A month of remote work in Nagano: where to stay and why a car helps
Mountains, onsens and fast trains to Tokyo make Nagano a good place to work remotely for a month or a season. Here is where to base yourself and how a car fits in.
Why people work remotely in Nagano
Close to Tokyo
The Hokuriku Shinkansen reaches Nagano in about 1.5 hours from Tokyo, so a meeting in the city is a day trip.
Backed by the prefecture
Nagano Prefecture runs a workation programme called Shinshu Resort Telework, with information on places to stay and work across the region.
Four seasons
Skiing and snow in winter, cool summers in the highlands, and onsens all year round.
Choosing a base
Drive times are typical figures from NEXCO’s toll search and the Nagano tourism site, and vary with traffic and snow.
Get a total price within one business day
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. Your quote includes delivery.
Why a car makes a long stay easier
- Large supermarkets and home stores are often outside town centres.
- Local buses can be infrequent, especially in the evening and in rural areas.
- Weekends are easier: onsens, other towns and ski resorts are all within reach.
- Holiday homes and rental houses are often away from stations and bus stops.
- In winter, a 4WD car with winter tyres makes snowy roads much less stressful.
Staying longer than 90 days?
Digital nomad visa
Since 2024, Japan has offered a digital nomad status for up to six months. It needs an annual income of at least ¥10 million and private medical insurance, and is open to nationals of certain countries. Check the Immigration Services Agency for the current conditions.
Driving on a long stay
An International Driving Permit or an approved translation is valid for up to one year from the day you arrive. See our licence guide.
A car delivered to where you stay
From one week, extend by the month
We deliver 4WD cars to holiday homes, hotels and apartments across Nagano and collect them when you leave. Kei cars are from ¥73,700 per month, tax and insurance included, plus the required CDW of ¥20,000 per month. For individual customers, the delivery fee depends on distance and is included in your quote. See our long-term car rental page.
RECOMMENDED CARS
Cars for this kind of stay
Every car is 4WD, with a dashcam, GPS navigation and an ETC reader. Prices include tax and insurance.
Kei car
Suzuki Hustler, Daihatsu Taft · 4 seats
- 1 week
- from¥27,700
- 1 month
- from¥73,700
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
Hybrid (Prius)
Toyota Prius, brand-new · 5 seats
Available from 9 November 2026
- 1 week
- from¥40,600
- 1 month
- from¥115,500
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this car
SUV
Toyota Yaris Cross · 5 seats
- 1 week
- from¥38,700
- 1 month
- from¥112,200
Plus the required CDW: ¥20,000 per month
Get a quote for this carSee all cars and rates →Car images show the class, not the exact car.
Questions about remote work in Nagano
Q. Where is the best place in Nagano to work remotely?
It depends on what you want. Karuizawa is closest to Tokyo, Nagano City and Matsumoto are convenient city bases, Suwa has a lake and onsens, and Hakuba suits people who want mountain life.
Q. Do I need a car for a month in Nagano?
Not always in a city centre, but a car makes shopping, weekend trips and life outside town much easier, especially in winter.
Q. Is there a workation programme in Nagano?
Yes. Nagano Prefecture runs Shinshu Resort Telework, which promotes places to stay and work across the region.
Q. Can I rent a car for one or two months?
Yes. We rent 4WD cars from one week, and you can extend by the month.
Planning a month in Nagano?
Tell us your dates and where you are staying. We reply with a total price, including delivery, within one business day.
You are welcome to write to us in English through our web form or LINE. We reply in Japanese, so please use a translation tool to read our reply.