This is the second article of our new series, “My Japan,” where contributors from all over the country write about a typical week in their lives. After reading about Paul’s week in Japan, it’s my turn. I’m Maria, the Spanish editor of Voyapon and content creator, and I will describe my experience as a freelancer in Japan.
The interesting thing is that my life isn’t structured around weekends or weekdays. Each week varies depending on my work and plans. “My Japan” will be formed by a collection of memories from throughout the year, and the following is an example of what a typical week might look like for me.
Monday
Let’s make it a rainy Monday. I’m continuously checking the weather to plan my weeks, and the day when the weather is unpleasant for me, I plan to work from home. I usually wake up at 7:30am, and I eat my breakfast sitting under my kotatsu table. After that, time to work. My work days from home are pretty much the same: writing, video editing, social networks, and possibly having online meetings with my colleagues. Working from home is quiet and pleasant, but it makes me sad not to be able to see more people every day.
In the afternoon, my contacts living in Europe wake up, so it’s time to call my family or friends, something I can’t miss. When working from home, I try to stretch my legs by walking around my neighborhood and visiting some shops. The simplest action of being at UNIQLO, Can Do, Muji, Franc Franc, and all these Japanese shops makes me feel ridiculously happy. But my favorite is the bookshop. They have beautiful books, magazines, stationery, and postcards. This is when I remember that I need to improve my Japanese.
Tuesday
On days when I don’t have to go to the office for work, I still find it beneficial to be there. For example, on a typical workday, I can meet with my colleagues like Paul, Yvonne, and Jumpei. I make an effort to avoid rush hour traffic. Since I have a flexible schedule, there’s no need for me to endure unnecessary stress. I usually arrive at the office around 10:30am and appreciate the tranquil atmosphere, interrupted only by the occasional phone call from fellow employees. During our lunch break, we head to the nearest restaurant to eat and catch up with one another. Around 5pm, I head back to my neighborhood. Before I reach home, I make a quick stop at the supermarket to pick up some groceries.
Wednesday
Theoretically, you can have as many days off as you want in a freelance life. But in reality, we tend to overwork and forget about them. So, for my mental health, I schedule at least one off day a week and, if possible, a weekday.
On weekdays, when I don’t have to work, I like to take a map of Tokyo and plan where I want to go. Exploring the city is my favorite hobby. Today, I’m headed to the Waseda area to shoot some videos of the ajisai (hydrangea) for my Instagram account since it’s ajisai season. I plan to visit Horinji for the first time to get their famous goshuin stamp and then explore the serene and beautiful Kansen-en Park.n Park.
It’s lunchtime! Today, I visited an Italian restaurant and enjoyed a delicious yet affordable pizza in Waseda (a popular university town). After that, I visited some serene temples in the heart of Waseda. I love taking walks and observing my surroundings. This country, especially Japan, always captivates me with its uniqueness. Everything here seems different and special to me.
Thursday
This Thursday, I have an eight-hour tour. In addition to my job as a content creator, I also lead tours for Spanish visitors to Tokyo, helping them navigate the city. Typically, we visit Asakusa, Akihabara, Shibuya, or Shinjuku, but I can customize the itinerary to include other areas around Tokyo as well.
It’s amusing to have this kind of interaction because my clients are often first-time travelers to Japan, and they look at everything with such wonder. While I love Japan, living so far from my country can be tiring at times. However, seeing all these people excited and eager to learn more about the country reminds me of why I’m here.
Friday
This Friday, I will be working in the afternoon and will have some free time in the morning. One of my friends will be off on that day, so we plan to meet and spend the morning together. This time, we are planning to hang out in Shinjuku.
First, we are going to Tokyu Hands to buy some presents for my friends in Spain. This shop is a paradise for stationery lovers and, frankly, for anyone passionate about shopping for small things. Then, we are going to the Lumine Department Store to try out some clothes. Going shopping in the morning in Tokyo is quieter than in the afternoon.
It’s time for lunch, and we’re heading to the upper floors of Lumine, where there are many restaurants. Convenient and quick. I’ll be back home around 4pm, and then it’s time to work. I’ll be working until around 9pm today.
Weekend
This Saturday morning, I work to focus on next week of work. After having some lunch, I go to Otaguro Park to enjoy the tranquility. I love parks in Japan — they are so clean, quiet, and beautiful. Later, I head to Yoyogi Station to meet some friends at an Irish pub. It’s a charity bingo day, so we will have fun, eat, and enjoy making new friends.
On Sunday mornings, I have a weekly appointment to meet with elderly Japanese individuals to help them practice English. This experience is enriching because I learn many things about their lives while they practice English. After that, I usually go to a sushi restaurant to reward myself. I love sushi! In the afternoon, I meet with my Spanish friends at a restaurant near Nakano Station, where we spend hours chatting and having fun. I’m looking forward to new adventures next week!
