Japan

Futuristic cities, traditional culture, and some of the best powder on the planet for your SWAP ski season job.

Why make the swap?

Japan work and travel guide

Between bowls of late-night ramen, daily commutes through neon cities, and high-speed weekend trips across the country – every day of a working holiday in Japan feels like an adventure. It's one of the most fascinating cultures in the world and one that can only truly be experienced through living and working on the inside. It might not be as easy as English-speaking work abroad destinations, but that's what makes it special and all the more impressive to future employers/partners/in-laws (delete as appropriate!).

Best place to work in Japan

With a visa allowing you to work anywhere in Japan, you could spend the winter working in a ski resort in Hokkaido, then the summer working in Tokyo or Osaka – leaving spring and autumn to travel around Japan or other parts of Asia. Tokyo is popular with working holidaymakers because of the international scene and access to English-speaking hospitality jobs. Our Japan Ski program includes a 3-4 month ski season job, which is a great way to ease into Japanese life and start earning as soon as you land.

What can I earn in Japan

You can typically earn between ¥1,000 and ¥1,500 per hour (CAD $9-13) on a working holiday visa in Japan, with higher rates (up to ¥2,000 or $18) common for our pre-arranged ski jobs. Although it hasn't always been the case, the cost of living in Japan is actually lower than in Canada. With staff accommodation often subsidised in resorts, that's even more sushi and sake spending money. If you go for hospitality jobs in English-speaking restaurants, pubs and hotels in Tokyo or other big cities, you might expect to earn a little more.

Best time to visit Japan

The most beautiful time to be in Japan is spring (Mar–Apr) when the country explodes into pink and white cherry blossoms. However, that also comes with more crowds. Autumn (Nov–Sep) is equally colourful with native maples filling the gardens and temples. Summer (May–Jul) can get hot and humid, especially in the cities, but it's a good time for Hokkaido hiking. And winter can be cold, but of course, we're used to that – and it comes with the bonus of world-famous ski resorts and seasonal jobs.

I'm sold, let's swap Canada for Japan

What are my options?

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