Tag: BORDERLESS HOUSE KANSAI

Thinking about spending 2025 living and working in Japan? A working holiday is one of the best ways to explore the country beyond just temples and sushi. You get the freedom to work, travel, meet locals, and soak in everyday life—without blowing your savings in the first month.

The timing couldn’t be better. Japan’s borders are fully open, tourism is booming again, and local economies are welcoming international visitors with open arms—and job openings! Plus, regions like Kansai (think: Kyoto, Osaka) and Sendai (hello nature lovers!) offer authentic local vibes, wallet-friendly housing, and a slower pace of life compared to Tokyo.

So let’s walk through how to make your Japan working holiday not just possible—but awesome.

How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan

Before you can sip matcha in Kyoto or wander through neon-lit streets in Tokyo, there’s one important first step: getting your working holiday visa. This visa is what makes your year-long Japanese adventure possible—it gives you the freedom to live, travel, and work across the country.

We know, visa applications aren’t exactly the fun part. But don’t stress—we’re here to guide you through it. From checking if you’re eligible to preparing the right documents, here’s how to get your journey to Japan off to a smooth (and exciting) start.

Who is Eligible?

The Japan Working Holiday Visa is part of a bilateral agreement between Japan and over two dozen countries. The program is designed to help young travelers experience Japanese culture more deeply, while also picking up work to support their stay.

To be eligible, you generally need to meet the following criteria:
✔Age: Usually between 18 and 30 years old (some countries allow up to 35—check locally)
✔Nationality: You must hold a passport from a country that has a working holiday agreement with Japan
✔No dependents: You can’t bring children or a spouse unless they apply separately
✔Purpose: Your stay should primarily be for holiday and cultural exchange, with work being a secondary purpose

As of 2025, Japan has working holiday visa agreements with over 25 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, France, Germany, Ireland, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, and others.

➡Always confirm details on your local Japanese embassy’s website, as age limits and annual quotas can vary.

What Documents Do You Need?

Applying is kind of like building a paper version of yourself. You’ll need to prove who you are, what your plans are, and that you’re not going to land in Japan broke or uninsured.

Here’s your basic working holiday visa packing list:
●Valid passport
Must be valid for the entire duration of your planned stay in Japan.

●Completed working holiday visa application form
Usually downloadable from your local Japanese embassy’s website.

●CV/resume and travel itinerary
You don’t need a perfectly scheduled plan, but embassies want to see that you’ve thought things through. Include where you’ll go, what kind of work you might look for, and any cultural goals (like learning Japanese or volunteering).

●Proof of sufficient funds
Typically, this means around ¥200,000–¥300,000 (roughly $1,300–$2,000 USD) in your bank account. You may also need to show a return ticket or funds to purchase one.

●Proof of travel or medical insurance
Japan’s not the place to test your luck without coverage. Get a policy that covers basic medical care for at least the first few months.

Some embassies may request additional items, like passport-sized photos or a motivation letter. Again—check your local embassy’s requirements to avoid surprises.

Where to Submit Your Application

All working holiday visa applications must be submitted in person to the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country. You’ll usually need to book an appointment ahead of time, especially during busy seasons.

Here’s how to approach it:
1. Find your nearest embassy or consulate
Look it up online and see if they have specific instructions, downloadable forms, or appointment systems.
2. Prepare and double-check your documents
One missing paper can delay your whole plan—so check, recheck, and check again.
3. Submit and wait
Processing times vary by country, but it typically takes 1–3 weeks. Some embassies may call you for a short interview.

★Tips for early application
✔Apply 1–3 months before your intended departure—not too early, but definitely not last minute
✔Avoid peak seasons like May–August, when demand is high
✔Follow embassy social media or sign up for updates—they sometimes post when quotas are filling fast

Where to Find Work on a Working Holiday in Japan

Once you’ve got your visa, the next big question is—how do I actually find a job in Japan? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many working holiday travelers land in Japan without a job lined up and still find great opportunities within a few weeks.

The good news? There are plenty of jobs that don’t require fluent Japanese, especially in big cities or tourist areas. Whether you want to serve coffee, help at a hostel, or teach English part-time, there’s something out there for you.

Let’s look at the most common job types and how to start your search.

Popular Job Types for Working Holiday Makers

Here are some of the easiest and most popular jobs for working holiday travelers:
Hospitality jobs
Work in cafés, hostels, or hotels. Great for meeting people and improving your Japanese in real life.

English teaching assistant
Help out in schools or run casual conversation sessions. No teaching license needed for most part-time gigs.

Farm or seasonal work
Pick fruit, help on farms, or work at ski resorts. These jobs often provide free meals and accommodation.

Language exchange or private tutoring
Chat with locals who want to improve their English. Sometimes it’s paid, other times it’s just a great way to make friends.

Best Job Search Platforms and Tips

Finding jobs might take a bit of effort, but these platforms make it easier:
✔GaijinPot – One of the most popular job boards for foreigners in Japan
✔Jobs in Japan – Great for part-time or English-speaking jobs
✔Hello Work – Japan’s public job center (some offices have English-speaking staff)
✔Facebook groups – Try searching for “[City Name] Jobs” or “[City Name] Working Holiday”

Need Help Getting Started? Meet JAPOW WorHoli Agent:

Moving to Japan is exciting—but it can feel overwhelming too.
JAPOW WorHoli Agent supports working holiday makers and international students with English-language help for city hall paperwork, mobile plans, job matching, and more.

They offer face-to-face support in Tokyo and Yokohama, along with a free English guidebook to help you settle in with confidence.

Looking for practical support and job tips in your first weeks in Japan?
Click the image below to learn more about JAPOW.

Where to Live in Japan During Your Working Holiday

When most people think of living in Japan, their first thought is usually Tokyo—bright lights, busy trains, and endless convenience stores. But let’s be honest: Tokyo can be overwhelming, especially for first-timers. It’s fast, it’s crowded, and it’s not exactly the most budget-friendly place to start your working holiday.

The good news? Japan has so much more to offer beyond Tokyo. Cities like Kyoto, Osaka, and Sendai provide a more relaxed, affordable, and authentic way to experience daily life in Japan—all without sacrificing job opportunities or cultural depth.

And if you’re looking for a place that helps you truly connect with both locals and fellow travelers, BORDERLESS HOUSE share houses in Kansai and Sendai might just be the perfect home base for your journey.

Let’s take a closer look at your options.

Kansai – Culture, City Life & Convenience

Welcome to the cultural heart of Japan. Kansai is home to Kyoto’s historic temples, Osaka’s street food scene, and everything in between. Whether you’re looking for part-time jobs in busy cafés or weekend hikes in the mountains, Kansai offers the perfect mix of modern life and traditional charm.

Why Kansai works for working holiday travelers:
✔Lots of part-time jobs in tourism, retail, and hospitality
✔Easy access to other cities like Kobe and Nara via public transport
✔Rich history, festivals, and a welcoming atmosphere

BORDERLESS HOUSE Kansai is located in popular residential areas close to universities and city centers. You’ll live with a mix of Japanese locals and international residents, making language exchange and cultural learning part of your daily life—right at the dinner table.

Sendai – Nature, Calm Lifestyle & Affordability

Prefer clean air, quiet mornings, and friendly neighborhoods? Sendai is a hidden gem in northeastern Japan. Known as the “City of Trees,” it offers beautiful seasons, hot springs nearby, and a much lower cost of living compared to Tokyo or Osaka.

Why Sendai is great for your working holiday:
✔A slower pace of life, ideal for students, creatives, or remote workers
✔Affordable rent and living expenses
✔A growing community of foreign residents and students from Tohoku University

BORDERLESS HOUSE Sendai is just minutes from the university and close to the city’s vibrant downtown. You’ll be part of a small, tight-knit international house, where people from all over the world come together to share meals, cultures, and weekend adventures.

Thinking about living in Sendai? Click HERE to discover what this amazing city has to offer.

Tips on Choosing Housing

When choosing where to stay during your working holiday, keep these things in mind:

Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Most apartments in Japan come unfurnished—meaning no bed, fridge, or even curtains. Choosing a furnished option (like Borderless House) saves you time, money, and trips to the hardware store.

Short-term Friendly Contracts
Some landlords require long-term leases or guarantors, which can be tricky. Share houses usually offer flexible, short-term contracts with lower upfront costs.

Living with Locals vs. Other Foreigners
Living with other foreigners is fun—but living with Japanese people helps you learn the language and culture naturally, without textbooks. It’s also the fastest way to make real local friends.

With Borderless House, you don’t have to choose—we give you both. Locals and internationals living together, learning from each other, and building friendships that last long after your trip ends!

Moving to Japan is exciting, but for many foreigners, it comes with an unexpected challenge—loneliness. Whether you’re a student, an expat, or on a working holiday, building a social life in Japan can feel overwhelming. The language barrier, cultural differences, and the difficulty of breaking into established social circles often leave newcomers feeling isolated.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering, “Why is it so hard to make friends in Japan?”, you’re not alone. Unlike in some countries where casual friendships form quickly, social interactions in Japan often take time and effort to develop. And if you’re living alone in a private apartment, the chances of meeting new people naturally become even slimmer.

In this blog, we’ll explore why making friends in Japan is challenging, how living in a share house can help you overcome this struggle, and why Kyoto and Sendai are ideal cities for share house living. If you’re looking for a way to turn your housing choice into a life-changing social experience, keep reading!

Why Is It Hard to Make Friends in Japan as a Foreigner?

Starting a new life in Japan is a thrilling experience, filled with opportunities to explore a unique culture and meet new people, But making friends here isn’t always easy. While Japanese people are friendly and welcoming, building deep, lasting friendships can take time. Cultural differences, language barriers, and social norms often make it harder than expected for foreigners to connect with locals.

Unlike in many Western countries, where people quickly form casual friendships, Japan’s social circles tend to be more closed and long-term. Many friendships are built through school, work, or shared experiences, and once these groups are formed, they don’t often expand. Because of this, it’s not as common for people to invite new acquaintances to social gatherings right away.

Language can also be a challenge. Even if you know some Japanese, having deep conversations isn’t always easy. Many Japanese people feel shy about speaking English, and if your Japanese is limited, it can be tough to fully join group discussions, understand jokes, or express yourself naturally. As a result, interactions can feel polite but distant, rather than relaxed and friendly.

Living arrangements also play a big role in how easy it is to meet people. Many foreigners in Kyoto, Sendai, and other cities choose to live alone in apartments, which can make socializing even harder. Unlike university dorms or share houses, where daily interactions happen naturally in shared spaces, apartment living often means fewer opportunities to connect with others. In cities where people are busy with work or studies, social life tends to revolve around existing friend groups, making it even tougher for newcomers to integrate.

Luckily, there’s a way to overcome these challenges and build a strong social life in Japan—and that’s through living in a share house. Let’s explore how it can help!

How Share Houses in Japan Solve the Loneliness Problem

For foreigners struggling to build a social life in Japan, living in a share house offers a simple and effective solution. Unlike renting a private apartment, where interactions with others are minimal, a share house provides an instant community of both Japanese residents and other foreigners, making it much easier to form connections.

Instant Community & Built-in Social Circle

One of the biggest advantages of a share house is that you’re never alone unless you want to be. Common areas like the kitchen, living room, and lounge encourage spontaneous conversations with housemates, creating daily opportunities to bond over meals, hobbies, or even just casual chats. Unlike traditional Japanese apartments, where neighbors rarely interact, share houses make socializing effortless.

Activities & Events Make Socializing Easy

Many share houses in Kyoto and Sendai organize regular events such as:
✔Welcome parties for new residents to help everyone get to know each other.
✔Cultural exchange nights, where Japanese and foreign residents teach each other their languages and traditions.
✔Group outings to local festivals or sightseeing spots, offering a chance to explore Japan together.
These activities remove the pressure of having to seek out social opportunities on your own, making it much easier to develop friendships in a relaxed and natural way.

Check out our related blogs to discover more:
➡Experience Udon Making: A Community Event at BORDERLESS HOUSE Kansai!
➡Savoring Autumn: A Gourmet BBQ Experience with Borderless House Community

A Mix of Locals & Foreigners Helps Bridge the Gap

One of the biggest struggles for foreigners in Japan is finding ways to interact with locals in a casual setting. Share houses provide a rare opportunity to live with Japanese people who are open to international friendships. This means:

✔You can practice Japanese daily in a natural environment, rather than just in a classroom.
✔Japanese housemates are often interested in learning about different cultures, making conversations engaging and mutually beneficial.
✔You gain insights into real Japanese life, from social etiquette to local recommendations, that you wouldn’t experience in a private apartment.

By removing the usual barriers to making friends—such as language, social circles, and lack of meeting opportunities—share houses create the perfect environment for foreigners to integrate into Japanese society while enjoying a fulfilling social life.

In the next section, we’ll take a closer look at why Kyoto and Sendai are ideal cities for a vibrant share house experience and what makes them unique for foreigners.

Why Kyoto & Sendai Are the Best Cities for a Social Share House Life

When choosing a city to live in Japan, both Kyoto and Sendai offer unique advantages for foreigners looking to build a social life. While larger cities like Tokyo and Osaka may have more international residents, Kyoto and Sendai provide a perfect balance of cultural immersion and community engagement, making them ideal locations for share house living.

Kyoto – A City Full of International Students & Cultural Experiences

As the historical and cultural heart of Japan, Kyoto attracts thousands of international students, researchers, and digital nomads every year. With prestigious universities like Kyoto University and Ritsumeikan University, there is a strong student and expat community, making it easier for foreigners to find social events, meetups, and networking opportunities.

✔Many Kyoto share houses are located near universities, ensuring a lively and youthful atmosphere.
✔The city hosts numerous cultural festivals and events, such as tea ceremonies, kimono experiences, and local workshops, providing great ways to bond with Japanese residents.
✔Kyoto’s mix of tradition and modern living allows residents to enjoy both historical sightseeing and trendy cafés, making it an exciting place to explore with housemates.

Sendai – A Hidden Gem for Foreigners Looking for a Friendly Community

Unlike major metropolitan areas, Sendai offers a more relaxed and welcoming atmosphere, making it an excellent choice for foreigners looking for deeper local connections. Known as the “City of Trees,” Sendai is home to Tohoku University, one of Japan’s top universities with a growing international student population.

✔Unlike Kyoto, where foreign residents are more common, Sendai has a smaller but close-knit international community, making it easier to stand out and form meaningful friendships.
✔Share houses in Sendai are often more spacious and affordable compared to those in bigger cities, giving residents a more comfortable living experience.
✔The city is surrounded by beautiful nature, such as Matsushima Bay and hot springs, offering great weekend trips that housemates can enjoy together.

Both Kyoto and Sendai offer distinct benefits for foreigners looking to live in a share house and expand their social circles. Whether you prefer Kyoto’s vibrant international scene or Sendai’s close-knit community feel, a share house in these cities provides the perfect environment to make friends, experience Japanese culture, and build lifelong connections.

In the next section, we’ll guide you on how to choose the right share house in Japan that best suits your social and lifestyle needs.

How to Choose the Right Share House in Japan for Socializing

With so many share houses available, it’s important to find one that matches your lifestyle, social preferences, and cultural exchange goals. Whether you’re moving to Kyoto, Sendai, or another city in Japan, choosing the right share house can make a huge difference in your experience. Here are some key factors to consider:

Look for a House with Common Areas & Social Events

A great share house isn’t just a place to sleep—it’s a community. When searching for a share house, check if it has:

✔Spacious common areas like a shared kitchen, lounge, or rooftop where residents naturally gather.
✔Regular events such as welcome parties, group dinners, and cultural exchange nights, which make socializing easy. 
✔A friendly atmosphere, where both Japanese and international residents are open to interaction.

Pick a Location with a Lively Foreign & Local Community

Location plays a big role in your social experience. If you want an active social life, consider:

✔Kyoto share houses near universities, where you can meet students, researchers, and young professionals.
✔Sendai share houses near Tohoku University, where you can connect with both locals and international students.
✔Proximity to cafés, coworking spaces, and event venues, which offer additional opportunities to meet people outside your share house.

Choose a House with a Balance of Locals & Foreigners

A good share house provides the perfect mix of Japanese residents and international housemates.

✔Too many foreigners? You might not get much exposure to Japanese culture.
✔Too many locals? It might take longer to integrate into social circles.
✔A well-balanced share house allows you to practice Japanese, share experiences, and learn from different cultures.

In Borderless House Kyoto & Sendai, the mix of Japanese and international residents is carefully curated, ensuring an environment where friendships can form naturally.

If you’re looking for a way to make friends, experience real Japanese culture, and enjoy a social living environment, Borderless House in Kyoto & Sendai is the perfect place to start your new life.

➡ Check out available rooms at Borderless House Kyoto 
➡ Check out available rooms at Borderless House Sendai