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!
Looking for a full-time job?
Looking for a full-time job? Check out BFF Tokyo: The Ultimate Guide to Jobs in Tokyo. They also have some good information on Japanese Work Wisa and other information to help you with your job search!
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.
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)
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.
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.
Kawaii Monster Cafe (video below)
Bar
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
Bar Quest – Tokyo, RoppongiNishiazabu A-Life (Commonly known as just A-Life)
Bar Motto – Part time job in a sports bar
Bar Lumiere – Part time job in a 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
https://www.demaecan-jobs.com/
Mcdonald’s Kitchen Staff and Counter Staff in Tokyo
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.
Family Mart – Job Openings in Kanto
Avocado Modelling Agency in Tokyo
Alpha Modelling in Tokyo
Exile Hype
Hotel Industry
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
Michael page’s open positions in Tokyo
Apple – Retail jobs (plus some other positions)
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
The Backstreet Guides Part-Time Positions in Tokyo
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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