work travel japan

• How to – guides
• Skills List
• How to – guides
• North America
• South America

Work and Travel in Japan

Help us grow. share what you know about getting work in japan for travellers., volunteer and paid work opportunities in japan for travellers.

Many foreigners, hold a lifelong desire to travel to Japan, perhaps because the culture is so unique and exotic, especially for westerners. It has a reputation for being expensive and difficult for outsiders to assimilate into, so it’s best to be well-prepared before attempting to work and travel here. However, for those that are willing to push through the culture shock, the rewards for working and travelling in Japan can be great. Read on through our guide to making the most of your adventure in the Land of the Rising Sun. 1. Work in IT in Japan The tech field, of course, is constantly expanding and evolving, and Japan is a country often on the cutting-edge of technological advances. If you have good programming or software engineering skills, you can often find work without speaking much Japanese, which is generally a barrier to entry for many foreigners seeking work in Japan. 2. Teaching English at cram schools  Teaching English as a native speaker is the most common position for foreigners looking to work and travel in Japan. The jobs often don’t pay very well, but backpackers can find work teaching at any time of year, and therefore is a great starting point for new arrivals looking to learn about Japanese culture. 3. Caregiving in an ageing home It is common knowledge that Japan has the highest proportion of elderly citizens of any country in the world. This has created a busy and booming market for elder care, since many young people in the big cities live in cramped apartments are too busy with work to keep their parents at home. If you enjoy working with older people, you don’t necessarily need any experience or even great Japanese language skills to start working in elder care in Japan.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR JAPAN

Japan allows several nationalities from having to obtain a tourist visa before entering the country. Citizens from most European countries, United States, Australia, and Argentina do not need to get the Japan Tourist Visa since they are considered visa-exempt countries for tourism purposes. Nationals from any of those regions can stay in Japan for a maximum of 90 days visa-free and are assigned Temporary Visitor status. Under the single-entry regulation, tourists can remain in Japan for up to 30 days, but this tourist visa is valid for a period of up to 90 days. Tourists can also apply for a double-entry visa for 2 short trips within a 6-month period. An E-Visa option is upcoming, but has yet to be released, likely due to the pandemic. Citizens of China, Russia, the Phillippines, Vietnam and CIS countries will need a tourist visa sorted before entering the country.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN JAPAN

Spring work.

For being a relatively small, island-based country, Japan enjoys a wide variety of climates. Visitors are attracted not only to the cities but to mountain resorts and organic farms in small rural villages. Backpackers have their choice from a variety of beautiful locations when finding work in hospitality.  Springtime is the best point in the year to find hospitality work, with many visitors coming over to witness the cherry blossoms but before western tourists start to arrive on summer vacation en masse. There are hotels alongside hot springs where you can volunteer in exchange for a bed, as well as hostels in the big city of Hokkaido where you can learn the art of running a hostel.

SUMMER JOBS

We recommend finding a work and travel opportunity at one of Japan’s many organic farms in the summer months. There are the usual fruit and vegetable farms, but also bee farms where honey is harvested, and terraced farms for rice.  You’ll learn unique growing methods that will give you an edge back home if you decide to continue in the gardening or landscaping field. Just be aware that summers in Japan can be extremely hot, so you should be in good physical condition.

Many people say autumn is the best time of year to visit Japan, since the weather is at its most pleasant and mild.  It’s a great time to join historical conservation projects in the country. You’ll have the option of working in far off temples or hosting groups that visit these sites. All you need to partake in these projects is an interest in history and a willingness to work.

Japan has proudly hosted the winter Olympics before, and it is clear to see why - the ski resorts are very popular. Backpackers can find work and travel opportunities at these places in Nagano, Niigata, and Yamagata prefecture, even if you don’t have any winter sports experience. How? Often au pairs are needed to watch after children, or chalet cleaners to keep the resorts clean.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN JAPAN

Japan is an extremely modern country, with all the comforts of home and then some. You shouldn’t have any concerns about health issues or safety while working and travelling in Japan.  The challenges for a foreigner in Japan come with understanding the nuances of social behaviour within the culture. As a westerner, it can be difficult to grasp the priority of “the group” over the individual. You must learn to respect these social constructs, however, or you will not be embraced by your employers. Some ex-pats complain that even after years of living in Japan and learning the language fluently, they never truly feel welcome. Japan is certainly an enticing and mysterious bucket-list country for working travellers. So the only question remains - are you ready to start planning your Japanese adventure?

Recent Contributors

• Edited on Jun 4 2021 by

If you have worked in Japan or live here. Instead of saying `That information is not right` Please sign up to Working Traveller by clicking here and update this page with your opinions on the subject and your views on what the barter points should be. If your a host, you will have a SEO link added to the page directly to your own web site so viewers can see who provided the information. If you are a traveller it will link to your profile.

• Fukuoka-shi
• Hiroshima-shi
• Yokohama-shi
• Fukuoka-ken
• Fukushima-ken
• Ibaraki-ken
• Ishikawa-ken
• Kanagawa-ken
• Kumamoto-ken
• Miyazaki-ken
• Nagasaki-ken
• Niigata-ken
• Okayama-ken
• Okinawa-ken
• Saitama-ken
• Shizuoka-ken
• Tochigi-ken
• Tottori-ken
• Wakayama-ken
• Yamagata-ken
• Yamaguchi-ken
• Yamanashi-ken

WORKING TRAVELLER LTD 27, Lonsdale Rd, Blackpool, FY1 6EE, UNITED KINGDOM

Work and travel the world using your skills to gain work experience and references for a good job back home

Log in with your credentials, forgot your details.

• Application
• Requirements

How to Work in Japan Legally: Japanese Work Visas and Eligibility

With a highly developed free-market economy and the third-largest nominal GDP in the world, it’s easy to see why Japan is an attractive destination for workers who want to relocate abroad.

Increasingly more international professionals are deciding to make the move to Japan to work: in 2018, over 1.4 million foreigners were working in Japan — a 14.2 % increase from the previous year.

This surge is not only due to economic growth and an overall improvement in employment conditions but also to the fact that the Japanese government has implemented strategies and policies to encourage highly-skilled foreign labor .

Part of this plan is the launch of new Japanese work visas for foreign nationals sponsored by local companies. Eligible workers who meet the work visa requirements (including a Japanese language test) are now able to apply for 2 different new types of visas depending on their specific circumstances.

The new working visas join the existing list of Japanese visas for professionals allowing skilled worker categories and business people to work in the country .

What Are the Japanese Work Visa Available?

There are several options available to get a work visa for Japan . The applicant’s eligibility will depend on a series of factors such as:

• The country issuing the applicant’s passport
• The applicant’s qualifications and skills, including previous work experience
• Whether the applicant intends to bring business to Japan or work as an employee in a Japanese enterprise.

Although work visas may be made available with an online application in the future , it must be noted that the only travel authorization for Japan that can be obtained entirely online at the moment is the Japan eVisa for tourism purposes .

Currently, foreigners who wish to obtain a business or work visa will need to visit a Japanese embassy or consulate in person.

Invest in Japan: the Business Visas

Japanese business visas are designed for foreigners who wish to work and invest in the country. Eligible professionals include:

• Stockholders
• Company directors
• Deputy directors
• Technical officers
• Volunteers for non-governmental organizations
• Staff members of Diplomatic Missions, General Consulates, the United
• Nations Agencies and other international organizations.

These visas also include subcategories to match specifically the sector and type of project the applicant will be involved in while in Japan — for example, Diplomatic, Official, Media, Investor, etc.

Work in a Japanese Company with the Work Visas

There are 4 types of working visa categories to match the different employee profiles that the country needs at the moment. Regardless of the specific category that matches their skillset, applicants need to be hired by a Japanese company in order to obtain the visa.

The work visas are intended for a variety of professional profiles, including:

• Highly-skilled and specialized workers
• Professors and researchers
• Blue-collar employees working in industries with a high demand for labor such as catering, cleaning, construction, agriculture, and fishing

Some of these visa schemes are designed around a point-based system that evaluates the applicant’s academic achievements as well as their professional background.

It’s also possible, in some cases, for work visa holders to bring their families to Japan.

How Long Is a Work Visa in Japan?

The Japanese work visas are long-term permits that allow foreign citizens to live and work in Japan for an extensive period of time — from three months to five years depending on the circumstances. There’s also the opportunity for renewal.

The validity of a Japanese business visa is 90 days . During this time, the business visa holder can enter and leave the country multiple times.

How Can I Get a Working Visa for Japan?

In order to be eligible for a work visa for Japan , you’ll need to meet the conditions to obtain a Status of Residence (SOR) that permits employment within the country.

Of course, the application process varies on a case-by-case basis and it’s heavily affected by the applicant’s specific circumstances. However, foreigners who wish to legally work as employees in Japan can generally take the following steps :

• Approach a Japanese company that can act as a visa sponsor and is willing to hire the applicant. Usually, all work visas require sponsorship.
• Identify the right type of visa that matches the applicant’s skills and circumstances.
• Check the work visa requirements and obtain the necessary documentation. The sponsoring entity will be able to assist.
• Visit the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate to start the application in person. The applicant will need to submit paper copies of the required documentation (such as passport, recent photographs, letter of guarantee, etc.) and pay the relevant application fee. The cost of a work visa for Japan varies and the embassy or consulate will be able to provide detailed information.

The processing time varies depending on the Japan visa type as well as the applicant’s situation. The extension of the e-Visa program to work permits is expected to make the application smoother and faster.

Can I Work in Japan without a Visa?

It’s illegal to work without an appropriate visa in Japan and doing so may expose you to serious consequences.

Even if you’re legally in the country with another visa (for example, a tourist visa or other short-term travel authorization), performing work on Japanese soil would break the conditions and requirements of your visa .

Not only this means that your visa will be canceled but you may face fines, deportation, and even detention. Moreover, breaking the law may prevent you from applying for a Japanese visa in the future.

It’s also worth noticing that many countries ask for the applicant’s history of visa rejection or cancelation in their visa application forms . In other words, you may be asked in the future whether one of your visa applications has ever been rejected. This means that not respecting the Japanese migration policy and having your visa canceled may be taken into account by other nations when you’re applying for visas in the future.

If you intend to work in Japan but are unsure about your eligibility or are already in the country on another visa, you can contact the Japanese authorities (your nearest embassy or a Japanese migration office) to explore your options.

Latest news about Japan Entry Visas

Traveling to Tokyo city: Japan’s Vibrant Capital

Osaka and Tokyo: Are they both worth visiting?

Japan Launches New Work Visas to Solve Labor Shortage

How to Live ( And Sometimes Work) in Japan on Working Holiday: The Ultimate Guide The best way to get a working visa for Japan and then spend most of your time vacationing

July 30, 2019 • words written by Julia Mascetti • Art by Aya Francisco

If you're an independent soul and would like your time in Japan to be flexible and adventurous, a working holiday could be your best option.

Want to live in Japan but don't fancy being an English teacher? Can't do the JET Program because you're not a native English speaker or don't have a university degree? Or maybe you've saved up a little money and want to travel around Japan while working part-time? If you're from an eligible country, a Working Holiday visa for Japan might be just your ticket. It allows you to live and work in Japan without a full-time job, a university course, or a visa sponsor.

If you're an independent soul and would like your time in Japan to be flexible and adventurous, a working holiday could be your best option. Mine was one of the most memorable years of my life: from teaching English to freelance writing and entertainment work, I held many different jobs. I studied Japanese hard, partied harder, and in the end managed to get employed in my field and convert to a regular Specialist in Humanities visa.

What follows is the full guide—from applying for your visa, to work and housing options, and even how to convert to a standard working visa if you want to stay in Japan—all from someone who has done it. I'm British, so I'll be writing from that perspective, but most of my advice and experiences apply to any nationality eligible for a Working Holiday visa (and now more countries than ever have joined the party). When in doubt, check with your country's Japanese embassy.

Am I Eligible?

How to apply for working holiday in japan, time of year, be careful with jobs, money in the bank, housing tips, registration and insurance, work options, can i leave and come back, staying in japan after working holiday, testimonials from working holiday participants, on to the best vacation of your life, about working holidays in japan.

In Japan, a working holiday is a visa classification that falls under the "Designated Activities" category. It allows you to live, travel, and work in Japan for a limited period of time, usually about a year, although it varies by country. Working holiday programs are bilateral agreements Japan enters into with individual countries, which means that if you're working in Japan, there's a Japanese counterpart working in your country too.

According to Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs , this kind of visa allows young people to enter Japan "primarily for the purpose of spending holidays while allowing them to engage in employment as an incidental activity of their holidays for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds." This means the visa is specifically designed for you to work part-time or freelance, all while having the time of your life.

Even if you're interested in the visa just to have a holiday, there is no limit on the number of hours you can work per week—unlike, say, the student visa, which forbids you from doing more than twenty-eight hours during term time. On a standard working visa, you're restricted to a certain type of work (such as teaching in public schools on the Instructor visa). By contrast, with a Working Holiday visa, you can do any kind of work as long as it's not at "businesses which may impact public morals" (e.g., host bars ). Working holiday is one of the only visa types in which a foreigner can do "unskilled" labor in Japan, such as working at a café or factory.

Working holidays aren't new. The first country to enter into this bilateral agreement with Japan was Australia, in 1980, but many others have followed suit—Iceland and Chile joined in as recently as 2018. If you're a citizen of any of the following countries, you may be eligible to take a working holiday in Japan. You'll also find a link to your country's embassy with the relevant information.

Check the specific conditions of the Working Holiday visa with your Japanese embassy using the links above. Age limits in particular can vary depending on nationality, but the following are the normal eligibility requirements:

• Being between eighteen and thirty years old at the time of application.
• Able to prove you have sufficient funds in the bank to pay for your stay in Japan (around $3,000, or $2,000 if you apply with a return plane ticket).
• Traveling without dependents, although married couples can apply together if they both meet the criteria.
• Being in good health. Some countries require you to submit health information or have insurance coverage. I didn't have to do this.
• You must "be of good character." This is vague, but if you don't have a criminal record, you're probably fine.

Compared to other visas, the working holiday application process is relatively straightforward. I was living in the UK when I applied, which was convenient since applicants must apply from their own country. And although I was worried because I had worked in Japan before and thought it might negatively impact my application, it never came up.

The first step was to gather my documents and head to my nearest consulate—in my case, the Embassy of Japan in London. I brought the following:

• Passport photo for the application
• Completed application form, which can be downloaded from your embassy's website .
• "Outline of Intended Activities." This was my itinerary: where I planned to travel, what I planned to do, etc.
• "Written Reason for Applying," typed on A4 paper. These were my intentions and reasons for wanting to spend a year in Japan.
• Three months of bank statements showing I had the necessary funds (in pounds, in my case).
• Return plane ticket. (Because I had this, the amount of funds I had to prove I had was lower.)

Compared to other visas, the working holiday application process is relatively straightforward.

Be aware that you need photo ID to enter the embassy and that your bags will be checked for dangerous objects. Once inside, I took a ticket and waited for my number to be called. I brought my documents to the counter where they were inspected by a staff member. When the embassy was satisfied everything was in order, a cheerful man took everything (including my passport), gave me my application receipt, and told me to come back in ten days. Another plus for the Working Holiday visa is that it's issued quickly—waiting times are usually between one and two weeks.

I made sure not to lose my application receipt and came back in ten days. I was accepted! It was spring, and I celebrated by buying some takeaway sushi and heading to the park opposite the embassy, where I enjoyed it with a little rare British sunshine!

Tips for Getting Your Application Accepted

The good news is that almost everyone who applies for a Working Holiday visa for Japan gets accepted if they meet the eligibility criteria . I wanted to book my return flight before applying so I could show evidence of the spent funds, but I was nervous of doing so in case my application was rejected. Talking to other people who had been through the process made me feel more confident, however, as did reading stories online. Although there is very little cause for concern, it's still wise to do everything you can to ensure your application gets accepted.

I'm not an immigration lawyer, but I've picked up a few tips from people who've been through the process.

Depending on your home country, there may be a limit to how many people can do a working holiday per year . The visa application process usually operates on the Japanese financial year (April to March)—if you're concerned, it might be a good idea to get your application in early. I applied in May and had no trouble. But when I checked the embassy website in December, I saw that the quota for British nationals had been filled for that year.

Remember that the stated purpose of the Working Holiday visa is for a holiday . Japan wants you to come and spend your foreign money in every corner of its beautiful country, then to do a little work so you can go out and spend some more. What they don't want you to do is go to Tokyo and work at the same company for a year and not travel anywhere. From their perspective, if you want to do that, you should be seeking a standard working visa. Once your visa is accepted and you arrive in Japan, if it works out that you do end up working at one company and not traveling, that's fine. But for your "outline of intended activities," it doesn't hurt to err on the side of being adventurous!

A good itinerary should be vague enough to allow for flexibility in your travel plans, yet detailed enough to show you've done your research and aren't just flying to Japan on a whim. Demonstrating that you intend to go somewhere that's not the capital and that you know a little about the tourism specialties of multiple prefectures can't hurt. Again, your itinerary can be vague—skiing in Hokkaido, beaches in Okinawa, etc.

No one will check up on you, so while I don't encourage bald-faced lies, if you think there's something that sounds cool but you're not fully committed to doing it, go ahead and put it in! On my itinerary, I claimed I was going to spend three months as a chalet girl in Niseko—which sounds really fun—but that certainly did not happen. Also, if you don't know how to format your outline, the Japanese Embassy in the UK provides this handy layout .

Is this you? "I've already got a job offer from a company in Japan, so I'll show immigration how serious I am by mentioning it in my application letter!" No, no, no! Aside from applicants with criminal records, this is one of the most common reasons people get rejected.

I'll say it again: the purpose of a working holiday is for the work part to be incidental . I've heard of less scrupulous companies, who really should be sponsoring proper working visas for full-time employees, asking their new hires to get a Working Holiday visa instead because it's less work for the company. This is the kind of situation immigration wants to avoid. Once you're in Japan, it's absolutely fine if you end up working full-time. But if you have a job offer, keep it to yourself at the application stage.

Unfortunately, in this world, money talks: if your bank account shows you've got more than the minimum required amount by a safe margin, it looks good for your application. Overdrafts, loans, credit cards—these aren't accepted as proof of sufficient funds. Some people get a family member to lend them the amount for the purpose of the application, but be careful. Depending on your home country, you may need to show three months of bank statements. If you're in the red and a suspiciously large transfer appears in your account one week before you apply, that's not going to look good. Arrange your funds so that you give yourself the best chance for success.

Life on Working Holiday in Japan

One potential downside to the Working Holiday visa is that you'll have very little support. Although some employers do offer assistance, for the most part you won't have any visa sponsor to hold your hand through the arrival process. However, managing your life in Japan independently is easy enough with a little research, even if you don't speak Japanese. Doing it will actually give you a better understanding of the country than if a company did it for you.

Here is some information you'll need.

Housing can be a little tricky on a Working Holiday visa. You probably don't have a full-time job with a company that can act as a guarantor, and the time limit on the visa can also count against you. Still, working holiday-ers have many viable options. If you're working a ski season (or similar), your job might be able to help you find housing or put you up in a company dormitory. Otherwise, "share houses" (シェアハウス) could work for you.

If your language skills are strong, you might get a better deal by searching for share houses in the same way a Japanese person would.

Share houses are communal living spaces (rooms) you rent month to month (or every three months). You're not usually required to have a guarantor to stay there, and many share houses actively welcome foreigners. And while they used to have a bit of a reputation among Japanese people for being spartan, they've been gaining popularity in recent years. Today you'll find a wide variety of share house options, from budget rooms to downright luxury (I have seen a share house with an honest-to-god grand piano in the communal space), as well as women-only share houses and "concept" share houses such as this share house/exhibition space for artists .

The main advantage of a share house is that you don't have to pay a deposit or the dreaded reikin (key money) , and utilities are usually included. And while this makes share houses great for shorter stays, it also means the monthly rent can be higher than a regular, similar-sized apartment. For many people on working holiday, however, the pros of share houses outweigh the cons.

Here are some housing agencies for share houses that offer services in English. Many share house companies have self-contained apartments too.

• Oakhouse : Share houses and apartments in Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kyoto, and Hyogo
• Leopalace : Small, self-contained apartments in Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, Fukuoka
• C's Share House : Women-only share houses in Osaka and elsewhere in Kansai
• Sakura House : Share houses and apartments in Tokyo and Yokohama. Short-stay guest houses and hostels are also available.
• Tulip Real Estate : Women-only share houses in Tokyo

If your language skills are strong, you might get a better deal by searching for share houses in Japanese. You'll sacrifice the foreigner-friendly service but, as long as you can communicate, your nationality isn't usually a problem. Sometimes individual listings will claim that they don't accept foreigners, but in my experience this is far more of a rarity with share houses than with apartments.

Here are some Japanese-only links to search for share houses:

• Hitsuji Fudōsan : Kanto
• Guest House Bank : Kanto, Nagoya, Kyushu, Okinawa

After finding a place to live, within fourteen days you are legally obliged to visit your local ward office to register as a resident . This will give you access to a range of government services, including national health insurance. For most full-time employees in Japan, including foreign nationals, their employer pays their social insurance as part of a system called shakai hoken . If you don't have a full-time job, like most people on working holiday, you will have to pay it yourself. Fortunately for you, it's calculated based on your earnings from the previous year, and as you were most likely not in Japan at that time, it will be very cheap. Note that if you change your address during your time in Japan, you'll have to register at the ward office nearest your new location. (This only applies to apartments and share houses, not hotels. If you're just traveling, you're good!)

The great thing about the Working Holiday visa is that it allows you to do almost any kind of work. Unless you speak native-level Japanese, however, some types of work are easier to come by than others.

Teaching English: Don't think that the JET Program is your only option. Japan has eikaiwa (English conversation schools) across the country, which offer part- and full-time positions to English speakers, including people on Working Holiday visas. Try a job board for foreigners such as Gaijinpot or Jobs in Japan to find out about opportunities in your area.

Ski Seasons/Resort Jobs: Japan boasts beautiful beaches in the summer and some of the world's best powder snow in the winter. It's not surprising, then, that many working holiday-ers opt to spend a season working at ski or beach resorts. This can be a good option for those with imperfect Japanese, since in these tourist areas you can often get by working in English. boobooSKI is an agency through which you can apply for resort jobs; they will help with accommodation as well.

Internships: If you're working in a big city such as Tokyo or Osaka, consider improving your skills and your Japanese by doing an internship. Bear in mind that although they are becoming more common, internships aren't yet the norm amongst Japanese companies, so you may have better luck applying at international companies, nonprofits, or embassies. (The Australian embassy and British embassy both offer highly-regarded internship programs.) Some agencies such as SJIP or ICC will organize an internship for you, but bear in mind that you may have to pay for it (and it's often not cheap). The EU-Japan Center for Industrial Cooperation has a list of recommended agencies .

Remote Work: Some people on Working Holiday visas don't feel the need to get a local job at all. I know some who simply asked their employer in their home country if they could work remotely for a year, allowing them to live in Japan without taking a career break.

Entertainment Agencies: Enjoy being in front of the camera? In bigger cities, entertainment agencies are eager to sign young foreigners to work as extras, models, and small-time actors. As the Entertainer visa is difficult to come by, plenty of these agencies have working holiday-ers on their books. This article has some good advice on how to submit to agencies, as well as some good ones to apply to. You could even become the next big foreign talent. I mean, it's unlikely, but it could happen…

Service Industry: A Working Holiday visa is one of the few visa types that allow foreigners to do "unskilled labor." This includes working in cafés or factories or as cleaners. Even if you don't speak fluent Japanese, Japan has a labor shortage and is accepting more and more foreigners into these roles, especially in touristy areas where your native language will come in handy. Plenty of nationwide job boards such as YOLO Japan advertise service roles to people on working holidays.

When doing your research, bear in mind that the information on Working Holiday visas on certain websites, even official ones, can be out of date. One example is whether people on working holiday can leave Japan and come back without forfeiting their visa. I remember being confused because I wanted to go back to Europe for a couple weeks to attend a friend's wedding, and even on embassy websites I found contradictory information about whether I could or not. I was under the impression that I would have to pay ¥5,000 for a re-entry permit, but when I went to the Shinagawa immigration bureau to get one, I was told it wasn't necessary.

Turns out it's completely fine to leave Japan while on a working holiday, so feel free to take that trip to Seoul or go home for Christmas. Just remember that your visa expiry date won't change, so consider whether your trip home is worth sacrificing your precious Japan time for!

You're nine months into your working holiday and having the time of your life. You'd intended to have twelve wild and wonderful months in Japan then go back home, but you're finding that you're falling in love. Could it be you want to stay in Japan?

The process is similar to sponsoring a new employee without a visa—with the added convenience that you're already in the country!

The Working Holiday visa is not designed for you to stay long-term. One of the application prerequisites is that people on a working holiday "intend to leave Japan at the end of their stay." Don't be deterred though. If you decide you want to stay, converting to a standard working visa such as Specialist in Humanities is entirely possible. I did it and so have many others. The process is similar to a visa status change if you wanted to convert from, say, a student visa to a working visa. The main thing you need is a company willing to sponsor you.

Four months before my visa was due to expire, I started dropping hints to one of my employers about how much I would love to stay longer. When this didn't work, I threw caution to the wind and decided to formally apply for a full-time position. After I was accepted, my company helped me apply for a working holiday henkō (amendment). They did most of the paperwork, but from what I could gather, the process is similar to sponsoring a new employee without a visa—with the added convenience that you're already in the country! Documents I had to submit included my new employment contract, degree certificate, and a detailed application form.

A working holiday in Japan has the potential to be life-changing. But don't take my word for it! Two working holiday alumni from opposite sides of the world share their thoughts and experiences:

Anne-Marie is from Australia and spent most of her working holiday working as a performer.

I came to Japan on a Working Holiday visa so I could both work and travel with relative ease. When I arrived, I signed up to several agencies working as a model, actress, session singer, and narrator. My backup plan was to teach English, but I never ended up teaching a single lesson. Different jobs from agencies started coming in, and before I knew it I was starring in random commercials on Japanese national TV and was the female voice narrator for children's textbooks. It wasn't always easy: some weeks I had no work and others I was working thirteen-plus-hour days and hardly getting a break. It was a really fun experience, and I enjoyed it a lot, but for me it wasn't a sustainable lifestyle in the long run. After eighteen months on the visa, I felt it was time to go home. I would definitely recommend taking the opportunity of coming here on the Working Holiday visa because it offers the most freedom to figure out if you really want to live in Japan or not.

Agathe is from France and spent the first part of her working holiday baking in a bakery before traveling around Japan for four months.

The best part of the experience for me was the food and meeting unique people—not only Japanese people, but interesting characters from around the world. On the downside, when I started my job as a pastry chef in Tokyo, I felt like some of my coworkers treated me as if I were a cute animal. They were very nice to me, but I could not gain their trust completely. This was frustrating as I was already a trained pastry chef in France. After I finished working, I looked for the cheapest ways to discover Japan. Sometimes I stayed in a farm (mainly in Hokkaido), and I also slept a lot in my tent. The Japanese countryside can be very wild, and that was something else I liked about my time there. Traveling felt very safe, so I slept well even if sometimes I was the only woman (and the only foreigner) at the campsite. For people considering a Working Holiday visa, I would advise you to learn a bit of Japanese before arriving and spend some time with a Japanese person to try to understand how it works over there.

A Working Holiday visa isn't for everyone. Programs like JET offer more stability and support, or you may have your heart set on getting a full-time job at a Japanese company . There are many ways into Japan, which is good because more people want to live in Japan than ever before. But if you value flexibility, have a little money in the bank, and don't want the type of work you can do to be restricted, a working holiday in Japan could be your next adventure.

If you're interested, your first stop should be the working holiday page on MOFA Japan's website or the links to your Japanese embassy listed earlier in this article . Good luck!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Asia » Japan » Everything You Need to Know about Working Holidays in Japan | 2024

Everything You Need to Know about Working Holidays in Japan | 2024

Working holidays abroad are a dream scenario for travel addicts. Normally our mind jumps to well-known destinations such as Australia and New Zealand. Did you know about working holidays in Japan?

You can fulfill that life-long dream of traveling around Japan long-term, with the added bonus of not depleting your hard-earned cash!

Japan is known worldwide for its amazing culture, jaw-dropping landscapes, next-level cities, and of course, its mouth-watering cuisine. Imagine spending a year abroad, chowing down on authentic Katsu, and admiring the cherry blossoms while they’re in season.

You’ll not only have the time of your life (this I can guarantee) but you’ll make life-long friends, learn about a new culture like never before, and probably learn some valuable life skills while you’re at it too.

If this   sounds like something you’d be up for, then keep on reading. We’ve got an article choc-full of tips, handy bits of info, and even options for some great working holidays.

Do You Want to Travel FOREVER??

Pop your email in below to get a FREE copy of ‘How to Travel the World on $10 a Day!’.

Taking a Working Holiday in Japan 

Top 5 tips for a working holiday in japan, japan working holiday visas , insurance for a working holiday in japan, working holiday in japan budget, earning money on a working holiday visa, pre-planned working holiday jobs with global work and travel, diy working holiday in japan, final thoughts .

Japan has a working holiday agreement with several countries. If you’re a citizen of one of the lucky nations then rejoice, because the process is easy as matcha cream pie, and you can find yourself with sexy travel job whilst being fully immersed in Japanese culture!

More often than not, we limit ourselves by thinking that working holidays are only for gap year students or new graduates. This couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you’re tired of your mundane job or just want a little breather for a year, then taking this kind of trip could be just the ticket.  Grown up gap years are becoming more and more popular.

Working holidays abroad are an amazing choice for people who want to experience a country long-term, but are a bit strapped for cash to simply lounge around for an easy gap year in Japan (a girl can dream). The beauty of this kind of trip is that you’ll be making money as you go , so you don’t have to worry about having mega savings in the bank. 

Best of all, your weekend and days off will be spent doing all the fun stuff. Imagine heading to the mountains for a short ski trip over winter, or relaxing in a Japanese onsen? Yes, yes, there will be some serious work going on too, but hey, if you could go away for up to a year, isn’t it worth it? 

What kind of work could you be doing? Well, there are loads of opportunities available with only a small number of prohibited jobs. The most popular working holiday jobs are low-skill work such as waiting tables in a restaurant, working in sales, or in the hospitality industry. But teaching English in Japan is also very common. Some people even use their time to focus on learning Japanese, enrolling in lessons and courses. 

This may all seem like a bit much, taking the leap and moving abroad can be a bit scary after all. But to ease your anxiety, there are some fab agencies out there to hold your hand throughout the entire process.

Go with Worldpackers

Worldpackers is an online company that connects travelers with foreign volunteer hosts who then work in exchange for housing . That being said, Worldpackers does do more than just connect volunteers to hosts. It offers a plethora of additional resources, a great support network, a blogging platform for collaboration, and a whole lot more.

Sounds pretty rad, right? But wait, there’s more!

According to their mission statement, Worldpackers is “ a community based on collaboration and honest relationships that make travel more accessible to those seeking a profound cultural experience. ” They value  environmentalism ,  authenticity ,  growth  and  working together  above all else and make a great effort to provide the best experience possible.

And even better – Broke Backpacker readers get a special discount of $10 ! When you use our special hookup, it makes even more sense to pay. Just use this Worldpackers discount code BROKEBACKPACKER and membership is discounted from $49 a year to $39.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

Go with Global Work and Travel

Here at The Broke Backpacker, we are all about Global Work and Travel . These guys ROCK! They are really trustworthy, truly care about your experience, and will give you assistance to make sure your working holiday in Japan is top-notch! 

It’s got a bit of a different approach than Worldpackers, but it offers JUST as many amazing opportunities for travellers.

It provides working holidays, teaching abroad, volunteering, au pair and student internship packages . On top of that, the agency plans, sorts and assists with visa requirements, connections to local businesses, accommodation search and job interviews.

Most products even come with flights and basic medical insurance, a 24/7 Emergency line and payment plans.

Yes! You’re really really thinking about leaving it all behind and setting up in Japan for a while! What else do you need to know? Here are my 5 top tips to see you through: 

• Know the duration of your stay. It’s a good idea to know roughly how long you plan on being in the country. If you only have time for a couple of months, a tourist visa will be a better fit for you, especially since in Japan, you will struggle to find short-term jobs. Citizens of certain countries have the option to extend their stay after an initial 6-month period.
• Getting the correct visa. If you are some of the lucky countries that are a part of the Japan working holiday visa programme, then applying for this visa is THE best choice by far – unless you are only going for a short while. If you are not eligible, you could consider teaching English in Japan using a work visa, studying on a student visa and working part-time, or just visiting Japan on a tourist visa. 
• Finding accommodation. Accommodation in Japan , especially Tokyo can get pretty pricey. For some types of jobs such as teaching or working in a ski resort, you may get assistance with finding discounted accommodation, but otherwise, the search will fall to you. A great option to save on housing costs is to think about shared houses. These are quite popular in Japan amongst young people (both locals and foreigners). Tokyo Share House is a great place to look, but bear in mind that some of these houses can have up to 30 people living in them! 
• Have a rough plan. Unlike the road trip culture of an Australia or even New Zealand working holidays , you will find it difficult to find short-term employment in Japan. If you want to use your Japan working holiday visa to explore the country, I’d recommend shooting for no more than four places/employers within a year. 
• Exploring the country in your free time. You didn’t come all the way to Japan just to stick to one area. You came to explore, and by far the best way of doing that is by train. Japan is one of the few countries worldwide that have bullet trains between major cities – these trains are ridiculously fast, with some clocking up speeds of up to 320 kilometers an hour! The Japan rail network is extensive with high speed, and local trains. I really recommend getting the Japan Rail Pass if you’re planning to travel around the country a bit. This pass is only available to non-Japanese passport holders and will save you a load of money.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

You’ve probably gathered by now that, like most working holidays abroad, there are conditions when looking to move to Japan on this kind of visa. The country has a working holiday agreement with several countries, with some general criteria, although some countries have slightly different rules. The countries eligible are Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom.

As well as being a citizen from one of these countries, you’ll also need to be aged between 18 and 30 years old, although for Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Korea, the age cap is 25. The age limit for Icelandic citizens is capped at 26 years old. To apply for the visa, you must have no dependents or children coming with you, have a valid passport, a return ticket or funds to purchase a return ticket, reasonable funds to support you during your initial stay, be in “good health”, and have not been previously issued this visa. 

The reasonable funds considered “necessary” by the Japanese government depend on your home country, so you may want to double-check with your local embassy. However, a good ballpark figure is between 288,000 – 460,000 JPY (2,500 – 4,000 USD) PLUS however much you need to buy a ticket home. This is a minimum, however, and saving a bit extra never hurts! 

There are limits as to how many visas are issued each year for each country. These are 10,000 (Taiwan), 6,500 (Canada), 1,500 (France and Hong Kong), 500 (Poland and Spain), 400 (Ireland, Slovakia, Czech Republic), 200 (Austria, Argentina, Chile, Hungary), 100 (Lithuania), 30 (Iceland), and no limits (Australia, Germany, New Zealand, Portugal). This is why getting your application in early is a good shout, the spots will fill up quickly! 

It should be noted that while these travelers are legally allowed to do most jobs, they are strictly prohibited from working in bars, nightclubs, gambling establishments, and cabarets. These types of jobs are said to affect public morals in Japan, and individuals found working in these kinds of jobs will be seen to have violated their visa agreement and be deported. 

To apply for your Japan working holiday visa, you need to submit your visa form , valid passport with photocopies, passport photos, proof of funds via bank statements that were issued within the last month, your return flight ticket (or one-way ticket as long as you show you can afford another one later on), resume/CV, a letter addressed to the Japanese Embassy or Consulate stating why you want to visit Japan, a schedule of your stay with cities, what kind of work you want to do, and any other activities. This needs to be done to the embassy or consulate of your home country. 

PHEW. That was a LOT. If you’re still raring to go then by all means… have at it! If you want a little assistance with all that , you’ll be happy to hear that there are services that help you sort everything out. Thank GOD. Visa First are a good option if you wanna sit back a little and just do all the fun bits (like planning your itinerary!), or Global Work and Travel will take care of everything . 

I personally always get a Japan travel insurance – no matter if it’s for a short trip, a long backpacking stint, or moving for a while. It’s helped me out more than a few times, and I’d hate to think of anyone finding themselves in a less than ideal situation without it!

We love WorldNomads for anyone who’s not sure of which company to go with. Everything is super easy to navigate, understand, PLUS they cover all your typical working holiday abroad activities. It’s a winner! 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Ouch. Time to talk about the dreaded figures. Although we don’t all like to budget and plan (guilty), this is a really important step of any trip. As mentioned earlier, to secure a Japan working holiday visa you will need to have enough money to cover your expenses at the beginning of your trip, and enough funds to buy an outbound flight if you didn’t purchase a return ticket. This is a big expense but don’t let it deter you, the extra cushion is to make sure YOU have the best time without any hiccups should something go wrong. 

No doubt if you dream of living it up in Tokyo and want to live city life to the max, you could end up maxing out your bank account. On the other end of the spectrum, life in rural parts of Japan or even smaller cities is considerably less expensive and you’ll be more likely to enjoy the finer things in life! To compare Tokyo and Akita (a modest-sized city), rent in a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center, transport, food, and activities will cost you around 2,000 USD in Tokyo or 1,100 USD in Akita. 

If you are considering working in the very rural parts of Japan, bear in mind that in many off-the-beaten-path places, the locals don’t speak English, you’ll need some basic Japanese under your belt to a) get a job and b) have the best time possible.

The cost of living in Japan varies, but be sure you have an idea so you have enough money.

The Japan working holiday visa is great and diverse! You could find yourself doing all kinds of jobs like working in a restaurant, being an au pair for a local family, light factory work, or sales. Legally, most jobs are allowed, with part-time (28 hours per week) or full-time (40 hours per week) available. In Tokyo, you would typically be paid between 890-1,500 JPY an hour, but this will vary for other cities, with lower living costs reflecting lower salaries. 

Some of the paperwork you’ll have to arrange on arrival are things such as registering as a resident, getting a tax number, setting up a bank account (see below), and probably getting a local phone number and contract. After that’s all set, it’s job-hunting time! Oh, be sure to get a Japan travel adapter too as the outlets are different here!

Even though you will be living and working in Japan, you will still technically be considered a non-resident under the income tax act. This means that you will be taxed at 20.42% on all your earnings. Your employer will deduct this from your salary each month so you don’t have to worry about it. One thing that really sucks is that there is no scheme or means by which you can claim back your tax after you leave. So you can kiss that hard-earned cash goodbye for good *cries*. 

Employers in Japan are very very unlikely to pay your salary into your foreign bank account. This means that you will have to set up a local Japanese bank account in order to get paid. There are only a handful of banks that will open accounts for foreigners so soon into their stay. A few of these are JP Bank, Shinsei Bank, and Rakuten Bank. However, you may want to do some extra research as some of these banks don’t allow foreign transfers into your local bank for the first six months. For this reason, definitely bring a credit or debit card from home, but be mindful of ATM fees! 

If you’re able to transfer money into your local account straight away, or if after 6 months you feel the need to, I advise against doing a direct bank transfer (HELLO extortionate fees) and using an international money transfer service instead! Wise (A.K.A.Transferwise) gives you great rates, as does Payoneer.

If you’re not big into planning and would rather have someone handle all of that for you, then have no fear, as there are some fantastic agencies and companies out there that do just that. As I mentioned earlier, Global Work and Travel are awesome. They have a range of cool working holiday programmes to choose from, will help with visas, setting up your new life, and more!

The main kind of jobs for those on a working holiday are teaching, hospitality work in hotels or ski resorts, trying your hand at some farm work, and many others. Here is our favourite.

Teaching in Japan

For working holidays, teaching English is a top choice and doesn’t need much explanation. But there are some requirements you’ll have to meet. Lucky for you Global Work and Travel is offering the full package for anyone who wants to teach English on their working holiday in Japan. You will need to have a Bachelor’s degree in any subject, and an international teaching accreditation is included in the programme. 

Once you’ve touched down in Japan as a newly qualified ESL teacher, you’ll attend some interviews, and one of the GWaT partner teaching organizations will offer you a paid teaching position. Some schools may require you to do a two-week training course before heading off to your new placement.

Most of the time, you will be provided with shared accommodation along with two to three other teachers. One of the most attractive things about teaching English in Japan is the BALLER salary. English teachers are in high demand and the potential salary is between 2,100 – 2,300 USD a month. 

It is possible to find a teaching job alone, without assistance, but 80% of jobs need you to be IN the country first, so be prepared to head to some interviews and do some paperwork. There are some great websites for finding teaching jobs, but it is a competitive market so many people prefer to go with agencies. 

The GWaT working holiday programme not only offers job interviews with prospective schools, but you’ll also have a dedicated trip coordinator who will hold your hand, so to speak, throughout the whole process. Their pre-departure plan will also act as a comprehensive guide not only about what to expect from your trip, but about Japan too. They even offer visa guidance so you don’t need to get all worked up about the requirements, paperwork, etc. Amazing!

If you don’t enjoy partaking in anything pre-planned, and prefer to do things your own way at your own pace, the good news is that you can do it! It is the ideal situation for any of you adventurous folks who wanna touch down without a concrete plan and just wing it!

You will have to take responsibility for your own visa, flights, local bank account, paperwork, and maybe need to save a little extra – in case you don’t find your dream job right away. 

When DIY-ing it, the time of year you apply could affect your success. Applying in May, after the end of the last financial year is the best time. As I mentioned above, there may be a limit per country as to how many Japan working holiday visas they grant, so getting in nice and early gives you the best chance of being accepted.

Your best bet for finding a job is to do it on the ground. Employers will normally want to be sure of your visa, check you have a tax number, and a local bank account etc. before making a commitment to you. This website has a ton of part-time jobs (don’t be deterred that the website is in Japanese, as they specifically state they accept foreigners).

If you want to fill up your time with something a little different from the classic 9-5 job, sites like WWOOF, Worldpackers , and Workaway are fab options to find some unique experiences in exchange for accommodation and possible meals. They are a great way to immerse yourself in local culture as you could be living with a local family and working with local people.

I don’t know about you, but I am about ready to leave it all and start a new life abroad. As far as working holidays abroad go… Japan seems like the ideal place. You will be fully immersed in an incredible culture that will not only challenge you, but teach you a whole lot about yourself at the same time. 

I mean, spending ANY amount of time in Japan has got to be the dream, let alone up to a year. This would be the perfect opportunity to explore the country in-depth, from discovering the coral reefs of Okinawa to scouting out the best ramen houses in Tokyo. Not to mention all the incredible friends you’ll make. This could be fellow teachers in the local school you’re teaching at or other servers at the ski resort you’ve decided to spend the winter season working in. 

Whatever job you choose (whether DIY-ing it or going through a trusted agency), I am positive that you will have the most fantastic time ever. One thing to remember is to take lots of photos and take it all in, as this could be the best year of your life!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Tokyo Cheapo (繁體中文)

Guide to Working Holidays in Japan

A Working Holiday in Japan is the OG workation. This visa type allows you to both travel and work in Japan — legally . Imagine a gap year, but with the ability to work and top up your travel funds as you go. Yeah, they’re pretty great.

However, before you get too excited there are a few things you need to know. For example, not everyone can get a Working Holiday Visa, and you have to apply in advance. There are also a few bureaucratic things you should know about to make sure you’re doing everything by the book. But don’t worry, a few of us here at Tokyo Cheapo started our lives in Japan with Working Holiday Visas, and we’ve compiled our knowledge here for you.

NOTE: We are not visa experts. While we do our best to make sure all information presented here is accurate, we’re not perfect. Before making any decisions about visas be sure to consult official sources like the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan .

What is a Working Holiday Visa?

A Working Holiday Visa (often abbreviated to WHV) is a type of visa that allows you to holiday in Japan for an extended period of time, and work to supplement your travels.

Unlike other categories of working visa, a Working Holiday Visa doesn’t require a company to sponsor you. You file the application by yourself in your home country. There also aren’t as many restrictions on the type of work you can do on a WHV, compared to a regular working visa.

It’s not uncommon for people to come to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, and then decide to stay. However, if you do that you will need to follow the correct immigration procedures to switch visa type — and you may have to leave the country in the meantime.

A quick terminology breakdown

Let’s just make sure we’re clear on a few key terms before we go any further.

Working Holiday Visa: This is what we’re here to talk about. A special type of visa that allows holders to work while on holiday in Japan. They are usually valid for six months to a year.

Working Visa: A visa category that allows holders to live and work in Japan long term. There are numerous types of working visa, usually specific to the type of work you’re allowed to do. These visas are often sponsored by your employer, and are usually valid for one to five years.

Residence Card: A card that is issued to foreign residents of Japan by the Japanese Government. It serves as an identity card, and includes details like your name, nationality, visa type, address in Japan and period of stay.

City/Ward Office: A local government office that handles various bureaucratic tasks including the registration of residents, health insurance, and pension/welfare benefits. Not all City/Ward Offices have English speaking staff or resources, especially those in regional areas.

Period of stay: The number of months or years that your visa is valid for. For Working Holiday Visa holders it’s usually six months or one year. Your Residence Card will have the period, and the visa expiration date, written on it.

Who can go on a working holiday in Japan?

There are 26 countries that have Working Holiday Visa agreements with Japan. The earliest countries to sign on were Australia, New Zealand and Canada in the 1980s. After that, a fair few European countries joined the program including the U.K., Germany and France. The only Asian countries that have WHV agreements with Japan are the Republic of Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong. There are also two South American countries on the list — Chile and Argentina. Notably, the U.S.A does not have a Working Holiday Agreement with Japan.

You can find the full list of countries here . If your country isn’t one of the 26, then unfortunately a Working Holiday isn’t an option for you. However, the list is steadily expanding with the most recent additions of Sweden, Estonia and the Netherlands in 2020, so don’t give up hope.

What are the requirements?

While the requirements for a Working Holiday Visa are similar, there are some differences depending on your nationality. For the most accurate information check the website of your country’s Embassy or Consulate-General of Japan. Here are some of the general requirements though, to get you started:

• Be aged 18 to 30 years old at the time of application (this goes right up until the day before you turn 31).
• Have proof of a return ticket OR proof you have enough money to buy one.
• AND have proof of enough funds to support yourself for the first few months after arrival.
• Be in good health.

In addition to these, you must never have recieved a Working Holiday Visa for Japan before, and you should be “intending primarily to spend your holiday in Japan for a specific length of time” (source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs website ). Basically, don’t hop around between Japan and other countries too much, or spend most of your time in Japan working. Oh, and while you can go on a Working Holiday with your partner (if they also meet the requirements), you can’t bring dependents (children) with you.

How do you apply for a Working Holiday Visa?

Your first step should be to check the Embassy of Japan or Consulate-General of Japan website for your country. Here is where you’ll find country specific requirements. Keep in mind that in most cases you have to apply in person from your country of citizenship. For example, if you’re an Australian citizen currently living in the U.K, you have to return to Australia to be able to apply, even though both Australia and the U.K have Working Holiday Agreements with Japan.

The website will have a list of documents required for your application. Again there are some differences between countries, but some of the documents you might need to prepare include:

• A valid passport
• A completed Visa Application Form and 35 mm x 45 mm passport style photo
• An up-to-date CV or resume
• Flight details
• A proposed itinerary/schedule
• A statement of purpose
• Proof of funds*
• Proof of good health

*Your Embassy or Consulate-General will usually have a suggested amount. It varies a lot though, expect anywhere from ¥ 200,000 to ¥ 400,000 for a single person with no return ticket.

Once you’ve filled out all your documents, you’ll need to submit them to your Embassy/Consulate-General of Japan. This is usually done in person, but some countries may accept postal or online applications.

Then it’s just a matter of waiting. Usually, you’ll be contacted regarding the outcome after one or two weeks. The next steps normally involve handing over your passport to get your Visa stamp, and possibly more form-filling.

But once all that’s done, congratulations! You’re ready to get on the plane.

What jobs can you do on a working holiday in Japan?

The Working Holiday Visa has surprisingly few restrictions regarding what kind of work you can do, or how many hours you can work. You can’t work in “premises affecting public morals” — think bars, nightclubs and gambling establishments — or you risk deportation. However, pretty much anything else is fair game.

Common jobs for Working Holiday Visa holders include English teaching, and hotel/hostel and ski resort work, as these can be more accommodating of short term workers. Also, because of the COVID-19 pandemic remote work has become more common in Japan. You might be able to find remote work jobs in the tech or games industries, in addition to education, sales and translation.

Finding a job

Nobody likes job searching, but in the context of a Working Holiday Visa it can actually be kind of exciting. It’s an opportunity to gain experience in a completely new industry, or get international experience in your industry.

If you’re especially keen you could start looking online for work before you arrive in Japan. There are lots of job search websites out there, including a large number of English language sites specifically for foreigners.

However, if you start looking for jobs after arriving you can visit in person job search centers like Tokyo Employment Service Center for Foreigners and Hello Work (website in Japanese only).

Extending your stay

Working Holiday Visas come with an initial period of stay that’s usually around six months. Often, Working Holiday Visa holders can apply at the Immigration Office to have their visa extended by another six months.

If you want to stay on after using up your extension, you may be able to change to another visa type. A Working Visa is a popular choice, especially if you’ve found an employer that you like, or a Student Visa if you’d like to study at a Japanese language school or graduate school. However, depending on your nationality, you may not be able to change visa type from within Japan. Instead, you may have to return to your home country and apply for another visa from there.

In case we haven’t said it enough in this article, check the requirements specific to your nationality .

Pro tips for making the most of your Working Holiday in Japan

So, here we are. You’ve got your Working Holiday Visa and you’re ready to live your best (Working Holiday) life. Here are some tried and tested pro tips from us here at Tokyo Cheapo to help you make the most of it.

• Get a Japanese phone number before you arrive. Even if it’s only temporary, it will save you some hassle, especially when trying to open a bank account.
• Get a room in a sharehouse or homestay to start out. You can’t register a hotel or a AirBnb address at your City/Ward Office. And without an address you can’t open a bank account.
• Speaking of which, open a bank account with Japan Post Bank (Yūcho Ginkō). Some other banks won’t allow you to open a bank account until you’ve been in Japan for six months. JP Bank lets you do it right away.
• Pack smart: Some medicines and products might be hard to get in Japan (just make sure you get the proper paperwork for medicine). Also keep in mind that Japanese clothes tend to be on the smaller side — good luck if you are tall, have big feet or wide hips.
• Seasonal work, at ski resorts for example, is a great way to start out.
• Know your rights as a worker in Japan. Here some of the basics: The minimum hourly wage depends on the region you’re in but it’s usually ¥ 850 to ¥ 1,000 . If you work more than six hours in a row you’re entitled to a 45 minute unpaid break, if you work for eight hours you get a 1 hour break. Generally, you shouldn’t work more than 40 hours per week (excluding breaks).
• You are allowed to leave Japan during your period of stay, but you need to get a re-entry permit from the airport on your way out.

Pros and cons of a Working Holiday in Japan

We know this is all a lot of information to take in. Maybe you’re even questioning whether you want a Working Holiday Visa after all. Here’s a quick run down of the pros and cons of a WHV to help you make up your mind.

Starting your life in Japan

To get off on the right foot, here are some things you’ll need to take care of after arriving in Japan.

• Get a SIM card
• Open a bank account
• Consider transfering money to your new bank account
• Find a place to stay
• Visit the City or Ward Office to: register your address, and sign up for National Health Insurance and the National Pension

Now, you might have noticed we bolded that last point. That’s because it’s a legal requirement to register your address at the City or Ward Office within 14 days of moving in. The address will be printed on your Residence Card, and when you move out you have to go back and notify them that you’re moving. This is what we meant when we said moving a lot will mean a lot of paperwork. Signing up for National Health Insurance and the National Pension are also legal requirements. Even if you have insurance and a pension in your home country, you still have to sign up for the Japanese ones while you’re here. Both of these things will involve regular payments after signing up.

NOTE: City/Ward Offices don’t always have English speaking staff or resources, especially in regional areas. The camera function on Google Translate, while imperfect, can be really helpful when filling out paperwork.

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to get a Working Holiday Visa? If you meet all the requirements and submit the correct documentation, it’s normally pretty easy. However, some countries have a maximum number of applicants that are accepted each year, so that might be something to consider.

How many times can you get a Working Holiday Visa? You can only get it once. However, if you are impacted by unforeseen circumstances (like COVID-19 travel restrictions), you might be able to apply again.

Is it worth getting a Working Holiday Visa? Our biased answer is yes! It’s a great way to travel in Japan while still being able to earn some money.

Can you get a JR Pass while on a Working Holiday Visa? Nope. Working Holiday Visa holders are considered residents of Japan, and therefore aren’t eligible for country-wide JR Passes. However, there are some regional JR Pass available to foreign residents of Japan .

How much does a Working Holiday Visa for Japan cost? Working Holiday Visas are free. However, you Embassy/Consulate-General of Japan may charge a processing, issuing, or visa fee of some kind. If you extend your visa after arriving in Japan, you will have to pay a fee of ¥ 4,000 at the Immigration Office when you pick up your new visa.

Get our Tokyo Cheapo Hacks direct to your inbox

Which is the Best View in Tokyo: Top Observation Decks

When to See Cherry Blossoms in Japan

A Beginner's Guide to Shibuya - Scramble Crossing, Shopping & Great Views!

How and Where to Buy Shinkansen Tickets

A Guide to ALL Pokemon Centers in Tokyo, Japan

Luggage Storage In Tokyo

Renting a Pocket Wifi Router in Japan: The Best Options

Final Forecast: 2024 Tokyo Cherry Blossom Dates

Here's when to see the pink stuff.

The Best eSIMs for Visiting Japan

See which provider offers the best deal.

The Best Tokyo Events, by Month

Find out what's happening in Tokyo throughout the year — and when to go.

Planning the Perfect Trip to Japan: A Booking Timeline

When is the best time to book hotels, buy tickets to Ghibli Park, and sort out everything else?

The Ultimate Tokyo Wide Pass Itinerary

See a bunch of Japan's most famous sights in just 3 days.

6 Best Student Accommodations in Tokyo

Is dorm life really the best life?

January 2024: 5 Events Not to Miss

Start the new year with some festive fun and ward off the winter blues.

5 Reasons To Move To East Tokyo

Why Monzen-Nakacho and surrounds are such desirable places to live.

Full Guide to Seeing Sumo in Tokyo

The next Grand Sumo Tournament is less than a month away — have you booked?

7 Winter Day Trips and Tours From Tokyo

Bundle up — and get out there!

Quick Guide to Tokyo One-Day Passes

Do they actually save you money?

English Mental Health Resources in Tokyo

Navigating mental health resources here can be daunting, but there is support available.

Close without accepting

• EN - English
• PT - Portuguese
• ES - Spanish
• How it works
• Become a Host
• Download the app

Top Destinations

• United States
• United Kingdom

What type of experience are you looking for?

• Non-Profit School
• Permaculture project
• Eco Village
• Holistic Center
• Guest House
• How Worldpackers works

Learn from the most experienced travelers of the community

Traveling with worldpackers, planning and budgeting for travel, make a living while traveling as a lifestyle, travel with worldpackers.

• Using Worldpackers

Work exchange

• Social impact

Plan your trip

• Women traveling
• Budget travel
• Solo travel
• Language learning
• Travel tips
• Get inspired
• Digital nomads
• Travel jobs
• Personal development
• Responsible travel
• Connect with nature

Top destinations

• South America
• Central America
• North America
• More destinations
• WP Life WP Life
• Exclusive discounts Discounts

Filtering by:

Destination.

• Chōsei District
• Iwanai District
• Kitaazumi District
• Kitaibaraki
• Abuta District
• Ako District
• Haginochaya
• Hatsukaichi
• Hirakata City
• Kamikawa District
• Kitahama,Beppu
• Kumage District
• Minamikoma District
• Minamiuonuma District
• Nagaoka District
• Nakagami District
• Ochi District
• Okawachiyama , Otsu 1846
• Takaoka District

Program Types

Exchange your skills for accommodation

Eco Program

Learn in Ecovillages, Farms & Permaculture Projects

Social Impact

Volunteer in NGOs, Schools & Social Projects

Higher chance of approval

Hosts that recently have approved volunteers and are looking for more applications

Hosts that have good ratings and receive many worldpackers

Opportunities for couples and pairs

Hosts that welcome couples or two friends traveling together

Purpose of the trip

• Immerse yourself in the local culture
• Connect with the locals
• Connect with international travelers
• Practice English
• Expand your social consciousness
• Make a real social impact
• Expand your environmental consciousness
• Learn about sustainability
• Practice Spanish

Availability

Last minute.

Needs help immediately

How do you help

• Welcoming & Helping Guests
• Household Chores
• Farming & Eco Activities
• Building & Maintenance
• Communication & Marketing
• Community Work
• Child or Elderly Care
• Kitchen & Bar Tasks
• Interacting & Entertaining Guests
• Housekeeping
• Kitchen Hand
• Building & Repairing
• Night Shift
• Teaching Languages
• Painting & Decorating
• Social Work
• Animal Care
• Content Writer
• Photography
• Social Media
• Video Making
• Party Promoter
• Teaching Sports
• Pet Sitting
• Hospitality
• Private School
• Sustainable Community
• Shared Home
• Contact with nature
• City & Town
• Adventure Sports
• Contact with animals
• Vegetarian / Vegan
• Yoga / Meditation

Hours of collaboration per week

Travel length.

Medium Term

• At least one
• All included

Accommodations

• Shared Dorm
• Private Room

Perfect for digital nomads

• Basic Internet Access
• Fast Internet Access
• Dedicated Workspace

Additional Benefits

• Use our equipped kitchen
• Free Laundry
• Bikes at your disposal
• Free Events
• Discounts on Drinks
• Get free drinks or beverages.
• Language lessons
• Free Parties
• Discounts on Accommodation
• Free Hiking Tours
• Discounts on Restaurants
• Discounts on Parties
• Discounts on Tours
• Discounts on Pubs
• Surf lessons
• Holistic Therapies
• Yoga classes
• Dance classes
• Permaculture Course

Work exchange and Volunteer opportunities in Japan

86 opportunities found

Hostel nikko, Japan

Come help us in beautiful scenic natural riverside hiking area

• Higher approval

Homestay Fukuroi, Japan

Help around our garden and experience Japanese family house

Non-Profit School Hirakata City, Japan

Volunteer work in exchange for free Accommodation (Hirakatashi)

A day in the life of a worldpacker.

A month and a half living in Indonesia ✨

Volunteering in Portugal 🏄🏽‍♂️🤙🏼

Teaching English in Tanzania ❤️​👩🏻‍🏫​

A week volunteering with turtles in Mexico✨🐢

Guest House Hiroshima, Japan

Now recruiting guesthouse helpers in Hiroshima!

Hostel Hiroshima, Japan

Help as a receptionist and cleaning staff

Hostel Kitaazumi District, Japan

Winter season cleaning and clearing snow

Other Shimoda, Japan

Evolve yourself through many experiences in the mountain life

Hotel Takaoka District, Japan

Help us in the morning and explore the Japanese countryside in the afternoon!

Guest House 玉野市築港, Japan

Let's live a relaxing life in a port town near an art island

Farm Nagaoka District, Japan

Not a tourist spot. Experience country life in Kochi in Shikoku.

• Sustainable project

Guest House Nagasaki, Japan

Help us with cleaning in Nagasaki, Japan! [Required work visa]

Hostel Ito, Japan

Live in 100-year-old Japanese heritage house and enjoy!

Hostel Nikko, Japan

Cleaning Helper ( Working Holiday Visa Holder ONLY)

Hostel Naha, Japan

Come and Help at our Friendly International Guesthouse in Okinawa

Guest House Tanabe, Japan

UNESCO Hiking Trail with Daily Onsen Experience (WH Visa needed)

Farm awa, Japan

Help out on a bee farm and learn how to harvest honey in Awa city

Join the community.

Create a free Worldpackers account to discover volunteer experiences perfect for you and get access to exclusive travel discounts!

How can I volunteer in Japan?

Japan is often expensive for tourists, so volunteering is a great alternative to save money while traveling there. Depending on what you like to do, you can help take care of the elderly or children, teach languages, cleaning, cooking and other activities. The important thing is to find something that you’re passionate about! The activities also depend on where you decide to go. You can explore modern Tokyo, or enjoy nature in Kyoto, Okinawa, the warm waters of Beppu and more.

8 tips on how to immerse yourself in local culture (plus what NOT to do)

This is how you get a room in exchange for work around the world

Why should I volunteer in Japan?

Japan is a modern nation, with many unique cultural aspects. Even with a thriving economy and less need for volunteers than its neighboring Asian countries, you can still find volunteer opportunities in Japan. It’s a good idea to teach English as a volunteer in Japan, since there’s a high demand for international teachers. It’s possible to find volunteer opportunities in Tokyo, Osaka and other big cities in Japan, as well as rural areas. Another good reason to go is that Japan is a very safe travel destination!

Top 10 safest countries we recommend for solo female travel

What is like to come back home after traveling the world volunteering

What to expect from a volunteer work experience in Japan?

The kind of social work you can develop there will vary depending on the region. In general, japanese people are known to be shy, but if you embrace their culture and are open to collaborating and exchanging knowledge, they become very receptive. Keep your mind open, as travel is about learning and finding your best self! It’s very important that you communicate clearly with your host and fellow travelers and use our inbox to get all your questions answered before you travel. You can also chat with anyone who has traveled to Japan through Worldpackers, and ask for tips from our experts.

5 ways to embrace cultural differences while traveling

15 best cities for digital nomads in 2019

What to see when doing tourism in Japan?

Japan is a place where ancient traditions meet modern life in high-tech metropolis like Tokyo. A visit to the "Land of the Rising Sun" will allure even the most experienced traveler. Japan has 20 World Heritage Sites, including Himeji Castle, Ancient Kyoto and Nara. Still in Kyoto, you can see wildlife at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama or relax at Kinkaku-ji Temple. Other popular tourist attractions include Hiroshima and Mount Fuji.

25 amazing adventures for solo travelers to meet like-minded people

How to find cheap airfare anytime of year

The best cities to volunteer in Japan

Find volunteer opportunities in Okinawa, an archipelago of 169 islands, with 9 registered UNESCO World Heritage sites! In addition to a rich history, like all of Japan, Okinawa is also a great beach destination with fine sand and an unforgettable light blue sea.  Tokyo is the world’s most populous metropolitan area and probably unlike anything you've ever seen. The clichés are true: always a lot of people on the lively streets, lights flashing everywhere, tall buildings, the busiest intersections, and a commitment to the development of a very futuristic city but with respect for Japan’s glorious past. Being a volunteer in Tokyo, Japan is the experience of a lifetime!

Opportunities in Tokio, Japan

Opportunities in Okinawa, Japan

Why travel to Tokyo?

Japan’s culture is truly timeless and Tokyo is a great city to explore all facets from ancient to contemporary japanese culture. The Imperial Palace and Sensoji Temple will take you back to imperial times. The Yasukuni Shrine was built in memory of those who fought for Japan in wars. And the Tokyo Dome leisure complex brings you back to Japan’s modern present. World-famous Cherry Blossoms can be seen from several spots in the city. A good tip is Sumida Park, which is not as crowded as Ueno Park or Shinjuku Gyoen. Also, Koishikawa Botanical Garden and Koishikawa Korakuen are calm spaces to rest after a day of exploring.  

12 cheapest places for digital nomads

How to choose the best travel backpack

How can I use Worldpackers to visit Japan?

Visiting Japan can be quite expensive. You can use Worldpackers to save some money by exchanging work for accommodation in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Osaka and many other places included in our host list. Make a profile and check them out! Can you picture yourself at Akihabara getting to know the otaku culture? Or maybe getting out Shibuya Station, where you will see one of Tokyo's most colourful and busy crossings, packed with restaurants and nightclubs! You can explore Japan applying for the positions you like once you become a Worldpackers member, for only $49 a year. 

How teaching abroad changed my life

The best travel apps for the techy traveler

Volunteer opportunities in Japan with Worldpackers

Want to find work exchange opportunities in Japan? With Worldpackers it gets easy! Check out our host list to see what the Japanese hosts have to offer. When filling out your profile, put the skills you master and those you want to learn. Your trip will become much cheaper because the hosts offer lodging in exchange for a few hours of volunteer work a day, as well as meals and other benefits. Become a member so you can apply for all the work exchange positions you wish and travel all year long paying only once.

How Worldpackers works: the complete guide

Time to prepare for your trip as a worldpacker!

How do Worldpackers trips work?

As a member, you can contact as many hosts and travel safely as many times as you want.

Choose your plan to travel with Worldpackers as many times as you like.

Complete your profile, watch the video lessons in the Academy, and earn certificates to stand out to hosts.

Apply to as many positions as you like, and get in contact with our verified hosts.

If a host thinks you’re a good fit for their position, they’ll pre-approve you.

Get your documents and tickets ready for your volunteer trip.

Confirm your trip to enjoy all of the safety of Worldpackers.

Have a transformative experience and make a positive impact on the world.

If anything doesn’t go as planned with a host, count on the WP Safeguard and our highly responsive support team!

After volunteering, you and your host exchange reviews.

With positive reviews, you’ll stand out to hosts and get even more benefits.

• Intensive Japanese Courses
• Lite Intensive Japanese Courses
• Part-time Japanese Classes
• Private Lessons
• JLPT Prep Courses
• Online Japanese Lessons
• JLPT Online Instruction & Exercise – 6 Month Course
• Self-Study Courses
• About Coto Japanese Academy
• Iidabashi Japanese Language School
• Shibuya Japanese Language School
• Yokohama Japanese Language School
• Minato Japanese Language School
• Our Teaching Philosophy
• Student Visa Support
• Corporate Solutions
• Japanese Blog
• All articles

How to Travel, Work, and Study in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa

Whether you’re interested in exploring the country’s rich cultural heritage, indulging in its delicious cuisine, or simply soaking up the local way of life, you’ll find that Japan has something to offer to everyone. Thanks to Japan’s Working Holiday Visa program, you can have a taste of what’s living and working in Japan like without needing to commit to a full-time job, join a university course, or have a visa sponsor.  

Every year, over 15,000 people come to Japan as part of the country’s Working Holiday Visa program.  This program represents a dream come true for many young people interested in discovering a different and vibrant culture, whether it be exploring Tokyo or experiencing the quiet serenity of the Japanese countryside.

If you want to come to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, this article will guide you on the main things you need to know to get this visa, including the requirements you need to fulfill, as well as useful information on how to find a job, housing, and other key essentials to start your life in Japan. 

What’s a Working Holiday Visa in Japan? 

Let’s start with some basics—according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the  Working Holiday Visa is “intended to make it possible for the youth of Japan and its partner countries/regions to enter each country/region primarily for the purpose of spending  holidays while allowing them to engage in employment as an incidental activity of their holidays for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds.”

The main keyword here is incidental activity and supplementing travel funds. In other words, while you can engage in paid activities while in the country, the main purpose of this visa is for you to explore the country and enjoy its culture. A working holiday in Japan is designed for foreigners who want to have fun in Japan while they do part-time or freelance to supplement their day-to-day expenses. 

Working holiday programs are bilateral agreements Japan made with specific countries, in which Japanese people can work in that country under the same visa type, too. The Working Holiday Program was first launched in 1980, with Australia being the first country to benefit from it. As of 2023, the program has been expanded to 26 countries and regions. Every year, about 15,000 individuals benefit from it, according to Japan’s Foreign  Ministry. 

For more reference, head to the  working holiday page on MOFA Japan’s website .

Am I Eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan?

The Working Holiday Visa allows you to work in Japan during the duration of your visa to supplement your travels in the country. You don’t need a sponsor to apply and can do it directly from your home country. However, you can only apply if you have a passport from one of the 26 listed countries that take part in this program. 

 As of 2023, here is the updated list, as divulged by the Foreign Ministry of Japan: 

• Australia 
• New Zealand 
• Canada 
• Denmark 
• France 
• Germany 
• Ireland 
• Norway 
• South Korea 
• United Kingdom 
• Hong Kong SAR 
• Taiwan 
• Portugal 
• Poland 
• Slovakia 
• Austria 
• Hungary 
• Spain 
• Argentina 
• Chile 
• Iceland 
• Czech 
• Lithuania 
• Sweden 
• Estonia 

Also, there are a few other preconditions . First, you must be between 18 and 30 years of age, both inclusive, at the visa application time. For Australia, Canada, and the Republic of Korea, an applicant should be between 18 and 25 years of age, except in those cases where the competent authorities of Japan agree to extend the age limitation to 30 years. If you are from  Iceland, you can only apply between 18 and 26 years of age.

You can’t come accompanied by children or other dependents. This means you can’t sponsor your spouse or family to come to Japan.

Next, you must present a return travel ticket or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket. The other thing would be needing to prove to have enough funds to support your stay in the country.

 Finally, the last one might sound obvious, but you have to be in good health. 

How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Japan? 

To apply, you need to directly contact the Embassy or Japan’s Consulate in your country.  In most cases, you must apply in person from your country of citizenship. Even though, there are some differences between countries, here is some basic documentation that you need to prepare: 

• A copy of your passport. 
• A completed Visa Application form was obtained from Japan’s Embassy in your country.
• Flight details and proposed itinerary/schedule in Japan. 
• A statement of purpose. 
• Proof of good health and proof of funds. 
• Your updated resume. 

Do I Need a Job to Go to Japan?

No, you don’t need to have a job before applying for this visa—you can start finding employment once arrive in Japan. Keep in mind, however, that you are “strictly prohibited from working at bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gambling establishments, and other premises affecting public morals in Japan,” according to the Foreign Ministry. If you happen to be found engaging in such activities, you could be deported back to your home country, so,  better to follow the rules.  

The good news is besides these prohibited occupations, you are pretty much free to engage in all other types of jobs, which gives you great flexibility to follow your goals and build up your CV while working in Japan. Also, there’s no limit to the number of hours you can work, and you can choose to work part-time or even full-time in Japan.

What You Can Do in Japan During Working Holidays

The purpose of a Working Holiday visa is for you to have a great time in Japan while doing some side hustle to support this. While applying for this visa, you will need to provide an outline of your intended activities. This should be detailed enough for you to show that you’re truly intending on exploring Japan — visiting onsen towns , skiing in Hokkaido, or sightseeing in Okinawa. 

At the same time, you can make it vague enough to allow for flexibility in your travel plans. You don’t need to show a rundown of your day-to-day schedule!

1. Travel Around Japan

The main purpose of this visa is technically still traveling, so do travel as much as you can and as your budget allows! After all, Japan has plenty to offer, from North to South. 

Most people come to Japan under a Working Holiday visa so they could both work and travel with relative ease. There is no limit on how many hours or days per week or how many months you can work on a Working Holiday Visa in Japan, so you can technically work full-time in Japan.

3. Internship

If you are interested in pursuing an internship in Japan, it’s important to research different programs and companies, as well as prepare your application materials, such as a strong resume and cover letter. With dedication and effort, an internship in Japan can be a truly rewarding experience. A lot of big, international companies in Japan have amazing internship programs.

4. Study Japanese

Studying Japanese is the ultimate way to fully immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Japan! Not only will it help you communicate with the locals and make the most of your working holiday, but it’ll also open doors to exciting new experiences and adventures.

If you are only visiting Tokyo for a few months, it may be hard to find a language school to study Japanese with due to rigid start and finish dates

Coto Academy is the perfect place for foreigners who want to come to Japan on a working holiday visa to learn the language and culture of this fascinating country. You will not only improve your language skills but will also gain a deeper understanding of the customs and traditions of Japan, making your experience in the country more enriching and enjoyable.

How Long Can I Stay in Japan Under a Working Holiday Visa? 

All Working Holiday Visas in Japan are up to one year. Citizens of Australia, Canada, and  New Zealand must, however, extend their visas after six months.  

In principle, you cannot review your Working Holiday Visa after one year. However, you could apply to change your visa into a working visa given certain conditions. The final decision will ultimately depend on the Japanese Immigration Bureau. It’s not uncommon for many foreigners to upstart their Japanese life under a Holiday Working visa to then change to another type of visa, such as a working visa or other types.

For more information, it is better to consult with the local immigration office once in Japan. 

Life in Japan with a Working Holiday Visa

Accommodation in japan.

Finding a place to rent in Japan can be challenging, especially if you are new to the country and don’t have a local support system. Yet, there are several options available to those living in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa.  

One popular option is to use a real estate agency, which can help you find a suitable apartment or house based on your needs and budget. Another option is looking for a place through online listings, such as Suumo or Craigslist. Finding housing through local contacts, such as friends, acquaintances, or language exchange partners, is also possible. 

To simplify your house-hunting experience, share houses are probably your best option. Besides that, there are great short-term accommodations that are both foreign and English-friendly.

Mobile Number and Bank Account

Besides housing and a job, there are a few other essential things you need to solve to start your new Japanese life well. You probably need a local phone number, an Internet connection, a Japanese bank account, and a public transportation card.  

Getting a phone and internet connection in Japan is relatively straightforward. Besides the major mobile phone companies such as  NTT Docomo, Au, and SoftBank, there are also newer firms such as Rakuten Mobile and Line Mobile, which offer cheaper plans. Check the different options to find the one that suits you better.  

You can sign up for a plan online or in person at the store, and most companies will require a Japanese address and proof of identity. It’s important to carefully consider your needs and budget before choosing a plan, as some companies may charge extra for international roaming or data usage.  

Opening a bank account in Japa n is another critical step, as it will allow you to manage your finances and, most importantly, get paid in the country in local currency. Mitsubishi UFJ, Sumitomo Mitsui, and Mizuho are among the major Japanese banks, although other financial institutions such as SBI  Shinsei Bank are popular among foreigners for being more expedited in their processes.  

Once again, you need to check different options to find the one that fits you better

Transportation

Getting your Suica Card or Pasmo Card, Japan’s main prepaid cards that allow you to pay for your subway, buses, trains, and even groceries at most konbini around the country (and coffees at Starbucks) is perhaps the most straightforward process. 

To obtain one of those cards, simply go to one subway or train station and look for the ticket vending machine. Find the Suica or Pasmo option on the ticket machine’s menu,  and select it. Choose the amount of money you wish to load, with a minimum of 2,000 yen, insert the cash, and wait for the card to be delivered to you almost instantly. 

If you are wondering about the differences between the Suica and the Pasmo, or wish to know more about other available public transportation cards, this article can help you out. Spoiler—the main difference between Suica and Pasmo is that they are provided and managed by different companies, yet they are quite equal in terms of coverage.

Staying in Japan After a Working Holiday Visa

So you have obtained your Working Holiday visa. You might find yourself enjoying your life in Japan and starting to wonder if you can stay in Japan to settle here. Would this be possible?

The short answer is yes! The Working Holiday visa is not intended for long-term stays. In fact, it’s designed for people who “intend to leave Japan at the end of their stay.”

However, you can continue living in Japan after your visa expires by changing your visa status. Converting to a working visa (such as a humanities visa) is a possible and very common case among foreigners.

You will have to find a company that is willing to sponsor you. The good news is that this might be easier because of the added convenience of already living in Japan. If you’re already working for a company, either part-time or full-time, it’s good to communicate your desire to continue working under a sponsored working visa at least 2-3 months before your Working Holiday visa expires.

If you haven’t worked yet, you might be wondering how to find a  good job in Japan . Japan’s local labor market can be broadly divided into two main categories: The mid-career job market, and the fresh graduate job market. Understanding this difference can be essential to define your job-hunting strategy. 

To look for a job in Japan, you can try different online portals for job hunting , or attend one of the many job fairs in different cities. Here are a few English-language boards where you can find several job openings. 

• LinkedIn 
• Daijob 
• Jobs in Japan 
• Work Japan 
• Japandev 
• Tokyodev 

Those who feel confident with their Japanese level can also try to explore Japanese-only online job boards.

Job fairs are other good options. Among them, I recommend the CFN Tokyo Career Forum, held in June and December, and the Daijob Career Fair, held in February, March,  and July. Last but not least, you can also try to rely upon a recruiting agency. These agencies are usually free of charge for the job seeker, although recruiters are primarily active in the mid-career job market. 

Check out our article about  obtaining a Japan work visa!

What’s so great about the Working Holiday visa if you’re eligible) is that it offers more flexibility. You can get a full-time job along the way, learn Japanese, or stick to traveling around the country when you want. While this isn’t for everyone — particularly those who want to come to Japan with more stability and support — it’s certainly the perfect option if you’re looking for an adventure!

If you want to take Japanese language lessons on your working holiday schedule, check out the courses at Coto Academy! You do not need a student visa to study Japanese with us on a short-term basis – and we can accommodate a start date that fits your schedule. We also offer a free course consultation.

Head to this page to view our booking calendar. Good luck!

What is a working holiday visa?

A working holiday visa is a special visa for young people between the age of 18 and 30 (25 in the case of some countries), to stay in Japan for up to one year.

Can you work part-time or full time in Japan under a working holiday visa?

There is no limit on how many hours or days per week or how many months you can work on a Working Holiday Visa in Japan, so you can technically work full-time in Japan.

Can you extend your working holiday visa?

The Working Holiday visa is not intended for long-term stays and is only designed for a stay up to one year. However, you can continue living in Japan after your visa expires by changing your visa status. Converting to a working visa (such as a humanities visa) is a possible and very common case among foreigners.

Related posts:

• How to play Rock Paper Scissors in Japanese – じゃんけん (Janken) – Handy Illustrated Guide
• How to navigate Japanese train platforms – Illustrated Guide
• Intermediate Lite Intensive Courses are here!

Test your Japanese level!

Recent Articles

Acing Your Move-Out Inspection in Japan

• Bahasa Indonesia
• မြန်မာဘာသာစကား

Work and Travel in Japan with a Working Holiday Visa (2023)

“ I want to work and travel in Japan ,” is what many people think. Did you know you can actually do that with Japan’s working holiday system? With a working holiday visa, you too can work and travel in Japan. 

With Japan opening its borders, the working holiday programme has restarted too! It’s too late for this year, but you can still aim for the working holiday visa in 2023! In this article, we will explain the visa type and requirements for working holidays in Japan you’ll need to know! If working whilst travelling in Japan is exactly what you are looking for, then check out this article.

Table of Contents

Working Holiday in Japan Eligible Countries and Regions 

• How many people do working holidays in Japan? (2022 Statistics)
• How long can I stay in Japan on a working holiday visa? 

Working Holiday Visa Japan Requirements and Application

Important things to know about working holiday in japan, change from working holiday visa to work visa, what is japan’s “working holiday” programme.

Based on bilateral agreements with partner countries and regions, the working holiday programme’s primary objective is to allow youths from Japan and other countries to spend their holidays in a foreign country whilst engaged in employment to supplement funds for their travel and stay . The aim is to deepen mutual understanding by providing opportunities to understand the culture and lifestyle of the destination country or region. 

As of November 2022, as published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan’s website , 26 countries/regions have been granted working holidays to Japan. Since the first working holiday agreement between Australia and Japan in 1980, Japan has continued making agreements with other countries over the years. 

Each country / region has a maximum number of working holiday visas issued per year, aka yearly issue quota, so check carefully and apply early if you want to make the cut. 

Working Holiday in Japan Statistics (2022 Updated)

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “2019 Visa Issuance Statistics (ビザ（査証）発給統計)” , a total of 18,955 people have obtained working holiday visas to Japan. South Korea, or the Republic of Korea, held the highest number at 5,903, followed by Taiwan with 4,707 people, indicative of its high popularity among neighbouring countries. More than 1,000 people from Australia, the United Kingdom and France have obtained working holiday visas to Japan. Although not as many as the top 2 countries, it seems that working holidays in Japan are relatively popular in English-speaking countries and Europe. 

Due to the pandemic that hit Japan and the rest of the world, the number of working holiday visas issued in 2020 and 2021 were low. In 2020, less by around 15,000, only 3,715 working holiday visas were issued. Whereas in 2021, the numbers dropped even lower to a mere 210 working holiday visas issued, 207 of which were to South Korea, 2 to Canada, and 1 to Australia. 

[Note] Statistics for 2022 will be made available in May, 2023. 

Working Holiday Period in Japan

The maximum period of stay in Japan on a working holiday is one (1) year . The period of stay cannot be extended . Those who want to work and travel in Japan should check their schedule in advance to make adjustments so they can stay for the maximum period. Many people take a long break (months or a year) from work.

Writer's Pick

Spring in Japan: Japan Holidays in March, April and May

Celebrating Japan’s Dolls Festival, “Hinamatsuri”

17 Tokyo Sakura Spots for Cherry Blossom Viewing

Japan Spring Flowers: When and Where to See Them

Ume Flowers, Beautiful and Meaningful Japanese Plum Blossoms

“Working Holiday” is a specific activity and categorised as a type of “designated activities (特定活動)” visa . A working holiday visa allows the visa holder to spend a certain period of time on vacation to learn about Japanese culture and lifestyles, or work to supplement living expenses. 

Here are the requirements for a working holiday visa in Japan: 

• Be a citizen or resident of a country / region that has a working holiday agreement with Japan
• Main intention is to spend a holiday in Japan for a certain period of time
• Must be between 18 and 30 years old at the time of application (restrictions vary by country)
• Cannot bring children or dependents
• Have a valid passport and a return ticket (enough funds for ticket purchase is also acceptable)
• Possession of funds necessary to maintain livelihood during the initial period of stay
• Be in good health
• Never been issued a Japanese working holiday visa before

Vist the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country to apply for a working holiday visa. Please note that the requirements differ slightly depending on the country / region, so inquire with your embassy or consulate beforehand. 

As we mentioned above, the number of times you can use the working holiday system is limited to 1, and the procedure may vary depending on your country of origin, so it is necessary to check in advance. Here are some additional points to note when visiting Japan on a working holiday.

Occupation Prohibitions

Yes, you can work whilst on a working holiday, but not in the entertainment industries . Jobs related to entertainment business include snack bars, host/hostess clubs , and pachinko parlours . 

Since the main purpose of the working holiday visa is to travel in Japan and learn about Japanese culture and lifestyle, with working being an incidental activity to support that purpose, there are no restrictions on work type other than prohibition of entertainment industries. There is no restriction on working hours unlike international students with status of residence “student (留学)”, so you can freely choose working hours, employment type, occupation, etc. 

Working holidays can only be done once per country . In other words, people who have come to Japan on a working holiday visa before cannot do so again. On their next visit to Japan, it must be on a different type of visa or status of residence. 

Working holidays are the only type of visa that allows you to stay in Japan for up to 1 year with almost no work restrictions. Therefore, schedule it carefully to make the most of it. After returning from Japan, it is possible to go to a different country on a working holiday visa, provided your home country has a bilateral agreement. 

Did you know that depending on the country of origin, it is possible to change to a working visa after coming to Japan on a working holiday ? Countries that are possible to do this include Australia, Canada, and South Korea . Applications need to be submitted 3 months before the working holiday visa expires , so prepare in advance and schedule properly.

As for Taiwan, France, the United Kingdom, etc. countries, working visa holders must return to their home countries after the period of stay ends. If you want to return to Japan to work, you will need to use the regular work visa route and seek visa sponsorship in which your employer will apply for a “Certificate of Eligibility” on your behalf. Or, if you simply want to come to Japan on vacation, then a Japan short-term stay tourist visa (unless you are from a visa-exempt country) . 

A working holiday visa is a great option for those interested to travel and work in Japan. Some important things to keep in mind about this programme is that you can only use it once per country, only 26 countries / regions have agreements with Japan, and there are age and other restrictions, so check the conditions beforehand and prepare accordingly. With Japan reopening and border measures loosening, take the opportunity to apply for a Japanese working holiday visa and come to Japan in 2023! 

Recommended Reading

Enjoying the Four Seasons in Japan

Why do you want to work in Japan? Reasons to Start a Career in Japan

Related articles 関連記事.

Can I change from a tourist visa to a working visa in Japan?

Features 特集.

A Second Home: Interview with Filipinos Living & Working in Kumamoto,...

Top Articles 人気記事

What is the average salary in Japan for foreigners? (2023)

A Guide to Japanese Interviews (example Japanese interview q...

Acting in Japan: How to Become an Actor/Actress in Japan

Kaichou, Shachou, etc. Company Positions and Job Titles in J...

Japan’s Work Culture: Things to Know Before Working in a Jap...

Working Hours in a Typical Japanese Work Week

A guide to japanese interviews (example japanese interview questions a..., kaichou, shachou, etc. company positions and job titles in japanese, japan’s work culture: things to know before working in a japanese comp..., our social media ソーシャルメディア.

Where we share the latest news about Japan in 9 languages!

Our YouTube channel brought to you from Shibuya! Don't miss our videos, covering everything from culture, entertainment, Japanese lessons, sightseeing, etc.

We share both useful and the latest information about Japan. Please give us a follow before coming to Japan!

Our WeXpats Team share their experiences and things they love in Japan. A must-check for people interested in the latest trends & the real side of Japan.

Fun videos covering Japanese lessons and relatable experiences in Japan. You can pick up many practical phrases and information you can't find in textbooks.

일본의 최신 뉴스 & 도움되는 정보를 전합니다. 일본에 오기 전에 꼭 팔로우해두세요!

Kênh YouTube từ thành phố Shibuya! Có rất nhiều video mà bạn không thể bỏ lỡ, chẳng hạn như tiếng Nhật, văn hóa, thông tin giải trí và địa điểm tham quan,v.v...

Chúng tôi chia sẻ những thông tin hữu ích và mới nhất về Nhật Bản. Hãy theo dõi chúng tôi trước khi đến Nhật Bản nhé!

Các video thú vị bao gồm các bài học tiếng Nhật và trải nghiệm thực tế ở Nhật Bản.Nơi chứa đầy những thông tin, kiến ​​thức thực tế mà bạn không thể tìm thấy trong sách giáo khoa.

ဂျပန်နိုင်ငံ၏နောက်ဆုံးရသတင်းများနှင့်အသုံးဝင်မည့်အချက်အလက်များကိုတင်ဆက်ပေးပါမည်။ ဂျပန်နိုင်ငံသို့ မရောက်မီ ကျွန်ုပ်တို့pageကိုFollowလုပ်ပါ

Kami Berbagi informasi berguna dan terbaru tentang Jepang. Jadi Follow dulu sebelum kalian datang ke Jepang!

Tim WeXpats kami berbagi pengalaman dan hal-hal yang dialami di Jepang. Jadi orang-orang yang tertarik dengan tren terbaru dan sisi nyata dari Jepang harus banget Check!

起源於澀谷的YouTube頻道！日語、文化、娛樂情報、街頭訪問等等，各種影片不容錯過。

介紹日本最新資訊和實用情報。來日前請追蹤吧！

WeXpats團隊分享日本生活點滴。想了解最新潮流和真實的日本生活的人必看。

Le ofrecemos las últimas noticias e información útil sobre Japón. Asegúrese de seguirnos antes de venir a Japón!

Canal do Youtube direto do centro de Tóquio, no bairro de Shibuya! Não deixe de conferir nossos vídeos sobre cultura, entretenimento, lugares turísticos, aulas de japonês e muito mais!

Nós trazemos informações úteis e também as últimas tendências do Japão! Siga-nos para não perder nenhum detalhe!

เราแบ่งปันข้อมูลที่เป็นประโยชน์และข้อมูลล่าสุดเกี่ยวกับประเทศญี่ปุ่น เพื่อที่จะไม่พลาดข่าวสารสำคัญ อย่าลืมกดติดตามเราที่ WeXpats Thailand!

คลิปสนุกๆเกี่ยวกับภาษาญี่ปุ่น เรื่องแปลกๆในญี่ปุ่นและประโยคเด็ดที่คุณไม่สามารถหาได้จากหนังสือเรียน

Our website uses Cookies with the goal of improving our accessibility and quality. Please click "Agree" if you agree to our usage of Cookies. To see more details about how our company uses Cookies, please take a look here.

1 Month Japan Itinerary for First Timers

by Sharyn McCullum | Last updated Feb 27, 2024 | Itineraries , Japan Live Work and Play

Plenty of traditional Japanese gates to see on your one month holiday in Japan

Japan is a country rich in history, culture, unforgettable landscapes, tech gadgets and fabulous food. No doubt, you will have in your mind places you want to visit in Japan – just like I did. Planning a trip to Japan can be a lot fun, but also daunting. That’s where this 1 month Japan itinerary comes in. If it’s your first time in Japan, this one month Japan itinerary for first timers, features some of the most memorable sites and attractions to visit on a Japanese holiday.

In this post I’ll show you exactly how you can spend 4 weeks in Japan. It is based on my Japanese travels. I’ll also advise on the Japanese transport and accommodations available to you plus, I’ve included lots of tips so you can start planning your memorable holiday in Japan. I’ve divided the post into 2 sections. The first section is devoted to planning your Japan itinerary which starts and finishes in Tokyo. While the second section is my suggested Japan 4 week itinerary. So let’s get into this 1 month Japan itinerary.

Table of Contents

Is one Month Long Enough in Japan?

If I had the choice I would spend a lot longer than one month in Japan. But one month in Japan is a very good start to begin discovering this amazing country. Now before you read any further, I must warn you that this itinerary of Japan is jam-packed with things to see and do every day. Providing you with as many opportunities as possible to experience Japan. Some days you will need to be very prompt on your departure, but as everything in Japan runs like clockwork, you should be fine to fit everything in. Afterall, I did!

Prepare for You 1 Month in Japan Trip

Who is this japan 1 month itinerary for.

If you are wondering who can go on this Japan holiday, well, anyone! This Japan 1 month itinerary is very comprehensive and versatile and there is something in this itinerary for everyone. No matter if you are travelling solo to Japan or with a friend or partner as a backpacker to Japan or coming to Japan on a family holiday to explore Japan with kids, there is something for everyone in this itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Japan

The Japanese archipelago is over 1900 miles or 3000 km in length. Meaning, Japan is large and has a variety of different climate zones. Generally speaking, the best time to travel to Japan is either Autumn (September, October, November ) or Spring (March, April, May) but particularly late March and early April so that you can catch a glimpse of the cherry blossoms. This is when I visited Japan and even though it is Spring in Japan, it was extremely cold. Winter (December, January, February) is also beautiful but can be extremely cold in some areas due to snowfall. While Summer (June, July, August) is known for its heat and humidity with lots of tourists. So if you are visiting Japan during those times, be sure to prepare for the weather you may encounter accordingly!

If you want to visit Japan for special Japanese events, such as ‘golden week’, ensure you book rail seats in advance as it can be very busy. If you plan on hiking Mt Fuji, July is the best time to visit Japan for this. For skiing in Japan the best time is the winter months.

READ MORE : Work and Ski Japan

TIP : You will be doing a lot of walking on this one month in Japan itinerary so I highly suggest you have comfortable shoes and clothes for the climate you will be visiting in.

How to Get to Japan

As Japan is surrounded by ocean, the best way to get to Japan is to fly. Major international airport hubs are outside of Tokyo and Osaka. Another option to arrive in Japan is by boat. A number of ocean liner cruisers visit Japanese ports. But most international visitors to Japan arriving in Japan on their first visit arrive at Narita International Airport by plane. You can check airfares to Japan here .

How to Get from Tokyo’s Narita Airport into the City Centre

Narita Airport is around 1 hour out of centre of Tokyo. So when you arrive, you need to figure out how to get into the city. There are a few options to get into Tokyo from Narita Airport. You can take a taxi from Narita Airport into Tokyo but this is the most expensive option. Therefore consider the Narita Express which is a fast and convenient train service taking you from Narita Airport to major Tokyo train stations such as Tokyo Station, Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station. This can take around 6-90 minutes depending on which station you are getting off at. Another train is the Keisei Skyliner that is a fast and direct service from Narita Airport to Ueno Station in the heart of Tokyo. Depending on where your accommodation is located this is a great option to get you from Narita Airport into Tokyo.

BOOK Your one-way Skyline Ticket

The next option to get into Tokyo from Narita Airport is by limousine bus . This bus service will take you from Narita Airport to popular destinations in down Tokyo including some bus stops at train stations in Tokyo and some major hotels. This was the option I took when I first arrived in Tokyo as a transfer from Narita Airport to my hotel was included in the cost of the accommodation. It took around 60 minutes and was quite scenic as we passed open land before travelling into Tokyo. It was my first glimpse of Japanese countryside and Tokyo.

BOOK Your one-way Shuttle Ticket

How to Travel around Japan During Your Month Holiday in Japan

Japan has a number of different options available to travel in and around Japan. From buses to car rentals to taxis, but unless you have a decent grasp of the Japanese language, most of these options will give you a rough time. Airplanes are also an option, but they’re expensive and the waiting time at the airport will be longer than some of the flights to get you to the places on this one month Japan travel itinerary. Fortunately, Japan has some of the most efficient public transportation in the world with its Shinkansen Bullet Trains and train systems. You might still encounter some difficulty with language but the train stations are standardized and easier to navigate. Plus the Japanese have designed the fabulous Japan Rail Pass to make your travels in Japan efficient and enjoyable.

This Japan itinerary I have designed can be done by hiring a car and driving or by train by purchasing a Japan Rail Pass . For your first visit to Japan, I highly recommend the route I have suggested, which, can be done in reverse. You will get to see all the major Japan bucket list items you should see, plus loads more. And there is plenty of opportunity to discover things not on my itinerary.

Japanese Accommodation – Where Will You Stay in Japan?

Japan offers some great accommodation for your holiday. It ranges from westernised hostels and hotels to compact but cheap capsule hotels to traditional ryokans for a taste of authentic Japanese culture. The accommodation suggested in this Japan itinerary is mostly westernised hostels and hotels. Options are listed under each town/city where you will require accommodation. I found all my Japan holiday accommodation options through Booking.com .

TIP : If you want to stay connected while in Japan, I suggest you get Pocket wifi and a Japanese SIM card . And if you don’t know how to read Japanese, though many signs are in English, having access to Google will come in very handy, trust me on this! And downlowd apps such as Google Maps so you can find your way around – I used this regularly to find my way around the big Japanese cities.

How Much Will One Month in Japan Cost?

To work out how much a trip to Japan will cost you, create a spreadsheet as follows. TIP: Pay as much as possible in advance so you know how much spending money you have to take.

Airfare to Japan $_____ Accommodation (per night) $_____ x 30 = $_______ Transport around Japan – flights $_______ Day tours $_______ Meals x 3 per day $_______ Entrance Fees $_____ Extras (souvenirs, etc) $______

What to Pack for a Japan Holiday

What you should pack for a trip to Japan will depend on the season you are visiting Japan. In the warmer months you will need light clothing as it can get very hot and humid but you may need a light jacket in the evening. While in the winter months, Japan can be very cold and you will need to wear layers of clothes to stay warm. If you are heading to the Japan ski resorts read my post on packing ski wear . My biggest tip for what to pack to wear in Japan is to invest in a good pair of walking shoes as on this 4 week Japan itinerary you will be doing plenty of walking.

Here is a Quick Summary of Your 1 Month in Japan

Days 1-4: Arrive and enjoy Tokyo 5: Day trip to Yokohama 6: Day trip to Mt Fuji & Hakane 7-8: Nagoya 9-12: Kyoto 13-15: Osaka 16–18: Kobe 19-20: Hiroshima 21: Fukuoka 22-23: Nagano 24-25: Fukushima 26–29: Sapporo 30: Return to Tokyo to depart Japan

One Month Japanese Itinerary

Kick off your 4 weeks in Japan itinerary in Tokyo. On arriving at Narita Airport, don’t forget to pick up your pocket sim before catching your chosen transport into Tokyo. Check in to your Tokyo accommodation and get ready to discover Japan.

Tokyo (Day 1-4)

Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo

Recommended Stay in Tokyo: 3-6 days

What to See and Do in Tokyo

As the most well-known metropolis in the country, it’d practically be a crime not to visit Tokyo for at least a few days during your month-long holiday in Japan. The number of things to see is almost limitless – but you can still pack the most “essential” sightseeing spots into a few days. Some of these include the Sensō-ji Temple, the Meiji Shingu Shrine, and Shinjuku for its popping city life. Odaiba Seaside Park also has a lot of one-of-a-kind museums, art galleries, and other attractions. If you’re a fan of anime, Akihabara District and Nakano Broadway are some other places you might want to visit. The Ghibli Museum is also located in Tokyo and is a definite must-see if you’re a fan of Ghibli movies like Spirited Away , Kiki’s Delivery Service , and Totoro . Plus there is the Imperial Palace and the Observation Deck of the Tokyo Tower or Tokyo Skytree for panoramic views of Tokyo. Make time to shop till you drop in the shopping emporiums in Ginza. And experience a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony.

READ MORE : How to Spend 3 Days in Tokyo

When in a new city I always like to do that city’s hop-on hop-off tourist bus. This is because it takes me to all the best spots, gives me a commentary about the place, and provides me with the opportunity to hop off the bus and explore the place before getting back on the bus to the next spot. It’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but I like to do it.

BOOK your Tokyo Hop-on Hop-off Bus tour

BOOK your Traditional Tea Ceremony Experience

Visit Tokyo Disneyland and/or Disneysea

You may want to include in your time in Tokyo a visit to Disneyland Tokyo , it would have to be one of the top Tokyo attractions for kids to Japan of all ages. This kid, who was in her 20s at the time, just loved visiting Disneyland Tokyo. If you have been to other Disneyland’s around the world, like I have been to Disneyland in Los Angeles, you can expect the same sort of thing. There are many lands to discover, shows to see, rides to go on, foods to enjoy and shopping of Disneyland souvenirs to purchase. You can easily spend a whole day here. The only negative I found was that announcements are made in Japanese first, then other languages. When I was at a show, it was spoken in Japanese and everyone was laughing, but not me, I had to wait for the English to understand what was so funny!

You can make your way to Tokyo Disneyland by public transport, but I purchased my Tokyo Disneyland ticket that included a private pick-up from my hotel. I found this so much easier and also appreciated the lift home after a long day of walking.

You can purchase your transfer and ticket to Tokyo Disneyland here .

If you prefer to make your own way to Tokyo Disneyland, get your Tokyo 1 day passport here.

If you have been to Disneyland before you may be looking for something different to do, particularly if you are travelling to Japan with kids, so maybe consider a day visit to DisneySea . DisneySea, like most these parks, is divided into worlds. There is the American Waterfront, Lost River Delta, Mediterranean Harbour, Mystery Island and Mermaid Lagoon to name a few. There are plenty of rides to enjoy, mostly water-themed. It’s also close to Disneyland, so you can combine a visit to both on the one day.

You can purchase your transfer and ticket to DisneySea here .

If you want to combine a visit to both Disneyland and DisneySea with a private transfer, you can purchase your ticket online here .

Where to Stay in Tokyo

I suggest you book 6 nights accommodation in Tokyo. This will cover your arrival, 4 days of sightseeing in Tokyo, plus 2 day trips. One to Yokohama and the other to Mt Fuji. Tokyo is home to all styles of accommodation from traditional Japanese style to modern western style. Read my post on different styles of Japanese accommodation here . If seeking a hostel stay for your time in Tokyo check out Imano Tokyo Hostel . Only 1.5km from the city centre and not only has bunks for single travellers available but rooms for families and groups of 2-4 people. Get pricing and to book here for a stay at Imano Tokyo Hostel . Looking for a budget hotel check out the Ibis Styles or for a medium price hotel check out the Mitsui Gardens in Tokyo Bay . As you are staying in Tokyo close to a week, you may be interested to rent a small apartment. One such apartment is the one-bed T-Home . For more hostel, hotel and apartment options check out Booking.com .

Day 5 – Day trip to Yokohama from Tokyo

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance Tokyo to Yokohama: As Yokohama is only an 18 minute train trip (and the leave every 15 to 20 minutes) from Tokyo, Yokohama is being done as a day trip from Tokyo on this one month itinerary of Japan.

Yokohama began as a small fishing village. It’s willingness to open its arms to foreign trade from the 17 th century onward – during which most of Japan wanted to keep closed off from the rest of the world – has led Yokohama’s growth into the second biggest city in the country today. It is the capital of the Kanagawa Prefecture and lies on Tokyo Bay, south of Tokyo. While in this major commercial hub, soak in some of the sites with a stroll through Yamashita Park or Minato Mirai 21. Both of these have stunning scenery and attractions aplenty. You may also want to swing by Chinatown. Built from the ground up by immigrants who were welcomed into this port city these past centuries. Maybe a visit to the free Nogeyama Zoo is on the cards.

BOOK Day Trip to Yokohama

Day 6 – Day trip from Tokyo to Mt. Fuji

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance Yokohama to Mt Fuji: 120km, taking just over 2 hours by train and is an easy day trip from Tokyo.

Mt. Fuji is the most iconic landmark in Japan, bar none. It offers a beautiful view both from the top of its peak and from the ground below. In July and August, you can hike up one of the many trails. Or you can catch a glimpse of this picturesque volcano by visiting or staying at one of the many nearby camping grounds. There are lakes at the bottom of the volcano known as the Five Lakes which offer many things to do. Read my post Day Trip to Mount Fuji from Tokyo, it provides loads of options of how to spend your day visiting Mt Fuji. Something not to miss during this 1 month Japan itinerary.

BOOK Full Day Tour to Mount Fuji

Day 7-8 – Nagoya

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance Tokyo to Nagoya: 350km or about 4.5 hours

What to See and Do in Nagoya

After a week spent exploring Tokyo, it is time to hit the road or Shinkansen for a trip to Nagoya. Though not as well-known as some of Japan’s other major cities, Nagoya and its surrounding areas were the heart of Japanese culture and politics around 500 years ago. For a taste of some of that history, you need look no further than the Tokugawa Art Museum, which displays an array of artifacts from samurai armor to kimonos to ceramics, bequeathed by the descendants of one of Japan’s most famous warlords. The Railway Museum is also a worthwhile stop if you’re curious about one of the most efficient public transportation systems in the world.

If you want to squeeze a little more out of your stay, take a bus tour up to Takayama and Shirakawago to get an up-close look at a traditional farmhouse village designated as a UNESCO world heritage site.

BOOK One Full Day Tour of Nagoya

BOOK Visit to Takayama and Shirakawago

Where to stay in Nagoya

Nagoya has a number of comfortable accommodation options for your short stay. Nagoya Cafe Restaurant and Guest House offers pod style and dormitory rooms for travellers. There is a cafe restaurant on the ground floor and accommodation on the second floor. Meet other travellers while travelling on this 1 month Japan itinerary. Check out availability and rates for Nagoya Cafe Restaurant and Guest House here . For a comfortable hotel room check out the Hotel Unizo . More hostel and hotel options in Nagoya can be found here .

Day 9-11 – Kyoto

Recommended Stay: 2-3 days Distance Nagoya to Kyoto: just under 130km taking just under 2 hours by train

What to See and Do in Kyoto

To learn more about Japanese history and culture, there is no better place than Kyoto. The city is filled to the brim with temples, Zen shrines, tori gates and beautiful gardens and there is hardly a dull one amongst them. Whether you decide to go to Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine, Kinkakuji Temple, Tofuku-Ji Temple, the Kyoto Imperial Palace , or one of the many other beautiful religious and historic sites in Kyoto, you’re guaranteed an awe-inspiring look at architecture and the traditional Japanese way of life. Maybe discover a traditional teahouse here.

That’s not all Kyoto has to offer, though; you can take a stroll through Arashiyama, a bamboo forest unlike any other, book a seat at an authentic Japanese tea ceremony, or buy a ticket to see a live samurai performance. There’s even a mountain park filled to the brim with monkeys called Iwatayama Monkey Park – though note that these are wild monkeys and it’s quite a hike, so you want to be sure you’re prepared for an adventure.

BOOK Full Day Tour Best UNESCO and Historical Sites of Kyoto Tour

Where to stay in Kyoto

For hostel accommodation in Kyoto check out Ryokan Hostel Gion and for a budget hotel option see Kamoya Ryokan and for a medium priced hotel see Ibis Styles Kyoto Station . More options can be found here .

Day 12-14 – Osaka

Recommended Stay: 2-3 days Distance Kyoto to Osaka: 56km taking about 55 minutes

What to See and Do in Osaka

Osaka rests in the heart of the Kansai region of Japan and is a huge economic center in the country. Some of the main highlights include Osaka Castle, which is not just gorgeous and extensive but filled to the brim with Japanese history; Kuchu Teien Observatory, a very cool-looking building with a design like no other boasting a panoramic view from its rooftop; and the National Bunraku Theatre, a puppet theatre that uses a traditional Japanese style of performance (and no worries, an English translation is available via rented headset). For the nightlife, check out Shinsaibashi-Suji Shopping Street for a little bit of excitement and some photo-worthy illumination.

If you’re not all shrined out after Kyoto, there is one shrine you might want to take a gander at. Sumiyoshi Taisha Shrine, is one of the oldest shrines in Japan from before Buddhism came to the country. Sumiyoshi doesn’t suffer from Kyoto’s heavy crowds, and as such, you’ll be able to enjoy the gorgeous grounds and unique architecture in relative peace. Maybe try local delicacies of okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) and takoyaki (fried octopus ball) at the Kuromon Ichiba Market. Why not take a Japanese cookery class to learn how to make some of the food so you can make and enjoy at home. Or enjoy a visit to Universal Studios .

BOOK Main Sites Osaka Tour

BOOK Osaka Food Tour

Learn to make Ramen & Gyoza in Osaka – BOOK A Cookery Class

Where to stay in Osaka

For a bed in a hostel in Osaka check out Osaka Guesthouse HIVE  and for a budget hotel option see APA Hotel Shin-Osaka-Ekiminami  and for a medium priced hotel see Hotel Route-Inn Osaka Honmachi . More options can be found here .

Day 15-17 – Kobe

Recommended Stay: 2-3 days Distance Osaka to Kobe: is only 34km so only half an hour or so

What to See and Do in Kobe

One of the great things about Kobe is that much of its city life can be experienced in one location, Kobe Harborland. Not only do you get a great view of the harbor, you get access to great shopping and restaurants where you can sample some world-famous Kobe beef. If you’re too much of an animal lover to indulge in that, though, you’re in luck because Kobe Animal Kingdom is just a hop, skip and a jump away. It’s especially perfect if you have kids. In addition to a petting zoo, there’s a hawk show, a camel ride, and a chance to feed penguins.

For a peaceful retreat from the city, take the Nunobiki Ropeway to the top of one of hilly Kobe’s mountains. Here, you can spend a relaxing afternoon visiting various attractions, including Kobe Nunobiki’s expansive and fragrant Herb Gardens, Monkey Kazura Bridge, and Nunobiki Falls.

Where to stay in Kobe

Staying in Kobe for a couple of nights so for a bed in a hostel in Kobe Guesthouse Maya . For a budget hotel option see Hotel Monte Hermana Kobe Amalie  and for a medium priced hotel check out The Royal Park Canvas – Kobe Sannomiya . More options can be found here .

Day 18–19 – Hiroshima

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance: Kobe to Hiroshima: 300km or just over 4 hours by train – your morning will be all travelling

What to See and Do in Hiroshima

Though most well-known for being bombed at the end of the last world war, Hiroshima is a beautiful city in its own right. You can pay tribute to the lives lost with a visit to the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum and Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, featuring the hollowed shell of a building at ground zero and a gallery talking about the lives of people in Hiroshima before the bombing. Take a breath of fresh air through Shukkei-en Garden or stop at Orizuru Tower for a gorgeous view of the city.

If you have time, take a day trip to Itsukushima Shrine, the “floating” shrine. It is an expansive complex built on the water of the coast of Miyajima Island where you can learn about different traditional deities and (if you’re visiting from May to November) may even get a chance to ride a boat under the floating red O-Torii, a traditional wooden Shinto gate built in 1875 and is the eighth such gate since the shrine was originally built.

TIP: take the streetcar to get around in Hiroshima. The city is quite big, but the trains and streetcars will take you to every corner of Hiroshima. The streetcar costs a flat rate of ¥180 within the inner city and  ¥280 beyond the city .

BOOK Hiroshima Walking Tour

Where to stay in Hiroshima

For a bed in a hostel only .7km to the centre of Hiroshima check out WeBase Hiroshima .  For a budget hotel option see Daiwa Roynet Hotel Hiroshima . And a medium priced hotel see KIRO Hiroshima by THE SHARE HOTELS . More options can be found here .

Day 20 – Fukuoka

Recommended Stay: 1 day Distance Hiroshima to Fukuoka: 282km just under 3 hours travel

What to See and Do in Fukuoka

Fukuoka is a city set right on the water and is a perfect place to get some fresh seafood, whether at a sit-down restaurant or one of the many outdoor stalls set up within the city. The trip starts right at Hakata Station, which is both the main means of transportation and a bustling mall chock full of great shopping opportunities. Not too far away is Ohori Park, which is a great place to rent a paddleboat so you can see the ducks and seagulls up close and personal. If you have time, stop at the local aquarium, Marine World Umino-Nakamichi, which has many glowing reviews about the aquarium’s focus on making the visitors’ experience as fun and memorable as possible.

Where to stay in Fukuoka

it’s only a one night stay in Fukuoka. A hostel close to the centre of town is Fukuoka Guesthouse HIVE .  For a comfortable hotel option see Best Western Plus Fukuoka Tenjin-minami . More options can be found here .

Day 21-23 – Nagano

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance: Fukuoka to Nagano is a long trip of about 8 hours so day 21 mostly spent in transport.

What to See and Do in Nagano

After such a long trip you may not wish to start sightseeing straight away but there is plenty to see and do if you do. The first stop in Nagano is Zenko-Ji Temple, which includes not only the temple itself but a history museum and many Buddha statues. Another great place to visit is Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park , where you can see the Japanese macaques bathing in the hot springs of the mountains. If you’re up for a little adventure, you may want to spend an extra day in Nagano in order to explore the Togakushi Folk Museum, particularly their Ninja Trick Mansion that is built like a maze with narrow hallways, hidden passages, and an entire room set at an angle. Nagano was the scene of the 1998 Olympic Winter Games held February 7-22 1998. If you are visiting during the winter months you may want to ski or snowboard for the day. Or perhaps get a job in the Japanese ski fields for a season.

BOOK Day Tour to see Snow Monkeys and Zenkoji Temple

Where to stay in Nagano

For a hostel stay in Nagano city check out 1166 Backpackers . Seeking a hotel room check out Comfort Hotel Nagano . If wanting to do a bit of skiing you are best to look at the ski resort of Hakbua. A great option on the mountain is the Hakuba Matata Lodge .

Day 24 – 25 Fukushima

Recommended Stay: 1-2 days Distance: Nagano to Fukushima is a few hours away, not direct by train you will need to go back to Tokyo to change.

What to See and Do in Fukushima

Stepping into Fukushima is like taking a step back in time; it is a place overflowing with stunning landscapes and historic buildings. One great place to start is castle town Aizu-Wakamatsu, which has attractions ranging from its impressive Tsuruga Castle to hot springs to Ōchijuku, a former post town along a once-popular trade route. To take in some of its natural beauty, take a day trip to the Bandai region where you’ll get a chance to hike amongst the dormant volcanos, such as Azuma Kofuji – or, if you’re around in wintertime, a chance to ski down the slopes. In springtime, a visit to Hanamiyama Park is also an absolute must to see the ethereal spread of cherry blossom trees spanning the mountainside.

Where to stay in Fukushima

For a hostel stay in Fukushima city check out Yumori Onsen Hostel . For a hotel room check out Richmond Hotel Fukushima Ekimae  and for more accommodation options visit Booking.com .

Day 26-29 – Find the Heart of Hokkaido in Sapporo

Recommended Stay: 3-4 days Distance: Fukushima to Sapporo is a good 8 hours on the Shinkansen, but well worth it.

What to See and Do in Sapporo

Sapporo is located on Hokkaido, which is a separate island to the north of the main island (called Honshu by the Japanese). Hokkaido honestly deserves a week-long trip all to itself, but since this itinerary is dedicated to Japan as a whole, you can cut down on the time by focusing your attention on Sapporo and its surrounding areas. Some highlights include Mt. Moiwa, where you can take a ropeway to one of the best views of the city; Moerenuma Park, an artistically designed area that includes bike rentals and a pyramid-shaped museum; and the Historical Village of Hokkaido, a beautifully preserved area where you can learn a ton about Hokkaido’s history and culture.

If you’re planning your holiday during the winter, be sure to stop by the Sapporo Snow Festival as well, where people come from all across Japan to create truly astounding ice and snow sculptures. It is one of the most famous attractions in Japan for a reason and is certainly not to be missed.

Where to stay in Sapporo

The stay in Sapporo is longer than some of the other cities, and there are plenty of comfortable and central options. For a bed in a hostel see Untapped Hostel . Hotel options to check out are  Quintessa Hotel Sapporo or Tokyu Stay Sapporo . For more accommodation options in Sapporo visit here .

Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and on this last day of this 1 month Japan itinerary leave Sapporo and travel back to Tokyo (about 9 hours on the train). Depart Japan.

What to do Now? Make a Japan Bucket List

My one month Japan itinerary is just the start of your own trip to Japan. There may be things you want to do apart from sightseeing. These could include taking part in a tea ceremony. Enjoy being pampered in a onsen (traditional Japanese bath). See a sumo wrestling match. Discover the art of Geisha. Maybe take a Japanese cooking class. Stay in a Ryokan (traditional Japanese accommodation). Hike to the top of Mount Fuji. If you have specific things you want to see and do while in Japan ensure you include them on your Japan bucket list and then slot them into your itinerary.

Extend Your Stay Longer than 1 month in Japan

If a month in Japan isn’t long enough and you have more time to explore it, by all means, please do. There are a number of visas available that allow you to have an extended stay in Japan. A tourist visa will allow a stay of up to 90 days. There is the Working Holiday Visa and the Work Permit allowing stays of one year and longer. With one of these you can work and travel in Japan and get a job such as Teaching English in Japan or get a job in the Japanese ski resorts to work and ski Japan .

Don’t have 1 month to spend in Japan? What about 3 Weeks in Japan itinerary!

If you don’t have a month to spend in Japan what about 3 weeks in Japan. Here is a suggested 3 week Japan itinerary. You could follow my 1 month in Japan itinerary up until day 19 when you visit Hiroshima. From here head back to Tokyo to leave for home. This would be a great 21 day Japan itinerary.

If you only have 2 weeks in Japan available, I would suggest to a 2 week Japan itinerary where you visit Tokyo – Kyoto – Osaka – Hiroshima – Tokyo. Visiting these four cities is very doable during a 14 day visit to Japan.

My top tips for your Japan Holiday

• Etiquette is a wonderful quality to have in Japan. Manners are very important and you should be aware of some basic rules.  
• Don’t eat in public, particularly while walking.  
• Wear a mask if you get a cold.  
• Keep conversations quiet while on public transport and never put your feet on the seats.  
• Follow rubbish separation laws. TIP: Always have a plastic bag with you to put your rubbish in as bins are not easily found.  
• Always use an umbrella when raining.  
• Travel by train . Japan has one of the best train systems I have ever used. They are fast, reliable, comfortable and JapanRail has great rail passes.
• Stand to the left on escalators .
• Purchasing items . When making a purchase, put your money on the tray.
• Tipping and Bargaining . Tipping is not required in Japan and tips maybe given back to you. It is also considered rude to bargain.
• Buying snacks and light meals is easy in the Konbini (convenience store). There will be many in most cities from 7/11, Family Mart to Lawson. You can stock up on snacks, or eat in the cafes and restaurants.

Final Words on this One Month Japan Travel Itinerary

All good things must come to an end. And this is the end of my one month Japan travel itinerary. I hope my sample Japan travel itinerary helps you plan and tailor a dream trip to Japan. It is not difficult at all visiting Japan as a solo traveller, with another person or your family. Let me know in the comments if you have tried my one month in Japan itinerary or if you have any suggestions on other things a first time traveller must do and see in Japan.  

For More Travel Inspiration on Japan. Japan Working Holiday Japan Holiday Accommodation Tips for Travelling Japan on the Japan Rail Pass Tips to stay safe during an Earthquake or Tsunami in Japan Work and Ski Japan – How to Get a Job in a Japanese Ski Resort Learn to Cook Japanese Food on a Japanese Cookery Class

You may also like:

Thanks for sharing!

Just so you know: some of the links in this post might be affiliate links, which earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. No pressure to use my links, but I REALLY appreciate when you do! Also, a s an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.  

My favourite tools to Travel Live and Work Abroad

🏠 Where Will You Be Sleeping Tonight? – Get a bed in a hostel dorm through   HostelWorld or for a hotel room check out Booking.com . Get free accommodation house and pet sitting through Trusted Housesitters – this has saved me thousands on accommodation, no joke!

✈️ Need a cheap and flexible airfare – head to Skyscanner .

 🚙 Car Rental – search and compare vehicles at DiscoverCars .

 🚆  Train Travel: I love riding the rails. For a rail pass in Europe head to Raileurope . And Japan has a great one too –  JapanRail Pass .

🚌 Travelling by bus is often the cheapest way to travel. Compare and get a ticket or a pass at Busbud .

🏃🏻‍♀️ Jump-the-queue entrance tickets and day tours: I book these through GetYourGuide .

 🌏   How to pick a country to live and work abroad in? Check out my Working Holiday Visa Country Guides and Digital Nomad Visa Country Guides to see where you can live work play travel abroad.

 🚑 Should you buy travel insurance? Absolutely Yes! SafetyWing is great digital nomads and long-term travellers and World Normads has policies for general and adventure travel.

Buy the Guide to Get Ready to Live Abroad, Work Abroad and Travel Full Time Like a Pro

Join Me and Subscribe

Claim your free moving abroad checklist, + receive work and travel abroad tips and news delivered to your inbox., you have successfully subscribed, follow along on facebook, meet live work play travel.

Sharyn McCullum – Travel Writer / Blogger, Remote On-line Worker, sometime Digital Nomad and Travel, Live and Work Abroad Expert. Is a chocoholic, coffee connoisseur and lover of ’80s music. Been travelling all her life thanks to her dad who worked for an airline. Lived in London 4 years on a working holiday. Has holidayed in Hawaii over 15 times and currently calls Melbourne, Australia home. Is inspiring others to live work play travel around the world with this blog. Read more about Sharyn here.

48 Comments

Wow! This is one of the most informative and helpful Japan itineraries I’ve seen. I’ve pinned for later and definitely one I’ll be referring to when we go!

Thank you. It is the itinerary I created for myself, and thought others would be interested too.

So detailed, interesting read

Thank you. Glad you found it interesting.

I’ve never been to Japan, but sure is on the travel list. Nice post, thanks for sharing!

I hope you get to Japan one day. It is a very interesting place.

Love this, very handy, Japan is on our list, so I will be saving this for reference. Thank you.

Japan is a great place to visit I hope you enjoy your visit when you finally tick it off your list.

This is a great itinerary it doesn’t seem a month is enough. You’ve thought of everything. I hear the bullet trains are really good.

This seems like the perfect first time itinerary for Japan! This is such a bucket list trip for me. I’ll definitely be saving this for when I finally visit!

This 1 month itinerary for Japan pretty much takes you to all the places you need to visit on a first visit. I hope you can tick Japan off your bucket list.

What a dream trip this would be! Great blog, so much information but easy to work through. Glad to have found you.

Thanks so much for this great guide, Japan definitely looks like such an interest in country

What a fantastic guide to visiting Japan. I would love to spend a month or more exploring the country. There are so many things to see here!

It is so beautiful! I absolutely cannot wait until I visit Japan, and am just waiting for the borders to become properly open again. My biggest dream? Japanese tea ceremony!!!

Japan is a beautiful place and the traditions are something special to experience. I hope you get to experience a Japanese tea ceremony.

Hey, this is such a great and informative post. I love it! I think this is one of the best articles about Japan I have read. Japan is one of the places I want to visit in the future for sure!

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Japan is an incredible place to visit and I hope you can visit in the future.

Absolutely LOVE this. My Grandmother was from Japan and an extended trip over there is very high on my bucket list. Thank you so much for the information!

This is such a helpful itinerary! I have never been to Japan, but I’d love to go someday! I’ve actually transited in Tokyo several times. I need to take the time to go out and visit!

You won’t be disappointed when next time you ‘transit’ through Tokyo. I hope you can expand your transit to a few days – at least. It is such an interesting city to visit.

What an incredibly comprehensive breakdown of your month long itinerary! Such an incredible trip this must have been. Thanks for sharing.

This is a superb itinerary. I have never been to Japan, but after reading your guide, I would love to visit it one day 🙂 I am saving your itinerary for the future.

I’ve wanted to visit Japan for years now, and I can’t even imagine how phenomenal it would be to spend a whole month here! Thanks for the recommendations for when I finally get the opportunity to visit! Xx Sara

A month in Japan sounds amazing and I think this itinerary would be ideal. I’d love to see the cherry blossom in flower & the beautiful gardens in spring. I’ll save this itinerary for later! Thank you!

Oooh you were so lucky to spend a whole month in Japan for your first visit! I guess my only comment on your itinerary would be for me, I’d like a little more time in Japan’s countryside/smaller cities. I always feel most at home once I get away from the largest cities.

*You missed Nara! I hope you can go back as it’s my favourite place to visit – I could easily make a 1 month plan just for Nara. 😀

Japan is a pretty fascinating country. If I ever go, I hope I have a month to explore what it has to offer. (I also hope I have a guide!)

I have always wanted to go to Japan. Loved reading this post. Definitely took some notes because this was so informative. Thank you!

I hope you have a great time when you visit Japan on my itinerary.

One month in Japan would be a real treat. We visited in the Fall and had far less time and we know we want to go back and see more. We always thought Spring would be a great time for a second visit. And we definitely don’t want to miss Hokkaido.

I love Japan!! I visited for 2 weeks on a work trip so there wasn’t much time to sightsee, but I plan on going back with my fiance! Thanks for all the great tips and suggestions.

A Very useful guide!

I wouldn’t know where to begin when planning a trip to Japan. Luckily, I found your post. This is a very useful guide.

Thank you. I’ve tried to include all the best bits of Japan to see and do. You could easily go for longer to see more and spend more time in each city. I’m glad you found my guide useful.

Love this epic guide to spending one month in Japan. So many incredible experiences – something for everyone! And especially appreciate the cultural tips to help manage expectations.

I was so excited to read this post and see your suggestions when I saw the title! I love that you included a variety of suggestions. I’d really love to go to Hokkaido on my next visit! (Plus to visit Mt Fuji would be amazing!!)

Such a lovely route to discover Japan! I only had 16 full days to explore and I am so jealous you had a whole month to adventure in Japan!

I can’t wait to be back in Japan this week! Definitely saving this itinerary for then and see what we can fit in.

That is pleasing to hear. I hope you get back to Japan soon – it is such a wonderful and interesting place! I hope to move abroad and live there for 6-12 months soon.

Good to hear! I am looking to move abroad and live in Japan for 6-12 months. Can’t wait.

Thanks for the itinerary. I spent 3 weeks in Tokyo and Kyoto solo traveling and now here in Japan for 6 weeks with my teenage son. This itinerary helps greatly. 🙂

Thanks. I did my best to create an action packed itinerary to see as much as possible.

It’s been 20 years since I was in Japan. I’d love to go back and visit Hokkaido. We did not see that on our trip before. Great post.

Japan holds a prominent place on my bucket list, and I sincerely hope to check it off soon.

Great itinerary but I am sad to see Fukuoka is the only Kyushu place on the itinerary…so a month is probably not enough to see everything. Saying that, my first ever trip was like 6 days, Tokyo and Kyoto only and I loved it immensely and saw a lot of both cities including most of Kyoto’s famous temples

This one month itinerary for Japan is perfect! I’ve never been and it includes all the top places in Japan that I’d love to visit.

Visiting Japan will be a dream come true for me. I hope that I can save up to visit in 2025. I’d love to spend a month but it is hard to leave my pets for so long. I want to do forest bathing in an ancient woods.

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Submit Comment

Privacy Overview

You have successfully subscribed..

I will not send you spam, just my newsletter. Unsubscribe at any time.

• Join as a Workawayer
• Join as a host
• Buy a gift membership

Homestays, Volunteering & Working Holidays in Japan

Important information about visiting: japan.

Meaning of the colours:

By default (toggle switch to the left) hosts who have both yellow AND green indicated for the months you have selected will be shown. If you move the toggle to the right ONLY hosts who have indicated green will be shown.

Meaning of this:

By default (toggle switch to the left) will show hosts who have ANY of the months you have chosen marked as available. This means that some of the months might be marked red (no availability.) If you need to see ALL of the months you have selected as available move the toggle to the right.

  Japan

Inspiration from around the world

  France

  United States

  New Zealand

Your next adventure begins today

Join the Workaway community today to unlock unique travel experiences with over 50,000 opportunities around the globe.

Forgotten your password?

Workaway has committed over $20,000 USD from the Workaway foundation to help refugees from Ukraine.

Upon request all workawayers based in Ukraine will have their accounts extended for free until further notice.

Hosts in Ukraine have been temporarily disabled for safety reasons.

If you are a host and are able to take in refugees please add the information in your account and you will be added to our last minute host list .

Should you wish to donate and help please click here .

Start the snowball rolling for winter '24

Jenza Work Japan

Working holidays in japan.

There’s no business like snow business. Live and work in Japan for up to a year with a pre-arranged English-speaking ski season job, arrival set up and job support for your whole visa.

Fancy a yarn?  

Let's talk

Can’t wait till winter? With year-round English-speaking jobs, Japan is always in season.

Out of this world

Why do a working holiday visa Japan?

Home to ancient Shinto shrines, serene snow-covered peaks and off-the-wall cities – Japan is like nowhere else on Earth. With no language or downhill skills required, if you're looking to experience a culture completely different to your own – but with the security of an English-speaking job – Japan is the working holiday to do it. Ride the world's best powder with a pre-arranged ski season job in winter (Nov-Mar), with the option to stay and work in hospitality, retail and teaching jobs in Tokyo for the rest of your visa.

The Jenza difference

Roadtested experiences 

Hear from travellers who’ve been there and worn the ‘Hello Kitty’ tee. Our roadtesters trial every JENZA experience to ensure it serves our travel community first. 

Pre-arranged job

We include a 3-4 month English-speaking ski season job in either Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano – with subsidised staff accommodation and free or discounted lift passes.

In-country support

From Japanese etiquette training to one-on-one support getting your residence permit, tax number and Japanese bank account – we help work out all the details.

Is it for me?

18-30 years

6-12 month visa

Apply year-round

3-4 month ski season job

No Japanese required

5 nights when you land

What she said

"I'd never been to Asia before, let alone Japan. And I'd never done a wintersport. But I thought, what a place to learn."

Betsy, JENZA roadtester

Cool runnings

Work Japan | $1,800

We provide the visa help, pre-arranged ski season job and arrival support to live and work in Japan for up to a year.

Japan can feel intimidatingly unfamiliar to travellers, especially when it comes to workplace etiquette. Starting in Tokyo for the first six days, our in-country partners will personally meet you at the airport and accompany you to sort out all your work and tax formalities. After that, if you’re arriving in winter, you’re free to head straight out on the piste – flying to Hokkaido to start your ski season job. Or if you’re arriving at another time of year, the team will support you with finding a job in Tokyo until winter comes.

About the visa

Who and for how long

Japan's working holiday visa allows you to work for 12 months, doing most jobs other than working in nightclubs, dancehalls and gambling venues.

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, and once approved, you have 12 months to enter the country. You’re only allowed one working holiday visa per lifetime.

• You must be 18-30 (inclusive)
• Hold an Australian passport and be living in Australia when you apply
• You’ll initially be granted a six-month visa, which you can then apply to extend to 12 months while you’re in Japan
• Have support funds of AUD $2,500 and proof of a return/onward flight, or AUD $3,500 if entering Japan on a one-way ticket
• Able to attend an in-country visa appointment at the Embassy of Japan or Consulate in Canberra, Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Cairns or Perth

Confused? Our JENZA Support Squad are here to guide you through it.

Make it work

What you can do

Typical working holiday jobs in Japan include working as waiting staff, front of house, room attendants, housekeepers and instructors in Western hotels, restaurants and ski resorts. Or working as an English teacher or nanny.

Your visa doesn't require you to have a job before you go, but if you're arriving in winter (Nov/Dec) we can help you to secure a 3-4 month ski season job. You’ll typically earn between 1,000-1,400 Yen per hour, with discounted staff accommodation.

You don’t need to be able to speak Japanese to work for our ski season employers, but it will improve your experience and be met with beaming smiles if you learn the basics.

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.

On the piste

Where you can do it

Our ski season partners own hotels and lodges across the world-renowned ski resorts of Niseko, Rusutsu and Furano, and look for seasonal staff each year to do a range of hospitality jobs.

• Japan’s most popular ski resort
• 15+ metres of snow each season
• Famous for off-country terrain and 100+ runs
• Known for the world’s best champagne powder

Bouji resort life and backpacker nightlife

• One of Japan’s largest ski resorts
• 14+ metres of snow each season
• 35+ runs and 21 lifts across three mountains
• Family-friendly with fewer crowds

Nearby hot springs after a day on the run

• Awesome all-rounder for all levels
• 9+ metres of snow each season
• Less snow but the finest Hokkaido powder
• More authentically Japanese resort
• Nearby backcountry for powder pros

Departure dates

Starts Tokyo

While numbers are not guaranteed (especially outside of the ski season), we suggest timing your flights with our group arrival dates for the best chance of meeting other working holidaymakers.

What's included

Visa inclusions

Visa application and document support

The Japan visa process can be as confusing as a Tokyo cuddle café. But we’re there 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. 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).

Working holiday visas Japan are free for most nationalities, and currently cost £21 for UK passport holders. This must be paid in cash at your embassy appointment.

Job inclusions

Pre-arranged ski season job

We include a 3-4 month ski season job in either Niseko, Rusutsu or Furano on the Japanese island of Hokkaido. Typical jobs include guest services, concierge, front desk, bell hop, housekeeper, bus driver, bartender, chefs and ski instructors. As soon as you’ve paid your deposit, we’ll give you access to our JENZA Job Hub where you can start applying for positions.

You must be available to work the full season from Nov/Dec through to Mar/Apr, and be available to interview via video call from Jul/Aug. Jobs are filled on a first come first served basis, so apply early to secure your preferred position.

If you’re arriving outside of winter or would prefer to work in Tokyo instead, your arrival orientation includes comprehensive job support. This lasts for your whole visa, so you can tap in for year-round jobs before or after your ski season.

In-country inclusions

Arrival orientation with 5 nights' accommodation

While you don’t need to speak Japanese to get hired, sorting all the formalities to legally start work when you arrive can be near impossible without a Japanese speaker. This is where our amazing in-county partners (and job hunting ninjas) World Unite step in.

Someone from the team will personally accompanying you to the relevant offices in Tokyo to get everything set up.

• Airport meet and greet
• 5 nights’ accommodation at a househare in Tokyo
• Discounted staff accommodation for 3-4 months (ski season jobs only)
• Accompanied appointments to sort your residence permits and health system registration
• 90-120 minute job counselling session to run through all the available jobs and how to apply
• CV translation and cover letter support
• One-on-one job and translation support for your whole visa from the team in Tokyo

Work essentials

Tax number, bank account and SIM card

This is all the un-sexy stuff, but essential and legal stuff you need to start working in Japan. When you arrive, the World Unite team will help you set up:

• Japan bank account
• Tax number registration

Jen-setter benefits

Plus, these JENZA community perks

Free (or close to free) stuff Our favourite F word. Score hundreds of overseas discounts with our virtual JENZA X IYTC card.

Earn extra cash Shot it? Share it. We pay for blogs, vlogs, images and videos. DM us on Insta and send us a pitch.

Find a friend Meet people like you. Connect with travellers arriving at the same time on our JENZA Discord group chats.

Pre-departure inclusions

Expert advice from people who've been

Your Work Japan ride or die, all our JENZA Support Squad have worked overseas, so can give you firsthand advice on moving abroad. As well as being a geeky bunch of travel nerds and visa whisperers, we're also all mental health awareness trained. Which means we know how to connect like humans – not customer service bots.

On top of pre-departure visa and job support, we also include online intercultural Japan training and a group call with a live FAQ before you go to answer all your Japan questions.

Work Japan price

PAY A DEPOSIT

Book now pay later Secure your spot with $180 deposit, paying the balance when recruitment starts for the winter season.

About our pricing Our mission is to make working abroad more accessible. Meaning we do everything we can to pay our team, support our partners and make a profit – without screwing over the people who matter. Find out how our pricing works and the people involved in making your JENZA happen.

We also walk the walk, donating 5% of profits to our overseas scholarship fund.

What’s not included

Support funds for Japan (AUD $)

You must have support funds of AUD $2,500 and proof of a return/onward flight, or AUD $3,500 if entering Japan on a one-way ticket.

Japan visa fee

Your working holiday visa Japan is currently free. Yay!

Travel insurance

To cover against cancellation, we recommend taking out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you book.

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

Japan language course

Ask us about optional 4-12 week language courses in Tokyo.

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.

2023 jobs looked like...

Check back for winter '24

Work in Japan / Hired in winter '23 / Check back for '24

Ski Valet at HTM, Niseko

Jobs available: Ski Valet. Pay is JPY 1,300-1,400/hour. Spend the winter working in Japan's leading ski resort. Free Grand Hirafu season pass, subsidised accommodation, free ski lessons, and bonus upon contract completion. Book Work Japan ready for winter '24 hiring.

Chalet Host, Niseko Alpine Developments x The Luxe Nomad

Jobs available: Chalet Host. Pay is JPY 1,800/hour. Work in Japan’s most popular ski resort, subsidised staff housing, free lift pass or 50,000 JPY recreational allowance. Book Work Japan ready for '24 hiring.

Guest Experience, Niseko Alpine Developments x The Luxe Nomad

Jobs available: Guest Experience Ambassador. Pay is JPY 1,500/hour. Work in Japan’s most popular ski resort, subsidised staff housing, free lift pass or 50,000 JPY recreational allowance. Book Work Japan ready for '24 hiring.

Concierge, The Vale, Rusutsu

Jobs available: Concierge. Pay is JPY 1,200/hour. Subsidised staff accommodation, discounted lift passes, resorts discounts and staff events. Book Work Japan ready for winter '24 hiring.

Housekeeping, Fenix, Furano

Jobs available: Housekeeping. Pay is JPY 1,200/hour. Subsidised staff accommodation, discounted lift passes, resorts discounts and staff events. Book Work Japan ready for '24 winter hiring.

Work in Japan / Hired in winter '23 / Check back for '24


Front Desk, The Freshwater, Niseko

Jobs available: Front Desk Agent. Pay is JPY 1,200/hour. Work in Japan’s most popular ski resort, subsidised staff accommodation, discounted lift passes, resorts discounts and staff events. Book Work Japan ready for '24 winter hiring.

Travel you can trust

Our Extra Mile Promise

Every JENZA experience has been shaped by our Youth Advisory Panel, roadtested by our travellers, and backed by 60+ years of work abroad expertise. But if we still don’t rock your world, we’ll refund the part of your JENZA program you’re not happy with. T&Cs apply

The JENZA blog

All the inspo and intel on life in Japan

Need to know / Japan

Everything you need to know about a working holiday in Japan

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

Travel Guides / Japan

A guide to Tokyo’s coolest neighbourhoods

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

Jenza Talk / Japan

Ski seasons aren’t just for seasoned skiers

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

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.  

More ways to work the world

Did someone say ‘gap decade?’

Summer Camp USA

Work USA 12 months

Work Canada 

Work USA 4 months

Privacy Policy

Cookie Policy

Terms & Conditions

JENZA Travel (NZ) Ltd trading as “JENZA” and “BUNAC” in Australia and New Zealand is a company registered in New Zealand with company number 8177942 and registered address at 336 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North, 4414, New Zealand.

We’re sorry, this site is currently experiencing technical difficulties. Please try again in a few moments. Exception: request blocked

Working in Japan can be a great opportunity for those looking to gain international experience and immerse themselves in a unique culture. However, it's important to understand the different types of visas and work permits available in order to legally work in the country.

Temporary Residence Visa:

This type of visa is for individuals who plan to stay in Japan for a specific period of time, typically up to 3 years. This visa can be used for work, study or other purposes.

Permanent Residence Visa:

This type of visa is for individuals who plan to live in Japan permanently. This visa can be applied for after living in Japan for a certain period of time on a Temporary Residence Visa and meeting certain other requirements. It is important to note that at least one year is needed on a temporary residence visa. Therefore you need either a 3 or 5 year visa to apply.

Work Visas:

Artist : This type of visa is for individuals in the arts, such as musicians, actors, and other performers.

Business Manage r: This type of visa is for individuals who will be working as a manager or executive in a Japanese company.

Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services : This type of visa is for individuals with specialised knowledge or skills in engineering or other fields.

Entertainer : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working in the entertainment industry, such as in music, theatre, or film.

Instructor : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working as a teacher or instructor in Japan.

Intra-Company Transferee : This type of visa is for employees of a foreign company who are transferred to a Japanese branch of the same company.

Journalist : This type of visa is for individuals working as a journalist or reporter in Japan.

Legal/Accounting Services : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working in the legal or accounting field in Japan.

Medical Services : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working in the medical field in Japan, such as doctors or nurses.

Nursing Care : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working in the nursing care field in Japan.

Professor : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working as a professor or researcher in Japan.

Religious Activities : This type of visa is for individuals who will be working in religious activities in Japan.

Researcher : This type of visa is for individuals who will be conducting research in Japan.

Skilled Labour : This type of visa is for individuals who have a high level of skill in a specific field and are offered a job in Japan.

Technical Intern Training : This type of visa is for individuals who will be participating in a technical training program in Japan.

It's important to note that in order to work in Japan, you will also need to have a work permit. This can be obtained through your employer once you have a valid visa.

To apply for a visa or work permit, you will need to gather all required documents such as a passport, birth certificate, and proof of employment or enrolment in a school. It's also recommended to have a good understanding of the Japanese language and culture, as well as having a job offer or sponsorship before applying.

It's always best to check with the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country for the most up-to-date information and requirements as they are subject to change.

• Mar 2, 2023

Free English Legal Consultation & Support in Japan

• Feb 7, 2023

STATION WORK Booths in Train Stations

How to Get a Teaching Job in Japan for Filipinos

• Feb 6, 2023

Talent Agencies in Tokyo Specialising in Foreigners

Startup Support in Japan.

• Jan 30, 2023

Applications Now Open! 2023 JET Programme

• Jan 27, 2023

The best co-working spaces in Tokyo and Kansai.

• Jan 26, 2023

Modelling jobs in Tokyo

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs website uses JavaScript. Please turn on "JavaScript" and use it.

The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan

The working holiday programmes are, based on bilateral arrangements, intended to make it possible for the youth of Japan and its partner countries/regions to enter each country/region primarily for the purpose of spending holidays while allowing them to engage in employment as an incidental activity of their holidays for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds.

The programmes are designed to provide the youth with wider opportunities for them to appreciate the culture and general way of life in the partner countries/regions for the purpose of promoting mutual understanding between Japan and its partner countries/regions.

Japan started the working holiday programmes first with Australia in 1980. As of 1st August 2023, Japan has introduced the programmes with the following 29 countries/regions.

[Note] Provisionally initiated in December 1999.

2. Eligibility to participate in the working holiday programmes

To participate in the working holiday programmes, an applicant must satisfy the following requirements.[Note]

[Note]The requirements may differ depending on the nationality of the applicant. Further information on visa application procedures can be obtained from Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan in your country/region or Interchange Association (Taipei Office or Kaohsiung Office） .

• For a national of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the Republic of Korea, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Spain, Argentina, Chile, Iceland, Czech, Lithuania, Sweden, Estonia, Netherlands, Uruguay, Finland or Latvia, an applicant must be currently residing in his or her country of nationality; for a resident in Hong Kong, an applicant must possess a valid HKSAR or British National Overseas passport; for a resident in Taiwan, an applicant must possess a valid passport of Taiwan.
• Intending primarily to spend holiday in Japan for a specific length of time.
• Being between 18 and 30 years of age both inclusive at the time of application for the visa; As for Australia, Canada, Republic of Korea and Ireland, an applicant should be between 18 and 25 years of age except in those cases where the competent authorities of Japan agree to extend the limitation of age to 30 years. In the case of Iceland, the applicant should be between 18 and 26 years of age.
• Not being accompanied by dependents or children.
• Possessing a valid passport of his or her country/region and a return travel ticket or sufficient funds with which to purchase such a ticket.
• Possessing reasonable funds for the maintenance of his/her stay during the initial period of stay in Japan.
• Being in good health.
• Never having been issued a Japanese working holiday visa in the past.

3. Procedure of the working holiday visa application

The application for the visa must be made to Embassies or Consulates-General of Japan in your country/region or Interchange Association (Taipei Office or Kaohsiung Office） .

4. Work Conditions

Participants in the working holiday programmes are allowed to engage in employment as an incidental activity of their holidays for the purpose of supplementing their travel funds.

The working holiday participants are strictly prohibited from working at bars, cabarets, nightclubs, gambling establishments and other premises affecting public morals in Japan. If a participant works at such a place, he or she is deemed to violate Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act and will face deportation except where he or she is deemed to be victims of human trafficking.

It is also to be noted that those who are engaged in having the working holiday participants work at these establishments could face criminal charges for promoting illegal work or the buying or selling of persons.

5. Procedure at a municipal office

6. other information.

Please beware of fraudulent entities that may offer help in obtaining working holiday visas as there is no organization, including incorporated associations, in Japan with which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs cooperates in operating the working holiday programmes.

Sometimes we request consenting working holiday participants to answer a questionnaire afterwards. We would appreciate it if you could kindly cooperate with us.

88,683 + dreams turned into reality

Trip overview

Qualification, trip details.

• Trip location

Accommodation

Trip itinerary, why choose us, how it works, japanese in tokyo.

35 others looking at this too. Next opening is Jun 2024 , with limited spots.

Learn to speak Japanese – the authentic way – while living in the heart of Tokyo for up to 12 weeks on this unforgettable trip. 

What better way to learn a language than to jump right into the deep end? Engaging with the community as you live like a local in one of the most advanced countries in the world. 

On this done-for-you trip, you’ll get everything you need to live in Tokyo while learning Japanese, including: 

• Small group classes. With a max of 8 students per class, you’ll get plenty of personal attention from your tutor during 20 structured lessons a week in a relaxed, supportive environment. 
• Accommodation included. For stays of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For stays of 4+ weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Tokyo. Or you can upgrade to private accommodation at an extra cost. 
• Certificate of completion.  Your hard work and dedication throughout this experience deserve recognition. This valuable addition to your resume is sure to impress potential employers.

Japan, a cultural powerhouse, offers a fascinating blend of ancient traditions and futuristic marvels. To truly immerse yourself, why not learn the language and live amongst the vibrant locals?

Imagine your life in Japan, where old shrines blend with modern skyscrapers, and traditional Geisha share trains with manga-filled surroundings and unique fashion scenes. Engage with the culture, converse with friendly locals, and watch your Japanese language skills flourish day by day.

Explore the intriguing culture, savor the delicious cuisine, marvel at stunning natural landscapes, and experience the warmth of the polite people. This trip allows you to discover the depth of Japan beyond the surface.

Unleash the power of knowing the local language, opening doors to life-changing experiences. With Global, you'll get the best learning experience and a hassle-free trip. We have you covered from visa guidance to accommodation to class enrollment and more.

Tap to show less

Small group Japanese classes

Learn Japanese in a structured, but relaxed environment for 20 lessons per week. With intakes of only 3-8 students you'll get enough personal attention from the teacher to ensure you get the most out of it.

Dedicated Trip Coordinator

Handpicked from an experienced team who’ve been there, done that and ready to guide you through your entire journey and leave no question unanswered.

Pre-Departure Guide

Our in-depth pre-departure guide will have all the information you need about your trip & destination, at your fingertips.

Trip visa guidance

If you need a visa, it’ll get approved as cheap and easy as possible with our step-by-step instructions and personal guidance from your Trip Coordinator.

Personal Travel Concierge

You'll get a personal Travel Concierge to plan your flights, insurance or any add-ons to synchronise perfectly with your trip. Deal with a real human and get a personalised booking experience that ticks all your boxes.

Comfortable accommodation

You'll be staying in a private room in a shared house in Tokyo (4 weeks+) or a homestay (1-3 weeks). Alternatively, upgrade to a private apartment, guesthouse, or homestay (additional cost if staying longer than 3 weeks.) 

Private airport transfer

A private chauffeur to take you from the Haneda or Narita Airport to your accommodation located in Tokyo.

Certificate of completion

In recognition of your hard work and dedication throughout the experience. Employers will love this addition to your resume! (For students with attendance records of at least 70%) 

Ongoing local team support

From our team and in-country project partners, think of them as your family away from home. Whether you need advice or a shoulder to lean on, you’ll be provided with unlimited support.

24/7 Global Emergency Line

Feel confident knowing we have a worldwide emergency team on standby, 24/7/365, so you can feel safe and secure throughout your whole trip no matter where you are in the world.

gWorld access

Stay organised with your personalised portal where you can keep all of your important documents and trip details in one spot and gain insider access to everything Global.

Travel alone but never lonely with Social! An exclusive social network inside our gWorld app to talk, share & meet-up with other Global Travellers in your region, with a dedicated Community Manager.

Global Academy

Gain access to an ever-growing range of skills & languages to learn before & whilst you travel.

Marketplace deals

Get exclusive access to deals and discounts through our online Marketplace. Save big on a huge range of products and services from our brand partners worldwide.

$250 off your next trip

The “Travel Bug” is a very real thing! Once you catch it, it really doesn’t go away! Book any other trip with us later and save $250. Why would you ever stop travelling?

Tap to expand

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

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

• Be between 18 - 85 years of age
• Be a citizen of an eligible country
• Have no criminal convictions in the past 5 years

Ask a question

Chat with us online now, or we can call you back for free, 24 hours Mon-Fri.

Our Study in Tokyo trip is designed to get you travelling, living and learning Japanese overseas as smoothly as possible.

Our partners were founded with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.” They’re not here to help people pass exams. Instead, they want to give you the skills to talk with the locals and let Japanese culture become a part of you.

In this trip you’ll be learning in small (the smallest in Japan) group classes with an atmosphere that will make your classmates end up feeling more like family.

After class there are a range of optional add-on activities to choose from, or you and your new friends can do what you like to unleash your new skills in Japan. 

Arrive in Japan with the reassurance that you will be many steps ahead of every other traveller in search of international experience in Asia. You can hit the ground running in your studies, with everything else taken care of.

Your included accommodation will be a homestay with a local family (1-3 weeks) or a private room in a shared apartment in Tokyo (4 weeks+). Alternatively, you can upgrade to a private apartment for an additional charge. If you wish to extend your homestay beyond 3 weeks, you can do so as well, with an additional charge. 

Alternatively, you can upgrade to a guest house or private apartment for an additional charge.

Spend your time studying in Japan, immersing yourself in the over-the-top (in the best possible kinds of way) culture, exploring the breathtaking landscapes and history, and jetting off to neighbouring countries, leaving the logistical stuff to us.

Embrace a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel, live and teach in Japan learning a lifelong skill that will stay with you forever. 

Requirements 

You must take a Japanese language test before your arrival to determine your starting level. Complete beginners are not required to take a language test, but must know the hiragana alphabet. 

What extra costs will I have? 

Flights, travel insurance, souvenirs & spending money.

Your style of accommodation depends on how long you’ll be in Japan. 

For trips of 1-3 weeks, you’ll stay in a homestay with a local family. For trips longer than 4 weeks, you’ll stay in a private room in a shared house in Tokyo. 

Alternatively, you could upgrade to a private room in a guest house or private apartment at an additional cost.

The beauty of this trip is that you’re not just going to learn the language, you’re going to learn the culture too. Our partners know this and have built a range of optional extras to help you and designed an education structure with lots of time to explore Japan as you wish.

Once you’ve landed at Haneda or Narita Airport, your private airport transfer will be waiting to take you straight to your pre-planned accommodation in Tokyo. 

If you’ve arrived a few days before your course starts, use this time to get out and start exploring the amazing new city on your doorstep. You’ll also have new classmates/homestay hosts to get to know.

Our Study trips are designed to get you set up in your new life overseas – learning new skills from the locals –  as smoothly as possible. Our goal is to save you time, money, and stress while eliminating the risk of returning home early. Here’s how we do it: 

We’re with you from the moment you get started. You’ll be assigned a dedicated Trip Coordinator. They’ll guide you through the next steps and answer all your questions. They’ll also help you with the pesky visa. No guesswork – only the right paperwork, approved the first time, in your hands before you leave. 

Your Personal Travel Concierge will help with flights, insurance, visas, and any add-ons you’d like for your trip. These are real humans too – no robots here. 

Once you land in Japan our local team will be waiting for you at the airport. You’ll be taken straight to your initial accommodation in Tokyo. 

But our support doesn’t end there. We’ll be in touch during your trip to make sure everything is going smoothly. If you have any questions or concerns we’re one quick message, DM, email, or carrier pigeon away. 

Our team is well travelled so you can rely on our experience. We’re with you every step of the way. 

Join 80,000+ travellers – giving us 10,000+ 4 & 5 star reviews – by choosing Global to make your travel dreams come true. 

Most travellers book their trip 6-12 months in advance. Dates are flexible, but spaces are limited. So if you’re serious about studying in Japan, don’t delay. 

With our Book Now, Decide Later feature, you can get started with a small deposit today, and take a full year to choose your dates. 

We’ll take over from there, helping you with visas, flights, accommodation, and setting you up with our partner in Japan. 

This is the trip for you if you’re after the ultimate teaching experience in Japan, complete with everything you need and 24/7 support.

Click the red button to check dates & prices.

The main purpose of this trip is to get you speaking Japanese like a local while you live like a local. Which makes this trip perfect for those who want to connect more with the country, instead of simply stopping in for a visit. 

Our in-country partners operate with one goal in mind: “Japanese for everyday life, rather than academic Japanese.”

These classes won’t teach you formal Japanese with strict rules and fancy words. It’s all about being able to communicate with Japanese people in Japanese, so you can let the Japanese culture become part of you as you get to know it more intimately. 

One of the many reasons you’re encouraged to strike up conversation with locals after hours – even if you’re a newbie. 

Living amongst the community while you’re learning the language will fast track your path to success. It will also help you integrate into the community so you’ll get to know Japan much better than most tourists.

New on the 'gram

Frequently asked questions.

As the world’s leading gap-year and "work & travel" company, we provide a premium service for Global Travellers. Choose from a variety of awesome experiences worldwide. We assist with visas, pre-departure, flights, insurance, and tours. Our cool tech features support you throughout the journey. As a Global Traveller, access gWorld, our personalized app. Keep important documents and trip details handy. Enjoy exclusive Marketplace deals, a social network, language learning, side trips, meet-ups, and more. It's like all your favorite apps merged into one, but better! Our support doesn't stop there. With a 24/7 emergency team, 90+ staff, and ongoing assistance, we ensure you feel like a local. Join the 80,000+ Global Travellers who have turned their travel dreams into reality with us. We proudly boast the most & best reviews in the biz!

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!

With so many incredible options, we understand that selecting the perfect study trip can be tricky. That's why we recommend booking your favourite one, and your dedicated Trip Coordinator will guide you through the project details. They will consider your interests, goals, and desired outcome for the trip. If we find another trip that better suits your preferences, we can easily swap you over to ensure you have the ideal study experience. Rest assured, we're here to help you find the right fit!

You will be provided clean, comfortable, and safe accommodation for the entire duration of your study experience! Depending on the specific trip, the accommodation will either be on-site or conveniently located near the course location for your ease and convenience. You can focus on your studies and enjoy a worry-free and fun stay during your exciting journey with us.

Most of our study trips are designed to cater to participants of all abilities and levels of experience. You can confidently join our program without any previous background or expertise. Our courses are structured to provide a valuable and enriching learning experience for everyone, ensuring you can make the most out of your study trip adventure, and go home with a new or developed skill!

The group sizes for our study trips typically range from 4 to 12 people, with variations depending on the specific trip. Most of our participants are travelling solo and share a common enthusiasm for learning and making new connections. And as our travellers come from various countries worldwide, joining a study trip offers an exceptional opportunity to build a diverse network of friends from all corners of the globe!

Absolutely! Upon successfully completing the study course, you will be awarded a certificate to acknowledge your hard work and dedication. This valuable certificate serves as a notable achievement and an impressive addition to your resume. Future employers will recognise your commitment to personal and professional growth, reinforcing your qualifications and enhancing your career prospects. Or, frame it on your wall to show off to family and friends of the epic skill you picked up abroad!

Covid-19 threw us a curve ball and pretty much halted all travel. This means that we have a backlog of travellers, just like you, who are desperate to get out and explore the world! 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!

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!

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.

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.

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. 24/7 support

Never stress, knowing we’re there with you when you need us with ongoing & unlimited local team support and check-ins. And just in case, we’ve got an emergency team on stand-by, 24/7.

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, 24/7.

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.

Check out these similar trips

• Search Jobs Search Jobs
• Company List Company List
• Found a Job? 🎊 Found a Job? 🎊

For Employers

Get job alerts, how to live in japan and work remotely for an overseas employer [2024 guide].

Updated January 19, 2024

Japan Dev Team

Japan Dev contributor

• Career Development

In today’s digital world, working remotely is becoming increasingly commonplace. In fact, it’s the norm for many of us who work in tech, be it partially or full-time.

In previous posts, I talked about companies in Japan that hire candidates from overseas , allowing them to work remotely , but what about working for an overseas company while you’re living in Japan as a foreigner?

Certainly, there are visa types that allow you to work in Japan if you have a contract here, but coming to Japan just to work remotely falls under more of a grey area. To pull this off, you'll need to be a bit creative.

This is why many foreign professionals who want to stay in Japan for a while consider the working holiday visa . It doesn’t involve a limitation on work hours, and it doesn’t limit your field of work, either. 

So, is the working holiday visa really the best way to go? Are there other visa types that might do the trick? I’ll answer all of these and more in today’s post.

First, let’s talk briefly about the distinct nature of the working holiday system.

In this article: 📝

All About Working Holiday Programs

Can i work remotely for a foreign company in japan with a working holiday visa, regarding taxes on foreign income while on a working holiday, other options to work remotely in japan for an overseas company, why work visas and the dependant visa won’t work, extending your stay on a working holiday visa, frequently asked questions on working remotely in japan.

Unlike other visa types that allow you to work in Japan as a foreigner, the working holiday visa is special in that it’s based on specific bilateral treaties between nations.

This means that the rules and regulations regarding the visa can change, depending on your country of origin and the specifics of the agreement it has made with Japan. 

The working holiday treaties are created to allow young individuals to experience and learn about partner countries’ cultures, broadening their horizons. Simply put, they’re designed to grant individuals the right to stay and travel in Japan while working for a maximum of twelve months.

An important point to keep in mind is that this visa type is for young individuals, which means between the ages of 18 and 30 for most countries. For some countries, however, the eligibility age is capped at 26 or 25 years.

As a natural implication of the unique nature of working holiday programs, the working holiday visa may not be available to nationals of all countries, as they require the existence of a prior agreement.

To be more specific, Japan currently has working holiday agreements with 29 countries. Each year, new treaties are signed with new nations to extend this list even further. For instance, 2023 brought Uruguay, Finland, and Latvia to the steadily growing list.

To check which countries are added to the list and the specific requirements for nationals of specific countries, you can check the official working holiday programs page on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.

While it sounds good on paper at first glance, is the working holiday visa the perfect solution to working remotely in another country while staying in Japan? 

Let’s dig deeper.

As I already mentioned, the working holiday visa, unlike a regular work visa, is designated to help you experience the country and its culture. This is the main objective of this visa, and the working part is only secondary.

In simpler terms, the main reason the working holiday visa exists is that it allows you to finance your travels yourself while you’re on holiday .

This means that even if there are no work-hour limits, unlike with the student visa which only allows you to work for a certain number of hours, you’re still obligated to put holiday first, and treat your job as a means to support yourself financially.

So, the “no work hour limitation” rule is actually limited by this requirement, and you’re supposed to only work part-time or do minor freelance work while you travel. 

Speaking of limitations, another rule that limits the jobs you can work at is regarding jobs that may disrupt public morals, such as working at nightclubs.

All that being said, given that its main objective is to allow you to stay in Japan and travel/vacation, finding work isn’t among the working holiday visa requirements.

But if you choose to work remotely for a foreign company in Japan with a working holiday visa, there’s one big thing to consider – taxes.

A working holiday is part holiday and part working , enabling you to earn income. If you continue working remotely while on a working holiday visa instead of getting a mini job in Japan, the status of your earnings will be “foreign income.”

Naturally, this income will be subject to tax, however, it won’t be subject to your country of origin’s tax regulations. This is where it gets tricky.

During your stay in Japan, the authority responsible for taxing your earnings will be the Japanese Tax Authority. So, even if it’s possible to not get a part-time job in Japan and work remotely for your company, you’ll still face problems regarding your tax declarations.

As the visa granted to you isn’t a work visa, or a digital nomad visa which hasn’t yet been introduced, declaring your earnings from your job abroad will be quite tricky.

I’ll expand on this later below along with a few alternative solutions, but while we’re on the topic, here’s what you need to know about your tax responsibilities in Japan and your foreign income.

Taxes on Working Holiday and Foreign Income

Depending on whether you’re “selling labor”, i.e. you’re an employee, or working on a contractual basis as a freelancer, you’ll have to file differently.

If you’re providing paid labor as an employee, you will need to file an Article 172 Declaration the day before leaving Japan at the latest. You will be taxed at a rate of 20.42% on your earnings.

If you provide work on a contractual basis , i.e. as a freelancer, on the other hand, you’ll need to file a regular tax return in Japan. This means paying your taxes regularly as if you’re earning income in Japan.

In any case, your tax status depends heavily on your specific situation, so make sure to consult a professional accountant to be sure about your tax-related responsibilities.

Lastly, another point to keep in mind about taxes here is double taxation. If you are subject to double taxation in your home country, you may be able to receive “Foreign Tax Credit” (外国税額控除 / Gaikoku-zeigakukojo) for this, but this isn’t a guarantee and it can also be a bit of a hassle to get.

So, currently, it seems that those on a working holiday visa have to pay taxes in Japan in one way or another. Whether the introduction of a digital nomad visa will change this in the future is still up in the air.

The working holiday visa might not be what you’re looking for, but this isn’t to say that you’re out of options.

Those wondering, “Is there any way to work remotely in Japan for an overseas company using methods other than a working holiday visa?” should know that the answer is a yes . That said, these methods may prove to be trickier to deal with.

As I mentioned in my post on moving to Japan as a software developer , the main issue you’ll face is the visa. There are other options where this isn’t an issue, but they’re situational, like having a spousal visa.

While the working holiday visa can work for you with a few workarounds, you have to be careful when it comes to taxes.  This is why, in some cases, it may be best to apply for a different type of visa to work in Japan for an overseas company. 

Here are your options.

Short-Term Stay: The Tourist Visa is Remote Work-Friendly

If you plan on visiting Japan and continuing to work at your remote job during your stay, why not apply for a tourist visa instead? This is a common way to work while on vacation utilized by many foreign professionals.

Of course, a glaring downside of the tourist visa is that it allows for a much shorter stay, a maximum of 90 days, to be specific, whereas a working holiday visa allows staying up to a whole year. That said, this shorter stay ensures that you won’t have to deal with the Japanese tax system, as your earnings during your stay won’t be taxable by Japan’s tax authority.

The reason why working remotely while on a tourist visa is allowed is simple: it’s considered to be a temporary work activity that’s part of your work engagement abroad. As this is a part of daily life in today’s digital world and it’s normal for people to take care of business while on vacation, the tourist visa is perfect for you as long as you plan to stay less than 90 days.

Employer of Record Services (EORs): A Simple Workaround

If you’re a full-time employee in your country of origin and want to stay in Japan while continuing to work remotely, another option is using an EOR service.

Short for “Employer of Record”, EOR services act as a third party from Japan that employs you on your company’s behalf. 

You can use a company like Deel to do this. Essentially, the company will provide you with an employment contract in Japan, and even sponsor your visa. To do this, you need to have good communication with your employer, seeing as your employer has to be the one who applies to the EOR company for this.

Alternatively, the EOR company can also hire you as a freelancer, and bill your original company of employment as well.  In this case, you’ll have to handle taxes as a freelancer in Japan, so it will be the same basic process as with a work holiday visa.

The Intra-Company Transferee Visa

I have a detailed post on this already, but the intra-company transferee visa can be another good option that allows you to continue working remotely while you stay in Japan.

Essentially, this visa is issued to employees of overseas companies who are transferring to a Japanese office or branch of said company. 

Of course, this visa is only an option if you’re an employee of a global company that has operations in Japan, such as large corporations like Google or Indeed . This may not be a reality for everyone, but if you play the long game, you may eventually end up in Japan. 

If you want to find good global companies to work at that have offices in Japan, as well as ones that hire from overseas and offer visa sponsorship , you can always check Japan Dev where we post new job listings every day.

One important caveat to point out here is that the intra-company visa requires you to be employed at the company for at least a year before you can transfer, so, keep that in mind if you plan to pick this option.

Starting Your Own Company

If nothing else works, starting your own company and continuing to work for your company remotely as a freelancer or contract worker can allow you to stay in Japan. It’s a costly one, but an option nonetheless. 

Most people don’t prefer this route because it’s not just expensive but also a bit of a hassle to deal with. Running a company requires accurate bookkeeping and a stronger comprehension of the tax system, which you’ll need an accountant for. 

So, with all the responsibility and costs attached, this option seems to be only feasible if you’re willing to invest substantially to open the business (or branch) in Japan.

Student Visa

A student visa is another option that gets you residence in Japan, but, of course, this requires you to be enrolled in an official educational institution. It also requires you to be a full-time student.

The student visa does allow some part-time work, though. You need to apply for a special permit , which allows you to work for a maximum of 28 hours a week (40 hours during school vacation seasons).

While this visa isn’t for everyone, an important point to keep in mind if you pick this option is that you’ll be required to attend classes regularly. As you’re primarily a student, failing your student duties and missing too many classes will result in getting your visa revoked. 

I’ve covered a wide range of possibilities and different visa types that can allow you to work remotely in Japan in one way, shape, or form. However, I didn’t mention the dependent visa that’s issued to spouses and the work visa for a reason.

For one, the dependent visa doesn’t recognize remote work from abroad as a relevant work activity, which puts it in an illegal territory. This means that you’ll have to apply for this non-qualified activity, which will only allow you to work 28 hours weekly at a maximum. 

The dependent visa, as it is today, doesn’t allow for full-time work. This is because being dependent on someone is the primary requirement of this visa, which also means that your earnings can’t exceed your dependee’s. 

Alternatively, a work visa is another non-option if you want to work remotely in Japan. Working for an overseas company isn’t a valid reason to qualify for a work visa, as your contract has to be with a public or private Japanese company/institution. 

So, without a workplace in Japan, the Engineer/Humanities/International Services (技術・人文知識・国際業務)" and "Highly Skilled Professional (高度人材) visas aren’t an option for those looking to work remotely while staying in Japan.

The working holiday visa allows staying in Japan for up to a year, and, sadly, it can’t be extended .

It’s possible to cut your stay short and leave early, but staying longer than twelve months isn’t possible on a working holiday visa. You’ll have to leave before your visa expires and reapply for another visa if you want to reenter Japan.

Similarly, those who want to “convert” their working holiday visas to another type, such as the work visa, should also know that this, as a general rule, isn’t possible. Emphasis on the “general” here. 

For one, a visa can’t be “converted” but you can apply for another visa should you cease to qualify for the one you’ve applied for or your status changes. This means that even if you get hired and sign a contract with a Japan-based company during your working holiday, you’ll have to apply for a work visa instead of “converting” your current visa.

So, as it stands, the general rule seems to be that if you do find a job that makes you qualified for a work visa, you’ll still have to leave Japan and apply from your country of origin. 

That said, it’s important to keep the unique nature of the working holiday programs in mind, which stems from bilateral treaties signed between Japan and individual countries. What this means is that while there are general rules that govern these programs, the specific rules for each country depend on the bilateral treaty between the two countries.

So, depending on the agreements, there may be specific rules for nationals of certain countries that might allow them to apply for a work visa while on a working holiday, but as I said, this isn’t a guarantee and you should check the specific regulations for your country.

Before I go, I’d like to provide some quick answers to some of the biggest burning questions online regarding working holiday visas and working remotely during your stay in Japan.

Can I Live in Japan and Work For a US Company?

Yes, you can work remotely while you’re in Japan using an Employer of Record (EOR) service, or by obtaining an “intra-company transferee visa” if you’re eligible. Alternatively, you can start a company in Japan and work for your employer as a contractor, which may be costly.

Lastly, you can find a new job in Japan, at a subsidiary of a US-based corporation, which you can find plenty of on the Japan Dev company list .

Can I Work Remotely in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa?

Technically, yes, you can. However, what you need to be careful about is filing taxes and declaring your foreign income, given that your earnings will need to be taxed by the Japanese Tax Agency.

Can You Work Remotely While on a Tourist Visa in Japan?

Yes, you can. The tourist visa allows you a short-term stay in Japan, and the work you temporarily engage in as part of a work conducted abroad is allowed during your stay.

Can I Move to Japan With a Remote Job?

Yes, you can move to Japan while remaining employed at a remote job. However, it isn’t easy.

You can obtain a working holiday visa, but this is limited to one year, and you also need to be under 30 years old (under 25 or 26 for nationals of certain countries ). In addition to this, you can use an EOR service, which involves a 3rd party company employing you on behalf of your company.

If your employer is willing to be involved, instead of using an EOR service, your company can hire you as a freelance contractor for the term you stay in Japan. Lastly, if you have the resources, you also have the option to start your own company in Japan.

Of course, if you like Japan, looking for a full-time job while on a working holiday visa can be another option. You can find great opportunities on the Japan Dev job board where we feature jobs from companies with best practices, and some even allow remote work and don’t require any Japanese skills !

Can I Get a Full-Time Job in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa?

If you want to work for a company in Japan full-time while you’re in the country on a working holiday visa, you technically can, as this visa type doesn’t involve any work hour limitations. 

That said, the main purpose of the working holiday visa is vacationing, and theoretically, you’re only supposed to be working to finance your travels. If you’ve found a full-time job in Japan, it’s recommended to apply to change your residence status to a more appropriate one, like the work visa types I explored in my How to get an Engineering Visa post.

References: 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs - The Working Holiday Programs in Japan

National Tax Agency: 2023 INCOME TAX AND SPECIAL INCOME TAX FOR RECONSTRUCTION GUIDE

Kamalegal: The Immigration Will Know You Work For More Than 28 Hours

Consulate General Japan in Hong Kong: Working Holiday Visa for Japan Q&A

This post was written by our Japan Dev editorial team.

• ¥6mil - ¥12mil
• ¥6mil - ¥15mil
• Money Forward
• ¥6.408mil - ¥10.008mil
• ¥6.9mil - ¥11.004mil

Want to write for Japan Dev ? ✍️ 💙 Click here to learn how!

Latest Tech Jobs 🇯🇵

Explore the top developer jobs in Japan for foreigners

• ¥7mil - ¥13mil
• ¥14mil - ¥18mil
• ¥7.5mil - ¥12mil

Sign up for our newsletter to get hand-picked tech jobs in Japan – straight to your inbox.

Join 30k readers + get our Developer Salary Guide free ☝️

© 2024 Japan Dev. All rights reserved.

Proudly built in Tokyo.

• Python Jobs
• Backend Jobs
• Front-end Jobs
• Android Jobs
• Javascript Jobs
• Devops Jobs
• Full-stack Jobs
• Kotlin Jobs
• Machine Jobs
• Manager Jobs
• Design Jobs

Curated with 💙 in Tokyo

All our data is gathered from publicly available sources or contributed by users

Your browser is out of date! It looks like you are using an old version of Internet Explorer. For the best experience on the web, please update your browser.

Update now!

• Life in Japan

Working Holidays in Japan | A Guide to Short-Term Jobs

Do you want to experience Japan for longer than a couple of weeks at a time? Do you want to make money while doing so? What if we told you there was a way to do just that, well, there is. Say kon’nichiwa to working holidays in Japan, the best way to immerse yourself in Japanese culture while getting paid.

For someone who revels in independence and adventure, working holidays in Japan are the perfect solution to taking that next bold step in life. 

If you’re considering taking up the opportunity of a working holiday in Japan and are looking for more information, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s everything you need to plan a working holiday in Japan, from visas to applying for temp jobs.

What is a Working Holiday in Japan?

A working holiday in Japan or a ‘working holiday visa’ is a special visa for people between the age of 18 and 30 to travel and stay in Japan for up to a year. Working holidays in Japan enable you to work part-time during your stay. 

Emphasis on the part-time part, it is made abundantly clear that a working visa should be for experiencing a holiday in Japan and not for the sole purpose of working. You are allowed to engage in part-time or freelance work to support yourself financially while living in Japan.

A working holiday is a less-costly alternative to what can be an elongated and complicated process to essentially reach the same result. You can, of course, find work sponsorships (in advance), or go as part of a university exchange program. But these can be extremely costly and very few and far between.

Unlike a student visa or a standard Japanese visa , a working holiday visa in Japan doesn’t restrict the number of hours you can work or the profession. The only exception to this rule is you’re not allowed to work at “businesses which may impact public morals” such as bars, nightclubs etc. 

Am I Eligible?

Here is an exhaustive list of all the countries that are eligible for working holidays in Japan, please also find a link to their retrospective embassy pages for more information. 

• Netherlands
• New Zealand
• Republic of Korea
• United Kingdom

However, there are often certain restrictions for working visas that will need to be considered. One of the main eligibility requirements is age, please check the other standard requirements below:

• The age restrictions for working holiday visas are between 18 and 30 (35 in some countries) as working holidays are intended for ‘young travellers’ 
• There is usually a limit on how long you can stay for (this is usually around a year)
• You are expected to have sufficient funds in your bank account to stay in Japan, usually around 200,000 yen (provide bank statements)
• You are expected to have some level of health or travel insurance during your stay in Japan. This also includes being in ‘good health’ meaning you may be required to submit your health information
• You will need to travel without dependents (essentially meaning no tagalongs), there is an exception to this being a married couple if they both meet the criteria
• You do not have a criminal record

If you meet all these criteria, chances are there should be no reason why you are refused a working holiday visa in Japan. Congratulations! 

What Jobs am I able to do during my Working Holiday?

As mentioned above, you are pretty much free to apply for any job that takes your fancy – and to some’s delight, you do NOT need to speak fluent Japanese to get a job. 

But that does mean if you don’t speak native-level Japanese certain jobs are easier to come by than others. 

• Education – A very popular avenue to go down when looking for a working holiday in Japan is Education , because why not make use of your native language to inspire others? With jobs such as English tutors, teachers, conversation instructors and ALTs there are a wealth of opportunities at your disposal.
• Remote Work – Why not just do the same job, but while working in Japan? If you can’t bear the thought of starting a whole new career path in a foreign country, or your company can’t bear the thought of you taking a break. Embrace the world of remote working, if that’s a viable option of course. 
• Hotel & Ski/Resort Jobs – Whether you’re working in a ‘Ryokan’, a traditional Japanese hotel or something a little different in a ski resort, these sort of jobs generally offer accommodation as part of your working visa. Housekeeping, dishwashing, welcoming guests, nothing too strenuous.
• Service & Hospitality – Usually jobs that demand such direct communication with customers would favour those who speak a good portion of the language. However, with a shortage of labour and in tourist-orientated areas this becoming less important, you are most likely to be accepted regardless of your lack of Japanese.
• Farm Work – The ultimate culture test, get up close and personal with animals, food and hard, manual labour. Learn about the origin and quality of food (which is of great importance to many Japanese). Working 5-6 days per week with 7-9 hour shifts, but with accommodation usually included sometimes with home cooked meals, farm work is by no means something to grumble about.
• Production – Do you light up when in front of a camera? A career in production may be for you, modelling, performing, acting, you name it. With entertainment agencies eager to employ the “next big thing” it’s got to be worth a shot, right?

Even though it’s entirely possible to find a job without Japanese speaking skills, it’s much easier to do so if you’re able to speak at least basic Japanese. It may be beneficial to start learning Japanese before your travel, in preparation, or at the very least while you’re on your working holiday.

If you’re still struggling for ideas for temporary jobs during your working holiday in Japan, check out our job board with opportunities spanning across sales and marketing , IT , service and hospitality and so much more. 

How do I get a Working Holiday Visa for Japan?

Now you know the basics of working holidays and whether you’re eligible for a working holiday visa in Japan – how do you get one? Fortunately, the process for working holiday visas is much simpler than other types of visas. 

There are two ways to get started on your journey, consult an agency such as ourselves who will assist you throughout the whole process of working in Japan , or, head to your nearest consulate (usually a Japanese embassy) with all the necessary documentation. 

You will need to provide the following:

• CV (preferably English and Japanese)
• Passport photo
• A filled-in application form, which can be found on the Japanese embassy’s website
• “Written Reason for Applying”, pour your heart onto an A4 page about why you want to travel to Japan
• An itinerary, or “Outline of Intended Activities”, what you plan to do essentially
• The last three months bank statements to prove you have the necessary funds
• Return ticket (this isn’t essential, but can reduce the funds you need to prove)

How to Get your Application Accepted

As previously mentioned, working holiday visas are often a much simpler process than other visas, but that doesn’t mean the application is ‘easy’. 

To ensure your application gets the stamp of approval you know you truly deserve, you’ll need to consider three main areas; money, itinerary and time of year.

Countries that provide working holiday visas are a true testament to the phrase ‘seeing the colour of someone’s money”. Unfortunately, that’s just how it is sometimes, meaning you have to provide bank statements to prove you have the necessary funds to support yourself. 

Having a comfortable financial position will only serve you well in your application process. A mass of credit cards, loans, or borrowed money will not suffice – you need to prove a clean financial history for the last three months. 

Time Of Year 

This may not be something you have considered, but the time of year that you apply can make or break your chances of jetting off to Japan. The visa application process coincidentally lines up with the financial year of April – March and as such it may be a smart decision to get in early, say May onwards.

Depending on your country, there may be a limit as to how many people are allowed to have working visas – meaning leaving your application to the latter end of the financial year could result in the quota already being filled.

This is an art form all itself, writing an itinerary that serves the purpose you need it to. Your intended activities need to balance the fine line between “I know what I’m talking about, I’ve done my research” and not detailing absolutely EVERYTHING.

There are certain things you should mention, and certain things you definitely should not. If you already have a job lined up in Japan, fantastic, but keep it to yourself. The whole reason behind a holiday working visa is for travel, spending money, doing tourist-esque things – a job should only be a secondary factor of this.

It should show you’ve spent a decent amount of time looking into things you intend to do, without screaming and shouting about it. Like sure, mention that you intend on visiting the Kagawa Prefecture or one of the Japanese castles , Hikone Castle and a couple of things you’d like to try, but you don’t really need to go into that much detail.

Also, don’t worry about a government agent following you around waiting for you to trip up. Your itinerary is meant to act as a rough guideline, a fun-to-do rather than being set in stone. So it’s okay to mention something that you’d like to do but might not end up following through with. 

If you can ace these three areas there’s no reason as to why you won’t be accepted for a working holiday visa in Japan. 

What’s Life Like on a Working Holiday in Japan?

Now you’ve got the hard bit out the way, you can look forward to what life is like in Japan – more specifically where you’ll be staying and additionally what you should consider during your stay. 

Accommodation

When it comes to the accommodation during your working holiday in Japan you are by no means short of options. From apartments to shared accommodation and even farming, with the proper forethought, you’ll have no problem finding a place to lay your head.

Here are just a few examples of viable options for working holiday goers like yourself:

Leopalace – Small, accessible apartments that come in two kinds of layouts, with, and without a loft. They make a perfect option for those on working holidays due to not needing a guarantor, no intermediary fees, and comes fully furnished. What’s not to like?

Sakura House – A guesthouse provider whose aim is to create a communal space that acts as your “home away from home”. As well as being a lovely little phrase, their apartments offer great versatility in offering single rooms, private rooms, dorm rooms and traditional hotel rooms.

Gaijin House – Meaning “foreigner house” is a perfect alternative to a traditional apartment in Japan . Avoiding the expense and hassle of renting, gaijin houses offer either weekly or monthly contracts while offering the ultimate Japanese experience – shopping at Japanese convenience stores for food, cooking, cleaning etc.

Registration

When you set foot in Japan you will be issued a ‘Residence Card’ as part of your stay. This only applies to medium to long-term residents, so if you are simply travelling you don’t need to worry about this. 

You are then given 14 days to register as a resident, in which you will need to take your ‘Residence Card’ you were issued at the port of entry and submit a “moving in notice” to the municipality where you live. 

You will then be eligible for a range of government benefits such as National Health Insurance. There are also other services such as Social Insurance which is usually paid by your employer, but only if you work full time. Since you won’t be working full time this means you will have to pay it yourself, but don’t worry it’s pretty cheap! 

It’s also worth mentioning that if you change your address at any point during your working holiday, you will need to revisit the municipality where you live and submit a “notification of moving out”.

Working in Japan

Finding a job and working in Japan as you’d expect is quite different from the United Kingdom. Working in Japan essentially boils down to three distinct areas; your resume, how you dress and your interview. 

We have identified the key areas/skills that will help you stand out from the crowd when it comes to writing your CV . It’s certainly easy to woffle when putting together a CV but it’s important you include the following skillsets: potential, stance, portable skills, literacy and technical skills. It’s also worth considering that you will need to provide your resume in both English and Japanese for the best chance of getting seen. 

The dress code is slightly different from what you’d expect to see in the UK. From what may be a slightly relaxed dress code at home, it’s important to sharpen your look for when travelling to Japan. As a man, you will need a dark-coloured business suit where the shoes match the belt. And for women, pretty much the same – just make sure it’s not too ‘revealing’.

Interviewers in Japan look at much more than just your answers to their questions. They’re looking for posture, how you enter a room, tone, volume, basically how you present yourself.

If you’re working with an agency such as ourselves, we can help you look your best in all three quadrants to ensure your best chances of passing a Japanese interview .

Other Things to Consider

It may seem slightly trivial looking at the bigger picture and it may be just something you’ll ‘deal with when the time comes’ but it’s also important to consider the day-to-day aspect of your travels. 

From importing medication to Japan and sorting your phone service out , to what it’s like being veggy in Japan , do your homework so you’re not left scratching your head trying to figure these things out in a foreign country.

Can I Stay in Japan after my Working Holiday Visa Ends?

While the whole premise behind a working holiday visa is for a temporary stay, it is indeed possible to stay for longer given the right conditions. If you’re say, seven months into your working holiday in Japan and decide this life is for me, then there are some steps you can take in making that a reality.

First of all contact your current employer, if they’re impressed by your work ethic and performance over the course of your employment they may be willing to sponsor you. Whether you’re sponsored by your current company or find a new full time position, you may be lucky enough to find your company helps you with the paperwork. 

You will need to apply for a working holiday henkō (amendment), a procedure fairly similar to sponsoring a new employee without a visa. You will need to provide a handful of documents as evidence, such as the application form, your new employment contract and any relevant educational certificates. 

Any more questions about working holidays in Japan?  Get in touch with us!

Sign up to get the latest updates from Link Japan Careers directly to your inbox

Please click here to read an important announcement from Link Japan Careers.

Interac is the number one private provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers) to Japanese private schools.  In this video, Chase, one of the Managing Consultants for the Tokyo Branch, gives his story about living in Japan and working with Interac . 

In this video , Chase mentions the level of support that Interac teachers can expect.  We believe that this is one of the major differences between Interac and other ALT providers & programs.  Some of the things that you can count on with Interac that you won’t find elsewhere are their extensive pre-arrival and post-arrival initial training, support with housing set-up, getting started with a bank account, Internet, mobile phones, and getting to know your schools prior to beginning to teach.  Once you begin teaching, you’ll have access to extensive teaching materials, continuing training, and periodic evaluation.  Interac also has skills development resources to help you make the most of your time with the company and help your future career, whether it is in teacher or another field.

For more information about Interac, click here  or visit Interac’s site at www.interacnetwork.com .  To make an application, go to our jobs page here .

• Jobs Abroad

Jobs in Japan

Japan is a country rooted in history, tradition, and religion, yet has distinctly placed itself as a leader in modern-day technology. Its regions offer a span of landscapes to those seeking jobs in Japan, from the fairytale-like winter snows in Hokkaido to the flashing city lights in Tokyo to the serene oceans of Okinawa. Curious, adventurous job seekers are intrigued by the distinguished culture in Japan and also its distinct work culture. After spending a few months working abroad in Japan, workers will learn the incredible work-ethic that runs deep in the Japanese culture and lifestyle.

The usual “go-to” for foreigners looking for work abroad in Japan is often the biggest city in the country, Tokyo . While many foreigners assume that they are only able to teach English in Japan, with some Japanese language skills, foreigners can find work in education, business, recruiting, journalism, and entertainment.

Osaka is the one of the most famous culinary destinations in Japan. With cheap and delicious food options, people can find themselves stuffed in food heaven. Culinary connoisseurs can find a variety of jobs in Osaka at local restaurants, cafes, and bars for cooking classes and possible apprenticeships.

Okinawa may surprise some as a location for foreigners to work in Japan. The pristine jade-green waters of Okinawa attract tourists from all over Asia. Individuals looking to work in Japan can find job opportunities utilizing their customer relations skills in the tourism and hospitality industry.

Nara is a tranquil, countryside prefecture that was the former capital of Japan. This is the perfect place for a job-seekers wishing to be immersed in a quaint, historical area while working in Japan. The biggest industry in Nara is tourism, and accordingly, there is a need for foreigners to work in the hospitality industry.

Japan is one of the most developed countries in the world. They are leaders in technology, famous for their culinary and traditional arts, and also a country set on improving their English fluency.

Teaching English is by far the biggest industry that foreigners work in Japan. The three main English teaching options include the government-sponsored JET program, corporate companies, and international English schools. All three options help with visas and housing.

Technology is a hugely successful industry in Japan. They are highly praised for their mobile phone technology, automobiles, and electronics. It is home of the international corporations like Panasonic, Sony, Fuji, Nintendo, Toyota, and Honda. Many of these corporations recruit from their international offices outside of Japan.

For those seeking a more Hollywood-type of experience, people can also find themselves working in the entertainment industry. Being from a different cultural background and having a unique physical look, you can find agencies seeking models and actors for advertisement, runways, television shows, and movies.

Average salaries vary greatly depending on the type of position and the location of your work abroad in Japan. Working in the tourism and hospitality industry can earn you an average of $3,000 per month in Tokyo. Working in hostels and hotels often provide a lower salary, but offer you free housing. A typical teaching salary can earn you around $2,300 per month in Osaka. English teaching positions definitely offer enough to get by, but how much you save depends on your saving habits and travel intentions.

Many individuals who work abroad in Japan live in apartments, or tiny apartments sometimes called “rabbit-houses.” Most places require that you pay “key money” and a security deposit. The key money is usually a one-time non-refundable payment of two to three months rent that goes directly to your landlord. While apartment hunting, you might see terms like “1LDK” which are are used to indicate (1: Number of Bedrooms, L: Living Room, D: Dining Room, K: Kitchen).

In order to legally work abroad in Japan, foreigners must obtain a visa—a college degree is required for a work visa, which is necessary for working in Japan. Citizens of certain countries, including Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and a few countries in Europe, between 18 and 30 years old can obtain a working holiday visa to work in Japan for up to a year. Citizens of the United States can visit Japan for a period of 90 days or less, during which they can find job opportunities in Japan. If a company that is willing to sponsor your visa, the visa process is very streamlined and not difficult to obtain. Find all of the most up-to-date visa information for working in Japan by contacting your Embassy !

People in Japan often work many hours of unpaid overtime. Being prepared for this work-life imbalance is crucial to understanding Japanese corporate culture. Even though this may be a challenge, you will learn so much by working within a completely unique work culture. The experience you gain will help you in your future career anywhere you go. Insider tip:Using the correct honorific speech, keigo, toward elderly bosses and co-workers demonstrates your respect for them. This concept is very difficult for Western people to grasp and utilize, but it is incredibly important to understand and be aware of when working abroad in Japan.

Japanese people are incredibly accepting of foreigners. They will treat you as a guest to their country and value the specialized experience and skills that you bring. However, even after years of living and working in Japan, you will always be treated as a guest which can be quite alienating. Once in Japan, however, you can take advantage of free Japanese language classes offered at local community centers which may help you connect with your peers. Despite the challenges, working in Japan is a great opportunity to leave your comfort bubble, and learn to live in a new routine.

+ ADD LOCATION FILTER

+ ADD FIELD FILTER

13 Jobs in Japan

Browse programs that match your interests

Best TEFL Course, globally recognized. up to 50% off!

TEFL Classes + Job Search Guidance to Teach English Online & Abroad

Earn $40+ per Hour with Accredited Online TEFL Courses. How Much Can You Earn?

Jump start your teaching career with us and start the experience of a lifetime!

Top Provider of the Month

Get tefl certified & explore the world as a professional english teacher with international tefl academy.

9.55 22 reviews

Get TEFL Certified & Teach English in Japan!

Do you want to get paid to teach English in Japan? ITA offers top-level accredited TEFL courses in Japan, in addition to award-winning online TEFL courses and in-person classes in 20+ additional locations. I...

International TEFL Academy

8.5 4 reviews

Become a Ski Instructor in Japan, with Training and Job

EA Ski & Snowboard are looking for eager skiers to join us in Japan! If you love the outdoors, travel, and have a passion for skiing; this is for you.What is the ski instructor internship course?This program has been designed to set you up as a qualified ski instructor within ...

EA Ski and Snowboard Training

0 0 reviews

Powder & Culture: Ski/Snowboard Instructor Course in Japan

Our 11-week ski and snowboard program is for those looking to pack the most into their season. If you've never skied before, check out our Learn to Ski course, The Primer. With expert instruction, cultural i...

Project Snow

Ski Instructor Japan – Live and Work on Japan’s Ski Slopes

Niseko, Japan, known as the powder capital of the world, has snow-covered mountains and ski slopes galore. On this trip, you’ll become a qualified ski instructor, so you can get paid to ski in one of the most futuristic countries in the world!Spend three weeks training for you...

Global Work & Travel

8 1 reviews

Teach Abroad Jobs in Japan

Japan is one of the most popular options for new graduates and certified teachers looking to teach English abroad, as English teachers continue to be in high demand. English teaching jobs in Japan within public and private schools offer ESL teachers the opportunity to experien...

Teaching English in Japan - 12 Months Adventure

Take control of your teaching adventure in Japan! Turn your dreams of experiencing the Land of the Rising Sun into a well-paid reality on this 12-month immersive teaching adventure.With its quirky culture, orderly cities, age-old tradition, and stunning scenery, Japan is the...

9.5 2 reviews

Paid Teaching in Japan & Lifetime Placement Guarantee

Set off on a complete teaching journey in Japan with TEFL Heaven. We provide a guaranteed job placement at one of our trusted partner schools, with a salary ranging between $1,400 - $2,000.We provide extensive support before your departure, offer round-the-clock assistance in ...

TEFL Heaven

Teach English Abroad with OnTESOL

There’s no better way to earn income, make an impact on others, and discover the world than by teaching English abroad! This is exactly what we offer at OnTESOL—the opportunity to take on a teaching job at your desired location in Asia, Europe, Central and South America, and t...

Hotel and Ryokan Jobs in Japan

Have the opportunity to work at a ryokan, a traditional Japanese hotel, doing fully remunerated work as part of a working holiday in Japan. Learn about traditional Japanese culture and culinary arts and what is probably the highest service level in the world. Ryokans are typic...

World Unite!

Ski Resort Jobs in Japan for Canadians

Do you love the ski and snowboard season? Spend this winter at Japan's number-one ski resort! Famous for its wide-open powder bowls, backcountry runs, and light powdery snow, the Niseko Ski Resort. Located in northern Japan's Hokkaido region, the town is known to have the coun...

Want to Get Matched with Programs?

Video of the month.

Get TEFL Certified & Explore the World as a Professional English Teacher International TEFL Academy Learn More

More Programs to Check Out

Your options are endless

• International TEFL Academy Get TEFL Certified & Explore the World as a Professional English Teacher Premier TEFL Search + Apply for TEFL Internships & Our 100s of Jobs Online & Abroad

Explore the world with no language barriers, and grab a Timekettle now

Popular Searches

Here are some popular links curated for you

• South Korea
• Philippines
• Hospitality
• Czech Republic

Travel Tools

Hand-picked travel resources for you

Related Jobs Abroad Articles

Read more tips before you travel

How to Work in Japan

5 questions every american is asked while working in japan, working holiday visas for u.s. citizens: are you qualified, for travelers, travel resources, for partners.

© Copyright 1998 - 2024 GoAbroad.com ®

• Study Abroad
• Volunteer Abroad
• Intern Abroad
• Teach Abroad
• TEFL Courses
• Degrees Abroad
• High School Abroad
• Language Schools
• Adventure Travel
• Online Study Abroad
• Online Volunteer Programs
• Online Internships
• Online Language Courses
• Online Teaching Jobs
• Online Jobs
• Online TEFL Courses
• Online Degree Programs

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.