Gap Year and Paid Work in Japan
by: RealStep
The Working Holiday Visa allows you to stay and work in Japan for up to one year. This experience places you in real jobs across Japan, giving you the chance to earn income while gaining international work exposure in one of the most unique and fast-paced countries on earth. Participants are placed in supported, entry-level jobs across sectors, depending on their background and availability. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience, improve your adaptability in a global workplace, and build confidence working in an international environment. Many roles also provide structured support to help you settle into life in Japan, from orientation to day-to-day guidance. Beyond work, this program is about full cultural immersion. Explore vibrant cities like Tokyo and Osaka, discover peaceful temples and mountain towns, try authentic Japanese cuisine, and connect with locals and other international participants.
The Working Holiday Visa allows you to stay and work in Japan for up to one year. This experience places you in real jobs across Japan, giving you the chance to earn income while gaining international work exposure in one of the most unique and fast-paced countries on earth. Participants are placed in supported, entry-level jobs across sectors, depending on their background and availability. Along the way, you’ll gain hands-on experience, improve your adaptability in a global workplace, and build confidence working in an international environment. Many roles also provide structured support to help you settle into life in Japan, from orientation to day-to-day guidance. Beyond work, this program is about full cultural immersion. Explore vibrant cities like Tokyo and Osaka, discover peaceful temples and mountain towns, try authentic Japanese cuisine, and connect with locals and other international participants.
Program Highlights
Earn while you live in Japan – Take on a paid role and gain real international work experience.
Full cultural immersion – Experience daily life in Japan beyond tourism, from workplace culture to local traditions.
Guided placement support – Receive assistance with job placement, arrival, and settling into your new environment.
Skill-building abroad – Strengthen adaptability, communication, and global workplace confidence.
Explore Japan on your time off – Discover everything from buzzing cities to peaceful cultural landmarks while living locally.
Quick Details
- Tokyo, Japan
- During College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- After College
- Adventure Travel
- Jobs
- Study Abroad
- Volunteering
- Work Exchanges
- Working Holiday
- All Nationalities
Awards
Program Details
Learn all the nitty gritty details you need to know
Locations
- Tokyo, Japan
Types and Subjects
- Types
- Adventure Travel
- Jobs
- Study Abroad
- Volunteering
- Work Exchanges
- Working Holiday
Availability
Years Offered: Year Round
- During College
- Career Break / Mid-Career
- After College
Age Requirement
18+
Guidelines
All Nationalities
Starts At
Program Cost Includes
- Some Accommodation
- Airport Transfer (Pick-Up)
- On-Site / In-Country Staff Support
- Pre-Departure Orientation
- Language Lessons
- Cultural Training / Program / Orientation
- Job Placement
Accommodation Options
- Group living
- Independent living
- Other
Salary & Compensation
The hourly wages for such jobs are about 890 to 1500 Yen/Hour (about 7.40 to 12.40 €). There are full-time and part-time jobs. If you have a higher level of Japanese and/or have a professional qualification, you can find jobs with a higher salary per hour
Qualifications & Experience
- Japanese
- English
Language Skills Required
- Associate degree
- Bachelor’s degree
- Master’s degree
- Professional degree
Accepted Education Levels
Application Procedures
- Phone/Video Interview
- Resume
- Other
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from the airport to the project in Japan
Our local partners in Tokyo arrange airport pick-up at the international airport every Friday. For students enrolled in internships outside the city, instructions for reaching the final destinations will be provided in advance or upon arrival.
Where are participants housed during an internship in Japan?
Either in the main residence in Tokyo, at the internship location when it is remote (natural reserves, for example), or with a host family.
Do I need to speak Japanese to take part?
It depends on the program you choose. For those who want to stay for 1 year on a Working Holiday Visa on projects involving a paid job like this one, it is strongly recommended to take Japanese classes upon arrival (4 weeks of intensive courses) to broaden your job search options.
In fact, most jobs in retail, services, or the hospitality industry require an intermediate level of Japanese.
Program Reviews
This program has no reviews
Related Programs
Browse programs you might like