Work in Japan

Jobs

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 over the winter.  
 
It’s hiring season! We’re hiring throughout Jun-Aug for winter ’24 ski jobs with Nov-Dec start dates. Positions range from servers to snow valets and are all in the powder playgrounds of Niseko, Furano and Rusutsu. Book now to apply and video interview. 

Book Now

Taking care of business

On the job

On the job

 

Typical working holiday Japan jobs without speaking Japanese include teaching English or English-language childcare; waiting staff in Western restaurants, cafés and bars; room attendants, front desk staff or instructors in hotels, ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses) and ski resorts.

 

How we help BUNAC job support

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 over the winter. Our Essential and Ultimate options include the below job support.

What we include

What we include

  • 3-4 month pre-arranged ski season job with our tried-and-trusted employers in Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano with subsidised accommodation. (Ultimate customers only).
  • 90-120 minute in-depth job counselling session with practice interviews when you arrive in Tokyo to prepare you for working in Japan.
  • Translation of your CV into Japanese, access to our English-speaking jobs portal, and accompanied appointment to the employment centre.
  • Help setting up your tax number registration, national health insurance, Japanese bank account and other work formalities.
  • 12 months’ access to our partner’s office in Tokyo with 1-on-1 support finding a job. They’ll help to browse online job boards and identify suitable roles, as well as help with application letters and Japanese communication, including the legal stuff such as checking work contracts.

For the accommodation and full inclusions, click below.

Cost and inclusions
Why you need it

Why you need it

Finding a job in a foreign country can be virtually impossible without international support. Our Work Japan program has two options – the Essential and Ultimate. Both start in Tokyo, where our partners will personally accompany you to sort your residence permit and other formalities. The Essential includes five weeks’ Tokyo accommodation plus job support for the whole of your visa. The Ultimate has the same Essential job support inclusions, but with three nights’ hostel accommodation in Tokyo (enough time to get the formalities sorted) and a pre-arranged ski season job. The team are then on hand for the rest of your visa to help you find work in or around Tokyo.

How it works

Where to work

Tokyo

What’s new pussy cat? Crazier than a cup of coffee at a cat café, Tokyo is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. Home to sky-high sashimi restaurants, outrageous manga costumes and neon neighbourhoods – it's every bit the forward-thinking metropolis for foodies and fashionistas. But in the way that Japanese culture invites calm within the chaos, at its heart Tokyo has an old soul – with traditional hospitality, uber polite locals and safe streets that make it a once-in-a-lifetime place to experience living and working abroad.

Niseko, Hokkaido

With over 15 metres of snow each season, Niseko is Japan’s undisputed powder playground. Famous for its off-piste terrain, backcountry activities and 100+ runs – it’s heaven on a half-pipe. With the world’s best champagne powder also comes luxury resort life and legendary nightlife for riders and working holidaymakers, with everything from high-end restaurants to alpine bars and clubs packed to the rafters with seasonnaires. The most popular and westernised of the resorts, English is spoken everywhere.

Rusutsu, Hokkaido

Approximately 45 minutes from Niseko and covering three mountains (West Mountain, East Mountain and Mount Isola), Rusutsu is one of the largest ski areas in Hokkaido and has over 35 runs and 21 lifts. As a more family-friendly resort, the nightlife is much quieter than Niseko – with plenty of restaurants but just a handful of bars. However, with 14 metres of snow each season and fewer crowds, there’s more untracked snow to play in on days off. Plus, hot springs nearby after a run on the slopes.

Furano, Hokkaido

Furano is located in central Hokkaido, approximately 2.5 hours from Chitose Airport. The resort itself is divided into two zones, the Kitanomine Zone and Furano Zone, and is suitable for all levels – with day trips to the nearby backcountry areas of Furanodake and Tokachidake for advanced skiers and boarders. Like Rusutsu, Furano is family-friendly, but has more nightlife on offer – with several bars and izakayas (traditional bars with casual food), plus a karaoke bar to belt out some power ballads after a day of powder.

Ski season jobs

Why not live where the tourists pay to go? Join other BUNACers doing a ski season with a job before you go in either Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano. You must be available to work from Nov/Dec through to Apr/May, and be available for video interviews in Jul-Aug of the same year. As you’d expect from living in the mountains, our Ultimate Japan program is popular, so we’d recommend securing your place with a deposit as soon as possible. All three resorts are westernised, so no Japanese is required. 

About our employer
Niseko Alpine Developments (NISADE) manage 14 properties across Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano. Used to recruiting international staff for the season, you’ll meet people from all over the world and quickly become part of a tightknit family. As a leading resort employer, there may also be the chance to develop your career in hospitality and extend your contract.

Positions available
All our ski jobs are in hospitality, giving you the flexibility to find something to fit around your time on the mountain – for example, night auditors and housekeeping will give you the best chance to ski during the day. Typical jobs at all three resorts include: concierge, front desk agent, night auditor, guest services, housekeeping, shuttle bus drivers and maintenance.

Staff perks
Staff accommodation is included with your job, and is deducted each month from your wages at a discounted rate. All accommodation is fully-furnished, includes water and energy, and is within a 5–25-minute walk from your workplace. You’ll also get discounted lift passes, discounted resort services and winter activities, and free staff events.

Book now

Book now for Japan 24/25 with a deposit

Book now