Resort Jobs A Unique Working Holiday In Japan

Many working holiday makers come to Japan to teach English, work in bars, or even land a modeling job or two. But if you want to try something really unique, resort jobs in Japan are the perfect start to your Working holiday! You'll make Japanese friends, improve your Japanese, and if you don't party too much while you're there, you'll leave your resort with enough cash to travel around Japan until you find another job!

Depending on the season, you can work in ski or summer (beach, golf, or mountain) resorts. Here are some details about resort life you should know, if you're thinking about applying for a program:

Accommodation

You'll be staying in large dormitories, with rooms for 2-4 Japanese or foreign staff. All dormitories are single-sex, and some have a curfew. Male and female dormitories are strictly separated. Entering dorm rooms of the opposite sex can be grounds for dismissal. However, most dorms have common rooms where everyone can socialize.

Dorm accommodation is simple but adequate - a working holiday in Japan isn't supposed to be luxurious - just fun! Some rooms are western-style, while others are fitted with Tatami (Japanese-style straw mats). All laundry, bathing, and dining facilities are communal. Ski resort dorms have central heating (or room heaters), so there's no need to bring extra sleeping-bags / blankets with you. Refrigerators are not essential because there are plenty of cool places to store food. On the other hand, summer resort dorms are equipped with refrigerators and air-conditioning.

Meals

Breakfast and dinner are served in the dorm or hotel cafeteria, while lunch is eaten at your work post. Meals are simple, healthy Japanese-style dishes - nothing fancy, but nutritious and satisfying.

Free Time


Doing a working holiday at a resort in Japan, you'll be surrounded by beautiful scenery, and lots of fun activities! Carving fresh tracks in champagne powder, lazing on tropical beaches in the sun, or hiking through pristine wilderness will all become routine activities. On your days off, and before / after work, you'll be free to do as you please (within resort guidelines).

Expenses

As accommodation and a season ski-pass for your resort are completely free, your only expenses will be for food and leisure / daily activities (ie. ski equipment, eating out, toiletries etc).

*Important* Rural living

Please bear in mind that a working holiday at a resort in Japan will mean you'll be in a rural area - thus, the luxuries of the city are not as easily accessible. On your days-off, you may have to travel on a train/bus for internet access, international phones, supermarkets, etc. Your resort may be located quite far from the nearest village, so there won't be many bars / restaurants / shops like you're used to back home. It's important that you come with an open mind, and embrace the fact that you're far away from the "big smoke". In resort areas, the natural beauty, the outdoor activities, and the friends you make become the biggest source of enjoyment!

In the beginning, you may feel a little isolated if you're unable to contact friends / family as much as you'd like - this is completely natural. You should accept that contact will be less frequent, and try to immerse yourself in the Japanese culture as much as possible during your working holiday. Making new (Japanese!) friends at your resort will make your transition much more comfortable - that way, you'll learn about the culture, have more fun, and your Japanese will skyrocket!