This internship is available all year round.
Complete your ecotourism internship in Japan and contribute to the development of sustainable tourism within local organisations committed to preserving Japan's natural and cultural heritage. You may join a variety of organisations, including national parks, ecotourism agencies, guesthouses, outdoor recreation companies, or operators specialising in water sports and hiking activities.
Your Missions
Depending on your profile, skills, and the time of year, you will contribute to welcoming visitors, organising outdoor activities, and promoting local destinations, while discovering local traditions and learning about the challenges of responsible tourism.
- Assist guides during excursions, including hiking, kayaking, cycling, sailing, diving, and cultural tours.
- Welcome and provide information to international visitors in English (and potentially Japanese).
- Assist with the organisation and logistics of tourism activities.
- Help promote host organisations through social media, websites, and content creation, including photos, videos, and articles.
- Create communication materials, carry out translations, and respond to visitor enquiries.
- Assist with the management and day-to-day operations of guesthouses or other tourist accommodation.
- Contribute to the preservation of natural areas and environmental awareness projects.
- Depending on the host organisation, assist with activities related to traditional fishing, water sports, or hiking trail maintenance.
Internships are available in several regions of Japan, particularly within Ise-Shima National Park, as well as in Takayama, Shizuoka, Nagano, and Niigata, depending on availability. Some placements require basic Japanese language skills, while others are accessible to interns with a good level of English.
Profile
This experience is particularly suitable for students in tourism, environmental management, ecotourism, sustainable development, outdoor recreation, communications, or languages who are looking to gain international professional experience while contributing to more responsible tourism and the preservation of Japan's natural and cultural heritage.
Additional Information
This internship is unpaid. In the vast majority of countries, there is no legal requirement to provide financial compensation to interns. Our partner host organisations operate within different local economic and legal frameworks, where hosting international interns is based on training and cultural exchange rather than remuneration.
Accommodation, meals, and transportation costs are paid before your departure. This advance payment allows RealStep to confirm and secure all your accommodation and local services with our partners before your arrival, ensuring that all logistics are already in place before you leave.
To help you finance your internship, discover our funding options and available grants.
