Your Japanese winter adventure, made easy

Dreaming of spending a season in Japan’s snow-covered mountains?

Winter Work in Japan makes it simple. We’ll help you to secure your visa, share guides and ideas for travel plans and help you get a confirmed before you go.

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What is
Winter Work in Japan

It’s your ticket to live, work and play in one of the world’s most incredible winter destinations.

Finding work in Japan independently isn’t easy: but that’s where we come in.

We handle your resort placement, support you through your Working Holiday Visa, and connect you with accommodation and local support once you’re there. You just need to be available between November and April, ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into the adventure.

See what it’s really like to live, work and explore Japan during the winter season - straight from the people doing it right now.

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real-stories

hakuba

Hakuba

niseko

Niseko

rusutsu

Rusutsu

nozawa-onnsen

Nozawa Onsen

joetsu

Joetsu

Each has its own vibe, from lively après-ski scenes to quieter, culture-rich mountain towns. Wherever you end up, expect incredible scenery, a welcoming community and easy access to the slopes.

Japan’s powder snow is legendary: soft, deep and perfectly dry. Whether it’s your first time on skis or you’ve been carving down the slopes for years, you’ll soon see why Japan is the open secret for your next winter adventure.

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Most roles are in hotels and restaurants: 5 - 6 days a week are normal. Expect to work evenings and weekends.

You can earn between ¥900- ¥1,500 per hour, depending on your role and hours. There is also a non-residence tax of 20% to bear in mind.

No Japanese? No problem! Most positions don’t require it. But even a few phrases (or a basic class) can open up more opportunities, and make life more enjoyable while out there.

Typical roles include:

Hospitality:
Kitchen hand, Waitstaff, Chef/Cook, Bar Staff

Guest Services:
Reception, Bell Person, Housekeeping, Driver

Your home for winter

Expect shared accommodation with other resort staff, usually costing between ¥5,000–35,000 per month.

Many places provide three subsidised meals a day for around ¥300 each, or a meal allowance if no canteen is available.

Staff accommodation in Japan is simple but comfortable, including a futon or bunk bed, shared kitchen and living spaces, and a true sense of community. 

Wi-Fi may take a few weeks to set up at the start of the season, but it’s all part of the adventure.

Resorts sometimes also include a free lift pass, but this will differ from resort to resort.

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Your support network

From your first call to your first day on the slopes, we have your back.

Application help

Step-by-step guidance from our UK team

Visa support

Everything you need to get your Working Holiday visa sorted

Pre-departure briefing

What to pack, what to expect and everything in between

On-the-ground help

Local team based in Japan for any questions or emergencies

Tokyo arrival

Airport pickup, 3 nights’ accommodation and a crash course in Japanese life