FAQ - Japan

• Why isn't there a SWAP Orientation Centre in Japan?
• Why do you recommend the program to people 21 years or older?
• I've never travelled on my own before, would you recommend the Japan program?
• When does the visa start?

Why isn't there a SWAP Orientation Centre in Japan? Because the Japanese government run their own centres for participants, the Japan Association of Working Holiday Makers, www.jawhm.org.jp , we are not permitted to open our own. They have been set up specifically for participants from around the world, and are an excellent resource. Their services and locations can be found in our kit information as well as online.
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Why do you recommend the program to people 21 years or older? Though the Japanese Working Holiday maker visa is available to ages 18-30, the age of majority in Japan is 21. If you are ages 18-21 you may find it more difficult to find work.
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I've never travelled on my own before, would you recommend the Japan program? If you have never travelled before the Japan program may not be the best option for your first trip abroad. Unless you know you are an independent, motivated, person, who will be fine on your own, than we suggest you start your travelling in Australia or New Zealand where it is a very short distance to explore Asia as a tourist.
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When does the visa start? The participant has 12 Months to enter the country. Once they enter the visa is valid for 6 months & extendable for another 6 months once they are in the country.
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