Apply for Internships in Japan

Internships in Japan are a unique opportunity to experience the Japanese culture and workplace, while gaining valuable work experience and Japanese speaking ability in the process.

Interns must be positive, hard-working, open-minded people who enjoy challenges, and are prepared to step out of their comfort zone. Obviously, a strong interest in Japan and in the Hotel / Tourism / Hospitality industry is also essential to succeed in Internships in Japan.

To be eligible for Internships in Japan, you must meet the following criteria:

NOTE: You must currently be outside Japan to Apply for Japan Internships.
Are you currently IN Japan? Contact us for help.

There is an age and citizenship requirement for our Internships in Japan. This is a requirement of the Japanese and foreign governments, based on their agreement for the Working Holiday Visa, which participants of this program are required to obtain.

Australian / New Zealand / Canadian / U.K. / Irish / French / German / Danish / Korean / Taiwanese and Hong Kong ** citizens between 18-30 years of age, currently residing in their country of citizenship, are eligible. Unfortunately, Permanent Residents of these countries are ineligible.

** From 2010, Citizens from Hong Kong are eligible to get a Working Holiday Visa. However, due to the fact that the Visa application period is only in May, Hong Kong applicants are only eligible to apply between January - May each year.

It's very important to be honest about your availability, and to commit to the full term of your contract. It is extremely difficult for your employer to fill your position if you suddenly quit early.

City Hotels: 8 - 18 week Internship programs start on the 1st of every month anytime between March and December (no January or February starts).

Winter Resort Hotels: Internships usually commence in mid-December, and finish March 31st. There are also a limited number of short-term positions in Nagano which finish end-February. The longer your availability, the higher your chance of securing an internship.

Summer Resort Hotels: Positions usually commence the 1st of each month from May - July (July - Sep is the busiest period at Summer Resort Hotels, so we recommend you be available for at least this period). Interns must be available to work for at least 3 consecutive months. Applicants with longer availability have a better chance of securing a position.

Step 1: Fill out our online Application Form.

Step 2: Once we receive your application, we will organize an interview (via telephone / video conferencing online). We will assess your experience and motivation for participating in Internships in Japan. This selection process aims to ensure that everyone participating in our Internships is suitable and will have a positive experience while they are in Japan.

Step 3: After a successful interview, we will source an appropriate Internship in Japan for you. The more flexible you are in terms of location and position the better.

Step 4: Once you have been accepted by one of the Participating Hotels, we provide resources and 24/7 support to prepare you to live and work in Japan. You will need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, and arrange your Airfare and Travel Insurance (we will send detailed information to assist you). If you are beginner-level Japanese speaker, you may also be required to commence our Intensive Japanese Language Course at this stage.

We will also send you background information about Internships in Japan, your Hotel, and about how to cope with the pressures of living in a foreign culture. This preparation step is essential to ensure that you are ready to make the most out of your experience in both a personal and professional sense.

Step 5: After you arrive, you will be met at the Airport by our staff, given an orientation seminar, and delivered to your workplace. We will also visit you once a month for a counselling / follow-up session, to discuss your progress and to ensure you are getting the most out of your work placement.

Step 6: For the duration of your Japan Internship, you will be required to keep a journal, and write a reflective essay about what you learn from the experience. Upon successful completion of the Internship, you will receive a Certificate to acknowledge your participation.