Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan (Companies Hiring & Visa tips!) 2023

Interested to find out about fruit picking jobs in Japan? I know I was super curious about this!

I wanted to know all the necessary work permits and whether I needed to know any Japanese…. O_O

Fun fact: did you know that Japan exported over $29 million worth of fresh fruits in 2020?

Japan’s fruits are known for their freshness, and the Japanese take pride in ensuring that only the best is produced from their lands. 

Being a fruit picker in Japan, you will be part of helping farmers ensure that only the best are selected for the world to enjoy (and get paid and get to travel !)

In the meantime, you will also have the experience of working in the Japanese countryside and have the opportunity to travel in Japan without having to worry much about expenses.

Don’t be intimidated by the idea of having to learn a new language. Embrace the challenge and immerse yourself in the beautiful Japanese culture while tasting some of the most delicious fruits in the world.

This article will help you find out exactly how to get fruit picking jobs in Japan, even if you don’t know any Japanese.

Let’s get started!

DISCLOSURE

Some of the links on here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. Hope you find the information here useful! Thanks.

How To Find Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan? 

Here is a summary of the best fruit picking jobs in Japan and where to find them:

Where To Find Vacancies?

Work exchange platforms:

If you are looking for short-term work and you can go to Japan on a Working Holiday visa, work exchange platforms are a good place to look for vacancies of fruit picker Japan hiring now. 

Work exchange programs are suitable for those who plan to have their time divided equally between work and traveling.

Here are some work exchange platforms listed below:

• Workaway
• HelpX
• WWOOF Japan
• World Unite!
• Worldpackers

You can find openings for fruit picker in Japan hiring now.

Online job boards:

However, if you are planning to come to Japan on a Specified Skilled Workers visa, below are some sites that you can use to look for jobs in Japan fruit picker hiring 2023:

• Hello Work
• GaijinPot
• WORK Japan
• Japan Agricultural Exchange Council (site in Japanese)
• Job Board (site in Japanese)

Be mindful that work that is under the Specified Skilled Workers visa is considered a full-time role, which means that your working time will be fully dedicated according to the work agreement.

Local farms:

You can also apply directly to orchards and local farms. Many farms, like Nakagomi Orchard, often hire seasonal workers to help with harvesting during peak seasons.

Contact them directly to ask about jobs for fruit picking and express your interest in working as a fruit picker.

Word of mouth:

Talk to family and friends and ask if anyone has leads on Japan fruit picker hiring now.

You can also try to make some Japanese friends online by teaching English to Japanese students or connecting with people through social media.

Where Can I Work In Japan?

Japan enjoys four seasons, and there are many areas famous for different types of fruits.

Here are major areas in Japan famous for different types of fruits where you can find fruit picker jobs:

Okayama.

A wide variety of high-quality fruits, such as peaches and grapes, are grown in Okayama. Okayama is especially known for its white peaches, which is also part of the folk tale Momotarou (Peach Boy).

Fukuoka.

Fukuoka is one of the leading fruit-producing prefectures in all of Japan, where various types of fruits are grown all year round. There are blueberries, strawberries, peaches, Japanese persimmons, grapes, pears, and more that are grown in Fukuoka.

Nagano.

Nagano is famous for producing grapes, such as the Shine Muscat and Nagano Purple, which are highly sought after. Nagano also produces apples and peaches, its apples being a delicacy not only enjoyed by people but also by snow monkeys!

You will likely find apple picker job in Japan here.

Tochigi.

Tochigi is the leading producer of strawberries in Japan, particularly famous for a variety called Tochigi Otome (Tochigi Maiden).

Hokkaido.

Hokkaido is famous for its melons, especially premium ones. One of them is the Yubari melons, which can be sold for up to 5 million Yen (45,000 USD)!

.Hokkaido is also known for its Densuke watermelons that are known for their black rind and distinctly sweet taste. The Densuke watermelons can fetch up to 890,000 Yen (6,100 USD) per fruit.

Do I Need A Working Visa?

Yes, Japan has a strict immigration policy regarding work, and all foreign workers need to have a valid working visa, even fruit picker Japan!

There are two types of Visas available for you to enjoy your fruit picking Japan experience.

• Working Holiday Visa program. 

This program is open for people from 18 to 30 years old. This is a great option for young adults looking to travel while still earning money during their gap year or taking a career break. 

If you’re interested in farmwork and travel Japan, this is the visa to apply for.

However, only 26 countries/regions are eligible for the Working Holiday program, as listed below:

• Australia
• New Zealand
• Canada
• South Korea
• France
• Germany
• United Kingdom
• Ireland
• Denmark
• Taiwan
• Hong Kong
• Norway
• Portugal
• Poland
• Slovakia
• Austria
• Hungary
• Spain
• Argentina
• Chile
• Iceland
• Czech Republic
• Lithuania
• Sweden
• Estonia
• Netherlands

• Specified Skilled Workers Visa. 

This visa is open to those who are 18 years old and above that are interested to work in 14 specific sectors in Japan.

You must pass N4 or higher in the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) and the Skills Evaluation test to get this visa.

The Specified Skilled Worker Visa is equal to a normal working visa, which means that you will be working a full-time job if you are going to Japan under this visa.

Benefits Of Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan

A Japan fruit picker job is not easy as it requires stamina and discipline, but you will definitely learn a lot and enjoy yourself in the meantime!

Here are just some of the benefits of getting a fruit picking job in Japan:

• Learn about Japanese culture: You will get to immerse yourself in Japanese culture when you meet local farmers and learn about their way of life.

• Save money: Although fruit picking jobs in Japan salary is not very high, fruit picking jobs in Japan are enough to cover your basic travel expenses like food and accommodation.

• Meet new people: You will get to work together with other fruit pickers and travelers like yourself and make new friends during your stay there.

• Learn Japanese: Immersing yourself in the local culture and talking to the locals is the best way to learn a new language.

• Eat fresh fruits: It’s a great opportunity to try the fresh and delicious Japanese fruits that are well-known for their high quality.

Is Fruit Picking A Hard Job? 

Fruit picking is, after all, a physical task, so it is vastly different from an office job. Your days will be spent using your strength to pick fruits, baskets, and all sorts of things during working hours. 

You would also be required to start your day early as farm work begins before the sun rises. 

There will also be a lot of repetitive movements in doing the work.

You will definitely need comfortable and sturdy clothes to work in, so here are some recommendations on the best budget hiking pants for you to check out.

However, if you are an active and fit person, fruit picking and farm jobs Japan is not such a hard task! 

Consider it as a bonus. You’re getting a full-body workout in a new country to explore while getting paid for it. Woohoo!

What Are The Tasks I Have To Do As A Fruit Picker?

Being an employee of the fruit farm means that your task isn’t just limited to fruit picking.

General farm upkeep is also under the job’s responsibility, which means that you might have to cut grass and do some cleaning in addition to picking fruits.

You also might be expected to prune the fruit trees, pack the harvested fruits, and other odds and ends.

Some small farms might also have livestock that you might have to handle as part of farm work.

When in doubt, it is best to clarify with the prospective employee first before signing on to the job.

What Qualifications Do I Need?

You have to at least be a high school graduate as fruit picker in Japan requirements include being able to do basic math and comprehension skills. 

If you have prior experience regarding fruit picking or any agriculture work, that will be a bonus.

However, the main requirements for the job are your passion to learn, your discipline to perform at the job, and your willingness to do the tasks that you are required to do.  

Do I Have To Be Fluent In Japanese?

Japan is a country that takes pride in its national language, and many Japanese farmer hiring have difficulty speaking English, especially in rural areas. 

To work as a fruit picker in Japan, you don’t have to be fluent in Japanese. 

You have to at least have a basic understanding of Japanese, which is Level N4 of the Japanese Proficiency Language Test (JPLT). 

It is a working visa requirement to have a basic understanding of Japanese.

It will help you in doing your job smoother and reduce any misunderstandings if you can understand some basic Japanese language.

Where Would I Stay During Fruit Picking Season?

Some employers provide accommodation as a package with the job. However, it depends on the employer to offer that.

If there aren’t any accommodations provided, an option for you is that you can rent an apartment. 

There are several options for renting an apartment, the most affordable option being a studio apartment.

However, arranging where to stay and sorting out the renting process in a foreign country can be quite confusing. 

The Japanese Ministry of Immigration has a good guide on finding housing for foreigners. 

Alternatively, you can also stay at a ‘share house’. 

A share house is a co-living space where multiple tenants rent out rooms in the same building, and tenants will share the common living spaces such as the kitchen and the bathroom.

Here is a list of websites where you can find share houses in locations where you will be working:

• Sakura House: Sakura House has accommodations in Tokyo and Kyoto.
• Oakhouse: Oakhouse is well-established, covering seven prefectures in Japan.  
• Borderless House: Borderless House covers four prefectures in Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Kobe)

Living in a shared house means that you won’t feel too lonely as you will have people around you, and you might even make new friends!

For a more in-depth guide on affordable housing for foreigners in Japan, check out this epic guide to co-living in Japan.

Tips For Succeeding At Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan 

Are There Fruit Pickers Groups In Japan?

It can be lonely when you start out at a new place, therefore it is important to have a support system so you don’t feel alone.

There is an increase of workers coming from the Philippines and Indonesia to work farming jobs in Japan and fruit picker jobs in Japan. 

Here are some groups that you can join on Facebook in order to get first-hand experiences and to even build a community before you take up fruit picker jobs in Japan for Filipino.

• Specified Skilled Workers Visa Group
• Seeking Entry to Japan Group

How To Make Sure The Employer Is Legitimate?

The employer will go through the proper procedures by registering you as their employee under the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare. 

Before hiring you as an employee, you would have to go through an employment interview and sign a contract with your employer or fruit picker in Japan agency.

Make sure to check details regarding the job such as:

• Contract period
• Job location and responsibilities
• What are the working hours? Will there be any overtime work? 
• Break, holidays
• Wages, social insurance, other expenditures

The contract might be written in Japanese, so if you have any concerns regarding your employment, you can contact the Foreign Workers Consultation Service office.

Also, please remember to register yourself at your country’s embassy or consulate in Japan once you are there so that you can get help in case anything happens.

What Is The Easiest Job To Get In Japan?

Under the Specified Skilled Workers Visa, 14 industries are specified for foreigners to be able to get jobs easily. 

The 14 industries are:

• Nursing Care
• Building Cleaning Management
• Machine Parts & Tooling Industries
• Industrial Machinery Industry
• Electric, Electronics and Information Industries
• Construction Industry
• Shipbuilding and Ship Machinery Industry
• Automobile Repair and Maintenance
• Aviation Industry
• Accommodation Industry
• Agriculture
• Fishery & Aquaculture Industries
• Manufacture of Food and Beverages
• Food Service Industry

Under agriculture industry, it is further divided into general crop and livestock farming.

Out of the 14 industries, farming jobs in Japan are one of the easiest jobs to get as the industry operates all year and does not require you to have experience in farming to join.

An agriculture job in Japan salary is typically around 327,000 JPY (USD 2250).

FAQ On Fruit Picking Jobs In Japan

How Much Is Fruit Picker Salary In Japan?

Japan’s minimum wage is at an average of 930 Yen (8.47 USD) per hour. Different prefectures (states) in Japan have different minimum wage rates.

So Japan fruit picker salary also varies according to the location.

But, a fruit picker in Japan salary is on average 259,804 JPY (1786.76 USD) per month.

How Do You Become A Fruit Picker In Japan?

Here are some tips on how to become a fruit picker in Japan:

1. Explore work exchange platforms and online job boards for openings.
2. Write directly to orchards to express your interest.
3. Learn Japanese and pass Level 4 of the proficiency test.
4. Apply for a work visa. 
5. Research and plan your trip during harvest season. 

Which Job Is Most Demand In Japan?

The most in-demand job in Japan in 2023 is a software engineer due to the rapid technological advancement of the country. Other jobs in demand are:

• English teacher
• Engineer
• IT professional

If you are a foreigner looking to work in Japan, consider looking for a job in technology that doesn’t require strong language skills. 

What Is The Easiest Fruit Picking Job?

The easiest fruit picking job is picking fruits that are large and sturdy, like apples and oranges. They are relatively easy to pluck and handle because they’re not fragile. They are also grown on tall trees, so you won’t have to bend and stoop so much. Look for a farm that offers more support and clear instructions to newcomers. 

How To Apply Fruit Picker In Japan?

Follow these steps to apply as a fruit picker in Japan:

1. Apply for a working holiday visa. 
2. Learn basic Japanese and pass Level 4 of the Japanese language Proficiency Test.
3. Find a job through work exchange platforms and online job boards.
4. Be physically fit for the job. 
5. Plan your trip for the harvest season. 

How Much Is Fruit In Japan?

Fruit in Japan is generally more expensive than in other countries because of the demand for high-quality fruit, strict grading standards, and high farming costs. The Yubari King melon from Hokkaido can cost USD200 each, but it tastes phenomenal. The cheapest fruits in Japan are bananas and oranges, which costs around USD0.70 – 1.00. 

What Is A Fruit Picker Called?

A fruit picker can also be called a “harvester”. It can be a person or a tool that is used to harvest fruits from trees and bushes in orchards during their peak season. Fruit picking is a relatively simple job, but it requires you to be physically fit enough to stand outdoors for many hours. 

What Are The Requirements To Work In Japan?

The requirements to work in Japan will depend on whether you are staying for a short or long term. Generally, you will need:

1. A valid passport
2. A visa (short or long term)
3. A job offer from a Japanese company
4. A Certificate of Eligibility (COE)
5. Some Japanese language proficiency (depending on the visa)

What Is The Lowest Paying Job In Japan?

The lowest paying job in Japan is a waiter. The average salary for a waiter in Japan is about 940 Yen per hour (USD 6.50), slightly higher than the minimum wage. Other low-paying jobs in Japan include nursery teachers, cashiers, customer service representatives, and automotive mechanics. Your salary will depend on the region and the company paying you.

I hope that this article has given you some idea about fruit picking jobs in Japan, from looking for jobs to what you are required to do.

An important thing to remember is that you must get a valid visa before you go, as Japan is very strict on immigration, and it’s better to be safe than sorry!

If you have any information regarding fruit picking jobs in Japan, feel free to comment below! Please share this article if you found it helpful.

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