Hospitality & Tourism Internship

Nagano, Japan

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WEEKLY STARTING EVERY MONDAY

MINIMUM

1 WEEK

PRICES FROM

£549

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Nestled in the stunning mountains of Nagano, Otaki village is a favourite getaway for Japanese travellers, offering activities like hiking, canoeing, and camping in summer, as well as winter sports during the snowy season. While international tourism is still developing, the local community is eager to share its unique culture and natural beauty with the world.

In this program, you'll intern at local restaurants, campsites, hotels, or other tourism-related facilities, helping with daily operations and contributing to long-term projects to enhance the area's tourism potential.

 

Your work will support sustainable tourism, promote traditional crafts, and help preserve the village’s cultural heritage.

This is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in hospitality and tourism while immersing yourself in rural Japanese life. Whether you’re assisting with guest services or helping with seasonal tasks, your contributions will make a real impact.

 

Program Highlights

  • Get real-world experience in the tourism and hospitality industry in a beautiful rural setting.
  • Work closely with locals and learn about Japanese traditions and sustainable tourism practices.
  • Help with diverse tasks, from guest services to gardening or light construction.
  • Take part in cultural activities and explore the natural beauty of Nagano.

Your Role

 

Your tasks will vary depending on the season and the facility where you're placed. Typical activities include:

Summer Tasks:

  • Greeting and assisting guests at hotels, campsites, or restaurants.
  • Washing dishes, keeping spaces clean, and preparing firewood.
  • Helping with gardening or farming projects.
  • Assisting in campsite operations or small construction projects.

Winter Tasks:

  • Supporting guests at ski resorts, hotels, or restaurants.
  • Clearing snow and preparing firewood.
  • Assisting with indoor tasks at winter tourism facilities.

You'll also have the chance to take part in cultural exchange activities and explore Nagano’s breathtaking landscapes. Work is typically 2–4 hours a day, leaving plenty of time for personal exploration and relaxation.

 

Aims & Objectives

  • Support Otaki’s development as a sustainable tourism destination while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
  • Help locals enhance their tourism infrastructure and improve guest experiences.
  • Promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding between participants and the Otaki community.

Standard Shared Accommodation (2-4 pax) Sunday-Saturday noon of the last week

3 meals per day during weekdays and 2 meals per day during weekends

Pick up upon your arrival during the regular pick-up time (Sundays 4pm) and transportation during the program as per the scheduled activities

Program materials, tools and equipment needed

Tour of local area & Japanese language lesson

Training and supervision by experienced local project coordinators

24/7 local team support 

1 week : £549

Additional weeks : £549

Start Dates & Minimum Duration

2025 Start Dates: Every Monday

2026 Start Dates: Every Monday

 

This internship program runs all year round and starts every Monday. However, we recommend arriving on the Sunday to check into your accommodation and prepare for your program to start the following morning.

 

Please note that program start dates could be affected by local holidays. However, we will give you as much notice as possible if any days of your program may overlap with holidays.

 

The minimum duration of this program is 1 week.

What are the requirements to take part in this program?

Program Requirements:

  • Age limit: 18-65
  • Proof of DBS check required
  • Proof of travel insurance required
  • Copy of passport required
  • Basic understanding of English; Japanese language skills are a plus but not mandatory.
  • Willingness to adapt to a rural lifestyle and work in outdoor conditions.
  • Good physical health to perform light labor and seasonal tasks.

What is my working schedule?

You will typically work 2-4 hours per day, leaving plenty of free time to explore!

 

On the Monday of your first week at this location, you will join our orientation day to familiarise you with the surroundings as well as local culture. Your program will continue as usual from Tuesday onward throughout the rest of the week.

 

Monday to Friday

  • Breakfast: Start your day with a hearty Japanese breakfast.
  • Morning Tasks: Dive into your assigned duties, gaining hands-on experience.
  • Lunch: Recharge with a delicious midday meal.
  • Afternoon Activities: Participate in cultural or outdoor activities, exploring the beauty and traditions of Otaki.
  • Evening Tasks: Wrap up any additional tasks and reflect on your day’s achievements.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a communal dinner and share stories with your peers.

***This schedule can be changed and/or amended depending on weather conditions, local conditions and unforeseen circumstances.***

What's the accommodation like?

While in Otaki Town, Nagano Prefecture, you will be staying in local accommodation, sharing rooms with 2-4 other participants. Expect a basic standard, but clean accommodation.

 

Locals also often visit this accommodation. There are 13 chickens and a dog in the hosts garden. There is also a small farm where herbs and other crops are grown.

What meals are included?

Weekdays you will enjoy three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and two on weekends, during your stay. Meals will be local cuisine and you can expect that they will include rice and vegetables.

What can I do in my free time?

Otaki is a nature lover’s paradise with many outdoor activities possible year round. It's a great place for skiing, snowboarding, hiking, biking and kayaking on the lake. Some major points of interest include: Mt. Ontake, Shintaki Waterfall and Tanoharatenen Park.

 

Besides your program you can join some cultural or outdoor activities every day. These depend on the season and local circumstances. Some examples:

  • Visit local neighbourhood house
  • Learn about Japanese bathing culture and how Japanese shower
  • Visit a natural hot spring
  • Take a traditional bath over a fire
  • Learn about local plants and flowers
  • Go to the river and cool down
  • Learn how to make origami
  • Join a Matcha tea ceremony
  • Trek up a hill to a viewpoint. Spot animal traces on the way.
  • Dye textiles with natural colours
  • Climb up to a sacred shrine above Otaki
  • Trek on the pilgrims trail leading up into the mountains
  • Join a traditional purification ceremony under a sacred waterfall
  • Make Japanese paper
  • Practice Kendo (Japanese sword fighting)
     

What facilities will I have access to?

  • Hot shower
  • WiFi 
  • Laundry facilities
  • Bed linen
  • Towels
  • The village of Otaki features an ATM, two convenience stores and a post office. These may not be in walking distance from your accommodation, but you’ll have the chance to stop by there several times during the week.

Arrival Information

Pick up is on Sundays at 4pm from Shinjuku Bus Terminal (near the 4th floor information desk).

There are also a couple of local train options that can get you to Shinjuku station and from there you can walk to the Bus Terminal. Those are a bit more involved and might not be the best bet for a first-time traveler. Whichever route you decide, you must then go upstairs to the 4F information desk to meet the local team Transfer Coordinator at 16:00. 

 

Saturday pick ups can be arranged at an extra cost, and subject to one extra night at the accommodation.

 

Please note airport pickup is not available. You must either meet us at the above meeting point or make your own way to the accommodation. Airports you can book your flight are HND (Tokyo Haneda Airport) or NRT (Tokyo Narita Airport)

 

We'll send you full arrival details before your departure.

Secure your spot for only £99 deposit!

PRICES FROM ONLY £549

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