Manon’s life in Japan on a WHV: work, travel, discovery

My name is Manon, and I decided to do a WHV in Japan in September 2023 with my boyfriend. Having been to South Korea a few months earlier, we realized that a few weeks wouldn’t be enough to really explore Japan. And as fans of pop culture, we couldn’t pass up the chance to do a working holiday.

My first impressions were exactly as I had imagined. Japan is a clean country and very respectful of rules.

I didn’t have any issues integrating because I had done a lot of research beforehand to avoid making mistakes, or at least minimize them.

I arrived without speaking much Japanese, aside from some basics I had learned on YouTube. That really helped me later on.

We had booked an Airbnb for two weeks in Tokyo (where we stayed most of the time) while we looked for more permanent housing. We found a small studio in Shinjuku, not very expensive, which we paid €600 for as a couple. The location wasn’t ideal. A few months later, we moved to a much larger apartment for €1,000 in Monzen-Nakacho. This time we were very well located. Both locations were along the Ōedo line, which was very convenient.

Four months later, after enjoying our time, I decided to look for work. I found what would be my only job during eight months in Japan: housekeeping at a five-star hotel. I was surrounded by many foreigners, which was reassuring since my Japanese was still limited. I searched for work on Baitoru and Yolo Japan, and I found the offer on Yolo Japan. I got the job faster than I expected.

Of course, getting a job meant I needed to open a local bank account. Despite my fear of administrative tasks like this, it turned out to be easier than I anticipated.

Once I had a job, I developed a little routine that I really enjoyed. I worked from 10am to 4pm and in the evenings I could go out in Tokyo. I worked five days a week, six hours per day.

I never felt homesick or isolated. I even made friends through platforms like TikTok, Langmate (an app for talking with foreigners), and at work.

I was so happy and the more time passed, the more I dreaded returning home.
On the other hand, life in Japan is more expensive than I expected. Food isn’t too pricey, but transportation and housing are a bit higher. I highly recommend going with plenty of savings so you can fully enjoy your WHV without regrets.

During my year, I was able to see everything I wanted in Japan. Before settling into a routine, I visited Kyoto and Nara.

Then, in February, I took a trip to Hokkaidō for the Sapporo Snow Festival. I loved it; it’s probably my favourite part of the trip. It was magical, like Tokyo buried under meters of snow. I also saw the most beautiful monument of my life: the Buddha at Makomanai Takino Cemetery.
At the end of our trip after leaving my job in August, my boyfriend and I went on a road trip across Kyushu (Hita, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, Kumamoto) and finished in Okinawa.

Each place had its own charm. It probably depends a lot on the season. For winter, I recommend Hokkaidō—there’s so much to see and do! For spring and fall: Tokyo, Osaka, Nara, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Kyushu. And for summer: Okinawa, the ultimate vacation destination.

My best advice: GO FOR IT. A year goes by quickly, but it’s long enough to truly enjoy the country. It’s an amazing way to explore a country you care about. I don’t know anyone who regretted their WHV. Do your research, be confident, and you won’t regret it. Live it to the fullest, it’s such an incredible experience.

Since returning home, I’ve felt a void. I think this is common for people who have been to Japan or Asia in general. I often connect with people who’ve been to Japan because I made a lot of videos on social media while I was there (amonn.amonn on TikTok and AMONN. on YouTube for vlogs). This made me realize I’m far from the only one feeling this “emptiness” after returning.

For me, it’s actually reassuring to know I’m not alone in feeling this way. The only thing that helps me daily is creating content about it. It’s a kind of last connection I have with Japan, and I love hearing others’ experiences too.
In short, if I could do it all over again, I would, again and again. It’s the best experience of my life and I honestly think it will remain so. The WHV is an amazing opportunity, and depending on your nationality and age, different destinations will be available to you, so don’t hesitate. JUST DO IT.