Working Holiday - FAQs about the Program and Planning
If I book the Working Holiday program, am I obligated to a specific job or accommodation?
Certainly not. You have complete freedom to decide if and what you want to work in Japan, where you want to travel, and where you want to live. We do not force you into anything. Our job support and accommodations are optional services that you can choose to utilize but are not mandatory. You can also use our job and accommodation offerings for a specific period within your stay in Japan and be completely independent during other times, doing whatever you wish. You can book our sharehouses foFew readersHow does a year of Working Holiday in Japan usually look like?
In Japan, Working Holidays are usually NOT done as a "Road Trip" or "Backpacking" style, as commonly done in Australia or New Zealand, where you can easily travel and do short-time jobs (e.g., picking strawberries for a week). Such jobs are usually not available in Japan. Instead, you should plan to stay longer (a minimum of 3 months) in one location to realistically find a job there. The typical stay for most participants involves spending several months with us in Tokyo or Kyoto, residing inSome readersAre there fixed arrival dates for the programs in Japan?
Our arrival days in Tokyo and Osaka are Fridays throughout the year - with very few exceptions. You should arrive on a Friday between 8am and 8pm at one of the airports in Tokyo (Haneda or Narita) or Osaka (Kansai or Itami), from where we will pick you up and take you to your sharehouse accommodation in Tokyo or Kyoto, if you have booked it. Participants of our Working Holiday programs will receive their program orientations on the following days. If the Friday and/or the following days are maFew readersWhen is the earliest I can arrive from today's day?
If you don't have your Working Holiday Visa for Japan yet: The processing time for the Working Holiday Visa is typically around 2 weeks, but this may vary depending on factors such as the number of applications or specific circumstances. It's advisable to contact the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country to inquire about the current processing duration. Before applying for the visa, you have to book your flight and travel health insurance, along with our service package, and prepare all neFew readersDo I have to stay for a full year in Japan, or is it possible for a shorter duration?
You can stay for a maximum of one year, legally working remunerated jobs. However, you can shorten your stay if you would like. Please consider that you can only get a Working Holiday Visa in Japan once in a lifetime. Some nationalities are only allowed to stay for a maximum of 180 days in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa.Few readersDo I have to start a job immediately after I arrive in Japan? Do I need to work at all?
You don't have to start working immediately upon your arrival if you prefer not to. If you can afford it, you don't even have to work at all. We provide a Job Counselling Session once a week, and we take our participants to the Japanese Employment Office every week. You can avail of these services at any time during your Working Holiday Visa, not necessarily right after your arrival. Even though you hold a Working Holiday Visa, you are not obligated to work. It's also entirely possible toFew readersDo I only get a starter package, which means support during my first week in Japan?
No, we are your contact partner throughout your whole year in Japan. You can always contact us for any assistance you might need, for instance, you are looking for a job or changing jobs after some months in Japan, about registering/unregistering at the City Hall, or anything related to life in Japan. Our offices in Tokyo and Kyoto are open for participants from Monday to Friday for at least 4 hours per day. Additionally, we are always reachable by support chat, LINE, Whatsapp, Email, and PhFew readersIn which order do the necessary steps for my stay in Japan have to be accomplished, e.g. flight booking/visa application?
In most countries, a flight has to be booked prior to applying for the visa as you need to hand in a flight booking confirmation when applying for the visa. When booking your flight, ensure you arrive at Haneda or Narita airport on a Friday between 8 am and 8 pm to secure your airport pickup. Upon booking the World Unite! Service Package, we will assist you with the visa application, providing advice and checking your application documents. Therefore, it is advisable to book with us before applFew readersDo I need to join the Japanese National Health Insurance?
Yes. Since 2018, it has been mandatory to enroll in the National Health Insurance, a process we'll guide you through during our Local Orientation. At the beginning of your stay in Japan, the National Health Insurance typically costs around JPY 1500 per month. It covers 70% of medical costs, treatments, and medication, though it's important to note that it only covers the cheapest treatment options. You are responsible for the remaining 30%, which you can pay directly at the hospital or clinic.Few readersIn case of a pre-arranged jobs (Farm work, Ryokan, Ski Resort, babysitter etc) should I travel directly to the workplace?
No, even if you want to start this job right at the beginning of your stay, you should arrive in Tokyo or Osaka/Kyoto on a Friday. We will then take care of the formalities for you, such as applying for a tax number, opening a bank account, and concluding a telephone contract. After that, you will travel to the workplace of your pre-arranged job to start it. We will discuss the exact logistics with you depending on your employer's expectations.Few readers
Working Holiday - FAQs about Jobs
Can I find a job in Japan if I have tattoos?
Yes, you can find a job. If it's possible to conceal the tattoo under clothing, it should be done. Service jobs with customer interaction, where the tattoo is visible, might have limitations on available jobs. Jobs without customer interaction, such as farm work, are generally possible. On the application photo, if feasible, the tattoo should not be visible. The same applies to piercings, as well as hairstyles and beards that significantly deviate from the socially accepted norm in JFew readersWhat are typical jobs for Working Holiday Visa holders in Japan?
Typical Jobs are: Service staff at restaurants, cafes, hotels, bars, tourism-related businesses English teacher or other foreign languages teacher at formal language schools (normally it requires qualification) or kindergartens, afterschool clubs or language cafes (no experience or qualification needed and non-native speakers can apply) Nanny, babysitter & childcare Housekeeping/cleaning Jobs at hotels or offices Delivery services and moving companies Traffic Control Guards (e.g.Few readersHow do I get a job in Japan?
Our standard Working Holiday support program in Japan(available in Tokyo and Kyoto) does not include job arrangement before your arrival. Instead, we assist you in finding employment while you are already in Japan. The following services are offered: Our weekly group Job Counselling Session prepares you for everything you need to know about the Japanese working environment, including a mock job interview. Once per month we offer this session remotely for those to join who are elsewhere in JapSome readersDo I need to be fluent in Japanese?
Not necessarily. In Tokyo, many opportunities don't require Japanese language skills. However, the higher your level of Japanese, the more options become available to you. Some jobs that don't require any Japanese are: English Teacher English Childcare Jobs Western Restaurants and Pubs English Tea Rooms German Beer Gardens Housekeeping Warehouse, Packing, and Sorting Jobs Factory Jobs If you don't know Japanese, you should be able to communicate in English. Without a sufficFew readersIs there a 100% job guarantee?
There is a job guarantee for the following offers: Farm work Ryokan jobs If you already have basic knowledge of Japanese, we will arrange pre-arrival phone interviews for you (or, if you prefer, after your arrival in Japan) and can confirm the exact job details (salary, accommodation). If your Japanese proficiency is too low, ideally, you would participate in 4-8 weeks of language lessons in Tokyo first and then conduct the job interview. However, we can guarantee that you will find a job bFew readersDo I work part time or full time in Japan?
Both options are possible, and you can decide based on your preference. The Working Holiday Visa has no legal restrictions regarding the number of hours you are allowed to work or how much you can earn.Few readersCan I join Japanese lessons and have a job at the same time?
Yes, that is possible. Language lessons take place on weekdays either in the morning or afternoon (20 units per week), and you can simultaneously work part-time. If you are learning Japanese with less intensity at the Community Centre or online, you can also work full-time.Few readers
Working Holiday - FAQs about Finances
What is the cost of living in Japan?
When you live in our share houses in Tokyo, Kyoto or Okinawa, a bed in a shared dorm room costs approximately 300 EUR / 340 USD per month. For self-catering (cooking for yourself or eating out inexpensively), you should budget at least around 40,000 JPY per month (approximately 250 EUR / 280 USD). In addition, a commuter ticket to travel by subway/bus between the accommodation and workplace/language school costs around 50-80 EUR (55-90 USD) depending on the distance and connection between accommSome readersHow much do I earn on my Working Holiday job in Japan?
In Tokyo, for common working holiday jobs, you typically earn 1000-1500 Yen (approximately 6.40-9.60 EUR/7.10-10.60 USD) per hour. However, usually, 20.42% income tax is deducted from this amount. If you work 28 hours per week (part-time), after tax, it's approximately 95,000-130,000 Yen per month (about 610-840 EUR/680-930 USD). For 40 hours of work (full-time), it's around 130,000 – 200,000 Yen per month (approximately 840-1300 EUR/930-1420 USD) with taxes deducted. Please note that due toFew readersIs it possible to fund my Working Holiday stay in Japan through my work?
It is easily possible to recoup the amount invested in your Working Holiday visa program. In most cases, you can even save money. Please read the FAQs for information on typical income during your Working Holiday as well as living expenses. If you sum up your Working Holiday expenses (including flight, our service fees and living costs) and compare them with your income (through paid employment) in Japan, between the 3rd and 5th month, your income will exceed your total expenses. It will dependFew readersHow much money do I need to be able to join the Working Holiday program in Japan?
You must be able to pay for your flight, our service package, and cover 2 months of living costs plus your travel health insurance (around 50 USD/month). This amounts to around 2500 EUR/2800 USD. Typically, you can find a job within 2 weeks after your arrival, but it may happen that you will only receive your first salary at the end of the second month, so you should be able to cover this period. Comparing expenses and income, you will relatively quickly break even (within the 3rd and 5th moSome readers
Working Holiday - FAQs about the Visa
I want to live in Japan forever. Can you help me with this?
During your time in Japan on a Working Holiday visa, you should aim to experience life in Japan and the Japanese working environment as much as possible. This way, you can decide whether you genuinely want to extend your stay beyond the Working Holiday visa or even consider permanent residence in Japan. If that's the case, you should utilize your Working Holiday year to identify a Japanese company willing to apply for an Employment Visa for you. Additionally, you can build a robust professionalFew readersWill World Unite! apply for my visa to Japan?
No, for most nationalities this is not possible. You need to go in person to the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in charge of the region in your country of residence to apply for your visa. We will guide you on what to consider when applying for the visa, and we can also check your visa application documents before you hand them in. Canadians only: Please note that in Canada, we have a partnernship with GoInternational based in Vancouver. They can handle your visa application on your behalf iFew readersWhere can I apply for a Working Holiday visa to Japan?
You can apply for a Working Holiday visa at the Japanese Embassy or Consulates in the country you are a permanent resident of. In certain larger countries, depending on your state/region, certain consulates are in charge. Canadians only: You can get the visa through our partner GoInternational if you are a resident of British Columbia or Yukon. In this case you do not have to go to the Japanese consulate in Vancouver in person.Few readersWhen do I have to apply for my visa to Japan?
The processing time for the Working Holiday Visa is usually 2 weeks. However, this can vary depending on certain factors or the number of applications. Please call the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country and inquire about the current processing time for the visa. Before applying for the visa, you need to book your flight and travel health insurance, our service package, and prepare the necessary documents for the visa application. Remember, you should apply in person at the Japanese EmbaSome readersWhat happens if my Working Holiday Visa for Japan is refused?
This doesn't usually happen if you fulfil the visa requirements (e.g. age and nationality) and if you hand in complete and properly filled application documents. We will advise you about what to consider, and we can also check your application documents before you hand them in. Your documents are usually checked at the embassy/consulate and if something is missing or not filled correctly, you have the possibility to resubmit. We have heard of very few cases where a visa was refused based on inSome readersCan I apply for the visa while I'm still 17 years old? Can I start my Working Holiday in Japan with 31?
You need to be 18-30 years old at the time of your visa application. The earliest you can apply for your visa is the day you turn 18. The latest you can apply for your visa is one day before you turn 31. Then, you have to arrive in Japan within one year of the day of your granted visa (for nationalities where there is no restriction on the number of Working Holiday Visas issued per year) or within 3 months (for nationalities where there is such restriction).Few readersDo I need a round-trip (return) flight ticket to apply for my visa to Japan?
It depends on the nationality. While some nationalities need to hand in a round trip booking confirmation when applying for the visa, most nationalities don't, but only a one-way ticket to Japan is required (or not even required at all for some nationalities such as UK citizens). However, in this case, you need to prove higher financial means in your bank account compared to when having a round trip booking. You can find those details on the websites of the Japanese embassies in your country ofSome readersIs is worth it to make use of the Working Holiday Visa if I only plan to stay for a relatively short time (e.g. 2-3 months) in Japan?
You can only obtain the Working Holiday visa only once in a lifetime, and it is valid for one year). If you only use it for a few months, you will forfeit the validity of the remaining months. You should consider whether you want to and/or have the time to stay for a more extended period. In case you can't or don't want to stay longer, instead of doing a Working Holiday you might consider one of our other other programs in Japan such as internships, volunteering or language lessons, which for mSome readersCan I leave Japan while on a Working Holiday Visa and return within its validity?
Yes, the visa is a Multi-Entry Visa. When you leave Japan and you plan to return within the validity of the visa, you must mark this in the respective form ("Re-Entry Permit") at the airport when leaving the country. It is not required to go to any Immigration Office beforehand.Some readersWhich possibilities exist to join a program in Japan if I cannot get a Working Holiday Visa for Japan?
If you cannot obtain a Working Holiday Visa (either because it is not available for your nationality, you are under 18 or over 30, or you have already held a Working Holiday visa), many nationalities can join some of our programs on a Temporary Visitor Status. These programs include unpaid internships, volunteer work, or language lessons. On a Temporary Visitor Status, many nationalities can stay for 90 days (e.g. Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, LFew readersCan you arrange a work visa for me, allowing me to stay and work for several years in Japan?
No, we can't unfortunately. It has to be done by an employer who is willing to hire you for a longer duration. The types of visas we deal with include the Working Holiday Visa (duration of stay maximum 1 year), the Student Visa (duration of stay maximum 2 years, available to language students booking for 6 months to 2 years), and the visa exemption (Temporary Visitor Status). If you hold a Student Visa you can also get a Work Permit, allowing you to work for up to 28 hours per week. This visaFew readers
FAQs about Accommodation
Can I get vegetarian meals in Japan?
Vegetarian diet is uncommon in Japan. Only in large cities are there a few restaurants that offer vegetarian dishes. Host families are also usually not familiar with vegetarian diets. Sauces, broths, and seasonings in Japan almost always have a fish or oyster base. If you wish to avoid this, it is advisable to completely abstain from sauces, broths, and seasonings, or in case of ready-made products in supermarkets to carefully study the ingredients. In our Mother Nature program, vegetarian diFew readersCan I receive letters and parcels at the World Unite! sharehouses, even while I'm traveling around Japan?
Yes, if you are still registered with us, you can receive letters and parcels at the sharehouse. We will inform you when something arrives. We store packages, and you can pick them up later. For letters, we can either forward them to you within Japan or, with your consent, for instance in case of official notifications, open them, take a picture of them, and inform you if any action is required.Few readersWhich accommodation options in Japan exist?
The accommodations we offer in Japan, which you can book directly through us, include: Our sharehouse in Tokyo (shared rooms and twin rooms) The sharehouse managed by us in Warabi (shared rooms, twin rooms) Our sharehouse in Kyoto (shared rooms and twin rooms) Our sharehouse in Chatan, Okinawa (shared rooms and twin rooms) Host families in the Tokyo metropolitan area and Greater Osaka/Kyoto area You can easily book these directly through us, and we offer competitive rentaFew readersAre the World Unite! sharehouse in Japan comparable to hostels/Guest Houses?
No, they are more akin to houses shared by several people, which implies certain responsibilities. The houses are managed by our staff who will assign specific tasks to the residents, such as removing garbage from the kitchen, bathrooms, and dorm rooms or taking charge of the tidiness of your dorm room. Certain house rules are in place, including regulations regarding cleanliness and noise. If, after an initial warning, you disregard these house rules, your deposit may be partially or fully retFew readersCan I extend my stay at the World Unite! sharehouses?
If you would like to extend, please let us know as early as possible. You can of course extend if there is availability. If there is no space, we can book you into one of our partner sharehouses. If you are unsure for how long you might need accommodation, it is better to book for a longer duration. In case you want to move out earlier, it is possible to cancel the rental agreement for the end of the month following the month during which you have submitted your cancellation to us in writing.Few readersAre the dorm rooms in the sharehouse separated for males and females?
If possible, we try to separate, but this is not always possible as there are fluctuations to the total numbers of male and female participants staying at our houses. We don't promise the separation.Few readersIs there a curfew at the World Unite! Sharehouses at night, e.g. from 10pm?
No, there is no curfew. You can get in and out at any time.Few readersCan I invite local acquaintances to the Sharehouse? Can my friends and family visit me and stay there?
No, only persons who have booked with us and have a rental contract with us can enter and stay at the share house. Friends and familiy visiting you from home, can unfortunately not stay for some nights, as we don't have a hotel license for our sharehouses. The minimum rental duration is 5 weeks.Few readersCan I store luggage at the World Unite! Share House while travelling around?
Yes, at both sharehouses, in Tokyo and Kyoto, we have luggage rooms where program participants can store luggage at no extra cost for the whole duration of their Working Holiday Visa.Few readersCan I arrange my own accommodation and in this case do I get a discount on the service package?
You can arrange your own accommodation and still make use of our Working Holiday support services. If you arrange your own accommodation in Tokyo or Kyoto/Osaka, you can come to one of our offices to use our support services. In this case, we won't go with you to a different city office to complete the registration of your residence, apply for MyNumber, and register for health insurance, other than in the districts where our sharehouses are located. However, we can fill out the application formsFew readersCan I return to the share house after having travelled around Japan?
Yes, you can. We recommend booking as early as possible to guarantee availability for your desired dates. If we have no availability, we can recommend partnered sharehouses.Few readers