New year holiday season.
A few days of exhaustion.
How should I spend my time? Vaguely.

I was walking on a snowy mountain. The footprints in the snow that I trampled on follow me all the time. The sound of my clothes rustling was loud, I felt sad, and I wanted to blend in somewhere, so I got on the bus to Sapporo.

I swam my feet unsteadily and arrived at waya.

Warm light shines through the cracks in the wooden wall, which looks like roasted green tea. I can hear laughter. Just like when I was walking through the forest at night and found a firefly, my heart was suddenly illuminated. When I opened the door, feeling a little nervous, I noticed a nice smell. Since it's New Year's Eve, I decided to make hand-rolled sushi. People with a lighthearted atmosphere were having conversations as if they were playing Jazz music.

Before I knew it, I was in charge of arranging the food. Is that it? Nice to meet you, we sipped soba while watching Kohaku. I even ate the rice cake. We shared little bits of our lives in different languages.

At night, we chase each other to the shrine. Greetings to God. We were chanting sutras at the temple next door, and we were all smiling in a relaxed atmosphere, when the New Year's Eve moment dawned and we all jumped in a panic.

The story of Kishimojin that I was secretly taught at the temple has never left my mind.

In the morning, we all slept under the kotatsu.

At that time, I was working as a staff member at Guest House Setsugetsu Karou in Kimobetsu.

(Setsugetsu Karou. That's what a wonderful inn it is. I wonder what it is, like the letter I wrote a long time ago but never sent, the candy wrapper I loved, the hair clips, etc. A treasure chest full of sweets filled with memories. Something like that.)

While we were talking about this, all the waya staff took time off at the beginning of the year to come visit us at Setsugetsu Karou. Wow.

Promises made during a journey are made for that moment. There's a part of me that's clinging to a formless illusion, a beauty that will wither away if tied too tightly, so we told each other to come and go, and I was quite surprised that she actually came. of.

We rolled around, got covered in snow, and had fun. It was as if the friends I had lived in my head as a child had come to see me in their real form.

It was the moment when the sun shone through the heavy winter sky and the river surface sparkled.

Gather at waya and mingle. I wanted to believe it. a lot of things. If you listen to the small voice inside of you and surrender your body to the slight sensations of touch, you will be led to meet the person you need to meet. Even if I can't see you again, I'll still be here.

Now everyone is in different places collecting their own stars. I'm the only one who's lost, but I can live a little bit knowing that there's another lost child somewhere. When you feel like you're about to wither, let's bring your solitude again and share the warmth for just a moment.

Sumire

Hi I'm Dove (Dub) from Bangkok.

After finishing my year-long work in Singapore, before returning home, I booked a flight to Sapporo.

My primary expectation was simple: 'I want to see real snow!' That was my thought at the moment. And I randomly picked Waya Guesthouse as my main shelter for this two weeks stay.

Throughout my time exploring Hokkaido and Sapporo, I gradually got to know each of the staff working at Waya.

I also met many new friends within the Waya community through various activities. Some of them live, study, or work in Sapporo, while others are friends of friends of Waya. The people at Waya are undeniably interesting, fun, and super friendly.

We played board games, listened to music with good food and great drinks (my favorite being Sapporo blend, a cup of roasted coffee), and had enjoyable conversations almost every night.

Oh, I almost forgot, the Kotatsu table is very nice! It's especially comforting after the cold days in Sapporo. (Love it so much, so I draw a picture of it)

I had the exclusive opportunity to cook Kapao rice at Waya bar. It felt wonderful to share my skills in a place I like and enjoy. After my trip to Sapporo and my stay at Waya, it was a refreshing experience. I found inspiration from the people at Waya to continue and start what I love to do next. Now I gained my energy back, ready for the next chapter. Waya is not just a normal guesthouse for sleeping; it's a space for everyone. It's a community and, of course , a good friend of mine.

Dove Stayed at Waya House December 26, 2023 – January 6, 2024

I visited waya during my bicycle trip around Japan.

At that time, I was exhausted both physically and mentally, overcome by the cold weather in Hokkaido and the loneliness of being alone.

During this time, I stayed at waya, and the staff's smiles stuck with me~ lol

But it's not like I'm forcing anything on you...

I became a fan because of the indescribable comfort.

After that, I heard about my situation and decided to become a helper on that day, lol.

It's amazing. During the two months I stayed there as a helper,

I have had so many encounters with people, and now I am supporting poverty in Egypt because of the relationships that started from there.

From a bicycle trip around Japan to poverty relief in Egypt

To be honest, I enjoy traveling by bicycle, but

More than that, I'm happy doing what I'm doing now, and I feel like my focus has become clearer.

A place called waya guest house became a turning point in my life. It's a sacred place for me. Thank you very much.

Hello. My name is Sodai Yamashita, 22 years old.

I worked as a helper at waya from October 2023, 10 to January 25, 1. It was about 19 months, which seemed like a long time but was short.

What led me to stay at waya as a helper was

Even though I was a university student in Sapporo, I didn't have a house in Sapporo.

Since I didn't have a place to live, I naturally couldn't go to university, which was a problem at the time.

At that time, I consulted Wakana-san (waya manager), who had been taking care of me for a long time.

My waya life has begun. Life at waya was truly "waya" as the name suggests. lol

Interacting with various people every day regardless of the country, communicating in languages ​​other than Japanese,

A time to enjoy Sapporo's beautiful four seasons from autumn to winter,

I enjoyed all of the trial and error involved in making sure the travelers had a comfortable stay at the inn.

What I remember most about my life at waya was the interactions and encounters I had with people.

One of my important guidelines in life is "to learn and not be afraid of change."

I believe that each person has their own common sense, common sense, culture, and ideology.

It's great that we can share and accept the differences between ourselves and others.

I like telling each other how great it is.

In waya, where there is a strong flow of people, my common sense and common sense were often disrupted in a good way.

But it was a chance for me to change, and it was exciting and a lot of fun.

Those were the days when I realized that meeting people is a once-in-a-lifetime treasure, and that people can be really interesting if you dig deeper into them.

lastly! Thank you so much to everyone who met me.

I don't really like saying "somewhere again" because it sounds like a lie,

But I hope I can meet everyone again somewhere. see you.

yetWAYAThis was before it was renovated, and a friend from abroad was staying there and visited.

How many years have you been taking care of me?

WAYAis a place that will make your time in Hokkaido even more fulfilling, and it's easy to meet new people.

The conversations and mutual values ​​that occur between people who happen to stay at the same time.

Buy your own ingredients at the local supermarket and cook them yourself. Good things you can't experience in a private hotel room or eating outWAYAis in

Yukiyu, the former sister restaurant, is also one of the guesthouses that I have a deep fondness for.

I was so taken care of that I came from Osaka every month.

I never thought that the day would come when I would leave Osaka and become a Hokkaido citizen.

Letting go of the already perfect life,WAYAThe people I met at

Inspired by the time I spent in Hokkaido, I was able to make a new start in my life.

Hello, I2018Years9From the moon2019Years9until the month

My name is Yechan and I did a working holiday in Sapporo, Japan.

To everyone reading this article,

It was a turning point in my inexperienced life in Sapporo.

"guest houseWayaI would like to introduce the story of

At dawn the day after I entered Japan2018XNUMX Hokkaido Great Earthquake occurred.

That day was the day I checked out of the guest house I was staying at.

The whole city lost power, traffic was paralyzed, and it was impossible to find another place to stay.

I can only speak basic Japanese

I wonder if I will become an international lost childwhen I was in despair,

The manager of the guest house where I stayed

They took me in as a helper.

A helper is someone who cleans guest house rooms and beds,

Manage shared kitchens and bathrooms,

My job is to provide information to travelers.

In return, accommodation and food expenses will be waived.

I don't miss this chance

Guest house as a helperWayaI started working at

Clean your room and bed in the morning

For lunch, I cook and eat with the workers,

With travelers who came to the guest house at night

eat and drink togetherI was playing.

I call this time "the school trip of my life",

I think it was a turning point in my life.

While working as a helper at a guest house,

I visited the attractive tourist spots in Sapporo.

Historical buildings such as the Sapporo Clock Tower and the Former Hokkaido Government Office Building,

The various festivals and gourmet foods held at Odori Park were nothing but happiness.

I am particularly interested in the world3called the big festival

I was very impressed when I went to see the Sapporo Snow Festival.

The appearance of elaborate and huge snow and ice sculptures shining in the night sky

It was an unforgettable memory for me.

I am also grateful to Sapporo for its beautiful nature and convenient urban environment.

After all, isn't it the human relationship that has the most impact?

guest houseWayaWhile working as a helper at

I have made friends with people from different countries and cultures.

They gave me the name Chan Chan.

I laugh with them, cry with them, learn with them, teach them, share with them,

I learned a valuable life lesson while sharing.

My life as a student was not very happy

Past20than the number of friends you have made over the years

この1I have more friends than I have dated over the years.

The most moving moment for me was

about to my farewell party40It is that about XNUMX friends came.

My friends prepared albums and letters for me,

He comforted me while singing along.

For me, this guesthouse is a haven.

after that

I had to go to the military, so I returned to Korea.

When I was discharged from the military and was free to enter Japan,

I visited here first.

With friends who are now active all over the world

I hope we can meet again someday.

I hope I can convey the happiness I felt.

Read this document Guest HouseWayayou come to

please be happier

YechanakaChang-chan

Hola!
I'm Paulina from Chile, currently living in Taiwan and using any free time I have to explore this lovely island and beyond.Last time I felt like embarking on a new adventure I landed in Sapporo during cherry blossom season.

Since I was traveling solo I thought of staying in a hostel to mingle with other people and after reading tons of reviews I decided on Waya's.

Best decision ever!

It was my first time visiting the north of Japan and I completely fell for it.The natural beauty of Hokkaido along with their fantastic lively people are really engrained in my memory.Experiencing cherry blossom season in Japan is something I will never forget.

I must admit staying at Waya's was another reason why I enjoyed this experience so much.Even though I traveled alone, I never felt lonely. Their staff is amazingly helpful and warm.Staying at Waya's has a familiarity to it, as soon as you set foot in it, you don't feel like a stranger, but a part of wonderful family.
If you are ever visiting Sapporo this is the place and I will definitely be coming back

Instagram: @pauli_land

Annyeong Haseyo! This is Chan-chan!

2018Years9This is a Korean worker who worked as a helper, neat, and part-timer for one year from the month.

I returned home for the duty of the state.

The most enjoyable era of my life was awkward. I became a helper at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake and was a person who had no language skills, a home, or anything. At that timestaylinkThank you so much for helping me!

Each person I met in Sapporo was wonderful.

Every edge made of wisteria was wonderful.

If you write here, it will stop because the document will be long, but someday I want to write more cool sentences (books and videos).

Thank you for receiving me so lonely and uneasy.

FB: https: //www.facebook.com/johnieboy94

INSTA: chanchan_please_be_happy

Hello everyone!

I am Toma Yoshino, a university student living in Kyoto!

WAYAAnd I met the the of this year3Moon, youth using university spring break18It was when I was traveling around Japan by ticket and plane.

University3Of regeneration3Speaking of the moon, it was supposed to be a job-hunting period, but I wanted to do something different from the people around me and went on a trip. (It is a weirdo) 

WAYAIn Shared Lounge & BarIn can be an alternating current in the direction of people and staff of the traveler and the local, I was able to spend a fun Hokkaido night.

And thisWAYAAs I talked about many Hokkaido people, I moved to Hokkaido after graduating from university! (Laughs)

Of course, it is not easy to move. Isn't it impossible for me who has nothing to do with Hokkaido? And also there was that I thought.

However!

WAYAMr. Ryohei Shibata who launched1“Hokkaido Migration Draft Conference” (https://hokkaidoiju.com/) And participated.

From the Memuro-cho and Rishiri-cho at this Hokkaido Contest (laugh)1We were able to get a place nomination.

I was able to experience a lottery like a professional baseball draft from the player's side.

As a result of the lottery, Memuro-cho gained the right to negotiate with the left hand of the mayor of the mayor who was a former high school baseball player!

I will visit Memuro next month and what can I do in this town?

In what field can I shine? I would like to confirm this with my own eyes.

Other than this, it was not just a relationship with local governments and companies that were able to make connections at this Hokkaido Migration Draft Conference.10Year·20I want to make a deep relationship with the year.

That determines the course after graduating from university in the guest house, also is going to be a story to tell people that I met in the future were able I Nari of job hunting (laughs)

At that time ifWAYAIf not stay overnight in.... Perhaps they had given up on migrating.

In the future, WAYABecause I think let's hobbling out a face in, I met who Let's toast with Sapporo beer!

This is Ryusei who was a helper in the summer of 2019!
Waya learned from a friend's introduction!
Waya is a very nice space
Anyone can come casually
I thought there was a lot of encounters!
I love the lively atmosphere of Waya!
A space where someone is always present
A place to enjoy regardless of nationality, origin, age
That is waya! !

I ’m clean and tidy
There are many memories, such as climbing Mt. Moiwa, barbecue in Toyohira River, going to the sea and watching baseball!
I want to go back if I can go back,
Now in Australia's acclaimed working holiday!
Because of cultural differences and language barriers
I get stimulation every day!
I want to grow up and go to waya again!

I went to guesthouse waya around Hitchhiking Japan with my friend.

I was very attracted to the event space and the concept that was a bit different from other guesthouses!

I was able to talk with the staff and the owner.

Now that I have traveled around Japan, I am planning to expand overseas.

In order to become a big guy in the future in search of new encounters, he is still developing. !

Hello! This is Noriko! !

I was helper in 2016 month of 9.
Back in the spring vacation of university student 2, traveled to Europe and noticed the charm of the guest house ... After that, I loved the guest house.
I decided to help my university student 3 summer helper at a guest house in Japan, and from around spring I looked for homepages of guesthouses across the country.
It was WAYA that I met fatefully.

During my stay in WAYA, of course, I worked as a helper, but what was as important as that was meeting people.
Although it was a short stay,
For me who was worried about the future, I was at first confused by a series of new encounters and new values.
However, at the same time, he taught me the importance of living like myself.
And now I am working on the sky, which was my dream since I was young.

Of course, all the helpers who have spent precious time in Sapporo are still important friends.
And 2019 summer! ! !

A group reunion was held in Sapporo for the first time in 3 years. The place, age, and gender were different, and people who wouldn't have met if they didn't come to WAYA ... I think I'll try my best every time I meet everyone.

WAYA has such a wonderful power. It ’s always been my favorite place.

It ’s Fukuda, who was helping 2016 months in the summer of 1! (Photo left)

Seeing university seniors working in Waya with great fun on SNS and looking interesting! I became a helper.

Living in Waya is very sluggish, and when work is over, take a nap on the riverbed of the Toyohira River, go to eat ice with guests, and sometimes talk while drinking alcohol ...

There were lots of encounters and relaxed times.

We are still in contact with members who were helpers at the same time, and we are planning to have a reunion in Waya for the first time in 3 years.

Currently, I'm addicted to climbing I met a few years ago, climbing a week at 4, my job is decided to be a company related to mountain equipment, and I'm still climbing while writing this sentence.

My future dream is to climb with my grandchildren.

Aim, Grandpa Climber!

I am Shuichiro Abe who helped 2016 months in the summer of 1!

In days on waya, there is a space called Sapporo that should have no connection or connection.

It was a day when I moved to a new “daily life”.

It was a series of exciting encounters and events that broke the barrier between everyday and extraordinary.

Thanks to that, I am currently studying for graduate school in order to deepen my understanding of “place / space”.

After that, it ’s time to return to Sapporo and waya to say “I ’m right”!

I started studying about Ainu from the second year of my undergraduate school, and if I realized I have been to Hokkaido for five years now, and now I am a graduate student, now I am visiting Hokkaido more and more often.

Next month, I will go to Hokkaido for research.

On the day when I first made a reservation to WAYA, I was planning to head directly to Sapporo from India, which I was visiting on a trip, but the plane I was supposed to fly didn't fly.

When I was supposed to have a good time with good food and drink in Hokkaido, I had a breath of air of air conditioning that was as effective as possible in Delhi's airport, which is filled with a noisy guard with a black rifle. I was lying on a bench that wasn't hit.

I changed the plane and finally arrived in Sapporo on the evening of the next day, I thought I might be angry at the front desk person I did not even contact even though I had a reservation but While I opened the door.

...... It was fragrant wood (※ I opened the door of the snack next to WAYA).

The memories of that time are remembered every time I stand in front of the door of WAYA (after that, I apologized immediately and opened the door of the next WAYA).

Since the day when I opened my door with a smile, when I opened the door, there are warm people who always welcome me with an unchanged smile.

All the staff of WAYA, Mr. helper, and guests and locals who happened to be there.

I mainly go to Hokkaido to do fieldwork surveys in a village called Hiratori-cho Nibutani in the Hidaka region, but for that purpose I do not have to be in Sapporo.

But when I read back the field notes I took in the survey, I had a pleasant memory at WAYA at the end of the page that was filled up with interviews about Ainu and mythology, sketches and explanations of hunting for Sika deer. has been written.

On the day of the survey, there will always be many more days, from Nibutani, passing New Chitose Airport, to Sapporo.

It was an essential course of my field work until I met the people of the waya someday.

Hello everyone! Ken Kazama!

I love traveling and have spent the 5 years of working life changing the base with the change of seasons,

I would like to be a side to welcome someone who will travel rather than travel

When I came to find out about the guest house, I met WAYA.

I'm currently working on craft beer production and restaurant management at a company called Bifuka Shiraho Brewery in a small town called Mifukacho in Dohoku.

It seems that it will take some time to launch the guest house,

One day a trip to Mifuka, while drinking a craft beer from Mifuka, interacts with the people of the town and stays at a guest house in that town.

I do my best every day to be able to make such a place.

Hello!
I'm Charitaro!

I am currently taking a photo and traveling around Japan on a bicycle while sinking in Osaka (Helper at Guest House Yui). It seems to be crushed by the power of the Osaka people.

I continued to go to WAYA for half a year from XNUM XMonth to XNUM X Mon to XNUM X Mon. I was on average once every two days.

When I was about to go to WAYA and I said "I want to go around Japan," I thank you for giving me a bicycle from Keisuke.

Starting from 10 for half a year, I went to WAYA while preparing for a trip while I was part-time, and I was sent off by everyone in early April and left safely.

As we dropped spare tire in National highway 36 (between WAYA-Sapporo Dome) on the first day of departure, we are glad if we found that we can reach to WAYA. (Lol)

It is such a feeling and it is the charida of the waya born waya born that is beginning and is strong.

I met various people for half a year, went to various places, put firewood in the fireplace and was able to spend a very happy and relaxing time!

Take a picture, bring back a lot of souvenir stories and come back to WAYA again!

Sawa Di Clap! I'm Taichiro Watanabe!

When the last class of college 4 students was over, I left the house for stimulation.

After that, I traveled around Japan from time to time, came back to Hokkaido at the graduation ceremony of the university, and did the 2 weekly helper at WAYA.

But in fact, I could not go to bed for graduation because I had too many parties!

I'm sorry mother!

This is a very good memory! ! !

After that, I participated in the Japan Foundation project called “Japanese Partners”.

Currently, I am teaching Japanese language and culture to high school students in Mahasarakham province in the northeastern part of Thailand.

Japanese students and Thai people who are involved in Japanese have more interest in Japan than Japanese ones, and I want Japanese people to be interested in Thai people by my dispatch. We put emphasis on having thing to have and spend every day happily!

Please take a look at the interesting posts on Mahasarakham province in Instagram!

? Hello!

I'm Amy (Yihuei in Mandarin or Megu in Japanese).

I'm from Taiwan and I worked as a helper in Waya in 2016 during my exchange year in Akita.

Most importantly I met my boyfriends Felix who was also a helper at that time! In waya I met many great people including the owner of waya, staffs, other helpers and guests who came to stay in waya. 

My goal is to finish study on time and start working in a pleasant place.

It was a time with loads of joy in our life. So we definitely will visit Japan or Hokkaido again. 

Amy 2019.05

Germany

My photography websites: 

https://www.instagram.com/amy_wonderland_/

Nice to meet you.

It is a super repeater repeater Imamura Imomura (MOMO) of the waya from Yamanashi prefecture (laugh).

I met WAYA in 2013. I have been absent from school for a year in college, and it's not long since I came home from a round trip around the world with a small travel guitar.

At that time, I was at the forefront of Mongolian annual ring research, and I was fascinated by the space where people from around the world surrounded one desk, as well as locals, was fascinated by a family-like space, and traveled abroad. I came to use the degree WAYA. You may have stayed about XNUM times up to now.

After finishing graduate school, I started working as an IT engineer in Tokyo, but I was not able to adapt to the company policy and the big city well, and returned to Hokkaido in just 9 months. For a while after return, I will work as a helper for WAYA, and I will seriously consider my future in an exciting everyday where "I'm ..." and "Welcome ..." cross as usual. I spent precious days.

At the same time as working as a staff member of HOTEL NUPUKA located in Hokkaido Obihiro where I was in college, I am struggling as an online Japanese language teacher for international students and foreign friends.

Also, several times a month, I play as a musician MOMO playing live mainly in Obihiro. WAYA may be a crossroads of the traveler's life (laughs) I am always thankful to all the people I met.

'Ello! I'm Eve from America.

I have a tattoo of one of my favorite quotes, “survival is insufficient,” and I try to live it out the best I can.

For me that quote means that I don't want to just live in a cycle of “wake up, work, clean the house, sleep, repeat.”

I need to do more than the bare minimum to live, I want to be able to truly enjoy my life.

The main way that I do this is traveling and trying new things.

I have been to nineteen countries so far, with plenty more on my list.

I've also managed to do some pretty cool things.

I've experienced sled dog racing in France, dived with whale sharks in Thailand, learned circus arts in the states, and rode race horses in Japan.

I've been lucky enough to manage to live for a year in Paris, France for study abroad, a year and a half in Koh Tao, Thailand as a SCUBA diving instructor, and now I'm working at Waya in Japan!

Two years ago I came to Waya just as a guest.

I stay for a few days and remember really enjoying talking with everyone and really wishing that I could join the team.

I never thought that possibility would actually happen! I'm really excited for my time here at Waya and to see what new things I can experience!

My name is Tristan and I am from Los Angeles, California.

My stopped Mikey and I I stopped at the Waya Guesthouse in the summer of 2018. 

were on a bike tour from Tokyo to Hokkaido and were looking for a place to 

It took us around 2 weeks to reach Sapporo

and the voyage had exhausted us thourougly. 

The people at Waya were welcoming and friendly. I remember chatting in the bar downstairs, sharing stories with Keisuke & other travelers we had met. 

Currently I'm working in LA for a games studio while planning my next trip. I hope to come back to Waya one day.

Why Japan? That's a question I get asked a lot. My answer is why not, its a country steeped in tradition while also being one of the most technologically adapted countries in the world (carrying around lots of change and cash is still quite amusing to me, not that I don't like it).

Visiting Sapporo was an easy choice for me, it has a beer named after it, its bitterly cold in the winter (joke, but it's true) and well there is Waya GuestHouse, I found Waya on Airbnb. I didn't really have a set plan on where to stay but came across Waya, and found it quite special, built by friends, who then opened it up to the world.

It had snowed quite quite a couple of days before I arrived in Sapporo, so the snow was just starting to melt, I should have it cold, bitterly cold. One of my close friends had informed it that the weather in Japan in November How wrong he was, -5 and getting colder, I just about survived the walk, and what was greeted me was a warm yellowish coming from inside the waya bar downstairs, I embraced it immediate the bar I was welcomed by Keisuke who I would later find out is a disciple of Patagonia :).

The guys and women, who run waya, are amazing, just giving out tips to anyone who asks. I found a great place to have a great time with friends. I generally would not have done most of the stuff I did while staying there without the Waya lot.

I'm currently planning my next Japan trip and will be making sure to stay at Waya again.

Instagram: __nehal.p__

Website: www.nehalpatel.co.uk

I traveled to Japan by bicycle in 2018.

It was waya on the journey.

I was thinking about going around Japan and quit university so I am preparing to return to school! !

I will go around the world once I go to university in 2 year

I think now that many travelers like waya come from all over the world, and I think that the space where such exciting days can be spent is daily life as it is not quite in daily life.

Laugh too much went to Wai

Hi, I'm Soeun from South Korea.

Hokkaido was my first overseas trip in my life.

I was interested in Japanese culture and art since I was young.

I got impressed by 'Love letter' which is famous Japanese movie.

Also, I wanted to see a lot of snow and beautiful nature.

After the first trip, I visited Hokkaido 3 times more.

And I always stay at Waya when I go to Hokkaido haha.

I stayed in Tokyo for about a year for working holiday last year, and then I traveled to Europe for over a month.

Now I returned my university.

I'm studying music in Korea now and trying to release some of my songs this year.

I'll keep traveling and trying new things.

And I'll definitely go to Hokkaido again 🙂

Hello! I'm Anil from Brooklyn.
I've been to Waya on 3 distinct occasions, in 3 different roles.

First I visited as a traveller, for X NUM X days as I was walking across Japan, then as a helper, after I finished walking, for one month.

Finally, I came back as a full time staff member for 2 years. It became my second home and the team my second family.

If you visit, you can probably find my picture on the bathroom wall, or some of my artwork in various parts of the building I also met the love of my life there.

After my XNUM Xrd time at Waya, I went home to save some money for a few months, so that my little brother and I could travel together.

I started traveling 7 years ago, when I was 19, and my brother always told me he wanted to do a trip with me.

I now write this from Medellin, Colombia, as we are 2019 weeks into our 2 month trip! I worked in a hotel overnight and my brother delivered pizzas, both until the new year 6.

We are having a blast, and we hope our final stop at the end will be…

that's right — Waya!

Hello! My name is Anil! I'm from Brooklyn, New York.
First of all, I am sorry for bad Japanese. Please pardon! Actually, I have been to Guesthouse Waya XNUM times, and I played a different role every time. At first, while walking in Japan while traveling, I stayed at 3 as a guest.
And when I finished walking, I returned to Waya and worked for a month as a helper. Six months later, I joined the company.
Having spent the best 2 years, my home has become my home and my friends have become real families.

Speaking of which, I fell in love and got married. It goes without saying that I love waya. When I'm going to Waya, I can see that my photos are on the wall of the bathroom, and I think I can find my art in various places. When I finished working on 2, I returned to my home. I started to travel from 7 years ago, and my younger brother was saying "I want to go together!" So, I worked as an 1 person and saved as much money as I could from this time I went home until 2 this year.
I was working at the hotel at night and my younger brother was delivering pizza on the weekend (as a student).

I'm writing this while sleeping in a hammock at a guest house in Medellin, Colombia. My brother is sleeping next to me and reading a book. As I traveled for XNUM weeks weekly, I was told that I will spend a slow Sunday with XNUM people.
I have many experiences, and I can not believe that it is only 2 weeks. I am excited because there are still 5 months from now. I am going to go to Europe for a while in 3 month and then I will go to Asia. And, please guess the last destination!

. . . so! It's Guesthouse Waya! Congratulations to those who understood!

I stayed at the guest house Waya when I went around Hokkaido by bicycle on a summer vacation of university 2 graders. Guest house Waya is the starting point of the trip, and it is also a meeting place with friends who still have exchanges.

Now, it has been exciting to spend a lot of time on trips that I think I did well.

It is hard to replace the experience of being able to directly feel Hokkaido's air and natural aura with the skin.

Along the way, I gave a helper for summer vacation of university XNUM X students in Kokkekoko who stayed in Kushiro. I was honestly happy because the guest house WAYA gave me the dream of wanting to be a helper for the guest house. At KOKE KOKO, I think I had an experience that I can not usually do, such as farming experience and creation of goods.
And from spring, I would like to have the experience of being absent from 1 year-round and going around the guest house from place to place.

I am grateful to the guest house Waya who gave me an opportunity to expand my community and possibilities!

At first I used WAYA when I visited Hokkaido to meet a single family member in Hokkaido.

I checked in alone in the evening, and while talking with people I met on the XNUM floor, I was going to go birdwatching from the middle of the night, and I went to the hot spring on the way back.

I met with foreign guests who met at that time later in Tokyo guide!

These days, as I did before, I am sending a different daily life, and I have also been on a new journey.

Once you've been to Japan, there's always more than that you want to explore. There are many different aspects of Japan that call to you. Japanese people tend to be incredible Japanese history is deep, rich, and intriguing. Japanese food is delicious and delicious inexpensive. But I think my favorite part is the varied natural environments of Japan. There a kind of helpful, especially when you are lost or confused or struggling with the language. There are rocky, wind-swept coastlines, and serene sandy inlets. There are forests and deep green trees. There are exotic trees. There are tricky trees. All of these things and more about Japan draw you in and keep calling you back.

Being in Hokkaido, you are never far away from some of the best natural scenery in Japan; but Sapporo still has everything that you would want from a city. And Waya is perfectly located I'm so many wonderful people in Waya, several people in the city I still keep in touch with regular. Everyone is I spent two months in Japan, and I think the best part of my trip was the people I met, and most of them I met in Waya.

I think another time in Japan, I spend another two months in South Korea before coming home for the holidays. Next I will be ahead to Australia and New Zealand for a bit. But I look forward to spending more time in Japan and in Waya in It really is a wonderful place.

"Anno traveler who made waya busy now." Planning.

People of rich characters who suddenly visit.
Have you ever wondered what happened after you met at Guesthouse WAYA?
This time, after staying for about 2017 months in the autumn of 1, we wintered in Hokkaido in winter, and it is Junya-kun who travels around Japan, who has re-started its journey in spring. (Right)

Below, sentences by the person.

Takuya Ishii is traveling slowly.
Mainly, I value my encounter and meet various people.
For example, in Sendai and Akita, I gave a guest house helper!

In Hokkaido, as you all know, I was in waya.
At first I plan to stay only for 2 days, but when I realized I was for 3 weeks! Lol
My stay at waya was mainly watching YouTube.

After leaving waya before the winter of last year, I worked part-time at a ski resort in Niseko until 4.
After winter, I took a ferry bound for Niigata from Otaru and landed on Honshu safely, and I was temporarily stagnated at my home in Chiba.
From now on, we will make bicycles to Kansai, Kyushu, Okinawa region with a target of 1 and a half from 1!
We'll see you somewhere.

The mark is a big green bicycle! !
The flag is still on. . . . Is there?

There's a few reasons why I traveled to Japan.

I worked in two different Japanese restaurants in California for 7 years all together and became very curious of the culture.

Sushi has been my favorite food since I was little and I've always loved the art work.

I've always wanted to see the way the Japanese live and do there work.

My experience in Waya guesthouse was really awesome because of the people I met there.

Had an great time checking the surf and then going to the on sen with Keisukesan! The workers were very friendly and I had some fun adventures with them.

I also had a great time with Kokisan, as we explored the city and tasted great sake and yakiniku.

My name is k.terpening on Instagram, Kris terpening on Facebook. I have just come to Sweden to celebrate the holidays with my family and friends.

I have been doing solo trips on and off for the past XNUM X years and have seen many awesome places.

Japan is on of my favorite and I'm thinking of trying to live and work there for a while.

During my university life, I traveled all over Japan by bicycle every long vacation.
During the period between 2015 and 2016, we divided into several sections and relayed a longitudinal relay from Kagoshima Prefecture to Aomori Prefecture.

We reached the very last prefecture where we could go on land, and we were able to go to Hokkaido for the first time in the summer of 2017, with the enthusiasm saying, "The Hokkaido is the next!"
At this time, I went on a bicycle for XNUM weeks in Doo and Donan.

・ Wearing a bicycle while wearing a bear's sign on the road near heavy snow and Mt. Tokachi
・ Sapporo was very similar to my local Nagoya, and I felt familiarity
・ The owner of the winery stopped me and gave me a tour
・ I was admired by the magnificent mountain of Mt. Yotei
・ I was surprised to see the route in Hakodate in Goal and change to the size of Hokkaido.
There are a lot of wonderful memories, but meeting people at Guest House waya has become something special to remember during this trip.

The reason I visited waya is because a friend from the university had been a helper at waya and I saw and heard about that experience. I would love to talk with people alone, so I made a reservation at the guest house waya where I can interact with the traveler and stayed at 2.
I stopped by waya on the way of a bicycle trip, and above all, I was happy that Mr. Nakamura of the staff of waya was an experienced person of bicycle Japan round trip!
Also, I was surprised that Anil, the staff of waya, was an experienced person who walked through Japan on foot!

It helped me to make a route in the direction of the south from Sapporo, and it was very helpful because it was difficult to obtain information on the safety especially on the Internet!
After that, flowers bloomed in the chat trip talks and memories in various places in Japan.
In addition, at the XNUM XF bar, I could talk with the locals and learned about the fun of Sapporo from the perspective of life.

The guest house waya is not only a place for traveler's exchange but also a place where people from the area gather, and we were able to enjoy the "one-on-one once-a-day" exchange.
As I learned later through Facebook posts, etc., I was able to experience the fact that the staff members are seriously working on creating a nice place where the atmosphere welcomes them.
Thank you very much.

After this trip, I have not been able to go on a bicycle trip for more than 1 weeks, but I enjoy a pleasant cycling life near Ibaraki prefecture where I live.
Surely I would like to visit guest house waya on the day I will travel by bicycle in Hokkaido.

Surfing Occasional bike trip ~ After going through helpers for 1 months ~

Hello! I am from Shiga prefecture! (XNUM from the right)
Currently I am traveling around Japan by bicycle with my surfboard.
Landed in Hokkaido this year's 6 early month.
I was injured while climbing on Rishiri Island while traveling to Hokkaido, and I went to the hospital.
Staying in Sapporo was decided for going to the hospital, and it was decided to be a helper when I met the waya like that. The helper at waya has been a meaningful time for me.
The events at the World Living Room on the waya 1 floor and the day-to-day interactions with the locals were a lot of encounters and it was a special time.
And now that I have completed my helper experience at waya, I am planning to travel to Australia next year.
Staying on waya for 1 months gave me a new challenge.
When you come to Hokkaido for exciting encounters, please come to waya!
By the way, my journey is still going on. See you somewhere.

Hi! I'm Watarou from Shiga.
I'm traveling all around Japan by bicycle with surfboard.
I came to Hokkaido in June.
When I was traveling in north part of Hokkaido, I got hurt. And I came back to Sapporo to go to hospital.
And then, I start working in Guesthouse WAYA.
Staying in Guesthouse WAYA was meaningful for me.
I could enjoy with local people and travelers everyday.
And now, I'm thinking next challenge.
I'm traveling in Australia in next year. Staying in Guesthouse WAYA can be a chance to try the new challenge. I continue my traveling. I'm looking forward to seeing you in somewhere!

After finishing the helper life 1 months at the guest house WAYA.

This time, I wrote a memory of XNUM months when Yone who was traveling around Japan stayed at waya by bicycle.
You are in Tokyo now.
I am continuing the journey while uploading my trip on Youtube.

Nice to meet you after finishing your helper life XNUM X months at Guesthouse Waya,
It is Yonekura that XNUM X months were taken care of by guest house Waya!

The helper life at WAYA has been started for some reason, but my life at WAYA is over and I noticed that it was an extraordinary continuation that I can not taste in everyday life! ! !

By the way, I am often surprised that I go around Japan in bicycles, but it felt like it was normal with WAEA. And I was so comfortable that I intended for XNUM week, but if I realized it was a nice place I stayed for XNUM months. Also, when I went to Hokkaido, I would definitely like to go there.

I lived in Tokyo, but I wanted to see various views of Japan.

And I also liked the hot spring, and I wanted to go to Jozankei.

The LCC from Tokyo was also cheap, so I made the decision, "Oh, I'm going to Hokkaido!"

When I first stayed at waya, I was surprised at the warmth of the staff and other travelers.

It was totally different from Tokyo (laughs)

I went sightseeing in Sapporo alone in the daytime, but at night I was happy to be able to talk with various people at the bar of waya.

Not only Japanese people but also people from various countries were able to get involved and it was very interesting.

It was more "a place to stay" than "a place to stay".

It was so wonderful that I went to Sapporo two months later and stayed at waya.

After this trip, my working holiday ended and I returned to Germany.

Even after I returned to Germany, I thought, “I want to live in Japan again”.

I also like Tokyo, but I wanted to live in a different town than Tokyo in Japan.

Since I had good memories of Hokkaido, I chose to study in Hokkaido University.

So now I live in Sapporo and sometimes go to waya.

Even if I become a member of society, I would like to continue living in Hokkaido.