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COVID-19 travel update

Japan is currently closed for working holidaymakers. We’re praying daily to the travel gods and as soon as visa applications open, we’ll be in touch. Find out how to get ahead of the game on our visa page.

Why do a working holiday in Japan?

Why follow crowds, when you can follow snow-capped peaks, conveyor belts of sushi and one of the most awe-inspiring cultures in the world.

When you think of traditional working holiday destinations, you normally think of the UK, Australia, New Zealand and Canada. But where’s the fun in ‘normal’? Home to avenues of cherry blossom, trains as quick as bullets, and rent-a-cuddle cafés – Japan is where ancient meets futuristic, strange meets beautiful, and no one bothers to bat an eyelid.

While Japan can be an assault on the senses, it’s also one of the friendliest and safest countries to live and travel – making a Japanese working holiday a one-time opportunity to earn money and get job experience while immersing yourself in a culture that’s completely different to your own. Oh, and spend a ski season working amongst the freshest and lightest powder in the world. Pow!

VISAS AND ELIGIBILITY

A working holiday in Japan is always in season

Our Work Japan program supports you with finding work in Tokyo for the whole year, with the option for a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko over the winter. We’ll train you on Japanese etiquette, help you out with accommodation, and sort all your working holiday essentials such as a tax file number and Japanese bank account.

Find a Job

The need to know before you go

Who can apply

If you’re aged 18-30 and have an Austrian, Australian, German, Irish, New Zealand or UK passport, then you can apply for a working holiday visa that allows you to work in Japan for up to 12 months. Other nationalities may also be eligible for a work visa and our Work Japan program. For the full list, please visit our visa page.

When to go

Spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov) bring mild weather and scenery bursting with either pastel blossom or brilliant red leaves. Summer in the cities can be hot and humid, so if you’re working in Tokyo, it’s a good time to take a break. Winter brings dumps of snow and ski job offers for our Ultimate travellers.

Where to go

City or ski? Why compromise. Our Work Japan program has two options. The Essential Japan supports you with finding work in and around Tokyo for the duration of your visa, with the Ultimate Japan adding on the option of a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko over the winter months (Nov/Dec-Apr).

How to go

Japan can seem intimidatingly unfamiliar to travellers, especially when it comes to cultural and business etiquette. From intercultural training to translating your CV into Japanese, our Work Japan program helps to embrace the differences and navigate the hurdles.

Ultimate Japan

Welcome to the powder playground. All the Essential Japan job inclusions, plus a pre-arranged 3-4 month winter seasonal job with subsidised accommodation in Niseko – one of the most famous ski resorts in Japan/the world.

Essential Japan

Based out of Tokyo, the Essential Japan includes 5 weeks’ accommodation, plus everything you need to start working in Japan: including ongoing job support, help getting your residence permit, tax number, bank account and more.

Why BUNAC

More zen than a Japanese rock garden, our BUNAC team and trusted in-country partners take the stress out of applying for your visa, finding a job and sorting out all the legal formalities of working in Japan.

We provide step-by-step guidance with filling out your visa form, even checking it before it’s submitted to make sure everything is filled out correctly.

Don’t want the stress of finding a job? The search is over. The Ultimate Japan includes a pre-arranged ski season job with our employers in Niseko.

Your personal translators, our Tokyo team take you via banks, tax and employment offices to tick off all the essentials when you first arrive.

Japan specialists
As travellers, we understand the excitement and the anxiety. From intercultural training to airport pick-ups, we make the move abroad easy.

We provide step-by-step guidance with filling out your visa form, even checking it before it’s submitted to make sure everything is filled out correctly.

Don’t want the stress of finding a job? The search is over. The Ultimate Japan includes a pre-arranged ski season job with our employers in Niseko.

Your personal translators, our Tokyo team take you via banks, tax and employment offices to tick off all the essentials when you first arrive.

Japan specialists
As travellers, we understand the excitement and the anxiety. From intercultural training to airport pick-ups, we make the move abroad easy.

The language barrier – let's talk

While you don’t need to speak Japanese to get a job with the employers on our program, it can improve your experience of living in Japan immeasurably. The Japanese are big on manners, so even learning the basics will raise big smiles in return. We work with a language school in Tokyo who offer 4-12 week courses. Not only will it boost your confidence, but it will also give you the chance to meet other travellers.

Leave your shoes at the door

When it comes to good manners, we bow down to the standards set by the Japanese. Social etiquette is very important in Japanese society, and it’s important to understand the culture and customs before you go. From taking your shoes off at the door, to finishing your food and not leaving a tip – we include a pre-departure intercultural session before you go that focuses on living and working in Japan.

Let’s get piste together

Ski seasons aren’t just for seasonnaires. You don’t need to be able to ski or board to work a ski season. Most of our employers take on working holidaymakers for non-skiing roles, such as guest services and restaurant work. If you do want to learn, then you’ll usually get a lift pass and free or subsidised lessons thrown in with your job. And if you don’t, just sit back and enjoy the clean air and mountain views.

Travel with

Travel with confidence

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60+ years of work, learn and intern abroad expertise.

24/7 emergency help and support while you’re away.

Book with a low deposit and pay in instalments.