Working holiday & language schools

What is a working holiday visa?

Australian youth aged 18-30 can apply for a 6-month visa that allows them to working while living in Japan. 

This visa can be renewed twice, up to an 18 month stay.

• To begin the visa application, you must be 18, hold a passport and have a flight ticket.

• There is no application fee.

• You need to be able to show $2,500 of funds in your Australian bank account, as emergency money.

• You need to propose an initial 6-month plan of what you will be doing.

Benefits of a working holiday experience

Pay your way

• The ability to work allows you to fund your stay in Japan.

• While & inbetween working, you can also take the opportunity to travel around the country.

Focus on Japanese learning

• Living in Japan provides real-life opportunities to use your Japanese.

• You can also take the opportunity to advance your Japanese skills intensively at a language school, in-between jobs or while working. While on a working holiday, you don't need to divide your attention between other study or full-time work commitments.

Experience life in Japan

• You can try life in Japan before committing to future study or work plans.

• This is a unique time of your life to live independently and make friends, both from Japan & other countries around the world. 

What sort of work can I do?

It is common to do short-term work while on the working holiday visa. The following industries are common:

• Hotel & resort work

• English conversation teaching

• Hospitality & tourism 

Where would I stay?

Accommodation is sometimes provided with resort and hotel work.

Share-house style accommodation, such as Sakura House is excellent as it is targeted at overseas visitors and offers monthly stay options. You can pre-book your stay before arriving in Japan.

What are language schools?

Language schools offer full-time and part-time classes in Japanese language.

You usually pay a weekly fee, or sign up for a set period of time such as six weeks.

Language schools may also offer cultural and social experiences for students.