The Hong Kong/Japan Working Holiday Scheme was established on 1 January 2010 with both sides providing an annual quota of 1,500. The Consulate-General of Japan requires applicants to provide financial proof of approximately HK$22,000 for maintenance during their initial stay in Japan.

Successful applicants may be issued a Working Holiday Visa by the Consulate-General of Japan in Hong Kong, allowing them to stay in Japan for up to 12 months. They can take up work incidental to their holiday and/or enrol in short-term study courses during the authorized period of stay. Details and application forms can be obtained from the following websites:
https://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/itprtop_en/index.html
http://www.vfsglobal.com/japan/Hongkong/English/index.html

Participants are required to take out medical (including repatriation), hospitalisation and/or liability insurance before departure to cover the possible related costs incurred abroad.

The official tourism website of Japan presents comprehensive travel information, counting highlighted attractions, recommended routes, local culture as well as trip-planning assistance.

Natural wonders, especially the volcanic landscapes, offer stunning views and boast world-class resort areas. Mount Fuji, challenging climbers with a height of 3,776 metres, is essentially one of the country's most iconic landmarks. Chūbu-Sangaku National Park locating in Honshu, together with the Japanese Alps, features some of the highest peaks in the country.

Abundant in Japan, Shinto shrines and temples illustrate the long-rooted religious traditions of the country. Miyajima at the Hiroshima Bay houses the Itsukushima Shrine, which major structures rise out of the water at high tide. The historic city of , on the other hand, houses the Seven Great Temples.

Japanese cuisine, which is also called Washoku, represents the traditional dietary wisdom of the locals and is named an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization in 2013. Freshness is highly emphasized in Washoku, and dishes are usually satisfying both in terms of taste and appearance. A haute version of Washoku would be the Kaiseki Ryōri, an elaborated meal with bite-size gourmet in small plates.

Sushi, sashimi, tempura, miso soup and ramen are staples in local diet, while regional variations present due to different recipes. After a long day of travel, you can consider visiting the Izakaya, or Japanese-style bars, to relax and unwind just like the locals.

According to the bilateral working holiday scheme established between HKSAR Government and the Japanese Government, working holidaymakers can take work incidental to their holiday during their stay in Japan.

The scheme is based on the principle that any employment that working holidaymakers take up is intended to supplement their travel funds while they are on holiday. There is no particular restriction on how long they may work in any employment they find. Working holidaymakers can learn more about the types of jobs they may take up at http://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/working_holiday.html and http://www.hk.emb-japan.go.jp/eng/working_holiday_Q&A.html.

The minimum wage in Japan is determined according to region and industry. Where an employee is subject to two different minimum wage rates, the employee is entitled to the higher minimum wage. The minimum wage in Tokyo is 1,113 yen per hour with effect from 1 October 2023. Working hours in Japan must, in principle, not exceed 40 hours per week or eight hours per day excluding breaks.

Additional information about the working holiday programmes in Japan can also be found at Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan's website at http://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/w_holiday/index.html.

Working holidaymakers in Japan may seek assistance at the Employment Service Center for Foreigners (in Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya) as well as at some of the regional national public employment security offices ("Hello Work"). Please visit the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's website at http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/employ-labour/employment-security/foreignworkers.html for details.

According to the bilateral working holiday scheme established between HKSAR Government and the Japanese government, working holidaymakers can enrol in short-term study courses during their stay in Japan.

Japan offers a range of accommodation to suit your needs and budgets, including youth hostels, home stay and rental apartments.

Japan has a comprehensive transportation network and you may choose to travel around by underground, railway or buses to different scenic spots and destinations. The railway systems in Japan are well-known for its safety and punctuality. In addition, some transportation companies provide "Rail Pass" for tourists.

Japan has distinctive differences among four seasons, each having its special characteristics. The climate in the southern areas is relatively moderate, while the middle and northern Japan will snow in winter and are famous for winter sports.

Here we have gathered a number of hands-on tips to facilitate your trip planning and settling in Japan. If you have done a working holiday in Japan and have a tip or two to share, please email your thoughts to whsu@labour.gov.hk!

Police
Telephone: 110

Fire & Ambulance
Telephone: 119

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China
Global Emergency Call Center for Consular Protection and Services
24-hour Hotline: (8610) 12308

Immigration Department of the HKSAR
Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit
24-hour Hotline: (852) 1868

Labour Department of the HKSAR
General Enquiries - Working Holiday Scheme
Email: whsu@labour.gov.hk