JOBS
Getting a job in Niseko over winter is one of the coolest things you can do. Foreigners (gaijin) in Japan for the first time are blown away by the people, the culture, the food… and the snow!! In their first few days or weeks, even seasoned ski-bums can't stop declaring: "It's still … snowing!" And they invariably return from their first experience of Niseko’s powder rambling incoherently about ‘the pow’!
Yen
Few of us can afford to spend a whole season without work so you gotta get yourself a job! Pay is low, but so are living costs. Average wages go for between Y600 and Y1100 an hour, or $6 to 11US. This wage generally includes a season lift pass as well. And remember you’re being compensated generously in powder snow. Unless you hit the pub more than a night or two a week, it is very possible to save money – even a few thousand dollars - without too much effort. Food is cheap, accommodation is cheap, and your season pass takes care of entertainment costs.
Visas
Tourists are allowed to stay in Japan and not work for 90 days. Everyone else needs a visa. The most common visa used to work to Niseko is the working holiday visa. Applying for a visa is a slightly labour intensive but not all that hard. Click here for more specific information about getting a visa in your country.
Cash in hand?
Coming to Niseko to work without a visa is not recommended. It is illegal and can lead to arrest and deportation. Foreigners working in Niseko have been jailed and can be held without representation for up to three weeks in a very unpleasant environment. Having said that, you’ll never stop people from trying and every now and then you hear of someone working sans visa. But it vastly limits your options.
I can’t speak Japa-ma-nese!
Japanese skills may often be an advantage but a majority of seasonal staff have little or none before they come. By the end of the season of course many have incorporated the most common phrases into their everyday language, and some can hold down a damn respectable conversation with a local.
GETTING A JOB
There are many types of work available in Niseko, from snow clearing, to bar tending, to business management, to IT.
NisekoNews.com is the only independent site posting job ads from all sources, so you know exactly what is out there. Check out current listings here but also log onto websites of the big companies in town.
Hospitality jobs
The most common type of work is guest services in the hospitality industry, catering for the needs of guests staying in Niseko's many hotels and pensions. Jobs could be in the provider’s office, working their front desk, doing reception, managing a lodge, or doing the across village check-ins - closely associated with ground services. You need an international drivers licence. The best way to get work for an accommodation provider to contact them directly or apply for posted vacancies.
Nannying
Babysitting is increasing in demand but work is still haphazard. Usually people take on a bit of part-time work on the side of a regular income.
Instructing
Arguably the coolest job on the mountain is instructing. There are three main schools: NISS (Niseko International Ski School), NBS (Niseko Base Snowsports, run by Ski Japan), and SAS (Scott Adventure Sports). All take foreign instructors.
Bar and restaurant work
There is less of this type of work available. Most of this work is done by Japanese people. But check out our job listings to see if there are any availabilities. NB. You are not supposed to do bar work under an Australian working holiday visa.
Labouring
If you don’t like being inside and don’t mind a bit of toil, there is plenty of physical work to be done. First and foremost… snow clearing! No where in the world is there more of a need to remove snow!!
If you’re a handyman there is a constant need for routine maintenance around the traps. The best idea is to keep an eye on job listings or ask around after you arrive.
Lifties
Currently there are no gaijin working as lifites in Niseko. But doesn’t mean you can’t have a crack! Try http://www.grand-hirafu.jp/en/index.html
White collar
Professional jobs are starting to appear in Niseko and this trend will continue as the resort continues its phenomenal growth. But be prepared for a pay cut! While you will probably be earning more than your ski-instructing flatmate, you probably won’t be on anywhere near the same salary as back home. Professional jobs available include IT postions, management, interpreting, and real estate sale.
