Japan Ski Job Placement

All our ski season jobs are English-speaking. So while you don’t need to speak Japanese to do this program, it can improve your experience immeasurably if you take the time to learn some of the basics – especially if you’re travelling before or after your season. As well as being some of the friendliest people in the world, the Japanese are also big on manners – so attempting to speak some Japanese will go a long way and is sure to raise big smiles!

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.

No! Our employers take on working holidaymakers for plenty of non-skiing roles, such as guest services, restaurant work and more. However, Japan has some of the best skiing and riding in the world, so it’s a great place to learn – and you’ll usually get a free or discounted lift pass and lessons thrown in with your job. But if you’re not into it, working a ski season is still a great intro to life in Japan – giving you the security of an English-speaking job, discounted staff accommodation, and a group of ready-made mates!

While our Japan program isn't a job placement service, our dedicated support team in Tokyo is here to assist you with your job search upon your arrival. They offer valuable support such as CV editing, translating job listings, and providing referrals to employment resource centers. 

The job opportunities you'll encounter will depend on your personal interests, skills, and prior work experience. Major cities where our resource centers are located, like Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka, typically offer a diverse range of jobs suitable for foreign workers.

For Japan, it's advisable to have a solid understanding of Japanese if you don't plan to work as an English teacher. Most roles outside of teaching, including customer service and hospitality, often require basic conversational Japanese skills. However, it's worth noting that many of our participants have successfully found employment without speaking the language. They've secured positions with foreign tour companies, at expatriate bars, or in back-of-house roles at restaurants or hotels.

The majority of our Swappers secure a job within 2-3 weeks after commencing their search, especially if they are open to roles in tourism, food service, or hospitality. However, if you are seeking a position directly related to your career in Canada, please be prepared for a potentially longer application process.

We will contact you with the available jobs and the employers they’re with. All you need to do is let us know which role you want to apply for and send us your resume. Leave the rest to us and we will help get a video interview arranged.

You won't need to schedule an appointment at a Japanese Embassy or Consulate to apply for the Working Holiday visa. Instead, we've streamlined the process for your convenience. Simply complete your application and send it to our office. Our dedicated team will then take care of presenting your application to the Consulate on your behalf.

Before submitting your application, we'll meticulously review your documents to ensure they are error-free and well-prepared, increasing your chances of a successful visa approval. Rest assured, we've got you covered every step of the way to make the process smooth and hassle-free.