Working in Japan – Interviews with Kyoto Inn & Tour – Melanie

Being in Japan while job hunting and Japanese language ability are two keys to increase your chances of finding a job in Japan. Foreign nationals, who wish to engage in paid activities in Japan, require a visa that allows them to work in Japan. It is not permitted to engage in any paid activities on a tourist visa.

In case of our employees at Kyoto Inn & Tour, at the Ryokan Hotels of Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei, Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G and Tokyo Edo Sakura, we helped them with the Visa process, accommodation and assimilation to Japanese life.

As a matter of fact, Japan is becoming a more and more popular destination for tourists and workers alike. Therefore, we asked our staff to answer a few questions, that you can get a better picture of how it really looks like in reality to be working at a Japanese ryokan Hotel. It is also a great opportunity for us to introduce some of our team members to you.

Enjoy reading the first interview we have made with Melanie Pulgo Lagada from the Philippines.

How long have you been in Japan?

I have been working in Japan for almost 2 years.

What do you like about living in Japan?

What I admire most in japan is the overwhelming politeness of the people. They obey rules, well-mannered.Japan is very convenient. Transportation is highly efficient, convenience stores are everywhere and 24 hours open. I love their cuisine, cleanliness and a very safe country.

What is the most difficult thing to get used to when working and living in Japan?

Language barrier is a problem which cause misunderstanding and misinterpretations. The communication becomes difficult if people don’t understand each other’s language.

How did you Hear about KIT Hotels?

I heard this hotel through my boss. He introduced his company and offers easy ways on how to work Japan. I passed all the needed documents before getting qualified. This is very rare chance and so I grabbed the opportunity.

What does your daily job involve? What are you responsible for?

Since I am working in front office my daily job involves greeting, doing check-in and check-out.Handling guests requests, answer some e-mails, inquiries, answering phone calls and sometimes arranging some appointments. Returning guests are always the best that is why greeting guests warmly, quick response to their concerns, making sure they are comfortable are one of my important responsibilities.

What do you like the most about working at a KIT Ryokan Hotel in Kyoto?

What I like most about working at  KIT hotels is that I have a plenty of opportunity to expand my experience and skills. I can meet a lot of people from different countries with different personalities. I am also working with people who have  great interpersonal skills.

Was it difficult to find an accommodation?

For me as a foreigner, looking for an accommodation is not easy. However, we are very lucky, because before we came japan our accommodation was already provided.

What is your favorite activity in Kyoto/Tokyo?

Kyoto is traditional so visiting shrines, gardens, temples, hiking are some of the activities I like. Tokyo is modern, a lot of big cities, huge restaurants. I like walking tours, food tasting and shopping.

What is the place (restaurant, sight, bar etc.) that is a must try in Kyoto/Tokyo and why?

In Kyoto, samurai castles, temples are the places that you must try to visit since even how old it is, still perfectly preserved. A lot of restaurants ,bar and it depends what kind of food and drinks you want to try. I like nature, my favorite sight in Kyoto is Arashiyama. A very wonderful place to visit with lots of different walk ways to explore.Park, river, temples and gardens can be found in Arashiyama. Tokyo is busy and lively place. You can enjoy everywhere especially nightlife activity.

Do you have a family/partner here? How long are you planning to stay in Japan?

I don’t have family but I have friends with same nationality. Getting working visa for working japan is not that easy. Since I have this opportunity and I am enjoying my job, as long as I can I will stay Japan😊

 

Do you have more questions to us or just want to try staying at a traditional Japanese inn? Don’t hesitate to contact any of our Hotels in Kyoto or Tokyo by clicking on the links below:

Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Urushitei (Kyoto)
Kyomachiya Ryokan Sakura Hongan-G (Kyoto)
Tokyo Edo Sakura (Tokyo)

See you soon in Japan!