Australia was the first country chosen by Japan to enter into a reciprical working holiday visa agreement back in 1980.

The prerequisites are very similar to other working holiday schemes but you can only apply in Australia. If you are already travelling overseas you cannot get this visa. Other rules include that you:

Must intend primarily to holiday in Japan for a specific period of time (i.e this is not an applicaple visa for someone wanting to work full time in Japan);

Must be between 18 and 30 years of age inclusive at the time of application;

Must possess a valid Australian passport and either a travel ticket to and from Japan or a confirmed reservation to and from Japan;

Must possess reasonable funds for their maintenance, including medical expenses (travel insurance is strongly recommended by the embassy as the Japanese equivalent of work cover does not apply for working holiday makers), during the period of initial stay in Japan (for a single applicant the minimum is A$2,500 and for a couple A$3,500). Travelers cheques or a bank statement is sufficient proof of funds.

The visa that is issued is a single entry visa only so if you have to come back to Australia for any reason you must obtain a re-entry permit from the immigration authorities first.

The Japanese government is keen to keep young holidaymakers out of the entertainment business or at least ‘ activities do not contravene Japanese law regulating businesses offering food and entertainment as well as any other regulations in force which affect public order and good morals'. Bearing in mind some experiences of western girls in Japanese bars this is probably wise.

No online applications for this one. If you want a visa you have to rock up in person at one of the Japanese consulates and attend an interview. However the good news is that the visa is free. Click here for full details