Japan Work Holiday: The beginning of my trip ✈️

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。