Gain valuable experience in hospitality and learn how the hotel and real estate funds/management industries are navigating the ever-growing tourism in Japan! 

Japan’s “omotenashi,” or “hospitality” expresses the deep commitment to provide exceptional service and care to guests. By participating in this program, interns will maximize their working and cultural experience in Japan. (You will get experience working in a hotel, get paid a stipend, see Japan, as well as learn cultural insights and exceptional customer service.) 

The internship is designed with a short orientation upon arrival, language courses for non-fluent Japanese speakers, and then working at an assigned hotel (participating hotels span across Japan from Hokkaido to Okinawa) for 3 to 12 months, which could later grow into a full-time job opportunity in the industry. Interns will also receive career advice within the industry and discuss potential next steps.

Application
Applications are on a rolling basis with cycles starting in June 2025, then September 2025, and March 2026.

Interview
GIP and the applicant will coordinate a virtual interview time upon receipt of the deposit and review of the application. Language proficiency will also be evaluated.

Visa
Global Internship Program will help interns with the visa process including the application and processing. See below for more details on fees. We require all paperwork 3 months prior minimum for the internship to start on time. 

Orientation
Prior to their assignment, interns will participate in a 3-night/2-day orientation in Tokyo to adjust to the time zone, network, and attend lectures. Lectures will include how to get to their assigned location, program details, cultural etiquettes (including dos and don’ts in Japan,) an overview of the hospitality market, and site visits to two local 5-star hotels. Interns will have the opportunity to network with each other and professionals in the industry. Lunch and dinner will be provided during the orientation. 

Internship (3, 6, 9, or 12 months)
Upon arrival at their assigned location, interns will be provided with shared accommodation, breakfast, and a monthly stipend of $600-800 at their assigned location. A request for a single room would be an additional cost. Lunch can be purchased at the hotel (ie: bento box,) and dinner can be purchased at the hotel similarly to lunch or off the property. Interns will train across the whole hotel experience (such as concierge, back office support, food & beverage, housekeeping, marketing/advertising, customer support, facility management, reservation support, and additional tasks related to managing and operating the hotel.)

Language
Depending on their level of fluency, non-Japanese/non-fluent speakers are highly recommended to study before their arrival. Suggestions include:

• Subscribing to an online Japanese course “Hiragana Times.” ($5 USD/month.)

• Participate in bi-weekly online Japanese classes for 2 months leading up to orientation (fees applied)

Those who are fluent are not obligated to participate in the language portion of the program and orientation. Proficiency will be evaluated during your interview. 

Travel
Travel into and out of Japan must be arranged by the intern. Travel to assigned locations within Tokyo will be arranged. (Separate costs apply for interns traveling outside Tokyo prefecture for their assignment.) Depending on the season, travel costs can range from $150-$400 USD.

For interns hoping to travel after their internship, we recommend using the JR pass. We could potentially coordinate the purchase and validation of your JR pass for a fee.

Fees
$50 non-refundable application deposit (applied to the remaining balance)

Flat rate fee for orientation, insurance, and visa costs:

• $2,200 fee for non-Japanese speakers (includes language course costs)

• $1,800 (Japanese fluent/not including language course costs)

Monthly $150 administrative fee