Fast Facts On Winter Resort Work In Japan

By Chase Crawford


You may not be aware that currently, foreigners can choose to work in Japan. This is really a great way to both enjoy the allures of the country while earning enough to supplement your funds. Here are some of the things you should know before you take the plunge and apply for employment.

Qualifications and Requirements

The Japanese government has a standing agreement with several countries for special working holiday visa issuance. If you are a citizen of France, Australia, Denmark, New Zealand, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Taiwan, Korea, Canada and the U.K., you might qualify. Additionally, you must be within the 18-30 years old age bracket.

Only those applying for ski patrol positions are required to have a first aid certificate. There are no other strict qualification requirements to get a resort job in Japan. Naturally though, if you do have special ski instructor certifications, you have a greater chance of getting accepted for a position with a higher rate.

Language skill requirements are not too stiff. A minimum requirement of one year language study is all that you would have to comply. This is needed because you will be using the local language a lot. The Japanese language however should not be too difficult to master considering that there are many courses and tutorials that you can take online. You can also learn more of the language while you are in Japan. This is the best way to really master Japanese because you will be learning through application.

Work Circumstances

Those who work in winter resorts have to complete 40 to 48 hours of work per week. There is an added requirement to report for overtime duty on very busy days and months especially on December and February. Extra hours are paid 125% the regular rate.

Hourly pay will differ per resort. Ski instructors in Hokkaido are often paid more than those in other locations. If you get a spot in Hokkaido you might land a generous rate of 1000 yen. Other resorts pay around 650 to 700 yen.

Applicants who get accepted for work in Japan are covered by work insurance so you don't need to worry about this. This is not, however the same as travel insurance for which you need to pay for yourself.

Meals and Dormitories

One of the best reasons to get employment in winter locations is the availability of meal and accommodation benefits. These are usually not available to workers in summer resorts. Of course, the specific benefits will depend on the specific location.

If you get work in Nagano or Gunma, you will not have to worry about where to stay and what to eat. The accommodations, meals and ski passes are all provided free of charge. This is not entirely the case in Hokkaido resorts. Most resorts there only provide free lodging and facility use but meals can be obtained after agreeing to pay a fee.

There is so much to enjoy and love when you work in Japan especially in winter. This is truly the best option if you want to hit two birds with one stone. You can both travel and earn so it doesn't get any better than this.




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