Winter Work Japan Explained: Everything You Need to Know About the Program

Your Japanese winter adventure, made easy

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

Winter Work 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 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 application, and connect you with 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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Hakuba

Nagano

Niseko

Hokkaido

Rusutsu

Hokkaido

Madarao

Nagano

Appi Kogen

Iwate

Eight Peaks

Nagano

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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The lowdown on jobs, pay and work hours

Most roles are in hotels, resorts and restaurants, 5-6 days a week are normal. Expect to work a full-time work week, can be on evenings or weekends as these are when resorts are busiest. Overtime is usually expected as well, your job contract should outline any additional information on this.

You can usually earn between ¥900-¥1,500 per hour (around £4–£8/hour) before tax, depending on your role and experience. There is also a non-residence tax of around 21% to bear in mind.

No Japanese? No problem! Most positions don’t require it. But even a few phrases can open up more opportunities and make life more enjoyable while you're out there.

We know the slopes are calling, but on working days your ski time may be limited as work hours are typically 8 hour days plus time for lunch - don’t stress though as you’ll have plenty of chances to shred Japow on your days off!

Typical roles include:

Hospitality:
Housekeeping, Food & Beverage Staff,

Kitchen hand, Chef, Line Cook

Guest Services:
Reception, Bell Person, Driver, All-Rounder

Your home for winter

Expect shared accommodation with other resort staff, usually costing between ¥5,000–¥35,000 per month (around £25–£185/month). This could be shared hostel-style dormitories or shared homestays with a local family, but will depend on each resort.

Your employer may provide subsidised meals during your shifts for around ¥300 each (about £1.50), or maybe even a meal allowance, but this isn't standard across all resorts so expect to be providing your own meals just in case.

Staff accommodation in Japan is simple, usually including a traditional futon or bunk bed, shared bathroom, kitchen area and living spaces, and a true sense of community. Kitchen amenities may be on the basic-side, but you'll generally have a microwave and kettle, all you need for ramen!

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

Some resorts may offer discounted lift passes for staff, but this isn’t guaranteed and depends entirely on your employer

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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 application sorted

Pre-departure briefing

What to pack, what to expect and everything in between

Support Team

Real support from Japanese-speaking staff, as well as the same global crew behind Camp America

Arrival in Japan

Airport meet & greet, help getting to your accommodation via public transport, 3 nights’ accommodation and a crash course in everyday Japanese life

Your Japanese winter adventure, made easy

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

What is
Winter Work Japan?

Where you’ll be living and working