Japan Working Holiday Visa

Eligible Countries

Japan has Working Holiday agreements with 30+ countries including:

• Australia (12 or 24 months)
• New Zealand (12 months)
• Canada (12 months)
• UK (24 months)
• Ireland (12 months)
• Germany (12 months)
• France (12 months)
• South Korea (12 months)
• Taiwan (12 months)
• Hong Kong (12 months)
• Denmark, Norway, Portugal, Spain, and others

Check the Japanese embassy in your country for current agreements.

—

Age Requirements

Generally 18–30 years old at time of application. Some countries have an upper limit of 25; some extend to 31–35. Check the specific agreement for your country.

—

What Can You Do on a Working Holiday Visa?

• Travel freely throughout Japan for the visa duration
• Work in most industries (retail, hospitality, agriculture, teaching, office work)
• Study for up to 6 months
• Work for a single employer for a maximum of 3 months (you must then change employers or stop working)

Restrictions:

• Cannot work in adult entertainment industries
• Cannot work for the same employer for more than 3 months

—

How to Apply

1. Check eligibility at your country’s Japanese embassy website
2. Gather documents:

– Valid passport (minimum 12 months validity beyond intended stay)

– Completed application form

– Passport photos

– Proof of sufficient funds (usually ¥250,000 / approx $1,600)

– Return flight ticket or proof of funds for return ticket

– Travel/health insurance for duration of stay

1. Submit to Japanese embassy in your home country (in person or by mail)
2. Processing time: 1–4 weeks
3. Entry: Visa is valid for 1 year from date of issue. Enter Japan within 12 months.

—

How Much Money Do You Need?

Most embassies require proof of ¥250,000 (~$1,600) in your bank account at time of application. This shows you can support yourself initially.

Realistically, budget ¥300,000–500,000 ($2,000–3,300) for your first few months before finding work.

—

Finding Work in Japan on a Working Holiday

Teaching English (Dispatch companies): NOVA, AEON, ECC — large chains always hiring. Often provide housing assistance. Full-time salary ¥200,000–280,000/month.

Hostels and guesthouses: Many hire working holiday visa holders for front desk, cleaning, or social activities. Sometimes provides accommodation.

Seasonal agriculture: Apple picking (Nagano), ski resort work (Hokkaido), rice harvesting — physically demanding but good pay and unique experience.

Seasonal ski resort work: Niseko, Hakuba, Nozawa Onsen always seek English speakers for winter season. Often includes accommodation.

Convenience stores / restaurants: Not glamorous but widely available, Japanese language is helpful.

—

Practical Tips

Learn basic Japanese before going. Not required, but even basic hiragana, katakana and 200 words makes daily life dramatically easier.

Get a Japanese bank account as soon as possible — Japan Post Bank (Yucho) is easiest for working holiday visa holders. Required for most employers.

Get the My Number card (Japan’s national ID) — needed for tax, banking, insurance.

National Health Insurance (Kokumin Kenko Hoken): Register at your local city hall. Monthly premiums are income-based, often ¥1,500–5,000/month. Covers 70% of medical costs.

—

Related Guides

• Japan entry requirements
• Japan evisa guide
• Japan digital nomad visa
• Best time to visit Japan
• Japan itinerary 2 weeks