Profile information
Host rating
80 %
Last replied
12 Aug 2025
Feedback
3
Email verified
Host offers payment
Badges (2)
Details
Description
Hi, Emily & Mike here, and we run a ski lodge in Japan.
The concept is simple. A ski lodge tucked away in the mountains that delivers our guests everything they need for the ultimate ski holiday. Comfort. Service. Movie room. Spa room. Located On-resort in Japanese powder. Serving inspiring and delicious food. Prepared by real people that know how to have fun & work together as a dream team.
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POSITION AVAILABLE - HEAD CHEF (a KITCHEN HAND position is also available)
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We’re looking for a professional head chef or experienced kitchen leader to take charge of our evening service. You’ll execute a set menu of either 5 or 11 courses, depending on the guest’s booking, built around seasonal produce, fire cooking, and fermentation.
The menu is already created and the systems are well established — you’re not reinventing the wheel. Instead, you’ll be responsible for running a tight, efficient kitchen and delivering the experience with consistency, organisation, and care.
RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:
- Lead and run a small, well-trained kitchen team
- Execute our pre-designed 5 or 11-course set menus each night
- Maintain quality, timing, cleanliness, and presentation
- Follow and uphold established prep systems and workflows
- Present dishes to guests and confidently talk about the food
YOU ARE:
- An experienced head chef or team leader in a professional kitchen
- Exceptionally organised, with strong prep and planning habits
- Confident in maintaining systems and mentoring others in them
- Passionate about flavour, fermentation, and fire-based cooking
- Calm under pressure and maintain a fantastic, steady attitude at all times
- Comfortable presenting and explaining dishes directly to guests
WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT:
- Serve thoughtful, creative food — without the chaos of designing a new menu every day
- Work in a systematic kitchen where quality and rhythm matter
- Spend every morning however you want — skiing, relaxing, recharging
- Join a food culture built on fermentation, fire, and purpose
If you’re ready for a rewarding winter season in the heart of Hakuba, apply now!
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Please read below, and apply only if you meet these requirements:
+ Available to stay & work from December 2025 to March 31st 2026
+ Valid international drivers license.
+ Japanese Working Holiday Visa.
Please check the Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for more information.
+ Motivated in winter climates (if you're the type that hates the cold, this job isn't for you!)
+ Energetic and confident interacting with lodge guests, customers and your team.
+ Comfortable living in a shared space.
+ Have natural care for others & understand people's needs.
+ Be independent & comfortable managing your own free time.
+ Love skiing or snowboarding.
Types of help and learning opportunities
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Interests
Pets
Events & social
Culture
Plant care
Music
Cooking & food
Nature
Winter sports
Mountain
Outdoor activities
Hiking
Adventure sports
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You'll be providing customers with magnificent ski holidays, and have the opportunity to experience skiing & snowboarding almost every day.
You'll immerse yourself in some of Japan's best powder snow, and live with a tight team in a remote mountainous location.Host offers payment in line with the minimum wage
This host offers accommodation and payment.
Help
Accommodation and an hourly wage will be provided.
The accommodation is a shared house with 6 other staff. Located in Tsugaike
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Accommodation
Shared room with at least 1 other staff member.
Shared bathroom, toilet and kitchen.
House with communal areas to relax.
Car provided to get to and from work.
What else ...
There are another 8 Ski Resorts in the Hakuba Valley which can be accessed by bus (5 minute walk to the stop), or by car.
A little more information
Internet access
Limited internet access
We have pets
We are smokers
Can host families
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
My animals / pets
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback (2)
We came before the start of the season and we… read more
I could only say that I really lucked out when it comes to this place. This was my first ever Workaway and Mike and Emily were simply the best and loveliest hosts. I’ll never forget the magical 2 months that I stayed with them!
From my first day there, the team made me feel extremely welcome and part of the family. The lodge… read more
All the best with… read more
Photos
Chat with Workawayers who've visited this host
Feedback
These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.
Accuracy of profile:
(5.0)
Cultural exchange:
(5.0)
Communication:
(5.0)
We came before the start of the season and we… read more
I could only say that I really lucked out when it comes to this place. This was my first ever Workaway and Mike and Emily were simply the best and loveliest hosts. I’ll never forget the magical 2 months that I stayed with them!
From my first day there, the team made me feel extremely welcome and part of the family. The lodge… read more
All the best with… read more
