Working a part-time job (アルバイト, arubaito) is a rite of passage for international students in Japan. Not only does it help offset the cost of living, but it is unequivocally the fastest way to improve your spoken Japanese and understand local culture. This guide covers the rules, the best jobs, expected wages, and how to apply.
The 28-Hour Rule
As an international student on a Student Visa, you are legally restricted to working a maximum of 28 hours per week. During official long school holidays (like summer or winter break), this limit increases to 8 hours per day (up to 40 hours per week). Overworking is a strict violation and can result in deportation.
Step 1: Get Permission to Work
Your Student Visa alone does not allow you to work. You must apply for a Shikakugai Katsudo Kyoka (Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted Under the Status of Residence).
Pro tip: Apply for this at the immigration desk at the airport the moment you arrive in Japan. They will stamp your Residence Card on the spot. If you wait until later, you'll have to visit the immigration office in the city, which can take weeks to process.
Top Part-Time Jobs for International Students
| Job Type | Required Japanese | Typical Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Konbini (Convenience Store) | N4 (Basic conversational) | Minimum wage or a little above; more for night shifts |
| Izakaya / Restaurant (Kitchen) | N5 (Minimal) | Minimum wage or a little above |
| Izakaya / Restaurant (Hall Staff) | N3 (Polite Keigo required) | A little above minimum wage; more late at night |
| English Tutor / Teacher | None | Usually well above minimum wage, but hours are irregular |
| Factory / Warehouse Sorting | None | Minimum wage or a little above; more for night shifts |
| Hotel / Tourist Info | N3 to N2 + English | Above minimum wage, especially with English |
By law, every job must pay at least the prefecture's minimum wage, and work between 10 pm and 5 am pays at least 25% more. The FY2026 rates are ¥1,280 an hour in Tokyo (from 1 October 2026), ¥1,231 in Osaka, ¥1,195 in Aichi, ¥1,180 in Kyoto and ¥1,114 in Fukuoka, with a national weighted average of ¥1,177; each prefecture's new rate takes effect between October and early December 2026. Check the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's table for your prefecture.
How to Find and Apply for Jobs
Finding an arubaito in Japan is heavily formalized. You will need a specific type of resume called a Rirekisho (履歴書) with a formal passport-style photo attached. Typed rirekisho on the standard form are widely accepted, but some shops still prefer one handwritten in black ink, so follow what the job ad asks for. Our rirekisho guide walks through every section.
Where to Look
Townwork (タウンワーク)
Japan's best-known part-time job listings. The free print magazine ended in March 2025, but the same listings are on the Townwork website and app.
Baitoru (バイトル)
A very popular app for finding part-time jobs, often featuring video introductions of the workplace.
Yolo Japan
A job portal specifically designed for foreigners in Japan, offering jobs that don't require high-level Japanese.
University Notice Boards
Check your school's student center. These jobs are inherently student-friendly and accommodating of class schedules.
The Reality of Working in Japan
Japanese workplaces are strict about rules, punctuality, and greetings. Arriving "on time" means arriving 10 minutes early. You will be expected to use loud, energetic greetings (Aisatsu) with staff and customers. It can be exhausting at first, but it will skyrocket your listening comprehension and cultural understanding faster than any textbook.
👔 Prepare for Your Interview
Need to pass a part-time job interview? Practice introducing yourself out loud in LenGaki's free speaking practice (the Introductions and School & Work topics, with a pronunciation score for each sentence), and learn polite forms such as いたします (itashimasu) in the free grammar library. Stuck on how to phrase an answer? Ask Lena, LenGaki's AI tutor: 3 messages a day are free.
