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Work Japan

Working holidays in Japan

12 months’ job support + ski job included

No downhill or language skills required! Live and work for up to 12 months in one of the most unique places on the planet – with the option to pre-arrange a 3-4 month ski season job.

Formerly known as BUNAC Work Japan – same team + experience, new name!

That's a wrap on winter '24 ski hiring - get ready for 2025

Apply year-round with 12 months’ job support when you land

Out of this world

Why do a working holiday visa Japan?

Home to ancient Shinto shrines, powder-covered peaks and off-the-wall cities – Japan is like nowhere else on Earth. If you're looking to earn money and get overseas work experience while immersing yourself in a culture that’s completely different to your own – but with the security of an English-speaking job – then Japan is the working holiday to do it.

It would say on the tin...

What is Work Japan?

While Japan is one of the friendliest and safest countries to travel, it can seem intimidatingly unfamiliar to travellers. Plus, finding a job and navigating the work formalities in a country where you don’t speak the language, is virtually impossible without international support. From visa instructions to intercultural training, arrival nights, 12 months' job support, and help sorting all your permits when you land – we help you to navigate the whole process. Plus, we include the option to pre-arrange a 3-4 month ski job before you go.

Is it for me?

From USD $1,485

18-30 (20 yrs for ski jobs)

12-month visa

Apply year-round

Pre-arrange a ski job

No Japanese required

12 months’ job access

Reasons to work in Japan

Unique culture

Buck trends instead of following bucket lists. When you think of traditional working holidays, you usually think of the UK, Oz and Canada. At JENZA, we’ve never been one for tradition – so grab this time in your twenties to do something completely different and work in Asia.

Riding rights

Work and play where the tourists pay to go. Ride the world’s best powder with a pre-arranged 3-4 month ski job in the world-famous resorts of Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano on the Japanese island of Hokkaido – with subsidised staff housing and free or discounted lift passes.

English jobs

While learning some Japanese will improve your experience immeasurably, it’s not a job requirement. Which means you’ll get all the experience of living in Asia – but with the reassurance of being able to earn money with an English-speaking hospitality, ski or teaching job.

Culture club

Why Japan?

Japan has one of the most eccentric but harmonious cultures in the world. Home to avenues of cherry blossom, trains as fast as bullets, and robot-run restaurants – it’s where ancient meets futuristic, strange meets beautiful, and no one bats an eyelid.

Visa + cost

Who can apply for a working holiday visa Japan?

More confusing than a Tokyo cuddle café – the length of visa granted, eligibility requirements and number of visas available each year vary per nationality. But don’t worry – we’re here for it. (The visa bit, not the cuddling strangers part). We’ll guide you through the process – supplying the correct forms and guidance on how to fill them out. Plus, advise on how to format the supporting documents you need for your in-person embassy appointment.

Don’t see your flag below? Check out our FAQs for more eligible nationalities or call us

Am I eligible?

You must be 18-30 (inclusive)*
You’ll be issued with a 12-month visa
You’re only allowed one visa per lifetime
You must have reasonable funds to maintain and accommodate yourself during your stay in Japan
You must be able to attend an in-country visa appointment in Korea

*The visa age is 18+ however, our ski employers require that you are 20 years old to work in their properties.

JENZA Job

Deposit

USD $115

Second payment

USD $1,370

Total

USD $1,485

What’s included

3-4 month ski job (Dec-Mar)
Staff housing during your season (job dependent)
Step-by-step visa application guide
Japanese Embassy documentation
Tokyo airport meet + greet
5 nights’ househare in Tokyo
90-120 minute job counselling session
Translation of your CV into Japanese
12 months’ access to English-speaking jobs portal
12 months’ access to World Unite offices
Online intercultural training
Pre-departure call with Q&A In-person support setting up work formalities, including:
Health system assistance
Japanese bank account
Residence permit
Tax registration

What’s not included

Japan visa fee

Japan visas are free for all nationalities except UK passport holders, where a £21 fee is due

Support funds

£1,500 and proof of a return/onward flight, or £2,500 if entering Japan on a one-way ticket.

Travel insurance

We recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

4-12 week Japan language course

An optional paid extra, we’ve teamed up with the Kudan Institute in Tokyo. Call us for dates and pricing

Own Job

Deposit

USD $115

Second payment

USD $1,464

Total

USD $1,579

What’s included

Step-by-step visa application guide
Japanese Embassy documentation
Tokyo airport meet + greet
5 weeks’ houseshare in Tokyo
90-120 minute job counselling session
Translation of your CV into Japanese
12 months’ access to English-speaking jobs portal
12 months’ access to World Unite offices
Online intercultural training
Pre-departure call with Q&A In-person support setting up work formalities, including:
Health system assistance
Japanese bank account
Residence permit
Tax registration

What’s not included

Japan visa fee

Japan visas are free for all nationalities except UK passport holders, where a £21 fee is due

Support funds

£1,500 and proof of a return/onward flight, or £2,500 if entering Japan on a one-way ticket.

Travel insurance

We recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book

Flights

We don’t recommend booking flights until your visa is approved

4-12 week Japan language course

An optional paid extra, we’ve teamed up with the Kudan Institute in Tokyo. Call us for dates and pricing

Good to know

Balancing profit with purpose, JENZA only works for us if it works for others too. We donate 5% of profits to our Youth Access Scholarship Fund so that young people from under-served and lower-income backgrounds can experience working overseas. Find out more and apply for scholarship funding.

How not to get lost in translation

Japan may live in the future, but its customs are firmly rooted in the past. Social etiquette is important in Japanese society, which is why we include a pre-departure intercultural session to get to grips with the culture and customs before you go.

Jobs + resorts

What types of jobs can I do in Japan?

We support you with finding work in Tokyo for the whole year, with the option of a pre-arranged ski season job over the winter.

Ski season jobs

Cool jobs in cool places, select JENZA Job to secure a 3-4 month ski season job before you go. Typical jobs include working as a spa attendant, concierge, front desk, snow clearer, housekeeper, chalet host, shuttle driver, bartender, ski instructor and more. You must be 20+ years old, and other than going for chef or instructor roles, you typically don’t need experience or formal qualifications. Hiring for jobs with Nov/Dec start dates typically open in July, and you must be available for the whole season. You’ll have access to our JENZA Job Hub where you can search, apply and video interview for vetted job.

Non-ski jobs

Select Own Job to find a job when you arrive in Tokyo. Other than working in nightclubs, dancehalls and gambling venues, your Japan working holiday visa allows you to do most jobs. Our in-country sidekicks, World Unite, will help you translate your CV, browse English-speaking jobs to identify suitable roles, as well as help with application letters, Japanese communication and checking work contracts. Typical jobs without speaking Japanese include working in Western restaurants, cafés and bars, hotels or ryokans (traditional Japanese guesthouses), or as an English-teacher (if qualified) or English-speaking childcare.

Japan in numbers

Number of vending machines in Japan - in millions!

Percentage of Japan that is covered in mountains

6,852

Number of islands that make up Japan

300

Flavours of Kit Kat in Japan - including wasabi

Why do a ski season in Japan?

What you’ll earn

You’ll typically earn 1,400-2,000 Yen per hour, often with subsidised staff accommodation and free or discounted lift passes. Making a season a great way to save more of your salary, work on your skills, and have a ready-made group of mates if you’re flying solo.

No experience required

Ski seasons for non-skiers can feel like a scary place – full of ski run rules and confusing lingo. But ski seasons aren’t just for seasonnaires. It's the chance to add international work experience to your CV and ease your way into Japanese life with an English-speaking job.

Powder playground

Japan is home to some of the lightest and most consistent powder on the planet. And with it, some of the best riding in the world. What Japanese resorts may often lack in European après, they more than make up for in conditions, close-knit staff and epic scenery.

Where can I work?

City or slopes

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.

Tokyo

For before or after your season…

Tokyo is hands down 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.

Japan jobs

Some of the jobs on our Job Hub

Hiring closed

Niseko, Hokkaido

Photographer

Nov-Apr (Must be age 20+)

JPY ¥2,000-2,150/hour

Staff housing (from ¥5,000/month), free lift pass

The largest property manager in the powder playground of Niseko, HTM manage and offer jobs across everything from ski schools to hotels and transport.

Hiring closed

Niseko, Hokkaido

Concierge

Nov-Apr (Must be age 20+)

JPY ¥1,450-1,550/hour

Staff housing (from ¥5,000/month), free lift pass

The largest property manager in the powder playground of Niseko, HTM manage and offer jobs across everything from ski schools to hotels and transport.

Hiring closed

Niseko, Furano + Rusutsu

Front of House

Nov-Apr (Must be age 20+)

Nov-Apr (Must be age 20+)

JPY ¥1,400-1,650/hour

Staff housing (from ¥5,000/month), free lift pass

The largest property manager in the powder playground of Niseko, HTM manage and offer jobs across everything from ski schools to hotels and transport.

Upcoming events

Get hired or get the intel

Work USA 4 months | Everything you need to know

Virtual travel talk | 09 Jan @ 17:30 GMT

Full-time student? Spend your uni summer holidays (Jun-Sep) earning $$ and exploring America with JENZA Work USA 4 months. We'll provide your sponsorship, hook you up with a 3-4 month seasonal job, and help you sort your J1 visa. Find out everything you need to know in this online travel talk.

In-person camp hiring days | UK + Ireland

28 Jan Dublin | 01 Feb London

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.

View all events

Meet the employers

We’ll let the video do the talking on this one…

HTM, Niseko

Meet the employers

The powder here is bloody awesome

NISADE x Luxe Nomad, Niseko

We promise to wear pants

Book a video call

Your ride or die – all our JENZA Support Squad have worked the world, so are here for first-hand advice on where to go and what you can do. Other mad traveller skills include: parent whispering, visa geekery, and the ability to pack a backpack in 30 seconds flat.

How it works

When and how to apply

Your options

Both our Work Japan options start in Tokyo, where our in-country partners will personally accompanying you to the relevant offices to sort your residence registration, tax number application, health system registration and more. Work Japan Own Job then includes five weeks in a Tokyo houseshare with support finding an English-speaking job on arrival. JENZA Job has the same in-country support, but with five nights’ accommodation (enough time to get the formalities sorted) plus a pre-arranged ski season job (Dec-Mar). Once the snow melts, the team are then on hand for the rest of your visa to help you find work in or around Tokyo

Departure dates

Arrival days are most Fridays.

When to apply

Every April, a new annual quota of Japan working holiday visas is allocated to eligible countries. These quotas aren’t always met, but we still advise applying as early as possible to secure your visa and be ready for when winter hiring opens – typically in June. The application consists of an online visa application and in-person appointment at the Embassy of Japan in your home country, which can take 2-3 months in total.

Countdown to Japan

Apply + pay your deposit

Check your eligibility in the visa + cost section, choose Own Job or JENZA Job, and hit 'Book now' to create your profile and start your application. You can then access your online account anytime from the top of this page. You'll then be prompted to pay your deposit.

1 day

Gather documents + apply for your visa

All applications for Japan working holiday visas need to be done in-person at a Japan Embassy or Consulate. Don't worry - we'll provide you with the application form, step-by-step guidance on how to fill it out, and the locations of the nearest consulate. As part of your visa application, you are also required to provide a number of documents including a CV, proof of funds, and passport photos. Uniquely for this visa, you are also required to provide a personal statement and outline of your proposed activities - which we will also provide guidance on. We can always look over all your documents before your appointment - just ask!

1-30 days

Attend your visa appointment

Visas for most nationalities are free - UK passport holders must pay a £21 fee which must be paid in cash at your appointment. Please always travel light to visa appointments, as you usually have restrictions on what you can take in with you. Please note that the Japan Embassy can keep your passport for up to 10 business days and you must return to the embassy or consulate to collect your passport with your visa in.

10 days

Apply for your ski job (JENZA Job only)

Once you have your visa approved and have paid in full, you'll get access to our Job Hub where you can search, apply and video interview for winter jobs with our ski season employers. We'll usually start to post up jobs for the winter season (Nov/Dec-Mar/Apr) from Jun/Jul.

14+ days

Book flights + book arrival intro

Once your visa is approved (Own Job) or you have your job secured (JENZA Job), it's safe to book your flights. We'll grab the details off you, book your accommodation in Tokyo and let our sidekicks, World Unite, know when you're arriving for your in-person orientation.

1 day

Have your pre-departure call

Usually a month before you go, you'll have your group pre-departure video call with Work Unite. This usually lasts around 45 minutes and is to make sure you're fully prepped for living and working in Japan. It's also a great time to ask all your questions. You'll also have access to a knowledge hub packed with info and intel about life in Japan - including video training with an intercultural coach.

1 day

Arrive in Japan

All arrivals into Tokyo are on a Friday. You'll be met at either of Tokyo's airports and personally escorted by public transport to your accommodation - which is a great intro into navigating Japanese transport! Arriving at your accommodation*, you'll have the weekend free to get over your jetlag and explore Tokyo. Visits to the relevant offices to get your permits and other work and health essentials will be on the Monday. If you're doing a ski season on Hokkaido, you're safe to book flights to leave Tokyo on the Wednesday.

*Own Job travellers who have five-weeks accommodation are always placed in the sharehouse. We will always try and do the same for JENZA Job travellers - however, if the sharehouse is full you will be in a hostel.

Get it for free (ish)

Earn back your adventures

We know the most authentic voices come from our community. Whether you want to come on board as an ambassador, roadtester or as a one-off collaborator for blogs, vlogs or images – earn some extra $$ on the road with a content side hustle.

You shaped travel

What our Japan roadtester had to say

All JENZA experiences are roadtested first. Because if it didn’t fly with our roadtesters, it sure as heck isn't going to fly with you. Meet Ebony. Who left Australia to work a ski season in Niseko. From packing cubes to posting yours skis - here's the inside intel on what you need to work in Japan this winter.

Follow

We heart you back

Watch

As seen on social

Read

Japan inspo and intel

Travel Guides / Japan

A guide to Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhoods

Saki Ueda

Dec 21

Tokyo can seem crazier than a Saturday night scramble across Shibuya. Thankfully, Saki is here to break it down.

Need to know / Japan

How to apply and prepare for a working holiday in Japan

Ebony Tremain

Mar 14

The insider matcha scoop on work, play and finding your way in Japan.

Jenza Talk / Japan

Ski seasons aren’t just for seasoned skiers

Betsy Lake

Apr 12

The Pringle of the working holiday world, once you start - you can’t stop. As Betsy found out.

Need to know / Japan

Everything you need to know about a working holiday in Japan

Betsy Lake

Dec 6

How to work a ski season in Japan. When you don’t speak Japanese. Or ski.

Girl with sunglasses standing in amphitheatre

Friends = benefits

Unlock 10% off Contiki when you book with JENZA

Looking for a little pre or post trip action? We've teamed up with Contiki to bring you the ultimate work and travel dream team. Check your online account to access your 10% off code.

Got questions?

We’ve got answers

Not found what you're looking for? Hit 'Ask a question' below and one of our JENZA Support Squad will come back to you - pen pal style.

Girl smiles on lodge looking out over mountains.

Talk to us

Work overseas experts

Call us for all the intel on who can go, what jobs you can do, and how to figure out that visa form!

How can I work in Japan?

For passport holders who are part of Japan’s working holiday visa program, you can apply for a working holiday visa that allows you to travel and work in Japan for up to 12 months. Most eligible nationalities must be 18-30 – meaning you must apply and have your visa approved before your 31st birthday. You then have 12 months to enter the country. A one and done, you’re only allowed one visa per lifetime.

Which nationalities are eligible for a Japan working holiday visa?

The below passport holders can apply for a Japan working holiday visa. The duration, process and level of support funds required to apply vary per country, so please click on the below countries for the most up-to-date information. If you don’t see your nationality listed, please call us to find out if you’re eligible for a working holiday visa and JENZA Work Japan. UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, German.

How long can I work for on the Japan working holiday visa?

Your visa allows you to work for 12 months, however, due to the purpose behind the working holiday scheme as outlined by the Japanese Government, we may advise you to change employers every three months.

The working holiday scheme is designed to promote international exchange and enhance friendly relationships between Japan and partner countries. Intended to deepen your understanding of Japan – the work part of your visa is designed to enhance your holiday and supplement your travel funds. See the below FAQ for how we ensure your application is formatted correctly to reflect this.

How does JENZA help me apply for my working holiday visa?

We’ll guide you through the process – supplying the correct forms and guidance on how to fill them out. Plus, advise on how to format the supporting documents you need for your in-person embassy appointment. These include an outline of your intended activities and letter explaining why you want to do a working holiday. (A year of ramen – while technically correct – is not an acceptable answer!).

We can also check your visa application before you submit it to ensure that it is filled out correctly.

How much is a working holiday visa for Japan?

For most nationalities, Japan working holidays are free. If there is a fee involved, for example for UK passport holders the visa currently costs £21, this must be paid in cash at your embassy appointment.

When do I need to apply?

You can apply year-round. However, most nationalities have a quota of Japan working holiday visas that are released each April. These don’t always run out, but where possible, we suggest applying as soon after April to ensure you secure a visa. The application consists of an online visa application and in-person appointment at the Embassy of Japan in your home country. Applications can take 2-3 months in total, so remember to build that into your timeframes – especially if you’re looking to pre-arrange a ski season job.

Applications for ski season jobs usually open in July, with job roles that start in Nov or Dec.

Do I need to speak Japanese to do Work Japan?

No, it’s not essential to speak Japanese, as most of the employers we work with are looking to fill English-speaking job roles. However, it can be easier to find work and open up more opportunities if you have a basic understanding of the language. Plus, it will improve your overall experience and understanding of Japanese culture if you know greetings, introductions and dining etiquette etc.

Some of our travellers opt to do online courses before they go, or arrive a few weeks early to do a classroom course. We’ve partnered with the Kudan Institute of Japanese Language and Culture in Tokyo to offer 4-12 week courses. Ask us about dates and pricing.

What types of jobs can I do on my Japan working holiday?

Other than working in nightclubs, dancehalls and gambling venues, you can do a variety of roles. Typical jobs without speaking Japanese include teaching English, English-language childcare jobs; jobs in Western restaurants, cafés and bars such British pubs, English tea rooms, American diners, Italian pizzerias, German beer gardens; and working in hotels and ski resorts.

How does JENZA help me find a job?

There are two Work Japan options.

‘Own Job’ is designed to find work when you arrive. Starting in Tokyo, it includes five weeks’ arrival accommodation, comprehensive job counselling with access to job portals where English-speaking jobs are posted, job support for the full 12-months of your visa, CV translating, cover letter writing and more. Jobs are all English-speaking and are in and around Tokyo.

‘JENZA Job’ includes the same inclusions, but with five nights’ accommodation plus a pre-arranged ski season job with one of our ski season employers in Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano on the island of Hokkaido. All our winter jobs are vetted and posted on our Job Hub, where you can search, apply and interview by video. You have the same 12 months’ access to job support in Tokyo, so you can work before your ski season or after. Unfortunately, you must be aged 20 or over to work for our ski season employers.

Why do I need to go via Tokyo and how do I get to my ski job?

Both Work Japan options start in Tokyo. This is because there are certain visa, residential and legal formalities that you need to get sorted before you can start to work for a Japanese employer. Japanese language skills are required for this, so our in-country partners Work Unite will take you to the relevant offices in Tokyo to get these sorted when you arrive.

Starting each Friday, you’ll be met at either Narita or Haneda airport where you’ll be accompanied via public transport (a great way to get intro-d to Japanese public transport and trains!) to your included Tokyo accommodation where you’ll have the weekend to get over your jetlag and explore Tokyo. You’ll then visit the relevant offices to get all your paperwork sorted that week. If you’ve selected ‘JENZA Job’, you should book an internal flight on day 5 to Sapporo New Chitose airport – this is the closest airport to Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano.

Once you’re booked onto Work Japan, our team will run through everything with you .

What accommodation is included?

Own Job: Five weeks’ accommodation living with other working holidaymakers at a Share House in Tokyo.
JENZA Job: Five nights’ accommodation at a Share House* in Tokyo, giving you enough time to sort your residence registration, Japanese bank account and the other required formalities you need to start working. Depending on the employer, you’ll usually have access to subsidised staff accommodation during your ski season job. See the job description further up this page for the accommodation costs. *If there isn’t availability at the Share House, accommodation will be at a hostel.

What’s the difference between BUNAC and JENZA?

Nothing! We’ve always been the same team running identical programs, just with different brand names in different countries. As you can imagine, this got crazy confusing. So in 2024, JENZA became the new name for all our working holiday and intern programs, and BUNAC went back to its 1972 Americana roots, and became our summer camp brand.

Ask a question

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More ways to work the world

Did someone say 'gap decade'?

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.