Ever dreamed of living in Japan — working, eating ramen after your shift, and exploring temples on your days off?
That’s exactly what many working holiday visa (WHV) holders are doing right now. And guess what? Many of them are thriving in restaurant jobs that let them earn, learn, and live their Japan dream all at once.
In this post, we’ll share how WHV holders make it work — what the restaurant job life is really like, and how you can start the same journey.
Meet Sofia: From Australia to Tokyo Izakaya Life
When Sofia landed in Japan from Sydney, she didn’t have a solid plan — just a WHV, a suitcase, and curiosity.
After a few days of searching, she found a part-time job at a Tokyo izakaya (Japanese pub) through WORK JAPAN.
At first, she worried about her Japanese level. But her manager was patient, and soon she learned common phrases like “irasshaimase!” (welcome!) and “arigatou gozaimasu” (thank you very much).
Within a few months, Sofia wasn’t just serving drinks — she was chatting with regulars, trying new dishes, and even getting invited to staff dinners.
“I came here for adventure, but I found family,” she says. “Every night feels like a new memory.”
Kenji from Canada: A Taste of Growth in Osaka
Kenji arrived in Osaka hoping to travel around Kansai — Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe were all on his list. But he also needed a way to fund those trips.
He took a job in a sushi restaurant as a kitchen helper. It was fast-paced, loud, and smelled like vinegar and fresh fish.
Over time, he learned more than just knife skills — he learned Japanese teamwork culture: punctuality, respect, and doing your best even in small tasks.
“Back home, I worked for money. Here, I learned pride in my work,” Kenji says.
Now, he plans to stay longer in Japan and apply for a more permanent job once his WHV ends.
Why Restaurants Are Perfect for WHV Holders
Restaurant jobs are among the best opportunities for foreigners in Japan — especially for those on a Working Holiday Visa. Here’s why:
✅ Flexible Hours – You can balance work and travel easily. Most part-time restaurant jobs let you choose morning, afternoon, or night shifts.
✅ No Degree Needed – You don’t need a university diploma or years of experience to get hired. What matters most is enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
✅ Language Immersion – Working with Japanese staff and customers daily helps your speaking skills grow fast. It’s the best real-world classroom!
✅ Good Pay + Free Meals – Average hourly pay for restaurant workers is around ¥1,100–¥1,400. Many places even offer free or discounted staff meals — which means more savings for your adventures.
✅ Cultural Exchange – You’re not just serving food — you’re experiencing Japanese hospitality (omotenashi) firsthand.
Rural vs. Urban Restaurant Work
Some WHV holders choose big cities like Tokyo or Osaka, where jobs are plenty and nightlife is vibrant. But others prefer rural areas, where life is slower and communities are tight-knit.
Working in the countryside often means:
- Cheaper rent
- Friendlier locals
- Unique experiences like local festivals, traditional food, and nature views 🏞️
Both choices have their perks — it all depends on what kind of Japan you want to experience.
Tips for Success as a WHV Restaurant Worker
- Learn basic Japanese phrases for greetings, food items, and customer service.
- Be punctual and polite — these two traits are highly valued in any Japanese workplace.
- Smile often! Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, a friendly attitude goes a long way.
- Use apps like WORK JAPAN to find foreigner-friendly restaurant jobs with English support.
- Enjoy the journey. Every shift, every meal, and every new word learned adds to your Japan story.
The WHV Restaurant Life = Work, Learn, Explore
Working in a restaurant might not sound glamorous at first, but for many foreigners, it becomes a life-changing chapter — full of growth, laughter, and unforgettable experiences.
You’ll earn enough to support your travels, meet amazing people, and truly understand Japan — not as a tourist, but as part of the community.
