Working Holiday in Japan
How Canadians explore Japan through a Working Holiday
A Working Holiday in Japan is one of the most flexible and rewarding ways for young Canadians to live abroad. With a Working Holiday Visa, you can stay in Japan for up to one year (with the option to renew for a second year), work legally to support your travels, and immerse yourself in Japanese culture — all without needing advanced Japanese language skills.
Through Languages Canada, a government-recognized organization under International Experience Canada (IEC), Canadians aged 18–30 can access trusted Working Holiday opportunities in Japan with on-the-ground support in Tokyo and Kyoto.
Japan offers a unique balance of modern cities, rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and safe, efficient infrastructure — making it a top Working Holiday destination for Canadians.
With a Working Holiday visa, you can:
- Work legally while travelling in Japan
- Choose from year-round arrival dates
- Combine multiple jobs and locations
- Gain international work experience
- Support your stay without needing full-time employment
- Explore Japan at your own pace
Program Highlights
- Duration: 1–24 months
- Language Requirements: English
- Availability: All year
- Age: 18–30
- Program Type: Working Holiday
- Program Cost: From $1,300 CAD
- Job Options: Farm work, hospitality, teaching, childcare
- Support: Visa help, local offices in Tokyo & Kyoto, housing assistance
- Extras: Japanese language lessons & cultural activities
Our local teams in Tokyo and Kyoto help you settle in, open a bank account, register for health insurance, find accommodation in our shared houses, and secure paid jobs to fund your stay. No Japanese? No problem. Many jobs require little to no Japanese, and beginner conversation classes are available.
Farm Work in Japan
Experience rural Japan while earning money on farms across the country.
- Full-time work (approx. 48 hours/week)
- Tasks include planting, harvesting, and daily farm work
- Wages: approx. ¥690–¥1,500/hour
- Accommodation and meals provided at low cost (deducted from pay)
- Basic Japanese required, but beginners can complete a 4-week language course before starting
- Full interview preparation and placement support
- Most participants successfully secure a placement
Farm jobs are ideal for Canadians looking for hands-on work, cultural immersion, and lower living costs.
Hospitality Jobs in Japan
Work in hotels, resorts, restaurants, and ski resorts while living in some of Japan’s most scenic regions. Seasonal & year-round roles available, including:
- Ski resorts in Hokkaido, Iwate, and Niigata (winter & summer seasons)
- Hotels, ryokans, beach resorts, and restaurants across Japan
Key details:
- Approx. 40 hours/week
- Wages: ¥800–¥1,200/hour
- Subsidized accommodation and meals
- Shared or dorm-style housing common
- Perks may include free ski passes
- Basic Japanese recommended
- Beginners can prepare with an 8-week language course in Tokyo
- Guaranteed job placement once booked
Childcare Jobs in Japan
Work as an English-speaking assistant in childcare settings across the Greater Tokyo Area.
- Kindergartens, after-school programs, and childcare centres
- Children learn English naturally through play and interaction
- 20–30 hours/week
- Wages: ¥1,160–¥1,300/hour (before tax)
- No Japanese required (Hiragana recommended to read names)
- Accommodation arranged within commuting distance
- Minimum commitment: 6 months
- Professional appearance required (no visible tattoos or piercings)
This option is popular with Canadians interested in education, childcare, or youth work.
Support in Tokyo & Kyoto
Before Arrival
- Visa application guidance and document checks
- Access to a knowledge base
- Online pre-departure preparation session
Upon Arrival
- Weekly arrivals in Tokyo; monthly arrivals in Kyoto
- Pickup and accompaniment via public transport to accommodation
First Week in Japan
- Residence registration
- Tax number setup
- Pension exemption
- National Health Insurance registration
- Bank account opening
- Mobile phone contract
- Group job counselling sessions
- CV translation and optimization
- One-on-one job support or registration with Hello Work
- Many participants find work within two weeks
Ongoing Support
- Social events, cultural activities, and language exchanges
- Up to one full year of local support (in person, phone, email, WhatsApp)
- Free luggage storage and mail forwarding
This program is ideal for Canadians who:
- Want to travel Japan while working legally
- Are taking a gap year or career break
- Want international work experience
- Prefer flexible, short-term or part-time jobs
- Don’t speak Japanese (yet!)
- Want support before and after arrival
