Getting started:
Planning your winter in Japan

Before you dive in, check you tick all the boxes:

• Aged 18 before 15th October 2026, and under 30 when you apply
• Never held a Japanese Working Holiday Visa before
• In good health and good character
  At least £1,500 in savings with a return flight or £2,500 in savings
• Available to start late November or early December (contracts run until March/April)
• Have read and understood the Program Terms
• If that all sounds like you, you’re good to go.

• Hit the Save Your Spot button and fill out the online form.
• You’ll upload your CV and make your first payment of £XX to kick things off.
• Once you register your interest, we’ll bring you in for a selection chat - this a chance for us to understand your motivation, experience and availability, and make sure the programme’s the right fit.
• You’ll get to have some early employer interviews with potential employers. These are real job conversations and interviews to check the match on both sides, but nothing is official until your visa is approved.
• The Working Holiday visa is mainly about travelling, with work as a way to fund your adventure. At your visa appointment you’ll need to show intended travel plans that cover more than 6 months, including a return flight dated beyond that point. We’ll talk you through how to book things in a way that fits the visa rules and keeps your plans flexible.

Before your Embassy appointment, you’ll need to show confirmed travel plans. For the Working Holiday visa, you have to apply for more than 6 months and outline travel plans that match that length. It’s all about showing your tourism intentions first, with work as the add-on. We’ll walk you through what to prepare so your application hits the Working Holiday Visa requirements.

You’ll need travel insurance that covers your full stay in Japan (6–12 months), and The Embassy may ask to see proof. We’ll guide you on the key coverage requirements and share example policies, but it’s up to you to choose and arrange your insurance. Visa processing usually takes 1 week (sometimes longer), and we’ll help you with all the details. It’s worth knowing that for your visa you’ll need the following:

• Valid UK or Irish passport
• Visa Application Form 
• ID photo - 35mm x 45mm taken within last 6 months, plain background, passport style
• Outline of intended activities and travel – An itinerary that covers intended activities for each month of your proposed trip in detail. This should be realistic and demonstrate why you have chosen specific places. This should show more than 6 months of intended travel and should compliment your motivational statement.
• Motivational Statement Letter – A letter explaining why you wish to travel to Japan on a Working Holiday Visa, what you are interested in and what you want to achieve, typed and at least one A4 page in length. You should not repeat your schedule here, but show what you hope to get out of the experience and personal reasons why you have chosen Japan.’
• Proof of funds - A UK or Ireland bank statement covering 3 months to either show:
  • £2,500 for UK/€3,200 for Irish participants in cleared funds, or
  • £1,500 for UK/€1,600 for Irish participants in cleared funds along with appropriate evidence that the applicant is in possession of a return ticket to and from Japan. The statement must show the account holder’s name and UK address.

• Traveller's cheques, credit cards, loans and overdrafts are not acceptable as evidence of sufficient funds.
• If you have received gift money from your parent(s), please include a signed statement from them.
• In the case of a married couple who are applying together for two Working Holiday Visas, the minimum amounts are £4,500.
• Further information regarding source of funds maybe requested

• Proof of travel insurance – that covers you for the full duration of your stay (must be at least 6 months)

Once your visa is approved the real job matching begins. And by then you’ll already have introduced yourself to employers - meaning you’re way ahead.

Employers hire right through to the end of October, so it might be a few weeks before you hear back.

When you’re invited to an employment interview, it’s your chance to show who you are and what you’ll bring to the team. We’ll help you prepare, with one of our team walking you through what to expect and how to make a great impression.

Once you’ve passed your interview, you’ll receive a formal job offer. If you don’t land one straight away, don’t worry. It can take a few tries to find the perfect fit.

Your employer will finalise your job placement and paperwork. You’ll then head out ready to start your winter season, with your role, accommodation and in-country support already arranged.

You’ll sign your contract directly with your employer, and we’ll be there to help if you have any questions. Your final payment (£XX) is due 28 days after your placement is confirmed or at least two weeks before you fly, so everything’s sorted even if you’re placed later in the season.

Before you fly, you’ll get pre-departure info and practical tips to help you feel fully prepared, from packing lists to cultural pointers.

And of course, our team’s always on hand if you have any questions.

You’ll also meet other travellers heading out for the season: your winter crew connects here.