The ultimate winter work adventure

Many resorts have strict age requirements. If you’re aged 18-19, your placement opportunities can increase if you speak some Japanese and can show current or prior work experience (working casually on weekends or school holidays).  

Working Holiday Makers who have resided in Japan for less than 12 months have to pay 20% tax. This is the ‘non-resident tax rate’ and cannot be claimed back at the end of your stay.

We place in many of the most popular winter resort areas of Japan. You are welcome to nominate an area where you would like to work, however we are unfortunately unable to guarantee that location.

We are unable to guarantee your placement as this will depend on your age, experience and flexibility, however in 2025 all applicants were placed. Our team will interview prior to formally accepting your application to discuss the positions and then work with you to ensure the likelihood of your placement. Typically we place in the following positions:

• Concierge/ guest relations
• Drivers (must be aged 21 or older)
• Kitchenhands and chefs
• Housekeeping 
• Skiing/snowboarding instructors 

Most jobs will require you to work evening and weekends. Hospitality workers are normally rostered on 5-6 times a week at 8 hours per shift. Work hours can vary and can start as early as 5:30am. Evening shifts may run until 23:00. Food and beverage roles may mean split shifts – breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner.

A ski instructor will generally work between 8am to 5pm, including weekends and public holidays. In total you should expect 6-8 days off per month with no days off during peak season (Christmas/New Year).

Flexibility is required when it comes to working hours and shifts. Some smaller resorts may relocate you to other areas of the resort to work during quieter days or weeks. Overtime is common in Japan. 

You will be paid the minimum wage which varies by prefecture. In Nagano it is ¥908, ¥854 in Iwate, ¥920 in Hokkaido. Hourly rates can increase up to ¥1500 depending on experience.

Yes, staff housing is included for duration of your contract. You will be required to pay the costs of your housing. Monthly rent is deducted from the salary and ranges between ¥5,000-35,000. Accommodation is normally in a shared house, and you can expect to share a room with 1-3 other people. Japanese bedding may either be a western style bed or a Japanese 'futon' on the floor. WIFI is normally in all accommodation although at the start of the season it may be 1-2 weeks before it is active.

The jobs that are offered as part of Winter Work Japan are primarily filled by travellers just like you! They are travelling alone and will be wanting to find friends as well. You will find that you will naturally find friends among those with whom you work and live. You will also have the chance to meet and connect with others at our arrival orientations in Tokyo.