Useful tips and advice
Preparing for departure
All the steps to take before embarking on your WHV.
Library of resources
Articles, guides, stories, and interviews on everything WHV.
Downloadable books
Country handbooks and traveller interviews, downloadable for free.
Virtual workshops
Get your questions answered live by someone on the team.
General
Job Offers
CV Database
Finding a job during a Working Holiday adventure
Candidates
Employers
Travel insurances
WHV Insurance
Globe WHV
Pvtistes.net has been recommending the Working Holiday insurance policy since 2005.
Globe Partner
The insurance expert recommended by pvtistes.net for holidays, study abroad programs and round-the-world adventures.
Globe Traveller
A customisable multi-risks protection to travel with complete peace of mind.
Repatriation Assistance
The insurance policy to complement expats coverage with flexible, adapted solutions.
Back
Useful tips and advice
Preparing for departure
All the steps to take before embarking on your WHV.
Library of resources
Articles, guides, stories, and interviews on everything WHV.
Downloadable books
Country handbooks and traveller interviews, downloadable for free.
Virtual workshops
Get your questions answered live by someone on the team.
Back
General
Job Offers
Explore
CV Database
Explore
Finding a job during a Working Holiday adventure
Explore
Candidates
Employers
Back
Travel insurances
WHV Insurance
Globe WHV
Pvtistes.net has been recommending the Working Holiday insurance policy since 2005.
Globe Partner
The insurance expert recommended by pvtistes.net for holidays, study abroad programs and round-the-world adventures.
Globe Traveller
A customisable multi-risks protection to travel with complete peace of mind.
Repatriation Assistance
The insurance policy to complement expats coverage with flexible, adapted solutions.
Get ready to go abroad with peace of mind thanks to our special offers!

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

#
Lucie
Manon's life in Japan on a WHV: work, travel, discovery
Globe WHV Insurance
Recommended by pvtistes.net since 2005!
Wise: international money transfer
First transfer is free
Holafly eSIM
-5% on unlimited data eSIM
Free virtual workshops about the WHV
Your questions answered
Babbel: language courses
Enjoy 20% off
Oakhouse: Accommodation in Japan
Get a ¥10,000 Discount
🚀 Article Summary: Manon’s life in Japan on a WHV: work, travel, discovery

Here are the key takeaways from this article 📌

Meet Manon, who embarked on a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) adventure in Japan with her boyfriend in September 2023. After a brief stint in South Korea, they chose Japan to immerse themselves deeper into the culture they love, especially its pop culture. Manon shares her initial smooth transition into Japanese life, thanks to prior research and basic language skills from YouTube. She secured a job in housekeeping at a five-star hotel, which allowed her to develop a comfortable routine and even make friends through social platforms and work.
Manon's journey through Japan included exploring iconic locations like Kyoto, Nara, and the magical Sapporo Snow Festival in Hokkaidō. She emphasizes the importance of having sufficient savings to fully enjoy the WHV experience without regrets. Her story is not just about the places she visited but also about the post-travel void she feels, a common sentiment among those who have deeply connected with Japan.
Curious about how a year in Japan can change a person? Dive into Manon’s full story to see how this experience has shaped her life and why she believes a WHV is a gateway to unforgettable adventures.

💬 A question? Ask it in the comments

Amonn
Current location
Occupation
pvtistes
Could you introduce yourself and tell us what motivated you to choose Japan for your working holiday?
Amonn
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.
pvtistes
What were your first impressions upon arriving in Japan?
Amonn
My first impressions were exactly as I had imagined. Japan is a clean country and very respectful of rules.
pvtistes
Did you face any particular challenges when you arrived?
Amonn
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.
    PVT Japon
      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.
pvtistes
What type of work did you find in Japan, and how did your job search go?
Amonn
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.
    PVT Japon
pvtistes
How would you describe your daily life in Japan?
Amonn
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.
pvtistes
Which cultural differences did you notice?
Amonn
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.
pvtistes
Did you have the chance to travel across Japan? Which places do you recommend?
Amonn
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.
      PVT Japon
      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.
pvtistes
What advice would you give to someone who wants to do a WHV in Japan?
Amonn
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.
pvtistes
What are your future plans?
Amonn
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.
PVT Japon
    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.
Lucie

Je m’appelle Lucie, j’ai 22 ans et je suis en alternance pour deux ans chez pvtistes.net dans le cadre de mon master en communication et marketing.
Mon interview : https://pvtistes.net/interviews/lucie-equipe-pvtistes/
My name is Lucie, I'm 22 years old, and I'm doing a two-year work-study program with pvtistes.net as part of my Master's in Communication and Marketing.
My interview: https://pvtistes.net/en/interviews/lucie-pvtistes-team/

Add to my favorites
5
1 vote

Please login to be able vote.

0 comments

There are no comments at the moment but feel free to add your own 🙂

Recommended articles

Morgane
I
12 reasons to choose Australia as your working holiday destination
Pvtistes.net
I
Registration of Canadians Abroad (Working Holiday Visa)
Meghan
I
Enola, a WHV in South Korea followed by another in Japan
Julie
I
In my hostel…