5 Reasons to Go on a 2023 Japan Working Holiday (and How)

Canada’s rainy season is well and truly underway. But it’s not all doom and gloom, as Japan is finally open. Perfect timing, if you ask us. Starting this October, Japan has dropped its daily cap and is now open for visa-free, independent travel. In other words, a free-roaming working holiday in Japan is now on the cards. If you need more convincing, we’ve rounded up our top five reasons you should go on a 2023 Japan Working Holiday.

No country celebrates the cherry blossom quite like Japan. Take part in the festivities yourself during Hanami, or the Cherry Blossom Festival, which is celebrated across the country in spring.

1# BE THE FIRST TO TRAVEL TO JAPAN

Japan’s 2023 travel calendar is packed. After more than two years under strict lockdown, Japan has opened a whole new wave of new attractions for travellers to look forward to. Think: the world’s first Super Nintendo World in Osaka to the architectural splendours of Ishikawa’s New Prefectural Library (trust us, you won’t want to miss this). And let’s not forget the must-see experiences. From perfectly pink cherry blossom season to UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the snowcapped Mount Fuji, you really do need a year to experience it all. This is where the Japan Working Holiday Visa comes in…

From quirky cafes to funky karaoke bars, Japan's ultramodern, neon-light cities are unlike any other in the world.

#2 THE 2023 JAPAN WORKING HOLIDAY VISA

The Japan Working Holiday Visa allows Canadians between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in Japan for 12 months.

We cover it in depth in our Japan Working Holiday Visa FAQs, however, to summarize, it allows Canadians between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in Japan for 12 months. This means you can get a job in Japan to fund your travel adventures, and with more time you can spend your time travelling across the country and really get under the skin of Japanese culture.

From fine dining to street eats, make 2023 the year you eat your way around Japan.

2# EXPERIENCE THE CITY-LIFE

Japan has a city for everyone. Live in hypermodern Tokyo, among ancient temples in traditional Kyoto, or embrace Fukuoka’s iconic food culture. On our Kick-Start Japan Program, arrive with your first two weeks of accommodation sorted in either Tokyo, Kyoto or Fukuoka. The only question: where to go? Plus, you’ll meet travellers from across the world with a slew of fun activities and get set up for an unforgettable year in Japan.

Top tip: Spend your first two weeks in Japan learning the local lingo for a more meaningful introduction to Japanese culture.

#3 LEARN JAPANESE

From navigating the shinkansen (bullet train) to ordering somakase de (the chef’s recommendation) at a local sushi haunt, learning Japanese will truly integrate you into the local culture. Plus, it will give you more options when applying for jobs.

Learn Japanese in class, meet other students from around the world, and put those skills to the test as you uncover the city. You’ll also get paired up with a Japanese native speaker to make friends and practice your language skills.

No 2023 trip to Japan would be complete without watching Japan's national sport: Sumo (相撲, sumō).

#4 EMBRACE JAPANESE CULTURE

It goes without saying that any visit to Japan should involve embracing Japan’s unique culture. From taking part in tea ceremonies to calligraphy, cosplay and more, take part in a slew of fun courses to get under the skin of Japanese culture. In the evenings, foodie night markets, quirky bars, karaoke, festivals and field trips await.

Plan ahead! Get a guarenteed ski season job in Japan for 2023-2024 on our Japan Ski Resort Program.

#5 EXPERIENCE JAPOW!

Think of JAPOW as the Japanese alps on steroids. The Powder Capital of Japan, Niseko is famous for its wide open powder bowls, backcountry runs and deep pillowy powder (we’re talking 16-metres). Not forgetting hot springs, snow monkeys and ramen. It’s the best ski season in the world. Japan’s ski season starts at the end of November. So, if you travel to Japan this year you’ll get to spend this winter experiencing Japan’s world-famous deep powder.

Want to work a ski season in Japan? On our Japan Ski Resort Program, plan ahead for the 2023-2024 winter season. We’ll guarantee you a ski resort job at Japan’s #1 ski resort and send it in JAPOW every day!

Keen to Travel to Japan in 2023?

Want to learn more about our Japan Working Holiday 2023 Programs? Get in touch to speak to our travel experts.