Kick-Start Japan

Our Kick-Start Japan Program gives Canadians the chance to experience living in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Fukuoka. Take Japanese lessons, cultural courses and fun social events to get into the swing of Japan-life!

Start Dates

Year-round

Duration

2 weeks

Cost

C$1,499

Program Overview

In addition to all the pre-departure support provided in our Japan Send Off package, we arrange your adventure in Japan to begin with two weeks of Japanese language lessons in Tokyo, Kyoto or Fukuoka.

On the weekends, you can add fun courses to learn about Japan’s traditional and pop culture – tea ceremonies, calligraphy, cosplay, manga, and more! After class, join movie and game nights, field trips, festival outings, karaoke and international parties to make the most of your time in Japan. Once you are finished with your language lessons, our team can assist you in your job search, help you find long-term accommodation, open a bank account, and more.

What’s Included

Pre-departure

  • One-on-one working holiday visa consultation and support
  • Complete review of visa application documents to ensure they are completed correctly
  • Japanese resume templates and job listings
  • Arranged accommodation during your first month in Japan *accommodation fees are additional
  • Info pack on everything you need to know about living in Japan
  • One-on-one video call orientation before your departure: health insurance, bank account, phone plan, Inkan, public transit, finding long-term accommodation & much more!
  • As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not from these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

In Country

  • Welcome orientation on your first day
  • Two weeks of Japanese language lessons
  • Course books and materials
  • Unlimited use of wifi and school computers with printers
  • Language exchange program: get paired up with a Japanese native speaker to make friends & practice your language skills outside of class
  • Assistance with foreigner registration documents & Japanese paperwork
  • Support arranging accommodation after your language course
    English speaking team in Tokyo, Kyoto & Fukuoka
  • Help translating your resume to Japanese
  • On-going support for the duration of your time in Japan from our team

The Fun Stuff!

  • Meet other students from around the world!
  • Weekly Japanese movie screenings with popcorn
  • Friday student parties
  • Monthly Japanese game nights
  • Public holiday fields trips
  • Attend Japanese festivals
  • Invitations to fun group outings: karaoke, bowling, concerts & sporting events
  • Add traditional culture and pop-culture modules to your course (optional)
  • Weekly language exchange events with Japanese locals (Fukuoka only)

What’s Not Included:

Flights, medical insurance, visa and/or work permit application fees, local transportation, food & rent.

Did You Know?

We Can Submit Your Visa Application For You!

As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not from these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

What Will I Do?

A working holiday visa allows you to stay in Japan for up to one year to work, travel and experience living in Japan like a local. Working holiday visa holders are able to obtain temporary or part-time positions to help fund their travels around the country.

Most jobs for foreigners require beginner to intermediate levels of Japanese so after your language lessons you will be better equipped to find a job in Japan. Once you have completed your course, our team will assist you with revising your resume and provide recommendations and resources to help you begin your job search in Japan.

Possible Working Holiday Jobs

  • Tutoring English
  • Restaurant and kitchen staff
  • Customer service
  • Retail
  • Sales
  • Tourism and hospitality
  • Cleaning and factory jobs
  • And more!

Want to Learn More?

Interested to chat with us to learn which program is right for you?

Let’s Get Started!

Year-round! Japanese language courses begin every Monday. If you have not taken Japanese lessons previously in a classroom setting, the complete beginner Japanese language courses begin on the first Monday of each month.

Please note: We typically ask for three months’ notice before you plan to leave Canada so we can get your documents in order and so that you can make the most of our support preparing you for your adventure abroad.

Want More?

Ski Resort

Pair Japan City Experience with our Japan Ski Resort program and live, work and play in Japan’s legendary powder at the country’s top ski destination.

Australia Working Holiday

Japan and Australia are polar opposite, which is why they make a great pairing for a working holiday extravaganza. Experience Japan's unique traditions and culture before embracing life Down Under!

Travel Insurance

We know that travelling with a peace of mind is important to you. That’s why it’s a good idea to have travel insurance in case something unexpectedly goes wrong while you’re abroad.

FAQs

Do Canadians require a certain level of Japanese to join this program?

No, you can be a complete beginner all the way to advanced – it doesn’t matter! 

Our language school partner in Japan will test your Japanese level if you are not a complete beginner, so that you can join the correct class upon arrival to Japan. Their goal is to ensure that you will join a class where you will make the most of it! The sooner you become confident with your Japanese, the better.

What’s the benefit of doing this program instead of the Send off?

Other than the 2 weeks of Japanese learning, you will have a chance to make new friends and have access to social activities that happen on a weekly basis! Our language school partner has awesome activities that happen throughout the year such as a city tour, karaoke night, and field trips! Your Japanese teachers can also help you prepare a Japanese resume if you would like to have that prepared for your upcoming job search.

In which cities of Japan can I do this program?

You can choose between Tokyo, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. 

How many hours of instruction will I get at the Japanese language school?

40 hours! You will study 20 hours per week for two weeks with the included package. If you would like to extend your study, no problem!

Are you able to submit my Japan Working Holiday Visa on my behalf?

As a Recognized Organization of Canada, we can submit your visa for you for a $150 CAD add-on if you are a BC (outside Metro Vancouver) or Yukon resident. Not From these Provinces? We can still help you with everything else!

How many students does the School have per class?

Our language school partner has a limit of just 8 students per class maximum, which means a lot more attention from your teacher, making it easier to focus on your specific needs in an intimate and comfortable environment, without getting lost in the crowd!

Do you offer housing close to the School?

Yes! Our language school offers 3 options: a homestay with breakfast and dinner with a Japanese family, a private room in a shared house, or a private apartment all to yourself. The prices differ according to the type of accommodation and location of the school. All accommodation options arranged by the language school are within 25-50 minutes by public transportation.

Is a two-week course enough to feel comfortable during my Working Holiday in Japan?

That is completely up to what your personal goals are during your time in Japan! If you would like to build a foundation on reading and writing Japanese so that you can get around the country and read some signs and labels, a 2-week course may be enough for you. If you would like to be able to speak fluently and you are starting from scratch, unfortunately a 2-week course may not be enough. You can always extend your course if you’d like!

Can I join the Japan KickStart Program and then join the Ski Resort program?

Absolutely! As long as timelines are discussed so that you can commit to the full ski season, we can make this happen. Please schedule a call with our Japan travel coordinator today!

What kind of support does Stepabroad provide for job search?

We provide a comprehensive level of resources ranging from job boards, and recruitment agencies, as well as employer contacts in the English teaching and tourism industry! Worried about jobs? Speak to our Japan travel coordinator today to talk about options!