To work part-time in Japan, international students need a Permission to Engage in Activities Other Than Those Permitted (資格外活動許可 / shikakugai katsudō kyoka) — and it comes with a strict cap: 28 hours per week. Misunderstanding this rule can put your visa renewal at risk, so let's get it right.

How are the 28 hours counted?

  • Your hours must stay within 28 for any consecutive 7-day window, no matter which day you start counting from
  • If you have multiple part-time jobs, the hours are combined
  • Overtime counts too

"If I count from Wednesday, I'm under 28 hours" doesn't work — you must be under the limit from every possible starting day.

The long-vacation exception

During official school holidays (summer break, spring break, etc. as defined by your school), you can work up to 8 hours per day and 40 hours per week. This is why resort jobs and busy-season tourism jobs are so popular with students.

What happens if you break the rule?

  • Your visa extension or change of status application may be denied
  • In serious cases, it can lead to deportation proceedings
  • Employers are also liable (the crime of promoting illegal work), so reputable employers manage your hours carefully

Choosing a workplace that properly tracks your hours protects your own visa status.

Recommended tourism jobs for students

Workplaces with many international visitors are where your native language + Japanese + English combination earns more.

  • Hotel / guesthouse front desk assistant: ¥1,200–1,500/hour
  • Restaurant floor staff in tourist areas: ¥1,300–1,600/hour (some pay a language allowance)
  • Duty-free and souvenir shop sales: Chinese and Korean speakers especially welcome

Browse jobs open to international students

FAQ

Q. Can I work at a pachinko parlor or game center? A. No. Work related to the adult entertainment business category (which includes pachinko and game centers) is completely prohibited under the student work permit, no matter how good the pay is.

Q. Do internships count toward the 28 hours? A. Paid internships count. Even unpaid ones can be an issue if they are effectively labor — check before you commit.