How to Find a Part-Time Job (Arubaito) in Japan as a Student: A Realistic Guide

Finding a part-time job (アルバイト / arubaito) in Japan can be one of the best ways to improve your Japanese, make friends, and support your living expenses. But if you’re an international student, there are important rules you must follow. In this guide, I’ll break everything down clearly and realistically—no sugarcoating.

1. Can International Students Work in Japan?

Yes—but only with permission.

✅ You must apply for:

“Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted”
(資格外活動許可 / Shikakugai Katsudō Kyoka)

You can apply:

• At the airport when you first arrive, OR
• At the local immigration office in Japan

Once approved, you’ll get a sticker on the back of your residence card.

2. Working Hour Limits (Very Important!)

You cannot work full-time as a student.

If you break these rules → your visa can be revoked.

3. Common Part-Time Jobs for Students

Here are the most popular and realistic arubaito options:

🛒 Convenience Store (Konbini)

• 7-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart
• Needs basic Japanese
• Night shifts pay more (if allowed)

🍜 Restaurant / Café / Izakaya

• Taking orders, washing dishes, kitchen help
• Great for improving speaking skills

👶 English Teaching (Eikaiwa or Babysitting)

• High hourly pay
• Some jobs require native-level English

🏨 Hotel / Guesthouse / Hostel

• Reception or cleaning
• English can be an advantage in tourist areas

📦 Factory / Warehouse / Event Staff

• Less customer interaction
• Often easier Japanese requirement

💻 Online / Freelance (Careful!)

• Translate, design, edit videos, social media work
• Must still respect visa rules (not full-time)

4. Where to Find Part-Time Job Listings (Updated & Reliable)

✅ Job Websites:

• Townwork.jp (タウンワーク)
• Baitoru.com (バイトル)
• Hello Work (ハローワーク)
• Mynavi バイト
• GaijinPot Jobs (English)
• Daijob (English)

✅ Apps:

• LINE Baito
• Indeed Japan
• WorkJapan (supports English & multiple languages)

✅ Offline:

• Posters in front of shops
• Ask your school’s career center
• Friends and senpai recommendations

5. Requirements to Get Hired

📄 Documents:

• Residence Card (Zairyū Card)
• Bank account (for salary)
• MyNumber (social security number)
• Permission to Work (資格外活動許可)

✍️ Resume (Rirekisho)

• Use the Japanese format (can buy at convenience stores)
• Handwritten is common but typed is also accepted

👔 Interview Tips:

• Be on time (arrive 10 minutes early)
• Dress neatly (simple is fine)
• Use polite Japanese
• Show willingness to learn

6. Japanese Level – How Much Do You Need?

Tip: Even if your Japanese isn’t perfect, show effort. Employers love motivated students.

7. Salary: How Much Can You Earn?

Average arubaito pay in 2024–2025:

Night shifts or busy restaurants can pay more.

8. Taxes & Insurance (Don’t Ignore This)

• If you earn less than ¥1,030,000/year, usually no income tax
• If you work too much, you may need to join social insurance
• Keep track of your hours!

9. Realistic Challenges

✅ Employers may prefer Japanese speakers
✅ Schedule must match school timetable
✅ Some places don’t hire foreigners
✅ You might start with simple tasks

BUT…
Once you prove yourself, it gets easier—better shifts, more responsibility, higher pay.

10. My Honest Advice

• Apply to many places (getting rejected is normal)
• Start with a simple job to build experience
• Use it as a chance to improve Japanese
• Ask senpai or friends for introductions (best method!)
• Always follow visa rules—NEVER risk it

✅ Conclusion

Finding a part-time job in Japan as a student is 100% possible—thousands of international students do it every year. It takes effort, patience, and respect for the rules, but it’s one of the most rewarding parts of living in Japan.

You won’t just earn money—you’ll grow, adapt, and truly experience Japanese life.

Your arubaito can be your first step into the real Japan.
Ganbatte! 💪🇯🇵