If volunteering in Japan is on your radar, consider a few things before and throughout the journey. First, ask yourself, what is your why? Why do you want to volunteer in Japan? Your "why" helps you identify your purpose and sets you apart from everyone else. It will also be the one thing that keeps you motivated when life gets challenging abroad.
Traveling to Japan will be a dream, but culture shock is very real.
Volunteering is best done unplugged, meaning less phone usage, little to no social media, and no constant seeking of post-worthy photo moments. It's okay to take a photo or two for memory's sake but remember, when you're volunteering, you're there for a more significant cause.
Lastly, dive head first into the Japanese culture. Learn about the language, food, landmarks, and history. This knowledge will help you throughout your experience because it shows your appreciation of your new surroundings' culture and practices.
Can I volunteer in Japan for free?
That depends on your definition of free. Out-of-pocket expenses will always be necessary when traveling anywhere, even when volunteering. At first, paying to volunteer your efforts and knowledge may seem a bit out of wack; however, your money keeps the program running, enabling them to make a difference locally more sustainably.
Identifying your budget and finding a volunteer program with benefits to help you cut down on costs would be best. A quick Google search asking "work for free accommodation Japan" will help you find numerous volunteer programs that offer room and board.
Some realistic out-of-pocket costs you should consider budgeting for is your flight, visa costs, and pocket money for daily spending. Don’t forget that you can always raise funds for your trip through FundMyTravel, or apply for volunteering scholarships and grants.
What kind of visa do I need to volunteer in Japan?
Depending on where you’re from, you may be able to volunteer in Japan on a tourist visa.
The Japanese embassy will have the most accurate and up-to-date visa information. Be sure to browse their website for more details on the type of visa, costs, and requirements needed to travel to Japan for volunteering.
If you plan to volunteer in Japan for less than three months (90 days), you can use a tourist visa to volunteer. Most of the time, these are granted upon arrival in Japan, unless you’re from a visa-exempt country (in which case, you don’t need one!). To get other types of visas, such as business or extended tourist visas for more than 90 days, speak with your volunteer organization. However, a tourist visa or visa-exemption will suffice for most volunteer experiences.
If you need to apply for your tourist visa in Japan prior to arrival, it typically takes up to 5 days for it to be issued. It's recommended by the embassy that you apply for your visa at least a month and a half before your departure date if you need one.
How to volunteer in Japan
Do you already have a bucket list for your time in Japan?
If you’re ready to take the next steps to volunteer in Japan, here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to do to fulfill your adventurous dreams!
1. Research
In all things, gain an understanding. Saying, "I want to volunteer in Japan," is a great start, but what does it mean to volunteer in Japan? How do you know this is something you would enjoy? Take time to search what the experience was like for others to give you an idea of what to expect. Showing up unprepared will not only ruin your own experience, but it’ll make you a much less effective volunteer.
2. Identify your purpose
Take some time to self-reflect on why you want to volunteer in Japan. What are you hoping to gain from experience? The most common reason people volunteer abroad is cultural immersion, learning a new language, or providing a service to those in need. Start thinking about what drives you to take on this experience. You never know when you might need to pull strength from that understanding.
3. Choose your type of work
How would you like to make a difference? What is your skill set? You'll make the most of your volunteer experience by aligning your interest with your skillset. For example, while it’s noble to want to help rebuild homes in the wake of a natural disaster, how much do you think you’ll be able to contribute if you have no construction experience? It’s okay to want to gain new skills in something that genuinely interests you, but just remember that the focus of any volunteer experience should be those in need.
4. Pick a city
Tokyo? Kyoto? Osaka? You can’t go wrong!
It's not a surprise that when you think of Japan, you immediately think of Tokyo, Japan's capital—but have you considered other cities in Japan? There is so much to experience throughout the country. If you want to experience the culture, visit Kyoto, or Nagasaki for history and art, and Osaka for a culinary paradise. Once you determine what you want to gain from your experience, you can find the perfect city that offers it.
5. Determine your availability
How long you volunteer in Japan mostly depends on your program choice and your visa. A volunteer program can be a few weeks or a few months long. By the end of your program, you may want to stay even longer to do more volunteering or to travel further afield in Japan or Asia. Make sure your visa approves you to stay in Japan for your length of stay.
6. Vaccinations and visas
If you need a visa to volunteer in Japan (your volunteer organization can help you determine this), be sure to apply reasonably in advance, so there is no delay when it's time to board your flight. Required and recommended vaccinations are constantly changing, so be sure to get any necessary shots at least 30 days before your flight. Utilize the CDC website to stay up to date on the shots you need before traveling.
7. Budget accordingly
You'll want to create a budget for all potential volunteering expenses, from flight costs to your daily spending budget for food (and possibly accommodation, if it’s not included in your program). Don’t forget to budget a little extra if you want to make a donation to your volunteer organization! It’s also a good idea to overestimate costs when creating your budget as unexpected expenses will happen, often at the most inconvenient moments.
8. Pick a program
Which programs align with your values and goals?
Your volunteer experience will be much more fulfilling when you pick a program that aligns with your passion, purpose, and/or skillset. It will narrow your search process for the perfect volunteer opportunity. Volunteer programs in Japan span across many sectors, so you should be able to find your perfect match. Check out all of the opportunities listed on GoAbroad, or get matched with 5 programs for free.
9. Create a bucket list
During your free time, go out and explore the country! Start creating a list of things you want to accomplish while in Japan. Your list can include foods to try, landmarks to see, or activities to participate in. Although you’re ultimately there to fulfill a service, you want to make sure to take time out to experience things on your own. You may only ever be in Japan once!
10. Pack the essentials
Pack based on your work and living environment. Watch YouTube videos on must-have items when traveling to Japan during certain times of the year. In Japan, summers can be hot and humid while winters are cold and snowy, so you’ll need to adjust accordingly. Some things can be purchased once you get to Japan, so research things you can buy abroad to save space in your travel bag, and to find out what you’ll absolutely need to bring with you.
Get matched with 5 volunteer programs in Japan for FREE
Your volunteer work in Japan may just change lives
Matcha and making a difference is the perfect combination!
Whether helping out after a devastating earthquake or tsunami, working with youth, or putting your unique skill set to work, your volunteer work in Japan may change lives. Volunteering is rewarding in more ways than one, so pat yourself on the back because you're on your way to making a difference in the lives of others.
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