Finding jobs during the winter is not so hard so long as you work towards that goal in advance. Find the places you want to work and hear what people have to say about their employers. Seriously, some will point out that their employers are bat shit insane or are engaging in legal gray zones. I got lucky using Gaijinpot, but I imagine your chances would improve if you contacted businesses directly. You might be able to find a map of the businesses in town at 360niseko.com.
You will also need to find a place. Sometimes your employer may assist you with that. Renting property in Japan is no easy task. Having some local buddies in that front would help tremendously.To give some perspective, I used to live in a place that was 55,000 per month, then changed to 55,000 per night when the season rolled around. Rental property is a commodity in the extreme during the winter here.
There are enough snowboards in town that you shouldn't need to buy one new. I'd say keep your eyes on this forum for sales. A lot of people come to Niseko, buy a board, and leave it behind when they leave. I've been here for one season, and I started off with one board. I now have 4 boards and 5 sets of boots. I can't be the only one willing to give you a good deal.
If you want a good deal or to look through a recycle shop for used goods, I suggest Boom Boom down the street from the station.
Hope that helps.
I know who you're going to be working for and how employees feel about working there. He knows how to run a restaurant, but from what I hear he can get a little stressed sometimes, which ends up on the staff. Either way, you serve to learn a good bit about cooking there. I have certainly considered it myself.
I found my current place through word of mouth. If you intend on staying just for the season, expect to pay a premium. Longer term residents can pull a little more sway. If you have transportation, your options increase greatly. Here's a few websites to look up -
http://www.nisekoproperty.com/Home/For-Lease
http://www.hokkaidorealestate.com/
http://www.nisekoconsulting.com/niseko-accommodation/
http://www.niseko-estate.com/?id=293
Good luck.
I'm American. Just a handful of Americans around here. If you ever see someone walking around carrying a spraypainted desktop, you'll know who I am.
As for the length of stay you said, I don't know, it could be depending on who's trying to sell the lease to you.
There certainly are places I'd say you should avoid like the plague, but just do some due diligence beforehand and google whomever comes up. That should provide enough remarks regarding whatever employer you're looking at. To be honest, Niseko Pizza would be one of the first places I'd attempt to work at if I was looking for a job. That could just be my interest in quality pizza though.
I see the beginnings of Ameristralia next winter.
1. | Ameristralia | 482 up, 29 down | |
the union of the greatest country in the world and the deadliest island, Ameristralia rules all of the day and all of the night. Founded in 2013 Ameristralia is the newest and most kickass country to ever exist. The national flag has stars, stripes and a few more stars and stripes to make it the most star and stripey flag in human history. The national animal is the eaoalga and ferocious blend of koala and eagle that rules the skies and terrorizes the ground. The internet never sleeps with Ameristralians on duty for life, liberty and the pursuit of not being bitten by a venomous snake. God Bless Ameristralia. Where you from? AMERISTRALIA bitch! | |||