careermapJapan is one of the most attractive destinations for international job seekers. Known for its advanced technology, stable economy, cultural richness, and high quality of life, the country continues to welcome skilled and unskilled workers from across the world. While Japan has a reputation for strict hiring standards, the reality is that several industries actively hire foreigners—including beginners with limited experience or Japanese-language skills.
This guide explores the easiest jobs to get in Japan, based on hiring demand, visa availability, skill requirements, and market trends. Each job listed here is beginner-friendly, pays well, and offers a smooth entry into the Japanese job market.
Why Japan Has Many Easy Jobs for Foreigners
Japan’s workforce is shrinking due to:
- A rapidly ageing population
- Low birth rate
- High retirement numbers
- Labour shortages across multiple industries
To maintain productivity, Japan has opened its doors to foreign workers through new visa categories and expanded employment policies.
Industries with the highest foreigner demand include:
- Education (English teaching)
- Hospitality
- Retail
- Food service
- IT
- Caregiving
- Manufacturing
- Agriculture
Many of these roles do not require advanced Japanese skills, making them ideal for first-time job seekers.
1. English Teacher (ALT or Eikaiwa Instructor)
Average Salary: ¥250,000 – ¥320,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Visa Type: Instructor Visa / Humanities Visa
This is the easiest and most popular job for foreigners in Japan, especially native English speakers. Schools, language centres, and private academies consistently hire foreign teachers year-round.
Why It’s Easy:
- High demand across all prefectures
- No prior teaching certification required (for many jobs)
- Training usually provided
- Housing support often available
Types of English Teaching Jobs:
- ALT (Assistant Language Teacher)
- Eikaiwa (Private conversation schools)
- International schools
- Corporate English training
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree
- Native or fluent English ability
2. Hotel & Hospitality Staff
Average Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥280,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Visa Type: Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) / Working Visa
Japan’s tourism sector is booming, creating hundreds of hotel and hospitality roles.
What Makes This Job Easy:
- No degree required
- Beginners accepted
- Many employers offer accommodation
- Job roles available in major cities & rural areas
Common Positions:
- Front desk staff
- Guest service agent
- Hotel cleaner
- Concierge assistant
- Resort staff
Many hotels prefer foreigners because they can assist international guests.
3. Restaurant & Fast-Food Worker
Average Salary: ¥180,000 – ¥260,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Visa Type: SSW (Food Service)
Japan’s food industry desperately needs workers. Restaurants, cafés, ramen shops, and fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Sukiya hire thousands of foreign employees every year.
Job Duties:
- Customer service
- Food preparation
- Cashier operations
- Cleaning and dishwashing
Why It’s Easy:
- No experience required
- Training provided
- Jobs available everywhere
- Flexible hours
Basic Japanese is helpful but not required for many positions.
4. Caregiver (Nursing Care Worker)
Average Salary: ¥200,000 – ¥300,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy (High Demand)
Visa Type: SSW (Caregiving) / Caregiver Visa
Caregiving is one of the fastest-growing sectors in Japan. Foreign workers are welcomed because of the country’s ageing population.
Why It’s Easy:
- Government-approved pathway for foreigners
- Training provided
- Long-term residency options
Responsibilities:
- Assisting elderly individuals
- Helping with daily activities
- Basic health support
- Light cleaning and meal assistance
This job also offers a clear pathway to permanent residency.
5. Warehouse & Factory Worker
Average Salary: ¥190,000 – ¥280,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Visa Type: SSW (Manufacturing)
Warehouses and factories in Japan constantly hire foreign workers, especially for roles involving packaging, assembly, and quality control.
Benefits:
- Shifts available (morning/night)
- No Japanese required
- Good overtime pay
Common Industries:
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Food packaging
- General merchandise
These roles are physically demanding but easy to obtain.
6. IT Support & Helpdesk Jobs
Average Salary: ¥300,000 – ¥600,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Moderate–Easy
Visa Type: Engineer / Specialist in Humanities
Foreigners with IT skills are highly valued in Japan. Even entry-level IT roles pay well and offer visa sponsorship.
Why IT Is Easy to Enter:
- Japan faces a digital talent shortage
- English-speaking IT workers are in high demand
- Many companies use English internally
Popular IT Roles:
- Tech support
- Junior programmer
- Helpdesk specialist
- QA tester
This field also offers quick promotion opportunities.
7. Convenience Store Staff (Konbini Worker)
Average Salary: ¥1,000 – ¥1,300 per hour
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Visa Type: SSW (Food Service)
Convenience stores like Lawson, FamilyMart, and 7-Eleven hire many foreign workers, especially students and part-timers.
Job Tasks:
- Serving customers
- Arranging products
- Light cleaning
- Operating the register
This job is ideal for beginners or those wanting flexible hours.
8. Agriculture Worker (Farm Staff)
Average Salary: ¥160,000 – ¥220,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Very Easy
Visa Type: SSW (Agriculture)
Farm jobs in Japan include fruit picking, planting, harvesting, and greenhouse work.
Why It’s Easy:
- No language or experience required
- Seasonal and full-time options
- Free accommodation often included
This role is perfect for fresh immigrants looking for quick employment.
9. Freelance Work (Online Jobs from Japan)
Average Salary: Varies (£1,000 – £3,000+ monthly)
Difficulty Level: Easy–Moderate
Visa Type: Self-Sponsorship / Business Manager Visa
If you work online, Japan is one of the best countries to build a freelance career. Foreigners can work remotely while living in Japan if they maintain proper visas.
Popular Freelance Jobs:
- Content writing
- Digital marketing
- Translation
- Graphic design
- Web development
These jobs offer freedom, high-income potential, and global clients.
10. Delivery Driver (Uber Eats / Delivery Companies)
Average Salary: ¥150,000 – ¥250,000 per month
Difficulty Level: Easy
Visa Type: Valid Visa (No sponsorship)
Delivery jobs are very beginner-friendly and require no experience.
Benefits:
- Work at your own pace
- No Japanese required
- Easy entry without interviews
Just a bicycle or electric scooter is enough to start.
Best Cities in Japan for Easy Jobs
- Tokyo – highest number of foreigner-friendly jobs
- Osaka – hospitality & restaurant jobs
- Fukuoka – growing tech hub
- Nagoya – manufacturing and automotive jobs
- Sapporo – tourism and hotel work
🎌 Tips to Get a Job in Japan Easily
- Learn basic Japanese phrases
- Apply to foreigner-friendly companies
- Use English teaching as an entry job
- Get the right visa category
- Prepare a Japanese-style CV (Rirekisho)
- Apply through official job boards
careermap
