Volunteer Programs in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo is a very wealthy city and one of the most important economic centers in the world. Since Japan is a highly developed country, volunteer placements in Tokyo will be available in much different areas, when compared to the nearby developing region of Southeast Asia. Still, because Tokyo is a city of 35 million, there are a significant amount of residents who are not well off, and can therefore benefit greatly from the help of volunteers.

There are many opportunities available throughout the city volunteer with children, whether working in childcare, education, or in other forms of community services for youth. Volunteering in Tokyo at an orphanage or teaching English at an afterschool center are both potential placements that are easy to find, as are various placements working with the elderly, disabled, or economically disadvantaged.

The language barrier can be a tricky obstacle for those who volunteer abroad in Tokyo, but many volunteer programs accept foreign volunteers of any nationality and language fluency; however, ideally volunteers should speak English at the very least.

It is possible to volunteer abroad in Tokyo year round, giving you a good amount of freedom to design your own schedule and experience. Volunteers can participate in volunteer programs in Tokyo for anywhere from just a couple weeks up to six months. It all depends on what is feasible for you!