Hey there! Welcome to our 11th Working Holiday Interview! So glad you could join us for another exciting chat. Let's get started and dive into some awesome stories! About 60% of OAKHOUSE users come from overseas, and since Corona, many of them are returning to Japan. A lot of people opt for OAKHOUSE as their accommodation during their working holiday. Today, we had the chance to chat with Mr. Wardi, a resident of "Premier Nishi-Arai". Curious about what life is like for him in Japan? Let's dive in and find out!

Thanks a bunch for hanging out with us today!
Before we jump into the fun stuff, could you do us a favor and share your name with us? We're eager to get to know you better!

Hey there, I'm Waldi, all the way from Germany!
I embarked on this journey to Japan for a working holiday, and it's been a blast! I've been living in this cozy share house for about 10 months now.


What's your take on life in Japan versus Germany?

Well, it is totally different.
Back in my village, with just about 300 of us, But Tokyo? It's a whole new story! The crowds are wild, so dense that it felt like more people were living in one apartment than in my entire village alone.
Also, in the village, everyone knows each other, but here in Tokyo, it's like we're all just ships passing in the night.

Was it a bit of a shock getting used to the big change in environment?

You know, diving into a completely new place all at once can feel pretty overwhelming when it comes to finding your tribe.
However, living in a share house gave me a place to attend parties and meeting new faces, so I think I have more good opportunities to get involved with different people.

What drew you to Japan in the first place?

For quite a while now, Japan has been this irresistible magnet for me, thanks to all the amazing pop culture, games, anime, and other cool stuff.

In 2019, I finally got the chance to take a trip to Japan and explore for a whole month! It was eye-opening because I got to experience the real deal, not just what I'd seen in the media.

During my trip, I wandered around Tokyo and Kyoto, soaking in the sights, taking in the serene natural beauty, and exploring shrines and temples. It was a refreshing change from Germany. What struck me the most was how everyone was so polite, cleaning up after themselves, and showing deep respect not just for the buildings but also for what they symbolized. It was a calm and serene atmosphere that left a lasting impression.


Did you notice any differences between what you experienced in Japan and what you had seen in the media?

So, while the culture and scenery matched up with your expectations, dealing with the paperwork and language barriers turned out to be a bit trickier than I thought.
Plus, there were some unexpected technicalities compared to Germany.


What made you decide on OAKHOUSE, Waldi?

I chose OAKHOUSE because they offer plenty of options, booking is easy, and there's no need for key money or a guarantor. Their English support made everything simple and clear, and I figured it would be convenient for future apartment rentals. Plus, with the daily rent discount, it's super affordable.


What's life like in an OAKHOUSE share house?

In Germany, share houses typically have just a couple of people sharing a few rooms. Here at the OAKHOUSE share house, though, there are about 10 of us living together. It's a bit of a toss-up whether you'll click with everyone in the common areas, but I find comfort in having company around. Breakfast in the common space feels cozy, with everyone chatting away. Most resiedents here are from abroad, though I've yet to chat with the Japanese residents.


What's been your favorite experience since arriving in Japan?

Even though I’m not big on mountain climbing, I did tackle Mt. Fuji.
That's quite the adventure! It was a tough climb, especially without a reservation at a mountain lodge. But in the end, it was totally worth it!

What's on your list for the next time you visit Japan?

Hmm, nothing new comes to mind at the moment, but revisiting places I truly love, like Kumamoto and Aomori, sounds like a serene idea. Sometimes, reliving those cherished memories can be just what the soul needs.


Kumamoto and Aomori? Interesting choice!

Yeah, they might not be drastically different from other places, but there's just something special about them that really resonated with me.

Aomori, for instance, with its apple-themed charm, was such a delightful discovery. It was so cool to see how everything in that little town was all about apples!

And Kumamoto? Oh, what a blast! Everywhere I turned, there was something fun to see or do, and the people? Just so warm and welcoming. Plus, who can resist the adorable Kumamon character? (laughing)

As for living in Japan long-term, it's definitely a dream of mine, maybe in the next 10 years or so. But for now, I'm content with soaking up the experiences as they come.

Thanks a bunch for opening up and sharing your story with us today! It's been a pleasure chatting with you.

Here's a message from Eileen
I really appreciated our chat during this interview. Waldi’s warmth and friendliness made the cold weather feel a lot warmer. It's such a unique experience to have these interviews, getting to connect with different people each time and getting a taste of life from their perspective. It's been truly special.

(Writer/Take) (interviewer/Eileen Han)