APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Your job in Japan, sorted before you fly
Helping Hand finds and secures your working holiday job, sorts your accommodation and supports you from your visa to your last shift. You only pay once your job is confirmed.
No job, no fee
Accommodation included in Niseko
Japanese lessons included
How it works
Three steps to your adventure
- 1
Tell us about you
Fill in a short form, then we'll invite you to a hello call to get to know you and what you're after.
- 2
We find your job
We match you with our partner employers and handle the applications and interviews for you.
- 3
You get the job
Then we help with your visa, paperwork and prep. Before you know it, you're on your way.
Where we place you
Pick your area
One package, one price, wherever you go. You only pay once your job is secured.
HOKKAIDO
Niseko
Perfect for mountain lovers and those searching for Japan's amazing powder.
£650
paid once you're placed
- 2 Japanese language lessons included
- Guaranteed job before you leave
- Accommodation included
- Visa application help
- Pre-departure planning call
- Local support throughout your stay
- Documents and translations
- Insider travel tips
Not sure where to go?
Apply here and we'll help you decide. Same package, same price, open now.
Japan Ski Season
ANY SKI RESORT
Want a winter on the mountain? We help you choose the resort.
£650 when placed
Anywhere in Japan
ANY JOB, ANY SEASON
Any job, any season. We help you decide where to go.
£650 when placed
Join the waitlist
Same package, same price. Join the list for free and get first pick of jobs when an area opens.
Osaka
KANSAI
Perfect for foodies and city explorers in Japan's kitchen.
£650 when placed
Kyoto
KANSAI
Perfect for culture enthusiasts and history lovers.
£650 when placed
Tokyo
KANTO
Big-city working holidays in the capital.
£650 when placed
Hakuba
NAGANO
Alpine ski seasons in the Japanese Alps.
£650 when placed
Okinawa
OKINAWA
Island life in Japan's subtropical south.
£650 when placed
Countryside Japan
RURAL JAPAN
Perfect for slow travellers who want to see the real, rural Japan.
£650 when placed
FINDING YOUR OWN JOB?
Support Only · £300
- 2 Japanese language lessons
- Visa application help
- Pre-departure planning call
- Support during your trip
- Job search guides
Prices in other currencies are a guide. We convert at the latest rate on the day you pay.
WHY HELPING HAND
Safe, local and with you all the way
£0Upfront
No job, no fee. You only pay once we've secured your job.
LocalKnowledge
We live and work in Japan and know its seasonal job market inside out.
StartTo finish
From your visa to your last shift, we're a message away.
Our team
The people who’ll get you exploring
Rob
Head of “Making It All Work”
A traveller with a mission. Never taken a snowboarding lesson, yet confidently calls himself the “best snowboarder in the office”!
Dani
The Friendly Voice with all the Answers
Lifetime traveller. Always ready for a chat, especially when it comes with a laugh or two!
Rin
Our Local Legend in Osaka & Kyoto
Your guide to urban Japan. Always ready to share the best spots!
Juri
Our Hero in the Mountains
A connector at heart. Racing to the top of any mountain, sun or snow!
FAQ
Good questions
You only pay after we successfully secure you a job. No job, no fee.
Typically 2-4 weeks from application to job offer, depending on your preferences and availability.
If the first job we suggest isn’t a good fit, we’ll do our best to offer alternative positions. Once you’ve accepted and started a role, we can’t directly source another position — but we can provide guidance with job hunting in Japan if you wish to continue working.
Yes! We can help couples and friends secure positions at the same location. When you apply for our Helping Hand service, let us know you're travelling together and we will connect you with placements that can accommodate both of you at the same workplace.
As early as you can. Ideally apply 3-4 months before you want to start work (for ski resort jobs, that means September-October). This gives enough time for visa processing and job placement. Our Helping Hand service operates on a first-come, first-served basis so once all placements are filled, we cannot guarantee a position. So the earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing a great job!
Helping Hand is open to anyone aged 18 to 30. That matches the Japanese working holiday visa, which has the same age limit for every partner country: you must be 18 to 30 when you apply.
Not at all! Just be ready to get learning on the slopes during your free time.
It's not required to have experience - many employers provide training for entry-level positions. We help match you with opportunities that suit your experience level, whether you're a complete beginner or have relevant background.
Staff accommodation varies by employer and location. Many resort jobs include shared rooms or dormitory-style housing in your placement. City positions are more likely to not include accommodation but we will help in navigating this. With each placement, we will help you understand what's included and assist with alternative arrangements if needed.
Ask the team
Real people, replying within a day
