Want to earn extra money while living in Japan—but only speak English?
No problem!
Here are realistic, foreigner-friendly side hustles you can do in Japan, even if your Japanese is limited.
✅ 1. Online English Teaching
This is the most common side job for foreigners in Japan.
Where to Work:
- Online platforms (e.g., Cambly, Preply, italki)
- Private lessons via apps or flyers
Requirements:
- Fluent English
- Stable internet connection
- Friendly attitude
Pros:
- Work from home
- Flexible hours
- No Japanese needed
Cons:
- Pay varies by platform
- Must build up students gradually
💰 Typical Pay: $10–$30 USD per hour
✅ 2. Freelance Writing or Editing (English)
Many companies need English content writers or editors for websites, blogs, and marketing.
Common Tasks:
- Blog writing
- Copywriting
- Proofreading
- SEO content creation
Where to Find Jobs:
- Upwork, Freelancer, Fiverr
- Japan-specific sites (GaijinPot Freelance, Japan Dev)
Pros:
- Remote work
- Set your own rates
- No Japanese required
Cons:
- Competitive market
- Requires strong writing skills
💰 Typical Pay: $30–$100+ per article/project
✅ 3. Photography or Video Work (Tourism & Events)
If you’re good at photography or video editing, this can be a great side hustle.
Common Gigs:
- Travel photography
- Family portraits
- Event videography (weddings, parties)
- YouTube video editing for other creators
Where to Advertise:
- Instagram / Social Media
- Airbnb Experiences
- Local Facebook groups
Pros:
- High demand in tourist cities
- Great for creatives
- Potential to grow into full-time business
Cons:
- You need your own equipment
- Can be seasonal
- Physical work required
💰 Typical Pay: $100–$500+ per session
✅ 4. Tour Guiding (Private or Group)
Many tourists prefer English-speaking private tours.
Where to Offer Tours:
- Airbnb Experiences
- Klook Experiences
- Your own website or social media
Typical Tours:
- Walking tours
- Cultural experiences (tea, food, shrines)
- Nightlife tours
Pros:
- Fun way to meet people
- High hourly rates
- Great for outgoing personalities
Cons:
- May require special licenses for full-scale tours
- Seasonal demand (peak in spring & autumn)
💰 Typical Pay: $30–$100 per hour (or more for private tours)
✅ 5. Sell Digital Products Online
You can sell English-language digital products worldwide.
Popular Items:
- Travel guides for Japan
- Language learning materials
- Photography presets
- Printable planners or templates
Where to Sell:
- Etsy
- Gumroad
- Your own website
Pros:
- Passive income potential
- No Japanese needed
- No physical shipping
Cons:
- Takes time to build an audience
- Marketing is required
💰 Potential Income: $10–$500+ per product (depending on niche)
✅ 6. YouTube or Blogging (Content Creation)
If you’re passionate about a topic—Japan travel, life abroad, food—you can share it on YouTube or a blog.
Monetization Options:
- Google Adsense
- Affiliate links
- Sponsored posts or videos
Pros:
- Creative freedom
- Passive income potential
- Build long-term brand
Cons:
- Requires time and consistency
- Competitive
- Income starts low
💰 Typical Earnings: $0–$5,000+ per month (long-term potential)
✅ 7. Remote Jobs for Overseas Companies
If you already have skills (IT, design, marketing, etc.), you can work remotely for foreign companies while living in Japan.
Where to Find Work:
- Remote OK
- We Work Remotely
- FlexJobs
Pros:
- No Japanese needed
- Stable income
- High salaries in some industries
Cons:
- You need proper work visa (this is not freelance)
- Must manage time zone differences
💰 Typical Pay: $2,000–$8,000+ per month (full-time roles)
✅ Side Hustles to Avoid (Without Japanese)
| Side Hustle | Why to Avoid |
|---|---|
| Food delivery (Uber Eats, etc.) | Requires Japanese apps, ID verification in Japanese |
| Convenience store work | Requires daily Japanese conversation |
| Call center jobs | Japanese fluency needed |
✅ Legal Warning (Important!)
- You must follow Japanese visa rules.
- Student visas only allow up to 28 hours per week (with permission).
- Some visas forbid side jobs.
- Check your visa status before starting.
✅ Final Thoughts:
Even if you only speak English, there are many ways to earn extra money in Japan—especially if you have creativity or tech skills.
The best part?
Many of these side hustles can grow into a full-time job or business.