MMoving to Japan

Chef jobs

  • November 16, 2025

Hello!

I’m honestly looking for a bit of a reality check here if it’s needed

I’m 29 (turn 30 in afew weeks) from the UK came to the realisation that I fully do not wish to live in my home country anymore, set myself a goal of moving abroad by mid-late next year. I have a good amount of savings and the number one choice is Japan, I’ve visited a couple of times and fell in love with the country.

I’m wondering if it’s even possible for someone like myself to be able to be granted a visa or get a job there – I have basic qualifications, no university degree but I’ve worked in the hospitality industry for over 10 years, worked my way up as a Chef in various roles including management roles for the last 4 years in a number of different cuisines.

I know I could walk into most kitchens and be able to work and from the research I’ve done not having a degree but working in your field for 10 years is the minimum benchmark to be granted a visa? If I’m not mistaken.

I speak next to no little Japanese, maybe semi conversational but I wouldn’t really give myself that.

I’m just wondering if it’s actually doable or if I should put the pipe dream aside.

I know there’s a tonne of western kitchens especially in the bigger cities, but are they interested in offering jobs before someone comes in for a trial as the standard is in my country?

I could afford to rent an apartment for a good amount of time till I found something but I’d feel more secure knowing I could land something quickly or before I made the leap to commit to moving (plus would be better for a visa having something lined up beforehand)

Just any advice would be greatly appreciated

by armageddonbluess

3 comments

  1. Quite unlikely. Japanese Immigration requires a bachelors degree or 10 years experience for a work visa and using the 10 years experience needs to be in the same position so if you went from server to cook to management that’s likely not going to meet requirements with a combined 10 years as they are different jobs. Even if you get that 10 years experience, it’s going to be extremely difficult to find an employer to sponsor your work visa.

  2. First of all, you can’t just turn up, rent an apartment and start job hunting. Job hunting is not a permitted activity on a temporary visitor (tourist) visa, and no one will rent an apartment to a tourist long-term.

    As you’ve already found, you either need a degree or ten years work experience. You’re either looking at changing fields or working for a bit longer in the UK (or another country) before moving to Japan. If you choose the latter, you should study Japanese.

    Also note that the ten years of experience must match the job you apply for. Other hospitality jobs won’t count if you’re applying for a chef job.

  3. I cooked for 10 years as well and cooking in Japan looks like my own personal hell, they are working like 14 hour days doing split shifts everyday and taking naps at the restaurant. But hey, each to their own and I’m sure some people would enjoy that.
    I think you can still apply for a UK working Holiday visa, or what about the JET program? It’s a very easy entry into Japan. You could also look at going to a language school, their are some with accommodation and food and the pricing was surprisingly good. But you need to start learning the language as fast as you can, like put in some real time everyday. Honestly, it’s fun and super rewarding and it’s not like you have a choice if you want to live in Japan.

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