found out at reception that individual bookings are not possible there as usual and that an annual membership (approx. 300 $/month) is required. As I'm not a WeWork member, I had to leave without having achieved anything.
However, if you are a WeWork member, I can highly recommend this space - the view and the stylish, modern interior will win you over.
So I looked for an alternative for the next day and came across Workers24. There may not be a spectacular view, but the practical facilities - especially the two screens - convinced me.
The booking was not that easy at first: I would have had to provide a (Japanese?) ID on the website. I contacted the operator via Line Up (a popular messenger app in Japan) and set off.
Arriving was a bit of an adventure at first: I suddenly found myself in a street that looked more like a residential area than a coworking space. Thanks to Google Maps, I ended up on the wrong side of the building 😅 Fortunately, the very friendly owner got back to me. Although it would have been necessary to book online, she was flexible: I was told to put the cash in a locker and was given the access code. This open and trusting manner is a wonderful reflection of the Japanese mentality.
In the Working Space Everything I needed for a productive day was waiting for me: comfortable desk chair, compact desk size, two monitors, all the necessary cables and adapters - and my own slippers 😏 There was also a small kitchen with snacks and drinks at fair prices. I spent 5 very focused working hours there and had a short lunch break in the restaurant next door.
To summarize:
- Modern and extensive equipment with 2 monitors
- Peace and quiet for focused work
- Comfortable office chair
- Super and trustworthy support
- At approx. 10 € / day a very fair price
Absolutely recommendable, I would book again anytime!
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Conclusion on coworking in Japan
For me, coworking in Japan was a Exciting and varied experience. While in Tokyo it is mainly private rooms with Innovative equipment and plenty of privacy focus, Osaka shows how Flexible and hospitable can be smaller spaces. Both cities offer Great opportunities for remote work - be it in modernly equipped high-rise offices with impressive view or in functional roomsthat offer everything you need for a productive working day.
Japan has impressed me with its mixture of Professionalism, attention to detail and extraordinary hospitality. Whether you are looking for a permanent job or want to work spontaneously, you are sure to find a space that suits your needs. With a little preparation and openness, you can also Small hurdles such as booking systems or language barriers without any problems.
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