Have some questions?

Most resorts look for workers aged 20 or older, but we can also place 18–19 year olds. If you’re under 20, your best shot is in housekeeping or kitchenhand roles. You’ll also have more options if you’ve worked before (even part-time) or know a bit of Japanese.

Yes. Anyone working in Japan for under 12 months pays a 20% non-resident tax.

This is standard for Working Holiday Makers and can’t be claimed back at the end of your stay.

Most placements begin from mid-November to early December.

You’ll need to be available to start in November or early December.  There are no January start dates for ski resorts.

You can tell us where you’d like to go, but final placements depend on availability and the resort needs. We’ll always try to match you somewhere that fits your vibe and skills.

There’s a mix of hospitality and resort-based roles. Common jobs include:

• Kitchen Assistants
• Restaurant and Bar Staff
• Dishwashers
• Chefs
• Reception and Drivers (some Japanese preferred)
• Housekeeping and Room Cleaning

Expect full-time work: usually 5–6 days a week, around 8 hours per day.

Shifts often include evenings and weekends, and start times can be as early as 5:30am.

• Peak season (Christmas and New Year) can get busy. Most people have 6–8 days off per month, and overtime is common.
• Flexibility is key. Some smaller resorts may ask you to help in other areas during quiet weeks.

To join Winter Work Japan, you must:

• Be 18+ before 15th October  of the year you travel
• Be 18–30 when applying for your Working Holiday Visa
• Meet the Japanese Working Holiday Visa requirements
• Have no tattoos in areas that are not easily coverable with clothes, such as face or hands (if you have tattoos, please let us know).

You’ll be paid the minimum wage which varies by prefecture. Wages depend on your resort’s region and your experience. These minimum wages are a guide for you:

• Nagano: ¥908/hour
  
  
• Iwate: ¥854/hour
  
  
• Hokkaido: ¥920/hour
  
  

Pay is monthly, so bring enough to cover your costs until your first pay day. You may also need to pay a small bond for your lift pass or bedding.

Rent is deducted from your wages and ranges between ¥5,000–35,000/month, depending on the resort.

Expect shared dorm-style housing with 2–6 people per room, and either a Western style bed or a Japanese futon.

Wi-Fi is normally available, though it might take a week or two to be activated at the start of the season.

Absolutely.

Most people go to Japan solo,  which means everyone’s in the same boat.

You’ll meet people from around the world at work, in your accommodation and during your Tokyo orientation.

By the end of the season, you’ll have a new crew (and a group chat that keeps all the experiences alive).