There are already a lot of people who have taken advantage of working holiday Japan opportunities. You might want to do the same if you want to have a truly enjoyable experience that is also enriching and educational. Before you apply though, there are some questions you need to ask.

What is this program?

Some other countries also have special programs that let visitors work and play. Japanese working holidays in particular are special arrangements borne out of Japan’s agreement with other countries and territories. You can only apply for working holiday visas if you are a citizen of Australia, Canada, Taiwan, Denmark, Ireland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, South Korea, New Zealand and the UK. In exchange for allowing citizens of these countries into Japan, Japanese citizens in turn can enjoy similar working holiday benefits when they visit these places.

The term suggests that the option is only for individuals who are intent on first having a vacation. In short, visitors should primarily want to visit Japan for its attractions and not for employment opportunities. Getting a job is only a bonus. Tourists can only get jobs in unregulated areas and can only stay employed for as long as their visas are valid. This is usually about six months with an option for another six months extension. For citizens of Australia, they can request for a longer extension period that can stretch their stay to eighteen months.

Who is qualified to apply?

Citizenship is not the only requirement for application. Those who wish to be granted working holiday visas also need to fit other qualifications. Age restrictions are pegged at eighteen to thirty years old. Applicants should also be entering the country for the first time and should have passports of their own.

There are also specifications when it comes to financial conditions. All visitors should be able to provide proof that they can support themselves in Japan even if they aren’t able to get jobs. You should at least have $2,000 as a vacation fund. Other than this, there is a requirement to present a vacation schedule and proof that a return flight has been booked or planned at the conclusion of the trip.

How costly is the stay?

An initial six pounds will be charged to UK applicants. For other applicants however, visa applications are free. In all territories, all visitors need to shoulder their plane tickets. That would mean preparing roughly $3,000. You may however be able to get cheap deals that will cost you below $2,000.

The cost of living is more difficult to deal with. It’s normal to have to spend around a hundred thousand yen a month for food, transportation and lodging. You might however, be able to do away with some of these expenses if you get accepted in a winter resort. Most winter resorts offer free accommodations so you can save what you earn or use it for shopping and entertainment.

There is so much that you can gain from a working holiday Japan experience. Visitors get to both enjoy and earn off of jobs in Japan. If you already qualify, you should consider submitting your application for a special visa right away.