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Working Holiday in Japan

4(1 review)
Experience
Working Holiday
Destination
Japan
Duration
4 to 12 months
Ages
18 to 30

328 others looking at this too. Next opening is Apr 2025, with limited spots.

Book now, pay later. Cancel anytime.

Trip overview

Japan is a traveller's dream, luring curious adventurers with tales of an ultra-advanced yet uniquely historical society set in the Land of the Rising Sun. 

The incredible cuisine will have you dreaming about and drooling over nigiri, shabu-shabu, and yakitori. The sheer diversity of cultural sub-niches, such as manga and anime, is a fascinating display of self-expression in a traditionally homogeneous society.

And when you venture beyond the city limits, you’ll discover the peacefulness of the Japanese countryside, with incredible views and jaw-dropping experiences waiting around every corner. 

On this trip, you could live in Japan for up to 12 months, working at a ski or summer resort in a hospitality role or as a ski or snowboard instructor for children!

You could do it all by yourself—some people manage. But it’ll probably be confusing and expensive, heading to an unknown country for the first time. The last thing you want is your dream trip ending early because you couldn’t find a job before your savings ran out. 

But luckily, we have the solution that 90,000 others have chosen, as the world's leaders in working holidays since 2008. What if you could instead: 

  • Have a job match before you arrive* – This trip is pre-placement, meaning you’ll interview for and secure your job before you leave, giving you ultimate peace of mind. Work in a ski or summer resort, either in hospitality or as a ski or snowboard instructor for children! 
  • Choose your arrival location – Tokyo or Kyoto? Let us know, and we’ll make it happen. Your initial accommodation and arrival orientation can be set up in either city, with fellow travellers arriving in both locations constantly.
  • Start your trip in style – Moving abroad can be tiring and stressful, but we've got you covered. Enjoy 7 nights of included accommodation in your chosen arrival city, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax and settle in. Plus, our comprehensive arrival orientation will help you get set up with a bank account, tax number, SIM card, and include a crash course on life in Japan.
  • Save time, money, and stress with your own dedicated Trip Coordinator.
  • Get help with flights, travel insurance, accommodation, visa applications & more.

If you're seeking an extended stay in Japan, offering the chance to immerse yourself in the culture while earning a salary in the local currency, this trip is perfect for you.

Most travellers plan their trips 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but capacity is limited, so plan ahead. Avoid wasting time and money trying to get the right visa with no guarantees of employment once you’re there. 

Instead, let us help with all the boring/important stuff so you can focus on living your best life in Japan. 

Our team will help you with the essentials, including helping you find accommodation, providing visa assistance, offering a variety of thrilling cultural activities, and much more. Land in Japan prepared & excited, not anxious and scared - life’s too short for that. Don’t spend 4+ weeks job hunting in a foreign country alone with no income. Travel smart, and prepared.

Inclusions

Tap to expand

Guaranteed job match pre-arrival*
Dedicated Trip Coordinator
Working holiday visa guidance
Personal Travel Concierge
Airport pick-up
7 nights of comfortable accommodation
Arrival orientation
Monthly social meet-ups
Monthly online language exchange sessions
Permanent accommodation support
Life in Japan orientation
Certificate of completion
Ongoing local team support
Global Emergency Line
gWorld access
Social
Global Academy
Marketplace deals

Just in case it’s not clear already, we’re not an employment or recruitment agency. Read more

Qualification

To qualify for this trip you must meet the following requirements:

  • Be between 18-30 years of age
  • Be a citizen of an eligible country
  • Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Get more info!

Got questions or need to know more? Ask us here, we're online 24hrs Mo-Fr.

Trip details

Trying to get a work visa for Japan can be complicated and confusing. It costs time and money and can cause frustration and anxiety. And that’s way before you’re in Japan and trying to look for a job – which can be an impossible task all on its own! 

Our Working Holiday Japan trip is designed to make moving abroad easy. We’re committed to saving you time, reducing stress, and ensuring the journey is as smooth as possible.

What if you could be matched in a position at a ski or summer resort before you leave home?

Right from the start, we’re your partners on this adventure. You'll be assigned a Dedicated Trip Coordinator, your reliable guide through the pre-departure stages of your trip. They'll handle all the nitty-gritty details, alleviating any concerns or uncertainties.

You'll also have a Personal Travel Concierge at your service, staffed by real people, to assist with flights, bookings, insurance, visa guidance, and any other specific requirements you may have. No robots here.

Upon your arrival in Japan, a team member will be waiting to help you navigate public transport to your initial accommodation. You can choose to fly into Kyoto or Tokyo — there are orientations and traveller sharehouses in both locations. 

Your first few days are dedicated to getting you set up for life in Japan. You’ll receive assistance with registering as a resident, obtaining a tax number, sorting out your pension funds, understanding the health system, opening a bank account, and getting advice on SIM cards. You’ll also attend an orientation to help you navigate life in Japan.

Next, it’s time to head off to your job! 

Most ski and summer resorts offer heavily subsidised accommodation and meals for their staff. If this isn't the case, our partner will help you find accommodation that matches your preferences and budget.

Our support doesn’t stop there. Throughout your journey, we maintain proactive communication to ensure a seamless experience. Should you have any questions or concerns, our support team is just a message, DM, email, or phone call away. Plus, for any urgent situations, we offer round-the-clock emergency support Monday through Friday.

Rest assured, we are committed to being with you every step of the way, ensuring your goals are met, and you embark on an unforgettable adventure that will transform your life in Japan!

Requirements

To qualify for this trip you must meet the visa requirements, and have 6 months of paid work experience by time of arrival.

What extra costs will I have?

Flights, travel insurance, visa, criminal background check, accommodation, souvenirs & spending money.

Trip itinerary

Day 1

When you arrive at your chosen airport, a team member will be there to accompany you on your transit (via public transport) to your initial accommodation. This will be your home for the next 7 nights as you undergo your 'Life in Japan' orientation. 

Day 2-7

Your first 7 days are important for setting up your life in Japan. You’ll get help with essential tasks like obtaining tax numbers, opening bank accounts, and navigating the healthcare system. You’ll also gain valuable insights into Japanese culture and daily life. With ample free time, explore the lovely country that you now call ‘home’.    

Ongoing

Time to head to your job placement! You’ll have assistance from the local team on the best way to get there—usually a train ride.  We’ll be in touch with you throughout your stay. If you ever need advice or support, our team is available to answer your questions. And our Global Emergency Line (24 hours, Mon.-Fri.) will help with urgent matters. Don’t go alone. Go with Global.

Working Holiday jobs & locations in Japan 

Land an entry to a mid-level job in Japan, where you can enjoy a fun and social work environment, make new friends, learn new skills, and have the freedom to explore the Land of the Rising Sun! Our partner organisations are located all across the country. Here are the types of jobs you can expect to be matched with!

Ski (& Summer) Resort Jobs

  • Hospitality positions such as receptionist, waiter, kitchen assistant, baggage handler, dishwasher, and room service are available. 
  • Seasonal winter (late November – March) and summer (late April - August/September) positions available. Completing a full season is highly recommended! 

Ski or Snowboard Instructor Jobs 

  • Positions working as a ski or snowboard instructor are available during the winter season (late November/early December - March). Ski/snowboard experience is necessary, but no instructor’s certification is required!

A working holiday in Japan offers a wide selection of locations, with placements in iconic destinations including Hokkaido, Niseko and more! Please keep in mind that while your preferences may be taken into account, locations cannot be guaranteed.

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Frequently asked questions

Why are you the best company to choose?

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we pride ourselves on providing a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide, and let us assist you with visas, pre-departure preparations, flights, insurance, and tours. Throughout your journey, our cool tech features will support you every step of the way. As a Global Traveller, gain access to gWorld, our personalised app designed to enhance your travel experience. Keep important documents and trip details handy, and take advantage of exclusive Marketplace deals, a vibrant social network, language learning resources, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like having all your favorite travel apps merged into one, but even better! But our support doesn't end there. With four international offices, over 100 dedicated staff members, a 24/5 emergency team, and the backing of over 90,000 Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us, rest assured you're in good hands. We also proudly boast the most and best reviews in the biz, and maintain a massive following on our social channels including Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. Embark on your next adventure with confidence and ease. Join us and discover the world in a meaningful way!

Are flights & insurance included?

While we would love to include flights and insurance in our trip packages, it is not feasible to have a fixed price due to the diverse destinations, trip durations, and individual coverage needs of our travellers from around the globe. However, once you register for the trip, we will assign you a dedicated Travel Concierge. They will work closely with you to arrange the ideal flights and insurance tailored to your specific adventure. Rest assured, our team is here to ensure you have a smooth and hassle-free travel experience from start to finish!

Why should I book now?

After the last unexpected disruption to travel caused by the..c word..people are now more eager than ever to venture out and explore the world, determined not to miss out on any experiences. Global Work & Travel works on a first-in-best-dressed basis. Booking earlier ensures that you don’t miss out on the best intake, season, placements and more! We recommend our travellers take 6-12+ months to plan their trip for a reason - to make sure you’ve got everything organised perfectly, stress-free. As a Global Traveller you’ll get exclusive access to gWorld, our personalised app where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global. This is where you will find exclusive Marketplace Deals, a unique social network to connect you with other like-minded Global Travellers, access to our Academy with an ever-growing range of skills & languages, and so much more. Think all of your favourite apps merged into one, but like, better? Why not give yourself something to look forward to by booking that trip!

Can I travel with a friend or partner?

Yes you can! Simply tell your Trip Coordinator after booking that your friend is also going and they can link your profiles. For most of our trips we should be able to have you and your friends placed together or nearby. Meaning that you can live, work, play & travel together! But wait there's more! Not only can you travel the world with your besties at your side, you can also earn some extra cash towards your own trip just by referring your friends to Global Work & Travel. You can learn more about the great referral rewards program inside your gWorld account once you join. And for those who decide to go-it-solo, we’ve made it easier to meet other Global Travellers in the same region as you. Just like any other social platform, you’ll be able to interact, share, chat and meet with some really cool people who are doing trips just like you!

Can I bring my pet along?

At Global Work & Travel, we share a deep love for animals and fully understand the special bond you have with your pet. We recognise the challenges of embarking on a trip without them. Due to travel restrictions, requirements, and limited pet-friendly accommodations among our host organisations, we regretfully cannot facilitate their inclusion in the journey. However, many of our customers choose to entrust their pets to a family member or friend, embark on their adventure, and return home to wagging tails and furry cuddles.

What happens if I need to cancel my trip?

We know that life can get in the way of travel, so all our trips come with a great deal of flexibility. In most cases, if you cannot travel on your selected date, you can place your trip on hold to deal with whatever is holding you back, and continue in the future without incurring any penalty. You may also have the option of transferring to an entirely different trip and destination as well, or even transferring your trip to a friend or family member. In the event that you need to outright cancel your trip, if you give us 84* days notice you can do so with only a 50% cancellation fee. Your refund of the balance will come in the form of a Store Credit which you can put toward any other trip that we offer, including tours through third-party providers, as well as holidays through DealsAway.com, and is valid for 2 years from date of issue. As international travel can be complex, your options are based on the progress of your trip organisation and our support team can assist you in finding the best solution for your needs.

How it works

1. Choose a trip style

Find your dream experience & destination, then secure your spot with a flexible & low deposit. Activate your gWorld to unlock some cool perks. Well done! The hardest part’s over!

2. We become friends

Book a time to meet your dedicated Trip Coordinator who knows all the ins & outs of your trip. They’ll be by your side and working behind-the-scenes to pull everything together.

3. Time to go!

We’ll get your tickets, accommodation & transfers ready. Our in-country team or partner will have everything prepared & waiting for your arrival. Get on the plane with no worries!

4. Global support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24 hours, Mon-Fri.

Still have questions?

Why go Global

Flexible trips

The unexpected can happen sometimes. Can't travel right now? Swap your trip, gift it or save it for later with our Lifetime Deposit Guarantee.

Worldwide support

Know that someone is always ready to assist throughout the journey & they’re only a call, tweet, comment, text or double tap away, 24/5.

We're the experts

With over 10 years in the industry and a team of over 90 passionate pros, you can bet we know our stuff better than anyone else.

Partner network

We have over 1,200 partners around the globe, so we have access to plenty of exclusive opportunities to make your trip the best it can be.

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Working Holiday in Japan