Japan

Japan is a country of contrasts – ancient temples and futuristic cities, peaceful countryside and bustling streets, centuries-old traditions and cutting-edge technology.

Living here gives you the chance to experience a side of Japan that goes far beyond a holiday. As you settle into your school and community, begin learning the language and experience everyday Japanese life, you’ll continue discovering new sides to the country throughout your placement.

From snowy winters and cherry blossom season to summer festivals and spectacular autumn colours, there’s always something new to experience.

Placement Types

Immersive Placement

Spend 10–12 months living and volunteering in Japan, experiencing the changing seasons and giving yourself time to truly settle into your school and community.
You’ll build relationships, develop your language skills and discover more about Japanese life and culture as your confidence and independence grow.

Focused Placement

Spend 6–8 months living and volunteering in Japan, becoming part of your school community while experiencing everyday Japanese life.
You’ll develop new skills, build relationships and have plenty of opportunities to explore the culture, traditions and landscapes around you.

Find out more about our Placement Types here

What can you do?

TESOL – Teaching English

Support children and young people to develop their English, working with students from Kindergarten through to Secondary School depending on your placement.

You’ll plan and deliver engaging lessons, games and activities, helping students build their confidence in English while developing your own teaching and communication skills.

Youth Development

Support children and young people through activities and opportunities outside the traditional classroom.

Depending on your project, you could get involved in clubs, sports, creative activities and wider community life, bringing your own interests and enthusiasm to the role while helping young people build skills and confidence.

Find out more about Project Types here
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What does life as a Volunteer look like?

FOOD

Living in Japan gives you the chance to discover a huge variety of Japanese food, with different dishes and specialities to try wherever you’re based.
From everyday favourites to regional dishes, sharing and discovering food will become a memorable part of your experience.

Living

Project Trust placements can be found across Japan in both urban and rural settings – from the heart of Tokyo to historic Kyoto or Toya in Hokkaido.

Wherever you’re based, you’ll become part of your school community and experience a side of Japanese life that most visitors never get to see.

TRAVEL

Japan is incredibly easy to explore, with an excellent transport network connecting cities, countryside and islands.
Experience snowy Hokkaido, hike through beautiful landscapes, explore Tokyo and Kyoto or head south towards subtropical islands – there’s an enormous amount to discover during your time off.

Have questions about Volunteering in Japan?

Enquire Now

A Timeline of your Placement

  • Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
  • Your Visas will be obtained around a month before departure.
  • Departure time! You will depart with your country group mid September
  • You’ll return from your placement in July
  • Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.
  • Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
  • Your Visas will be obtained around a month before departure.
  • Departure time! You will depart with your country group early January
  • You’ll return from your placement in July
  • Our Debriefing course is held toward the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Ready to start your Project Trust Journey?

Apply Now
  • Towards the beginning of July you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
  • Your Visa will be obtained around a month before departure
  • Departure time! You will depart with your country group mid September.
  • You’ll return from your placement in July
  • Our Debriefing course is held towards the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.
  • Towards the beginning of December you will attend our 4 day residential training course in Scotland. It’s a brilliant time to get to know other Volunteers and get prepared for your placement
  • Your Visa will be obtained around a month before departure
  • Departure time! You will depart with your country group at the start of January
  • You’ll return from your placement in July
  • Our Debriefing course is held towards the end of August and is a fantastic time to reflect on your placement and share memories with other Volunteers.

Exploring local restaurants, markets and new flavours is all part of the experience

Language:
Japanese – with plenty of opportunities to learn and practise throughout your placement.

Culture:
Experience Japanese traditions, festivals and celebrations throughout the changing seasons.

Project Trust Volunteers have been placed in Japan for over 25 years

Don’t miss:
Cherry blossom season · Summer festivals · Temples & shrines · Hokkaido · Tokyo · Kyoto

Explore:
Your experience could take you from major cities to quieter rural communities, depending on your placement.

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