The Ultimate Guide to Part-Time Jobs in Tokyo
As we approach the new year, more people are getting themselves up for new challenges!
Some people do this by adding travel destinations to their bucket list, some want to learn new languages, and a huge ratio of people are seeking personal growth and development by either getting their first step into the workforce or starting a new job for new challenges.
For those who fall into the last category and still look for options, then this guide is for you! We have collected some up-to-date information about part-time jobs in Tokyo, what to expect, and where to search for part-time jobs in this day and age.
Whether you came here with a working holiday visa, a student visa, landed here with your spouse, or maybe just here for fun, you will be able to find something that can get you that extra income OR share this guide with valuable information to friends or family!
We will be going through some of the easily accessible or easy-to-apply jobs from cooking, babysitting, and even the most popular one, teaching!
If you're not in Japan or need some tips, be sure to check out our Working Holiday Guide.
Need some more visa information? Check out BFF Tokyo’s Visa Guide!
Things You Need to Know about Part-Time Job Hunting in Japan
Are you allowed to work part-time?
Whether you are eligible or not eligible to work part-time and the number of hours you're allowed largely depend on your visa. So, before we dive in, let's quickly go over the list of visas that have some hour limitation!
- Working Holiday visas - 40 hours a week
- Work Visa (Humanities) - 40 hours a week.
- Dependent visas - 28 hours a week, a work permit stamp is required
- Student visas - 28 hours a week (except for semester breaks, students are allowed to do 40 hours a week), a work permit stamp is required.
How can I get a work permit stamp?
This can be obtained when you first land into Japan/Tokyo or at the Immigration office.
Do I have to have high fluency in Japanese?
Despite what many people think, many part-time jobs in Tokyo are aimed at foreigners and we have included a good amount of jobs that do not require the Japanese language at all!
Most of the interviews are done in person
Most part-time job interviews in Japan are conducted in person. This emphasizes the importance of personal interactions and allows employers to see if you are a cultural fit within the workplace! Be prepared to show that you can just blend right in and leave a good impression!
Make sure you have all the necessary documents
To apply for part-time jobs in Japan, you need to have at least these 3 main documents:
- A Japanese bank account under your name
- MyNumber ID (usually knowing the digits to your MyNumber is enough without having to have the physical card)
- A Japanese phone number
If you have all these 3 set up, then you are all set to take the next step!
Here's a List of Part-Time Jobs You Can Try!
Driver - A job that requires N3 or higher Japanese
Taxis are commonplace in Tokyo. Most salarymen might jump in and out of taxis to cut some walking time in between meetings. It's a job that will help you learn not only the Japanese language but also the Japanese streets themselves. However, it is also a job that might not be so fun at night when the salarymen want to return home after 10 highballs from their izakaya.
Needless to say, this particular job requires you to have a driving license, ideally a Japanese one. Most people who already have a license from their home country can translate it and make it valid for a small fee. If you're from the UK you'd be glad to know, that your license is interchangeable in Japan without many hiccups.
Taxis in Tokyo still run all night long, hoping to pick up anyone who misses their last train. Any central hub or train station will have a taxi stand to pick up a taxi. Recently apps like DiDi and JapanTaxi have been offering the chance to schedule an increasingly popular pick-up.
Two types of people
After a long night in Tokyo, there are two types of people:
- Those who pass out on the street
- Those who jump in a taxi to seek a more comfortable place to rest their head
Those of you who have visited Tokyo or Japan may have never seen a non-Asian face in the driver's seat. One job posting with Hinomaru, a very reputable taxi company, is hiring all nationalities.
Typical Monthly Full-Time Salary: ¥300,000 (Guaranteed after 6 months)
Where you should look for
Hinomaru Taxi Driving - In Tokyo (this one needs Japanese skills, they'll give you a language test or ask for a language certificate)
Restaurant - Part-Time Jobs that require N5 or higher (Sometimes No Japanese required!)
If you're looking for a part-time job in Tokyo, you have probably already considered this option. Needless to say, it isn't for everyone.
If you apply for a job in this sector, it can be hit and miss but one thing you can be sure of is that your Japanese will improve immensely! Some of our teachers with the highest Japanese ability have worked at restaurants or cafes. Learning Japanese especially is a perk of the job.
Quick paced job
One thing that was consistently mentioned by our teachers was that depending on the workplace it can be very stressful. Long hours standing on your feet and running around, as well as dealing with different types of Keigo.
Thousands of restaurants
There are so many restaurants in Tokyo, even in the current climate. Many restaurants have closed, unfortunately, however, there are still many popping up and taking their places. The food options are limitless. Want to work in a Thai restaurant? Try! Want to work in a Sushi restaurant? Try!
We've had 3 teachers who worked in Sushi restaurants. Sushiro is a small family restaurant and even a pretty expensive one in Ginza!
Late nights
Be aware that many restaurants might require you to work into the night! Especially if it's an establishment like Torikizoku. Others may ask you to come in at sunrise to help open up and serve early risers!
Part-time jobs near universities
Finding a part-time job in Tokyo is generally easier near a university. With most students allowed to work 28 hours, companies will try to take the opportunity to fill positions. Often the positions near Universities are more flexible too!
Make sure you don't invalidate your visa!
Depending on what visa you have, some places that have a nightlife aspect might be out of your scope. We've also had some students that have taught us that accidentally invalidated their visas by neglecting their studies.
Make sure to keep up with your attendance and grades in school if you are a student applying for a part-time job!
Typical Salary: ¥900 - ¥1300
Where you should look:
Torikizoku - Part-time job in Tokyo
Sushiro - Famous sushi restaurant in Tokyo
Food Job Japan - General Job Search Site
Themed Restaurants
I think the pure funkiness and weirdness of these part-time jobs deserved their section. Tokyo is full of these funky and weird restaurants that attract all kinds of crowds. The staff working these part-time jobs are usually very outgoing. These are very similar to the restaurant jobs mentioned above with one key difference.
Cosplay
These jobs involve some cosplay. You'll often be given a character description that you have to act like, this could be anywhere between being a cat humanoid maid or just a kawaii girl. These are very popular as they take you out of the seriousness of the outside world and allow you to immerse yourself in something crazier than usual.
Ever been to Akihabara and seen the maid on the streets with signs? That's also a part of the job description. If you are looking for part-time jobs In Tokyo, working at themed restaurants might not immediately come to mind but they do hire foreigners! Whether it's the Ninja restaurant or Butler cafes, they make for very unique dining experiences. A part-time job at one of these restaurants would be memorable, and if nothing else at least you could say you worked at one. Why not add another memory to your stay in Japan
Typical Salary: ¥1100 - ¥1300
Where you should look:
Bar
Before we get into this section I want to make sure you understand. If you're a student or on a working holiday visa you will invalidate your visa by working in these establishments!
If you've ever been to the capital of Tokyo and gone down to places like Shibuya, Sangenjaya, Shinjuku, Shin-Okubo, or Roppongi you may have seen that foreigners are working! If you have the right type of visa for the job, foreigners are welcome to work in Bars. With the amount of tourism that Tokyo had before 2020 and that is expected to pick up in 2021 and 2022, you can see why it's a popular avenue for foreigners.
Great connections
One of the things said time and time again, these jobs are great for socializing with many people. The teacher who moonlights as a photographer and works at a bar 2 times a week said he had many photoshoots from working at a bar!
Not enough to convince you?
You'll also learn lots of slang in a job like this, maybe ones you probably shouldn't be using. Emphasis on shouldn't be.
Typical Salary: ¥900 - ¥1100
(Ginza and Roppongi Areas offer up to 2000, especially if you're female)
Where you should look:
Dickens Part-Time Jobs in Tokyo
R2 Supper Club - part-time jobs in Tokyo
Food Job Japan - General Job Search Site
Man in the Moon Pub - Kyoto & Tokyo
Nishiazabu A-Life (Commonly known as just A-Life)
Bar Motto - Part time job in a sports bar
English Teacher for Children
The cliche of coming to teach English in Japan is very real, but there is a reason it is so popular. Even with the recent events and restrictions on borders, the demand is still high.
The push from the 2020 Olympics was strong but now the push is to make their children into stronger candidates for job positions especially those on a global scale! So if you want to find a job that is high paying, we recommend investing some time in a part-time job in this sector.
Tiring
Most of the teachers who work with us who also work with children have often said that it is fun but tiring. They find that they can't have meaningful conversations but more than that, the energy required is often way more than they expect. Sometimes, part of this stress is also caused by overbearing parents which you might have already heard through the grapevine. One thing I could say about this though is that these types of parents are a minority and not many of them are like this in Japan.
Since English is in such high demand in Japan especially with globalization moving fast as ever, there are a plethora of English teaching jobs available for English speakers like you. Most English teaching jobs in Tokyo for English speakers can be classified into teaching children or adults. Teaching kids can be tiring but the demand for children teachers is much higher than for adults for part-time jobs in Tokyo. That also means there is more money to be earned!
Typical Salary: ¥2000- ¥2500
Typical Requirements: Native English Speaker, bachelor's Degree, and experience as a teacher.
Where you should look:
Eikaiwa (Language schools)
There are many types of Eikaiwa language schools in Tokyo. Many people who arrive here and stay a short time (considered anything that's under a year) consider this an option for a part-time job in Tokyo.
So, this is a perfect chance to tell you about us. We are One Coin English. We have multiple schools all around Tokyo & Yokohama. We also have an Online school that you could work from if you live in Kanto but not exactly in Tokyo.
Diverse workplace
Across the school, we have teachers from over 35 countries. These countries include those in Europe, Africa, South America, and Asia! Most of the teachers who have joined us were looking for new opportunities and for a relaxed, interesting atmosphere. Among those who have worked for us so far, 96% would recommend us to a friend.
No Degree? Don't worry!
We hire teachers with and without University degrees so you don't have to worry. We believe a degree shouldn't be a barrier. In fact, over 14 of the teachers who have worked with us have gone on to attain a degree so that they could obtain a work visa!
Don't sweat the suit
Tokyo has a very big image culture. What this means is that sometimes all you need to do is look the part - rather than do the part. We don't care about the suits, blazers and slacks.
Green hair doesn't care
We also don't mind what your hair color is, what piercings you have, and the tattoos you have. Many of our teachers have tattoos and can openly show these around the workplace. So, if you have a tattoo and are worried, don't be. It's a part-time job in Tokyo where you can relax and be yourself.
Along with teaching ability, we actively look for friendly teachers. Teachers who will help bring out their student's motivation and confidence in the lessons! Often this leads to long-term connections between students and the teachers. Some who have returned to their home country still keep in contact with One Coin English as well as with the students!
There are many types of English teaching here in Tokyo but we are proud of the environment we have created and so are many of the teachers who help contribute to the environment here.
Typical Salary: ¥1200 - ¥1550
If we aren't for you, that's fine! As you have other options with Gaba, ECC, Aeon, or Interac for more options!
Fast Food Delivery
In a post-corona world, the delivery business has been booming. You should consider this sector for part-time jobs in Tokyo if you haven't already.
You probably have already seen many people on bikes whizzing past you on a bicycle, delivering food.
Unlike abroad where Uber and delivery have been a massive industry in themselves for a while. It is only recently that the popularity has gained new heights in Tokyo. Many people from being laid or maybe from reduced hours from their workplaces have taken up delivery.
Others have done it simply to get out of the house and ensure they're being active! Whatever the reason, we recommend having a quick look at this part-time job in Tokyo
Bonus
If you have a license, you could also find a job delivering in-house for companies as most places usually need drivers. Vehicles are typically provided by the company. We have seen foreigners deliver for McDonalds and other restaurants. Your best chance of finding these positions would be at Japan Work.
Typical Salary: ¥900- ¥1100
Where you should look:
https://www.demaecan-jobs.com/
Convenience Store
Iraaaashaaimase! You have heard this phrase before and it means welcome. Out of every job, コンビニ (Lawson, 7/11, etc) offers the most flexibility in terms of schedule-making due to 24/7 service. Working the night shift will also net you a couple of 100 more yen an hour. Usually, positions at konbinis require a good grasp of Japanese.
Typical Salary: ¥900 - ¥1300
Modelling
So you might be thinking, I don’t turn heads on the street, how on earth am I supposed to get into part-time modelling, especially in Tokyo?! You don’t need to worry about that. The Japanese entertainment industry is always looking for Western faces for modelling and even appearances in movies, TV shows, or variety shows. If you become well-known enough, you could even become a media personality ( or what's called a parent). If you want to step your foot into the modelling industry, here are a couple of agencies which cast foreign talent. However, be careful about the shady side of the entertainment industry. As there are companies who will scam you out of your money.
Typical Salary: Varies (magazine work can earn up to ¥10,000 - ¥20,000 per shoot)
Avocado Modelling Agency in Tokyo
Hotel Industry
Tokyo attracts millions of tourists
Tourists need places to stay so putting two and two together, hotels as well as AirBnB will get a massive boost. With travel restrictions being placed and removed it is one of the more unstable workplaces on this list.
The Olympics promised a big boost to the economy but as you can tell, that didn't deliver. That being said, many places are still booming and having many visitors per month. So they are still hiring.
Bilingual advantage
If you are bilingual you are employable in the hotel industry. With tourists speaking English and speaking other languages like French, Spanish, Korean, or Chinese you will be in the lead. Positions can vary from cleaning, receptionist or even marketing in some cases.
If you prefer less interaction with the guests, housekeeping is a good option. A typical workday will include cleaning rooms and restocking the guest's supplies. This job position requires a lot of energy and patience. The days are usually long and it involves a lot of physical movement and a strict schedule to ensure the job gets done. Needless to say, this part-time job also requires you to be on your feet for long periods.
Certainly, some hotels also offer other positions such as bellhops or working in the attached restaurants or spas. The hotel industry is a great place to start when looking for part-time jobs in Tokyo.
Typical Salary: ¥900 - ¥1100
Hilton Hotel Part Time Openings in Tokyo
Palace Hotel Part Time Tokyo employment
Retail
Like many other sections of this article that try to guide you to find the right job, this part-time job in Tokyo will help with your Japanese. If you've been inside a retail store in Japan specifically Tokyo, you will know it is a very high-energy and demanding job.
Lots of welcoming the customers and navigating through the masses to get through to your allocated position! Though the retail rush has slightly slowed down due to the big C word, there is still definitely a rush.
Whether your choice will be in Electronics, clothes, or drug stores - many are making a switch to actively try to hire bilingual staff to deal in an attempt to globalize their service.
The bigger the name, the bigger the chance
Check out big-name brand stores that manage to draw customers from around the world because the ability to speak another language is a big plus.
Typical Salary: ¥1000- ¥1200
Uniqlo Retail Part-Time Position Jobs In Tokyo
GU - Clothing store part-time job in Japan
H&M Retail Part-Time Position Jobs in Tokyo
Travel Guide
Unfortunately, with the current COVID situation, this is a job position that has definitely become few and far between. That being said, once travel opens up internationally to Japan you can almost definitely expect another boom to happen in this industry.
A travel guide is a good position for those who are knowledgeable about the Tokyo area. Recently, tours centered around food and drinks have become popular. This would mean taking a small group around to many of the secret dining establishments off the beaten path. Did I mention that you get to enjoy the food as well? Being a tour guide is a great way to get outside for some fresh air as opposed to being stuck inside your entire work shift.
Typical Salary: varies a lot
Now time to find a part-time job in Tokyo!
That about covers most of the part-time jobs in Tokyo available to foreigners! The opportunities are all around us in this city full of life, you just need to know where to look. We know that a lot was covered throughout this article so don't hesitate to come back and check whenever you are in the market for a job! We are constantly updating the article with new companies and positions that could be your future workplace.
We also have an article specifically about finding teaching jobs. If you want more insight into this then check out our Ultimate Guide for Teaching Jobs as a Foreigner. This article goes much deeper into the topic and is worth a check.
For those getting set up in Japan, there are a lot of other aspects besides just getting a job in Tokyo. If you are still working on finding accommodations, check our Sharehouse in Tokyo article. It is full of discounts and deals on Sharehouses and apartments for you to take advantage of.
Thanks for reading and we hope to catch your attention again!
English Teaching Part-Time Job
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