“Some journeys are measured in miles. The most unforgettable ones are measured in the lives they change.”
What If Your Holiday in Japan Doesn’t Have to End After Two Weeks?
Day by day, you might wake up to the sound of temple bells in Kyoto, ski through powder snow in Hokkaido, and spend your evenings serving customers in a cozy café in Tokyo, saving your money for your next adventure.
Doesn’t sound like a dream, does it?
It’s a reality for thousands of young travellers each year via the Japan Working Holiday Visa.
This visa is not like any other holiday as it allows you to experience Japan beyond the typical tourist experience.
There are opportunities to earn money, see some corners of the country that tourists would not otherwise see, meet the local people, learn Japanese, and create unforgettable memories that most tourists don’t.
Welcome to one of the most exciting offers in Japan. From the dream of a job in a ski resort, to having a part-time job at a guest house in the countryside to serving up coffee in a bustling city café or just travelling for months without touching your savings this guide explains everything you need to know before applying and starting your Working Holiday adventure in Japan.
Prior to the application, it is also important to read our Japan travel planning guide to plan your itinerary for flights, transfer and accommodation and budget your trip in a smooth manner.
What Is the Japan Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday Visa for Japan is a special visa for youth from countries which have a Working Holiday Agreement with Japan.
It is primarily aimed at cultural exchange.
Rather than travelling for only a short holiday, you can stay in Japan for a longer period while taking temporary jobs to support your travels.
That way you don’t have to see the tourist attractions, you can experience Japanese life.
It has been called by many travellers as one of the best ways to experience Japanese culture.
“Tourists collect photographs. Travellers collect stories.”
Why Choose a Japan Working Holiday?
Japan has much to give, which very few countries can.
On one weekend you can visit ancient temples that are hundreds of years old. In the following weekend, you can explore futuristic cityscapes, anime neighbourhoods, mountain villages or tropical beaches.
A Working Holiday offers you a slow tour of Japan, rather than a fast tour.
The following are some of the top benefits:
- Stay in Japan for a long time
- Earn money while travelling
- Experience authentic Japanese culture
- Enhance Japanese language abilities
- Make contacts with international people
- Learn from people from diverse backgrounds
- Explore every season, from cherry blossoms to winter snow
- Build international work experience
You won’t feel like a tourist and you’ll feel like part of the community.
Who Can Apply?
Not everyone is eligible for a Japan Working Holiday Visa.
Special conditions apply to applicants and there are agreements in place for Japan with selected countries.
While the requirements are somewhat different across countries, applicants are typically expected to:
- Hold a passport from an eligible country
- Usually be between 18 and 30 years old (some countries have slightly different limits)
- Have enough savings for the beginning of the trip
- Have a primary travel goal of a holiday and work a secondary purpose
- Have no dependent children travelling with them
- Meet health and character requirements
Please refer to most up-to-date requirements with the Japanese Embassy/Consulate of your home country before applying.
Countries That Have Working Holiday Agreements with Japan
There are currently Working Holiday programmes with various countries in Europe, Oceania, Asia and the Americas.
Some examples include:
- United Kingdom
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Canada
- France
- Germany
- Ireland
- Denmark
- Norway
- Sweden
- Spain
- Portugal
- South Korea
- Hong Kong
- Taiwan
- Argentina
- Chile
- Poland
- Slovakia
- Austria
- Hungary
- Czech Republic
New agreements may be introduced over time, so always confirm the latest list before applying.
How Long Can You Stay?
Most Working Holiday participants can stay in Japan for up to one year, although the permitted length of stay varies depending on the Working Holiday agreement between Japan and the applicant’s home country. Some countries have different arrangements, including shorter initial periods of stay or the option to extend the visa, subject to the terms of the bilateral agreement.
During this period, you can travel throughout Japan while taking temporary jobs.
Many travellers spend their year following Japan’s changing seasons:
- Spring cherry blossoms
- Summer festivals
- Autumn leaves
- Winter skiing
This is one of the best aspects of a Working Holiday, and it’s seasonally based.
What jobs can you do?
The one thing that is most often asked by travellers is where they can go to work.
Luckily, these are easily found throughout Japan.
Some of the most popular Working Holiday jobs are:
Hospitality – International staff welcome in hotels, hostels and guesthouses.
Cafés and Restaurants – There are numerous cafes and restaurants with foreign employees, particularly in tourist areas.
Ski Resorts – To fill the hot spots in the winter months, the resorts hire seasonal employees to work in the hotels, restaurants and equipment rental facilities.
English Conversation Schools – Opportunities for native English speakers to assist language learning may exist.
Farm Work – During harvest, seasonal farmers are sometimes needed on rural farms.
Retail – Sometimes English-speaking employee’s are recruited from international shopping districts.
Tourist Attractions – Many of the multilingual employees are employed by museums, visitor centres and activity companies.
each job offers a unique glimpse into everyday life in Japan.
Jobs You Cannot Do
There are some restrictions on the Working Holiday Visa.
There are no jobs relating to adult entertainment.
This applies to any person who is employed in bars, clubs or businesses in the adult entertainment industry.
It is important to abide by the terms of the visa in order to ensure your stay in Japan.
How much money should bring?
While you can look for a job as soon as you reach the country, you should not expect to get a job right away.
Most Embassies will need applicants to present adequate funds to cover the start of their period of residency.
Additional savings are also made by many travellers on:
- Accommodation deposits
- Transport
- Daily meals
- Health insurance
- Emergency situations
- Flight home if necessary
When you have financial security, you’re able to enjoy your first few weeks without unnecessary stress.
“Freedom grows when preparation meets opportunity.”
Cost of Living in Japan
The prices of the places you stay at differ.
Tokyo is usually more costly than the smaller cities or rural areas.
Here are the most likely big costs you’ll have to cover:
- Rent
- Food
- Transport
- Mobile phone
- Health insurance
- Entertainment
Many Working Holiday travellers reduce costs by:
The use of share houses
- Cooking meals
- Using rail passes when travelling
- Shopping at local supermarkets
- Taking advantage of free attractions
Finding Accommodation
Accommodation options include:
Share Houses – Widely adopted by foreign visitors and cheap.
Guesthouses – Ideal for making international friends.
Company Accommodation – Some employers provide accommodation for staff.
Apartments – Useful if you are staying in the same city for a longer time.
Hostels – Helpful when looking for permanent accommodations.
Is it possible to work in Japan while travelling?
Absolutely.
Indeed, that is the concept. A lot of tourists get employed for months and then travel to the other part of the country.
For example:
• Spend spring in Kyoto
• Experience Okinawa in the summer season
• Experience autumn in Nikko
• Work at a ski resort in Hokkaido during winter
With this versatility, each season presents like a new adventure.
Establish an understanding of Japanese workplace culture. Build awareness of Japanese working culture.
It’s not the same as working in many western countries. Expectations are bound to be important, including:
- Arrive on time
- Dress neatly
- Be polite to customers
- Respect colleagues
- Follow workplace rules
- Work carefully and responsibly
Acts of respect are greatly appreciated.
Before you travel to Japan it is good to read our Japan Travel Etiquette guide to understand some of the customs and avoid common cultural blunders.
Learning Basic Japanese
It is not necessary to be a fluent Japanese speaker for all jobs. But, if you learn some simple phrases, your everyday life will get much easier.
Useful phrases include:
- Hello
- Thank you
- Excuse me
- Please
- Yes
- No
- Where is…?
- How much is this?
Basic Japanese is respected and sought after by locals.
Health Insurance and Safety
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world, but just the same, it is important to prepare.
Before travelling:
- Arrange suitable travel insurance
- Know what healthcare is available in the local area
- Carry emergency contact details
- Keep copies of important documents
Many tourists also register with the authorities upon arrival if it is required by their visa.
Tips to make the most of your working holiday
Your Working Holiday is about much more than earning money. Take time to enjoy Japan to the fullest.
Here are some suggestions:
- Join local festivals
- Visit countryside villages
- Try regional food
- Capture wild animals and slaughter them
- Explore national parks
- Learn Japanese cooking
- Attend cultural workshops
Learn to meet people in the community. Get acquainted with the community.
Such experiences can be the best of your memories.
“The greatest mementos are not the objects you purchase, but the seconds that slowly transform you.”
The most frequent errors made.
There are many common errors people make in their first application that can impact their experience.
Avoid:
- Applying too late
- Bringing too little money
- Ignoring visa conditions
- Making work your primary purpose instead of cultural exchange
- Not respecting local customs
- Not being able to learn basic Japanese.
- Travelling without insurance
Planning carefully helps you enjoy a smoother journey.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan has officially issued rules that you will have a much smoother approval process if your application details meet all the criteria of bilateral agreements. More practical advice can be found in our japan travel planning guide, which includes budgeting, transportation, accommodation and packing.
One of the most fulfilling experiences in Japan.
Japan is not a place to experience a holiday calendar, but rather it’s a place to experience a normal calendar.
You’ll enjoy local festivals, find neighbourhood cafés, collaborate with Japanese colleagues, build up your confidence and make lifelong friendships when you come back home.
People often claim that their Working Holiday was one of the most life-changing years of their lives.
When you’re travelling alone, our Japan Solo Travel Guide will also provide you with useful advice for travelling safely and confidently around Japan.
If you’re still looking for inspiration on where to go, seasonal travel ideas and essential planning tips, check out our Ultimate Japan Holiday Guide, and before you book your trip, check out our japan travel planning guide.
Final Thoughts
Japan is more than just a destination to visit. A country that calls you to STOP, to learn, to develop and to view the world differently.
The Japan Working Holiday Visa provides entry to experiences that few conventional holidays can provide, bringing you those unforgettable world holiday vibes. There may be a time when you are offering coffee at a busy Tokyo café, then the next time you could be watching the sunrise from a quiet mountain village. You will learn new skills, make new friends and create unforgettable memories that last a lifetime.
Right, fellow traveller, if you have ever wished to get away from your country and fly to Japan, then this may be the adventure you’ve been waiting for.
“Sometimes the greatest journey begins with a single visa application—but it ends with a heart full of stories.”
FAQ
Yes. Full-time or part-time temporary work may be permitted, provided your primary purpose remains cultural exchange and holidaying, and your work complies with visa conditions.
Not necessarily. There are some jobs that need Japanese, and some jobs that will accept English speakers. Basic Japanese skills will help a lot!
If you are well organised, you can visit Japan without overspending. Reduced cost of living through share houses, local supermarkets and public transport.
Yes. Many travellers take advantage of the opportunity to visit other parts of Japan while they are on tour throughout the year.
In general, an application to the Embassy or Consulate of Japan in your country is a simple procedure if you meet the required conditions.
Source
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