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Cultural and language exchange while living like a local in Tokyo, Japan

  • Last activity : 15 Sep 2025

Availability

  2025 

 Min stay requested: No minimum

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Details

  • Description

    Description

    I first came to Japan against my will.
    However, I immediately fell in love with the country, its values, its culture, its people, its landscapes, etc.

    I came back later as a tourist, and then I used the amazing Working Holiday Visa to experiment how it's like living here. It turned out to be even better than coming as a visitor, so I'm still here more than 7 years later :)

    I run my own small business on the Internet (related to dogs and cats), working with freelancers who are based all around the world. I also work occasionally as a freelance guide for tourists in Tokyo and around.

    I like history, geography and geopolitics, but I also deeply love go see places by myself plus learn about other cultures and ways of life. That's why I've already traveled to more than 40 countries, including some where not maybe people go (North Korea, Iran, Transnistria...). This curiosity has also led me to host more than 30 people from all around the world through Couchsurfing and similar websites - and some of them have actually become real friends :)

  • Types of help and learning opportunities

    Types of help and learning opportunities

    Language practice
    Help around the house
    General Maintenance
  • Interests

    Interests

    Events & social
    Culture
    Pets
    Technology
    Politics / Social justice
    Photography
    Architecture
    Languages
    Music
    History
    Animals
    Nature
    Mountain
    Cycling
    Outdoor activities
    Hiking
  • Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

    Experience living like a local in Japan + share travel experiences and stories

    In fact, being in love with Japan, I've read a lot about it, been driving more than 30,000 km all around the country, visited all of its 47 prefectures and attended more than 100 local matsuris (festivals). I'm always happy to share my love, knowledge and experience of this amazing country so that you can make the most of your time here, and also exchange about similarities and differences with your country and your culture.

    Moreover, I have to work during the day, but on the evenings I can definitely make me available for having dinner together, showing you around and bringing you to various typical places, if you are up for it and want to experience Japan "beyond the touristic highways" :)

    Apart from living in Japan for more than 8 years, I've traveled to more than 50 countries, including some "special" ones such as North Korea, Iran or Transnistria. I can definitely tell you more about this if you are interested in knowing more or considering visiting some countries I've been to. On the other hand, I'm also always open to hearing and learning about other travelers' experiences.

  • Help

    Help

    I work quite much but I also travel several times a year, so I'm always interested in welcoming other travelers:
    - you can share with me interesting information and advice about your country or other countries you've traveled to;
    - you can help me practice my English or my German, which I'm always happy to do as I want to improve.

    You could also help a bit for the house (cleaning the windows or other parts, removing dust, fixing things...).

    But if you think of other ways you can help, I'm open to it as well :)

    As for me, apart from hosting you, I can bring you to various nice places, share with you my knowledge and love of Japan, and help you make the best of your time in Tokyo and the rest of Japan.

    Please note: I have my own apartment but my girlfriend is uncomfortable with me letting another girl stay at my place, so I refrain from doing that. Sorry, girls!

  • Languages

    Languages spoken
    English: Fluent
    French: Fluent
    German: Intermediate
    Japanese: Intermediate

    This host offers a language exchange
    This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
    You can contact them directly for more information.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

    My apartment is quite big for Japanese standards (60 square meters), has a long balcony and views on Nakano, Shinjuku and the mountains - including Fujisan, when the weather allows.

    It's 6mn on foot from Numabukuro station. Numabukuro is a lovely, green, quiet and typical Japanese neighborhood, yet the train takes only 11mn to reach Shinjuku and 20mn to reach Shibuya.

    You'll have your own futon in a traditional tatami bedroom.

    My additional bicycle will be at your disposal as well. It's not only a way to save money on transportation costs: it's also the most pleasant and exciting way to explore and discover Tokyo!

    There is also a washing machine in my apartment, which you can use of course.

    Same for the Super Nintendo (Famicom) in the living room :)

    The kitchen will be at your disposal whenever you want. It has gas stoves for saucepans and frying pans, a microwave / oven, etc. And in the evening, we can definitely have dinner together in various typical restaurants and izakayas!

  • What else ...

    What else ...

    My interests: traveling, hiking, computer science and technology, geopolitics, history, driving and car racing, airplanes, karaoke, badminton, dogs and cats...

    Regarding music: I LOVE it, I couldn't live without it.
    Among my favorites bands and singers are Angus & Julia Stone, First Aid Kit, Hot Chip, Leonard Cohen, Of monsters and men, Parov Stelar, Scorpions, Supertramp, The Cranberries, The Cure, The National, The Paper Kites, The Killers, The Strokes, The War on Drugs...
    I'm always up for having fun in karaoke: it originates from Japan and it's one of the most popular entertainments here :)

  • A little more information

    A little more information

    • Internet access

    • Limited internet access

      Limited internet access

    • We have pets

    • We are smokers

    • Can host families

  • Can host digital nomads

    Can host digital nomads

    You can use the living's room table, it's big and I don't really make use of it. There is also a spare office chair and a spare monitor, if you want to be in dual screen.

  • Can possibly accept pets

    Can possibly accept pets

    I manage websites about dogs and cats, so obviously I love them even though I unfortunately don't have one.

  • How many Workawayers can stay?

    How many Workawayers can stay?

    One

  • My animals / pets

    My animals / pets

Host ref number: 442429319422

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A curtain features traditional Japanese art with a geisha holding a red umbrella, standing by a golden temple and pine trees. A colorful wall picture hangs nearby.
The image depicts a small, well-lit room with white walls and grey floors, featuring a couch, coffee table, and dining table, with a bed visible in the background.
The image depicts a serene room with white walls, featuring a bed, closet, and a shelf adorned with a mushroom-shaped pillow and owl-themed artwork.
This is a small office with two desks, computer monitors, world map, dog posters, a calendar, Mario plush, air conditioner, and various office supplies and decorations.
A narrow balcony with a small white table and chair overlooks rooftops and city buildings in the distance under a clear blue sky with power lines above.
The image depicts a large building with a dome on top, set against the backdrop of a snow-capped mountain under a clear blue sky.
A bustling Japanese street scene with people walking and cycling, shops on both sides, signs in Japanese, vending machines, and bicycles parked along the sidewalk.

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