10 Things to Know Before Your Japan Working Holiday 🇯🇵
Thinking about swapping New Zealand for Japan? From snowy ski resorts and incredible food to buzzing cities and beautiful countryside, a Working Holiday in Japan gives you the chance to experience Japan as more than just a tourist. Before you pack your bags, here are 10 important things to know about starting your Japanese adventure.
1. Your Working Holiday Visa can give you up to 12 months in Japan
The Japan Working Holiday Visa allows eligible participants to spend up to 12 months in the country. You don’t have to spend the entire year working either. The programme is designed to give you plenty of opportunity to travel, explore and experience Japanese culture too.
2. You don’t necessarily need to speak Japanese
Worried that your Japanese isn’t quite ready? For our ski resort option, Japanese language skills are not required. Of course, learning a few useful phrases before you arrive can make everyday life even more fun!
3. There are plenty of job options
Working in Japan doesn’t mean there’s only one type of job available. Depending on the programme option, opportunities can include ski and snowboard instruction, hospitality, guest services, front desk, housekeeping, ryokans, farm work, childcare and more.
4. Ski resort accommodation is arranged for you
If you’re joining our ski resort option, accommodation through your employer is pre arranged alongside your job. That’s one less big thing to worry about when preparing for your move overseas.
5. Japan isn’t just a winter destination
Love the snow? The winter season generally runs from November to March. Prefer warmer weather? There are also summer opportunities, with the summer season generally running from May to September. Application deadlines apply, so it’s worth getting started early.
6. You’re not tied to one employer for your entire visa
The Working Holiday Visa gives you flexibility. You can work in legal jobs in Japan without being tied to one sponsor for the entire 12 months, giving you more freedom to shape your working holiday experience.
7. Your job process starts before you leave
With our pre arranged job options, you won’t simply land in Japan and hope for the best. After completing the initial programme steps, you’ll work with our partner to begin the job process and interviews before departure.
8. Budget for more than just the programme fee
Remember to think about the full cost of your adventure, including programme fees, flights, insurance and spending money. If you’re heading to the snow, make sure your insurance includes appropriate snow sports cover too.
9. You’ll receive support before and during your trip
From application and visa assistance to job preparation and pre departure information, we’ll help you prepare for your adventure. Support also continues for the duration of your programme in Japan, so you’re not completely on your own once your flight takes off.
10. Don’t forget the “holiday” in Working Holiday!
This might be the most important one! Japan’s Working Holiday programme isn’t only about earning money overseas. Use your time off to explore Tokyo, eat your way through Osaka, discover Kyoto, chase powder in the mountains or simply experience everyday Japanese life. The job helps make the adventure possible, but the memories you make outside work are a huge part of the experience.
Ready to turn Japan from a holiday destination into your temporary home? Check out our Japan Working Holiday Programme and start planning your adventure or email us your questions at help@iwh.co.nz