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BOOK NOWWhy do a working holiday
Why follow crowds when you can follow snow-capped peaks, conveyors 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!
A working holiday in Japan
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, Rusutsu or Furano 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.
The need to know before you go
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, Rusutsu or Furano over the winter months (Nov/Dec-Apr).
Type of work
With typical jobs including hospitality, tourism and ski season jobs, it’s not a requirement to speak Japanese to join our Work Japan program. However, some language skills will improve your experience immeasurably. We’ve partnered with a Tokyo language school to offer paid 4-12 week courses when you arrive.
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, Rusutsu or Furano over the winter months (Nov/Dec-Apr).
Type of work
With typical jobs including hospitality, tourism and ski season jobs, it’s not a requirement to speak Japanese to join our Work Japan program. However, some language skills will improve your experience immeasurably. We’ve partnered with a Tokyo language school to offer paid 4-12 week courses when you arrive.
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 job inclusions, plus a pre-arranged 3-4 month winter seasonal job with subsidised staff accommodation in either Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano – Japan's top ski resorts.
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 Japan
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, checking it before it’s submitted to make sure everything is correct.
Don’t want the stress of finding a job? The Ultimate Japan includes a pre-arranged ski season job in Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano.
Your personal translators, our Tokyo team take you via banks, tax and employment offices to sort the essentials when you first arrive.
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.
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