Japan Working Holiday Visa: How to Apply Easily
The Japan Working Holiday Visa allows eligible Australians to stay in Japan for up to 12 months, combining travel with short-term work to support their stay. This visa is intended primarily for tourism and cultural exchange, with employment authorised as a secondary activity, subject to conditions set by Japanese authorities.
Japan attracts many Australian working holiday makers thanks to its safety, rich culture, modern infrastructure and wide range of short-term job opportunities, particularly in tourism and hospitality. Its proximity to Australia and long-standing bilateral ties further reinforce its appeal.
This guide is designed for australian citizens aged 18 to 30, who are planning to apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa and want a clear overview of the rules and application process.
- The Japan Working Holiday Visa is available to australian citizens aged 18 to 30 inclusive
- The visa allows a maximum stay of 12 months and is not renewable
- Work is permitted but must remain secondary to travel and cultural exchange
- Applicants must show AUD 2,500 (or around AUD 4,000 without a return ticket)
- The visa is free of charge when applying in Australia
- Enrolment in Japan’s public health insurance is generally required after 3 months, but does not cover all risks
- Comprehensive Working Holiday insurance is strongly recommended for medical costs, work activities and repatriation
- A complete and consistent application greatly improves approval chances
What Is the Japan Working Holiday Visa?
The Japan Working Holiday Visa is a long-stay visa issued under the Working Holiday Program established by Japan with several partner countries, including Australia.
🎯 Its main purpose is to promote cultural exchange by allowing young people to travel in Japan for an extended period while taking up short-term employment to help cover living expenses. In general, work is permitted as a secondary activity and should not be the primary reason for the stay.
Differences with the other visas:
- Unlike tourist visas, which strictly prohibit paid work, the Working Holiday Visa authorises employment without the need for employer sponsorship.
- It differs from work visas, which are tied to a specific job, employer and professional category.
- It also differs from student visas, which mainly focus on studies and impose stricter limits on working hours.
⏱️ For Australian citizens, the Japan Working Holiday Visa is usually granted for a maximum duration of 12 months.
☝️ This period is non-renewable in principle, although rules may vary depending on individual circumstances and should always be confirmed with the competent Japanese authorities.
Are Australians Eligible for a Japan Working Holiday Visa?
Yes, Australians are eligible for the Japan Working Holiday Visa under the bilateral agreement between Australia and Japan.
To qualify, applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years inclusive at the time of application. In general, applications submitted after the 30th birthday are not accepted for australian nationals.
💡 Age limits may differ for other countries, which can sometimes create confusion, but the upper limit for Australians is clearly set at 30.
👉 To apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa as an australian citizen, applicants must generally meet all of the following requirements, as defined by Japanese authorities and subject to change:
• 🎂 Be aged between 18 and 30 years inclusive at the time of application
• 🇦🇺 Hold australian nationality and a valid australian passport
• 🎯 Intend to visit Japan primarily for tourism and cultural exchange, with work as a secondary activity
• 💰 Demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support the initial stay in Japan: the minimum amount set by the Japanese authorities is $ 2 500 at the moment.
• ✈️ Hold a return ticket or show proof of additional funds to purchase one
• 🏥 Be in good health and meet any medical requirements requested by the Japanese authorities
• 🧾 Have no serious criminal record and satisfy character requirements
• 📄 Provide all required supporting documents in the format requested by the Japanese Embassy or Consulate
As requirements may evolve, it is always recommended to verify the latest conditions directly with the Japanese diplomatic authorities in Australia before submitting an application.
Japan Working Holiday Visa: Documents Required to Apply
Document | Mandatory? | Step | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
📄 Application form | Yes | Application | The official Japan Working Holiday Visa application form must be fully completed and signed. Always use the latest version from the Japanese Embassy website. |
🛂 Passport | Yes | Application | An australian passport valid for the entire intended stay in Japan is required. A clear copy of the photo page is usually requested. |
📸 Passport photo | Yes | Application | One recent passport-size photo is required and must comply with Japanese visa photo standards. |
✍️ Statement of Purpose | Yes | Application | A motivation letter explaining travel plans and interest in Japanese culture. Work should be presented as secondary to tourism. |
📄 Resume / CV | Yes | Application | A basic CV outlining education and work experience. A job offer is not required at this stage. |
💰 Proof of funds | Yes | Application | Bank statements showing at least AUD 2,500, or around AUD 4,000 if no return ticket is provided, as generally required by the embassy. |
✈️ Return or onward ticket | Conditional | Application | If no ticket is provided, additional financial resources must be demonstrated instead. |
🏥 Travel insurance | Strongly recommended | Before departure | Not always mandatory at application stage, but comprehensive working holiday insurance is strongly advised and may be requested. |
🧾 Additional documents | Case-by-case | Application | The embassy may request extra documents depending on the applicant’s profile or individual circumstances. |
Although Working Holiday travel insurance is generally described as “strongly recommended” rather than strictly mandatory, it is considered a key document. Japan’s public health insurance only partially covers medical costs and does not include repatriation or assistance services, which means uninsured travellers may face significant expenses in case of illness or accident.
Compare the best WHV insurance plansHow to Apply for a Japan Working Holiday Visa from Australia
- Prepare the application file: gather all required documents, including the completed application form, valid Australian passport, passport photo, statement of purpose, CV and proof of sufficient funds. In general, incomplete files may delay or prevent processing, so all documents should comply with the embassy’s instructions.
- Apply: applications must be lodged in person at the Japanese Embassy in Canberra or at a Japanese Consulate corresponding to the applicant’s place of residence in Australia. 💡 Applications by mail are generally not accepted.
- Book an appointment and submit the application in person: an appointment is usually required before visiting the embassy or consulate. During the appointment, the application file is reviewed and additional questions may be asked. Requirements and procedures can vary slightly depending on the diplomatic office.
- Wait for processing and decision: the processing time for a Japan Working Holiday Visa is generally around one to two weeks, although this may vary depending on the period and individual circumstances. Once approved, the visa is affixed to the passport and can be collected in person. 💡 No official annual quota is published for Australian applicants.
How Much Does a Japan Working Holiday Visa Cost?
Cost item | Estimated amount (AUD) | Mandatory? | Useful information |
|---|---|---|---|
🛂 Visa application fee | AUD 0 | Yes | In general, the Japan Working Holiday Visa is issued free of charge for australian citizens when applying through the Japanese Embassy or Consulates in Australia. |
📄 Document translations | AUD 0–150 | Case-by-case | Most documents are accepted in English. Costs may apply only if specific documents must be translated at the embassy’s request. |
AUD 500–1,200 | Strongly recommended | Comprehensive insurance covering medical care, hospitalisation, repatriation and work activities is strongly advised for the entire stay in Japan. | |
✈️ Flights to Japan | AUD 800–1,500 | Yes | Prices vary depending on season, departure city and booking time. A return or onward ticket is required, or sufficient funds to purchase one. |
🏠 Initial living expenses | AUD 1,000–2,000 | Yes | This budget should cover accommodation, food and transport for the first weeks in Japan before starting work. |
Even though the visa itself is generally free, the overall cost of a Japan Working Holiday project can be significant. As requirements and costs may evolve, applicants are advised to confirm the latest information with the Japanese Embassy or Consulate before applying and to secure adequate insurance coverage prior to departure.
While Working Holiday insurance represents a significant upfront cost, it is generally worth it, as medical treatment or hospitalisation in Japan can quickly amount to several thousand AUD without adequate coverage, especially in the event of an accident or emergency.
Get my WHV insurance quoteCan Your Japan Working Holiday Visa Be Rejected?
Yes, a Japan Working Holiday Visa may be refused if the application does not fully comply with the requirements set by Japanese authorities.
Common reasons for refusal generally include incomplete documents, insufficient proof of funds, or a statement of purpose that places too much emphasis on work rather than tourism and cultural exchange.
No official acceptance rate is published. In general, well-prepared applications that clearly meet the eligibility criteria are often approved, but the final decision always rests with the embassy or consulate and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
👉 To maximise approval chances, applicants should submit a complete and consistent file, clearly explain their travel plans and motivations, and demonstrate adequate financial resources. Having appropriate working holiday insurance in place also helps present a credible and well-prepared project.
Japan Working Holiday Insurance
Is Japan Working Holiday Insurance Mandatory?
In general, Japanese immigration authorities strongly recommend that Working Holiday visa holders have comprehensive health and travel insurance for the entire duration of their stay. While insurance may not always be explicitly mandatory at the application stage, proof of coverage can be requested, and applicants are expected to be able to cover medical expenses in Japan.
Health care costs in Japan can be high for uninsured travellers, particularly in case of hospitalisation or emergency treatment. Working Holiday makers are also exposed to everyday risks related to travel and work, which makes insurance an essential part of a well-prepared project.
In Japan, Working Holiday visa holders who stay more than three months are generally required to enrol in the Japanese National Health Insurance system after registering as residents.
This public insurance usually covers around 70% of medical costs, with the remaining expenses payable by the patient.
However, public health insurance does not cover all situations, such as medical repatriation, private facilities, or assistance services.
👉 For this reason, private Working Holiday insurance remains strongly recommended to complement public coverage and ensure full protection throughout the stay.
Which Japan Working Holiday Insurance Should You Choose?
A suitable Working Holiday insurance policy should cover medical expenses, hospitalisation, emergency care and repatriation, as well as civil liability and accidents occurring during work activities. Coverage should be valid for the entire stay in Japan and adapted to local medical costs.
When choosing insurance, it is important to check coverage limits, exclusions and assistance services. Selecting a policy designed specifically for Working Holiday visas helps ensure adequate protection and contributes to a credible application and a safer stay in Japan.
Get your Working Holiday insurance certificate in 2 minutes
Working in Japan on a Working Holiday Visa
Working Holiday visa holders are allowed to take up short-term employment to support their stay in Japan.
👉 Common jobs include hospitality and tourism roles, such as cafés, restaurants and hotels, seasonal work in ski resorts during winter, farm or agricultural work, and casual positions related to teaching or assisting with English. Certain activities may be restricted by Japanese authorities, and regulated professions usually require a specific work visa. Nightlife or adult entertainment are prohibited under Japanese immigration rules.
⏱️ There is no strict legal limit on weekly working hours under the Working Holiday Visa. However, work is intended to remain secondary to travel and cultural exchange. In general, applicants should avoid full-time, long-term employment that could suggest work is the main purpose of the stay, as this may conflict with the spirit of the visa.
💡 Some travellers secure a job before arriving in Japan, particularly for ski seasons or organised programmes, while others look for work after arrival. Both approaches are possible. Finding a job locally often provides more flexibility, but having sufficient savings and appropriate insurance is essential to cover living costs during the job search period.
Can You Extend a Japan Working Holiday Visa?
For australian citizens, the Japan Working Holiday Visa is generally issued for a maximum duration of 12 months.
In principle, the Japan Working Holiday Visa is not extendable beyond the initial authorised duration. As is the case with the Canada Working Holiday Visa, Japan limits Australians to a single Working Holiday stay of up to 12 months.
It may be possible to switch to another type of visa, such as a student visa or a work visa, while in Japan, provided all eligibility conditions are met. This usually requires sponsorship, specific qualifications or enrolment in an approved institution, and approval from Japanese immigration authorities. Such changes are assessed on a case-by-case basis and are not automatic.
FAQ
No. For australian citizens, the Japan Working Holiday Visa can only be granted once. Applicants must not have previously held this visa to be eligible.
In general, Japan accepts Working Holiday Visa applications from australians. However, acceptance policies may change depending on health, diplomatic or administrative conditions, so this should always be confirmed with the Japanese Embassy in Australia.
Remote work is not explicitly prohibited, but work must remain secondary to travel and cultural exchange. Activities resembling full-time or long-term employment may not align with the spirit of the visa and should be approached with caution.
Popular cities include Tokyo and Osaka for job opportunities, Kyoto for cultural immersion, and Hokkaido or Nagano for seasonal ski resort work. The best choice depends on job type and lifestyle preferences.
No. A job offer is not required at the time of application. The visa is designed to allow travellers to look for short-term work after arrival.
In general, applicants must show at least AUD 2,500 if they hold a return ticket, or around AUD 4,000 if they do not. These amounts should be confirmed with the embassy, as requirements may evolve.
Yes. Short-term studies, including Japanese language courses, are generally permitted as long as they are not the main purpose of the stay.
Travel and health insurance is strongly recommended and may be requested by authorities. Medical costs in Japan can be high, and insurance is an essential part of a well-prepared stay.
It may be possible to switch to another visa type, such as a student or work visa, provided all eligibility conditions are met and approval is granted by Japanese immigration authorities. This is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
