International Tourism Internship

About the Company

Founded in 2016, Japan Awaits is a fast-growing inbound travel company that designs and delivers custom tours, cultural experiences, and unique itineraries for international visitors. Our mission is to showcase Japan’s culture and hospitality through expert guides, trusted partners, and thoughtfully crafted travel products.

About the Internship

Japan Awaits offers an ongoing internship program for students who want to gain practical, hands-on experience in Japan’s inbound tourism industry. We accept 2–3 interns at a time and are committed to making each internship a meaningful learning experience. Rather than limiting interns to one function, we give interns opportunities to learn about and contribute to different areas of our business based on current projects, their skills, and their interests. Interns may gain experience across areas such as Marketing, Product Development, Business Development, Travel Operations, and research, while learning how a Japan-based inbound travel company operates.

What You’ll Experience

Hands-On Experience in Japan

This is not an internship that is limited to working behind a computer. Interns may have opportunities to support our team, tour guides, and guests in person — including assisting with tours, cultural experiences, and special events.

Depending on our projects and business needs, this could include opportunities to experience or support events such as Sumo tournaments, geisha experiences, marriage proposals, and other unique guest experiences.

Learn Across Different Areas

You will have opportunities to work on different types of projects and learn how different parts of an inbound travel company work together.

Your responsibilities may include projects related to:

• Marketing
• Product Development
• Business Development
• Travel Operations
• Research
• Other projects based on current business needs

Hybrid Work in Japan

Interns will be based in Tokyo or Yokohama and can work remotely from their provided accommodation for most of the internship.

Depending on your responsibilities, you may also:

• Work from our office approximately 1–3 times per week
• Travel to different locations to support tours or events
• Work directly with our team and tour guides on-site

Accommodation & Transportation Support

Japan Awaits provides accommodation in Tokyo or Yokohama during the internship.

Transportation costs are also covered when you are required to travel to our office or to an on-site tour or event for work.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for students who are serious about gaining professional experience and can commit to at least 4 months with Japan Awaits. A 4-month to 1-year commitment is preferred, as some of our internship opportunities are designed to last up to one year.

Our ideal intern will have:

• Previous experience in tourism, travel, hospitality, or a related field, ideally including a previous internship or other practical experience.
• Strong academic performance.
• A genuine interest in Japan and international tourism.
• Strong communication and organizational skills.
• The ability to learn quickly, follow processes, and take responsibility for assigned work.
• A proactive mindset and willingness to work independently once trained.
• The flexibility to work across different types of projects and with different teams.

Program Details

Program Length: 4 months–1 year
Interns: 2–3 interns at a time
Location: Tokyo / Yokohama, Japan
Work Style: Hybrid & Remote
Office / On-Site: Approximately 1–3 days per week when required

Internship Timing: We are flexible with internship start and end dates as long as the intern meets our program requirements. We currently have internship programs that align with February–June and August–December, and we encourage applicants whose academic schedules can align with these periods. However, we are open to other internship periods for qualified candidates.

Application Timing: Applications should be submitted at least 3 months before the intended internship start date. Earlier applications are encouraged, as we accept only a limited number of interns at a time.

Join Japan Awaits

If you are looking for an internship where you can learn by doing, experience different sides of Japan’s tourism industry, and gain practical experience with a Japan-based inbound travel company, we would love to hear from you.

Please complete our Internship Application Form with your background, availability, internship requirements, and interests.