Category: Working Holiday

皆さん, こんにちは!
Today I’m bringing you an article I know many of you will find interesting, because it’s one of the questions I get asked the most on Instagram: How did I manage to stay in Japan after my Working Holiday Visa ended?

Here, I’ll share the entire process in detail, what my experience was like, and what other visa options exist, so you can have everything on the table.

🏢 The Challenge of Getting a Work Visa in Japan

For some people, one year in Japan just isn’t enough—so that’s when the search to extend your stay begins. Although there are several types of visas, the work visa is one of the more accessible options.

Now, if it were easy, we’d all stay, right? The first challenge is finding a job willing to sponsor you, and the second is having a university degree or several years of experience in the field.

But don’t worry—if you truly want to stay and start the job hunt early, you can absolutely make it happen.

👤 My Company Offered to Sponsor Me, But I Had to Do the Paperwork Myself

As I mentioned in another article on “How to Find a Job in Japan,” I started working at a cookie shop almost as soon as I arrived in the country. Honestly, I was very lucky to take that job—I initially thought I’d only stay a few months and maybe move to Osaka. But plans changed (for the better).

Before my 3-month trial period ended, my boss asked if I wanted to stay in Japan. I had already known the answer since the first month, so I said yes, but explained I’d need to save up for a student visa or find a job with sponsorship.

That’s when she told me they could help. She asked if I had a university degree and told me to look into what documents I’d need from the company, because they could provide them. In that moment, I was the happiest person in the world. Since I still had plenty of time before my visa expired, I was able to calmly start preparing everything.

The only downside was that, although the company gave me all the necessary documents, I had to do the application myself. Some companies handle the whole process for you and submit everything to immigration—but that wasn’t the case here.

❗ I Found Out I Had to Apply for the “Humanities and International Services” Visa

If you’re in a similar situation, don’t stress—you have more than enough time. You’re asked to apply about three months before your Working Holiday Visa expires, so there’s time to gather everything you need.

In my case, when I went to immigration to ask, they told me there wasn’t a specific visa for the type of work I was doing. That worried me a bit, but after checking with my company, they explained I needed to apply for the Humanities and International Services Visa, which is basically the most common work visa in Japan.

Once I found out which visa I needed, I researched all the requirements thoroughly. I’ll leave a link to a site in English where everything is clearly explained.

Take a look to all the requirements here!

🇦🇷 Work Visa Types in Japan for Argentinians

If you’re not eligible for the Humanities and International Services Visa, there are several other options:

Types of Work Visas in Japan:

• Humanities and International Services Visa
• Engineer Visa
• Skilled Labor Visa
• Business Manager/Investor Visa
• Intra-Company Transferee Visa
• Artist Visa
• Journalist Visa

You can find more info about each one on this website.

Other Types of Visas:

• Cultural Activities Visa
• Student Visa
• Dependent Visa
• Designated Activities
• Permanent Resident
• Visa for Japanese Descendants

If you want to see all available options, check out the Immigration website.

🎌 The Process of Getting a Work Visa in Japan

Personal Documents Required:

• Copy of your passport and national ID
• Visa application form
• ID photo
• Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
• Zairyu Card
• CV
• University degree (4-year programs, like a teaching degree, are valid)
• If you have work experience, submit a recommendation letter or employment certificate
• Proof of salary payments and tax withholding

Documents Your Company Must Provide:

• Company registration certificate
• Company description
• Company brochure (if available)
• Financial statement
• Business plan (if it’s a new company)
• Letter of acknowledgment
• Employment contract

Key Tip: Everything can be submitted in English, and you don’t need to apostille or professionally translate your degree.

What to do in your first week in Japan with Working Holiday

Some people hire a lawyer to make sure everything’s in order and avoid issues with immigration.

🤔 How Long Does It Take to Get the COE?

Once you submit everything, they can email you the COE. They say it usually takes around three months, but it depends on the case. Some people got it in one month, others waited six.

In my case, I got it after one month—just five days before flying to Argentina. Since I’m from the countryside, I took the opportunity to do the visa process at the Japanese Embassy in Buenos Aires as soon as I arrived.

✈️ Do You Have to Go Back to your Country for the Process?

Another common question is whether you can stay in Japan or travel to a nearby country to change your visa.

The truth is, at least for Argentinians, no—but only when it comes to the Working Holiday Visa. So, I recommend you to ask your embassy about your situation.

That said, even though I also thought it was a long and expensive trip, I highly recommend taking the opportunity to visit your family and friends—especially if you get a visa for 3 or more years, since you won’t know when you’ll be able to return. Just think of it as a vacation!

✍️ Key Tips

• Don’t leave everything until the last minute
• Research the visa type that fits your case
• Finish your degree, study Japanese, or gain work experience
• If your application gets rejected, ask why and try again
• Don’t hesitate to ask for help in Facebook groups or from people who’ve been through it

I hope this info is helpful!

よろしく、

花ちゃん。

皆さん, こんにちは!

Welcome to my blog, where I share tips and experiences about life in Tokyo with a Working Holiday Visa—and what comes after. If you’re about to land in Japan, this guide for Japan will walk you through what to expect from the moment you step off the plane.

🛬 First thing in this guide for Japan: What to do when you land at the airport

After a long trip, I finally arrived in Tokyo, Japan. I landed at Narita Airport, though Haneda is often a better option since it’s closer to central Tokyo.

As soon as you get off the plane, you’ll notice the unique Japanese atmosphere—bright characters and kind, organized staff who guide you every step of the way. Don’t worry if you don’t speak Japanese; the airport staff will do their best to help, even walking with you to your next location.

If you have a Working Holiday Visa, follow the line for visa holders. Show your passport and visa, and you’ll be issued your Zairyu Card (residence card), which is essential for things like renting an apartment, opening a bank account, or working legally.

Once you have your card, pick up your luggage and you’re ready to begin. Don’t forget to pick up your SIM card if you ordered one online. I used Mobal, which I collected at the airport. I recommend switching later to more affordable options like JP Smart or Rakuten.

🚆How to get to your accommodation from the airport

Let’s continue with this guide for Japan…

Narita is quite far from central Tokyo, but there are several transport options depending on your budget, comfort level, and arrival time.

If you arrive late and there are no more trains, it’s a good idea to stay overnight at a nearby capsule hotel and travel the next day.

I arrived in the morning and chose the safest option: I bought a Skyliner ticket in advance. It’s a fast train with reserved seats and luggage space. It dropped me off near my hotel. It’s very convenient, though a bit pricey (around 3,000 yen).

Discover how was the beginning of my trip in Japan

If you want to save money, use Google Maps to explore all available routes. Another option is using a luggage delivery service (like Yamato Transport) to travel without the hassle of carrying heavy bags.

💸 Exchanging dollars to yen: What you need to know in this guide for Japan.

Before leaving the airport, it’s smart to exchange a small amount of dollars to have some cash on hand.
However, don’t exchange everything there—the rates aren’t great. I recommend going to Shinjuku, especially Ninja Exchange, near Omoide Yokocho, where you’ll get a much better rate.

🗼My personal experience: First day in Japan

Even though I had everything planned, my first day was quite an adventure. After landing, I went to pick up my SIM card. The staff helped me install it, but my phone wasn’t working properly. I figured it was a temporary issue and kept going.

On my way out, a TV crew asked me for an interview. I was jet-lagged, disoriented, and nervous, so I politely declined. After that, I took the Skyliner to Nippori. I didn’t speak Japanese, and my phone still wasn’t working, so I felt a bit anxious. Luckily, I had checked the map earlier and knew the hotel was close. I walked with my luggage until I found it—and right then, my phone started working again. What a relief.

That’s how my life in Japan began—tired, excited, and full of small surprises.

😴 Dealing with jet lag

Flying from the other side of the world can be exhausting. Ideally, you should plan your sleep during the flight. If you’re arriving in the morning, try to sleep in the final hours of the trip. I couldn’t sleep much because of nerves and excitement, so I dealt with jet lag for a few days after arriving.

🙌🏻 Final thoughts

Arriving in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience filled with stories. Don’t worry if things don’t go exactly as planned—there’s always a solution. What matters is staying calm, being prepared, and enjoying this exciting new chapter.

Hope you liked this guide for Japan and thanks for reading!

よろしく、

花ちゃん。

皆さんこんにちは!

Welcome to my blog where I’ll be sharing one of the best years I’ve had in a long time: my Japan Work Holiday.

In this post, I’ll explain why I chose Japan as my destination and why I believe it’s a great country for anyone looking to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

So grab a drink, get comfy, and keep reading!

🤔 Why Japan?

“Why Japan?” is a question I’ve heard countless times ever since I first mentioned the idea of moving there. Even after arriving, locals often ask the same thing. It’s understandable—most people expect you to say you’re moving to Europe, the U.S., or somewhere else in Latin America. So when you choose a place on the other side of the world, with a completely different language and culture, people get curious. And I get it!

My short answer—the one any otaku might give—is: because I love anime. And yes, my love for Japanese animation and video games definitely sparked my interest. But hold on! Not everyone comes here for the same reason. I’ve met people with completely different motivations.

Now, let’s dive deeper into why Japan was my top pick for a Work Holiday.

From Pokémon to Plane Tickets: My Japan Story

As a kid, I was obsessed with Pokémon. I had the Pikachu backpack and would get ridiculously excited whenever my grandma bought me collectible cards. I also loved other anime shows and classic video games like Mario and Sonic.

But things got more serious around 2012. Thanks to a few friends, I discovered Death Note and that was it—there was no turning back. I was hooked.

I started exploring Japanese culture through music (yep, I memorized anime opening themes on YouTube), travel vlogs, and videos of foreigners living in Japan. Slowly, I became fascinated not just with the pop culture, but with the language, traditions, and stunning landscapes I saw online.

That’s the true origin of my “Why Japan?” answer. But there’s more to the story.

💭 Was Japan Always My Dream?

Actually… no. When I was younger, Japan wasn’t even on my radar. I dreamed of going to the U.S., England, or maybe Australia—basically anywhere English was spoken, because I consumed so much English-language content and loved artists from those countries.

But in 2012, everything changed. My interest in Asian culture grew, and suddenly, Japan became this magical place I really wanted to experience. Still, it didn’t feel like an easy or realistic option.

Even though I started working and saving money, something always came up. But the dream of “one day I’ll go to Japan” never faded.

Eventually, I stumbled upon the Japan Work Holiday visa, thanks to the agreement signed between Argentina and Japan in 2017. That’s when my dream turned into a goal.

✅ Top Reasons to Choose Japan for Your Working Holiday

Let’s step away from the personal stuff for a moment. Why should YOU consider Japan for your Working Holiday?

From my experience—and from many others I’ve met—Japan has tons of advantages as a WH destination. Here are just a few:

• ✅ Open spots all year round: Japan isn’t a super common choice, so application spots rarely fill up quickly.
• ✅ Cost-effective travel: Sure, it’s an investment. But think about this: you might spend USD $4000 for a 2-week vacation in Tokyo. With the Working Holiday, you can spend the same and stay for a whole year—with the chance to earn that money back!
• ✅ Four magical seasons: Cherry blossoms in spring, vibrant leaves in fall, lush green summer festivals, and snow sculptures in winter—Japan offers it all.

¡Access to a Guide for your first day in Japan here!

• ✅ Cultural immersion: Living and working alongside locals is an incredibly enriching experience.
• ✅ Endless places to explore: From temples and nature to neon cities and street food—you’ll never run out of things to see.
• ✅ Strong expat and Argentine community: You’re never truly alone. Join Facebook or WhatsApp groups and make friends instantly.
• ✅ Global connections: You’ll meet people from all over the world.
• ✅ Travel, travel, travel: If you plan wisely, you’ll get to explore so many parts of Japan (though, fair warning—balancing travel and work is key!).

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and sakura…

❎ The Not-So-Great Parts of the Working Holiday in Japan

Let’s keep it real—there are downsides. Here are some challenges I’ve seen or experienced:

• ❌ Saving money is tough: You might break even, but Japan is full of tempting things to do, see, and eat. Unless you’re super disciplined, saving won’t be easy.
• ❌ Discrimination in the workplace: Some foreigners have faced passive-aggressive comments or cold behavior at work. Thankfully, that’s not the norm, but it does happen.
• ❌ Language barriers: Making local friends is possible, even without perfect Japanese. But deeper connections can be difficult without solid communication.
• ❌ Job limitations: Speaking Japanese can open more job opportunities. Even basic Japanese helps, though there are still jobs available for English or Spanish speakers.

If you want to study Japanese, you can contact GoGo Nihon!

🙌🏻 A New Chapter Begins

So, now you know a bit more about my why, the pros and cons, and what led me here.

Are you ready to dive deeper into the adventure of Working Holiday Japan?

In upcoming posts, I’ll guide you through how I prepared for the trip, the application process, what to expect after getting the visa, and so much more.

Don’t miss it—there’s a lot of useful info (and fun stories!) coming your way.

よろしく、

花ちゃん。