My Working Holiday in Japan

Work that's fun and exciting // 楽しいワーキングホリデー

The unique Japan experience.

My office in the ski fields in Japan on Working Holiday Visa
My office in the ski fields in Japan on Working Holiday Visa
My office in the ski fields in Japan on Working Holiday Visa
My office in the ski fields in Japan on Working Holiday Visa

"Discounted lift passes are amazing"

Work in a vibrant, energetic atmosphere with colleagues in the heart of Japan's best destinations on a working holiday visa.

Our team has personal experience on the ski fields and Japan's tourism industry. We know the ins and outs of obtaining working holiday resort jobs in Japan and are experts at placing candidates in roles in which they will thrive.

Resorts in Japan are hiring:

And more...

I want a working holiday job in Japan
Japan Working Holiday social life
Social life // 友達を作る機会

Make heaps of new friends in the land of the rising sun.

Work with like-minded people in all sorts of interesting jobs. You'll be in the middle of a unique, amazing destination and make great friends.

Popular locations include: 東京 (Tokyo), 箱根 (Hakone), 白馬 (Hakuba), 長野 (Nagano), 福岡 (Fukuoka), 鹿児島 (Kagoshima), ニセコ (Niseko), and 新潟 (Niigata)...

Map of Japan silhouette
Experience life to the fullest // 人生を最大限に体験する

You only live once.

Working holiday jobs are fun because you'll be with others like you. You won't need to work in a full time job, and you're only there for the season, so you can move around every three or four months.

Depending on where you are on your days off, you can ski, hike, or explore around the area.

Bringing people together // 人々を結びつける

We love languages!

With the increase in foreign travellers, Japanese employers are avidly hiring people who speak English, Chinese, or Korean. If you're multilingual let us know in your application and we'll be sure to place you somewhere appropriate.

Being able to speak Japanese is not a requirement, but is a massive plus. Even if you don't speak Japanese, just being willing to learn goes a long way in showing that you are respectful and accepting of the Japanese culture.

Many employers are accommodating to English speakers and employ Japanese speakers to help translate for you.

A great environment to live // 住むのに最適な環境

Safe, fun, and accessible

Japan is a developed country with excellent infrastructure making it easy to get around the country and visit new places. There are heaps of foreigners so you won't feel alone. It's also super safe, boasting a crime rate far lower than most developed countries.

Because Japan is well developed, there are many different types of jobs, not just skiing or hiking, but also regular Ryokan jobs that are necessary to keep resorts functioning. This includes typical roles such as cleaning, bed-making, reception, translating, as well as less frequent jobs requiring specific skillsets.

Japan Working Holiday social life
Ski and beach resort jobs in Japan // スキー場とビーチリゾートの仕事

The once in a lifetime experience

Japan Working Holiday job opportunities

Openings for the 2024/2025 Season:

Sign up to our available jobs

Find a job you love

Japan Working Holiday job board

Check out the best working holiday jobs from all over Japan with information on languages and visa required as well as pay and how long you need to commit for.

View working holiday jobs

Getting Started

We've made signing up super easy. Just fill out our Google Form. It should take you less than ten minutes.

You won't need to prepare any documentation, but be prepared to answer these questions:

Frequently Asked Questions // よくある質問

Where will I live?

When you sign up with us at EPIC JAPAN, we work with the resorts to fully arrange your accommodation. Most of the time you will be staying at the resort where you work. This includes food and basic amenities unless stated otherwise.

Working Holiday in Japan with monkeys

How long is a season?

Japan has continental weather and experiences both winter and summer seasons. The winter is famous for skiing and other snow sports. In the summer, people come to Japan to enjoy the hikes and mountain views. Each season usually lasts between three to four months. For most jobs we are expecting you to commit for a minimum of three months.

Will I be working with others?

Some resorts hire more people, which means you'll be working with a group of other foreigners. Other places may be more remote. You might be the only person there. We'll ask you for your preference to get you the best fit.

We understand everyone is different and try to accommodate to your needs. Our recruiter will make sure you're comfortable with a selection in the interview process and confirm it with you before coming to Japan.

Working Holiday in Japan with monkeys

Do I need a visa?

You'll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa to work in Japan. The process is outlined by the Japanese government here

Do I need to pay for anything?

After you're accepted by a resort, you'll need to pay for your accommodation from the closest airport to the place you work. For the major airports such as Narita or Haneda, we arrange transport to your resort for a fee of 10,000 JP¥ (approximately $70 USD)

Working Holiday in Japan with monkeys

Do I need to learn to bow?

Y. E. S

Is bowing easy?

Y. E. S

Have more questions?

Please ask our smart assistant-san by clicking on the chat in the bottom right.

Working Holiday in Japan with monkeys
Testimonials // 証言

What people are saying

My ski instructor job in Karuizawa was really fun and enjoyable. I never imagined having to wear a panda costume in the middle of winter. I'm still friends with the people I worked with.

Anita

, New Zealand

Japan is probably one of the best places to do the ski-work combo. Also, the food is cheap.

Frederic

, Spain

I wasn't sure whether I would be okay in Japan as a foreigner who doesn't speak the language, but in the resort there were no problems. The customers were easygoing and the job environment was quite relaxed. Once you get there everything is great. The transport is arranged and everything works out!

Jeong

, Korea

Being in Japan kind of felt like winter in Québec. It was great to experience a new place and have it feel so familiar.

Jamie

, Canada

Big thanks for letting me join in! Seriously, I can't put into words how awesome the experience was.

Līga

, Latvia

Working in Japan has really made a big difference in my life. Big thanks for all your help and support during my first Japan adventure. No doubt about it, there's more of these trips in my future!

James

, UK

Working Holiday in Japan with monkeys
START THE FIVE MINUTE APPLICATION // アプリケーションを開始する

How does EPIC JAPAN's process work?

We have a three-step process to onboarding and placing candidates.

  • 1
  • 2
    Our specialist recruiter reaches out to you for an interview to assess your placement.
  • 3
    If successful, you will receive options to work in Japan and sign a contract confirming your work destination.
  • 4
    Go to Japan 🎉
  • 5
    We'll meet you, drop you off, and get you acquainted with your bosses so you're ready to roll!
  • 6
    You being awesome 😎
The entire process from contacting us to signing a contract will take about one month to complete. Make sure to apply early and leave ample time in case of unforeseen circumstances.


See you in Japan // 日本でお会いしましょう


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