★★★★★

Au Pair in Japan: Information on the Program

For many Au Pairs, Japan is an exciting place to discover a new culture, from traditional customs and seasonal festivals to busy cities and everyday family life. Staying with a Host Family gives participants the opportunity to practice Japanese, experience local traditions, and build close connections during their time abroad. Families, in turn, can bring an international atmosphere into their home and share their way of life with someone from another country.

There is currently no official Au Pair visa in Japan. However, citizens of certain countries may be able to take part in a cultural exchange while holding a Working Holiday Visa.

Program requirements

Key information about joining the Au Pair program in Japan

For Au Pairs

Be between 18 and 30 years old (age limits vary for some nationalities)
Have a valid passport
Be unmarried and without children
Be a citizen of a country with a Working Holiday agreement with Japan
Have sufficient financial means for the beginning of the stay
Have a return ticket or a proof of financial means to purchase it
Be in good health
Have never participated in the Japanese Working Holiday program before
Be willing to live in Japan for up to 12 months
Be motivated to learn Japanese and explore the culture

If you meet the requirements, explore the Au Pair program in Japan below and start looking for a suitable Host Family. If not, you can consider other destinations for the Au Pair program.

Free Registration as Candidate

For Host Families

Have at least one child under 18 years old
Provide a private room and meals
Offer monthly pocket money
Respect agreed working hours and free time
Support cultural exchange and integration
Have a different nationality than the Au Pair

Do you qualify? Then you can start searching for the right Au Pair for your family. If not, consider other programs that might better suit your situation.

Free Registration as Family

Working Conditions

Fair and balanced arrangements for everyone

Working Hours

Usually between 20 and 35 hours per week*
Allowed time for cultural exchange and language learning
Babysitting included in hours

*Employment under the Japanese Working Holiday Visa is not subject to a fixed official weekly hour limit. However, work should remain temporary and supplementary, as the primary purpose of the visa is cultural exchange, travel, and experiencing life in Japan.

Time Off and Holidays

At least 1 day off per week
Recommended: around 20 paid vacation days per year
Public holidays are generally considered days off

Language Course

Not mandatory (no official Au Pair program)
Strongly recommended for communication and integration
Available through private language schools, online classes, or tutoring
Schedule should allow time for language study

Au Pair Responsibilities

Childcare and babysitting
Playing and communicating with children in English
Light household tasks related to children
Cultural exchange with the Host Family

See more on Au Pair duties and schedule.

Au Pair Insurance

Must cover medical treatment, hospitalization, and accidents*
Should remain valid during the entire stay
Can be arranged independently or through insurance providers

* Participants staying in Japan long-term may also need to join the Japanese National Health Insurance system after registration.

Driving Licence

Driving is usually not required, especially in major cities
Public transportation in Japan is extensive and efficient
If driving is expected, responsibilities and insurance should be clearly agreed in advance and added to the Au Pair contract in written form

Host Families provide Au Pairs with:

Accommodation

Private, fully furnished room with essential furniture such as a bed, wardrobe, desk, and chair, as well as natural light, heating, a lock for privacy, and internet access.

Meals

Full board (three meals a day, preferably shared with the family)

Pocket Money

No official standard (most arrangements provide approximately ¥40,000 to ¥60,000 per month, depending on working hours and responsibilities)

Transportation

Public transport allowance or transportation support for childcare related activities

Legal Support

The Host Family provides administrative assistance, help with adaptation and daily life in Japan

Everything You Need to Know

Explore our comprehensive guides to make your Au Pair journey smooth and successful

Visa & Next Steps

Working Holiday Visa conditions
Documents required for visa and registration procedures
Arrival obligations and registration in Japan

Au Pair in Japan: Guided tour

Japan is one of the best destinations in Asia to explore as an Au Pair. Check out our guide and find out interesting places to visit in this country.
Explore Japan

Start Learning

What our customers have to say about us and our service:

Alfred's family,Japan

❱ Swedish Au Pair

The interaction was made simple via AuPair.com. We set a series of 3 video interviews to make sure the candidate was aware of what we offered and what we expected from her.

NIhad, Moroccan

Au Pair in Türkiye
I had a wonderful time with this family! From the moment I arrived, they made me feel welcome and at home. Their kindness and hospitality were truly heartwarming. We shared great conversations, ❱❱

Emilia's family,Italy

❱ Canadian Au Pair

Always amazing to share culture and habits with Americans

Serena's family,United Kingdom

❱ Italian Au Pair

Excellent Au pair, I will be very sad to lose Julieta. The whole experience was fantastic and although she is leaving sooner than expected I understand she has been offered a great opportunity back ❱❱

Contract Information

Understanding your agreement

Written Agreement

There is no official Au Pair contract in Japan; however, signing an Au Pair contract is strongly recommended. Our free template can be changed to your needs. Terms of the agreement should be discussed and finalized in advance, including schedule, responsibilities, pocket money, and general conditions of Au Pair stay.

Contract Duration

The stay usually lasts up to 12 months, in line with the Working Holiday Visa, but shorter stays can also be arranged by mutual agreement.

Termination conditions should be agreed in advance; a two-week notice period is commonly recommended.

Contract Must Include

Planned schedule, including working hours and days off (rup to 35 hours per week)
Description of tasks and responsibilities
Pocket money amount and payment details
Holiday entitlement and regular free time
Accommodation arrangements and privacy rules
Language course details and time available for attendance (if applicable)
Conditions for ending the agreement and notice period
Emergency contact information and basic procedures

Au Pair program costs in Japan

For the Host Family and Au Pair

Host Family Covers

Pocket money: arranged individually (usually around ¥40,000–¥60,000 per month, depending on working hours and responsibilities)
Accommodation: private furnished room provided free of charge
Meals: full board at home, typically including three meals per day
Household expenses: utilities, internet, and regular household costs covered by the Host Family
Optional support: contribution toward Japanese language course fees (not mandatory)

Au Pair Covers

Travel costs: flights to and from Japan are paid by Au Pair; you will need to show the ticket booking or proof that you have sufficient fund to book a return ticket
Visa financial requirement: additional proof of sufficient funds (¥250,000–¥500,000 JPY) for the initial stay
Personal expenses: mobile phone, leisure activities, and personal purchases
Health insurance: mandatory for the visa and arranged independently by the Au Pair
Personal travel and activities: any trips or activities outside the Host Family routine

What else?

Japan does not officially regulate Au Pair stays, so all arrangements are based on mutual agreement between the Au Pair and the Host Family. This provides flexibility, but also requires both sides to clearly discuss expectations, responsibilities, and living conditions before the stay begins.