What’s new pussycat? Only a year of mind-boggling scenery, non-stop cities and 7-Eleven cat-decorated steamed buns. (Helloooo, Kitty!). Work in one of the most fascinating places on the planet.
Fancy a cold one? Work a ski season in Japan.
Culture club
A county of snow-capped splendour, rickety tea houses and Buddhist temples – Japan has an ancient and timeless beauty that few countries can match. Throw in futuristic skyscrapers, fashion forward streetwear and some frankly bizarre hospitality choices (robot restaurants, cuddle cafés… we’re looking warily at you) – on rice paper, nothing about Japan should work together. In fact, it’s one of the most harmonious cultures in the world – as well as being one of the friendliest and safest places to travel.
Need to know before you go
When to go
Japan’s working holiday visa allows you to work anywhere in Japan. Earn money in the winter with a pre-arranged ski season job – hitting the road as the cherry trees blossom to explore emerald rice terraces, volcano-filled national parks and old-world towns home to Shinto shrines, painted geishas and heart-warming hospitality.
What it pays
If you choose to a pre-arrange ski season job with us, you’ll typically earn between 1,400-2,000 Yen per hour – often with subsidised staff accommodation, free or discounted lift passes and lessons included. You can expect to earn a bit more working in English-speaking restaurants, pubs and hotels in Tokyo before or after your season.
Where to go
Japan is a year-round destination. Exploding into either a riot of ice-cream coloured blossom or rust red autumn leaves, Japan is at its most colourful and popular in spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov). With a ski season to earn money in-between and a summer of volcano hikes and festivals, Japan is always in season.
Who you gonna call?
Let's talk Japan
Get some facetime with our amazing JENZA Support Squad. When they’re not posing for pool pics, they’re making your work aboard adventures happen with their endless enthusiasm and mad traveller skills. These include: parent whispering, visa geekery and the ability to pack a backpack in 30 seconds flat.
Polite society
Included intercultural training
Trains as fast as bullets, restaurants run by robots and toilets that clean your... Japan may live in the future, but its customs are firmly rooted in the past. From leaving your shoes at the door to finishing your food, we include social etiquette training before you go.
Get hired or get the intel
Meet Camp Directors face-to-face, connect with others heading to camp, and (fingers crossed) get hired on the day. To register your interest, apply for Summer Camp USA over on our BUNAC camp page and let us know which city you'd like to attend. We can't wait to see your face, but don't worry if you can't make an in-person event - the quickest way to get hired is in our hiring pool.
Looking for a fresh start? The most liveable cities and the coolest ski resorts, Canada is the ultimate working holiday visa. Join our Canada Crew for all the intel on who can go, when you need to apply, and what types of jobs you can do. Plus, that age old question - summer or winter in Canada? (Both being the correct answer!).
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JENZA Travel International Ltd, trading as JENZA, is a company registered in Dublin, Ireland with Registered Company No. 707281 and registered address at 29-31 South William St, Dublin, Ireland, D02 EY96.
