The rising sun
Work and travel in Japan
What’s new pussycat? Only a year of mind-boggling scenery, eccentric cities and 7-Eleven cat-decorated steamed buns. (Helloooo, Kitty!). Work in one of the most fascinating places on the planet.
Fancy a cold one? Work a ski season in Japan.
Need to know before you go
When to go
Japan’s working holiday visa allows you to work anywhere in Japan. Earn money in the winter with a pre-arranged ski season job – hitting the road as the blossom starts to bloom to explore emerald rice terraces, volcano-filled national parks and old-world towns home to Shinto shrines, painted geishas and heart-warming hospitality.
Make it pay
If you’re doing a pre-arranged ski season job working as a server, housekeeper, host or driver you’ll typically earn between 1,000-1,2000 Yen per hour – often with subsidised staff accommodation, free or discounted lift passes and lessons. Expect to earn a bit more working in English-speaking restaurants, pubs and bars in Tokyo.
Where to go
Japan is a year-round destination. Exploding into either a riot of ice-cream colour cherry blossom or rust red autumn leaves, Japan is at its most colourful and popular in spring (Mar-May) and autumn (Sep-Nov). With a ski season to earn money in-between and a summer of volcano hikes and festivals, Japan is always in season.
Culture club
Why work and travel in Japan?
A county of snow-capped splendour, rickety tea houses and Buddhist temples – Japan has an ancient and timeless beauty that few countries can match. Throw in futuristic skyscrapers, fashion forward streetwear and some frankly bizarre hospitality choices (robot restaurants, cuddle cafés… we’re looking warily at you) – on rice paper, nothing about Japan should work together. In fact, it’s one of the most harmonious cultures in the world – as well as being one of the friendliest and safest places to travel.
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.
BUNAC Travel Services Ltd trading as “JENZA” is a company registered in England and Wales with company number 01391030 and registered address at 5 Richbell Place, London, UK, WC1N 3LA.