We are currently seeking to train 2-3 new Adventure Leaders to be available for the 2026 peak season (March and/or April).
Successful applicants will be a part of a small roster of Leaders who will cover 1-2 trips during peak season, and then possibly be called upon to cover any new tours or to help cover emergencies (if you're available).
This will be ideal if you already have a flexible schedule and other means of income.
*being available for 1-2 trips in March and/or April is a prerequisite for this hiring session
You will get paid to introduce our worldwide guests to multiple points of interest across Japan - from Tokyo to Kamakura, Hakone, Kyoto, Hiroshima, and Osaka! You will start with our flagship 13-day tour.
Our Adventure Leaders are a friendly colorful bunch that come from all walks of life and backgrounds - both local Japanese and international.
You must be physically fit - this is a fast-paced tour: minimum 10k - 15k steps every day, up and down stairs, some hiking, bicycling, standing for long periods in lines during peak, etc.
Our guests' age range from early 20s to late 30s. Our Adventure Leaders are also around the same age range.
Minimum qualifications:
You must legally be able to work in Japan (no sponsorship available) - WHV, PR, spousal visa, JP citizen, descendant, etc
You must be 20 years of age or older
Fluent in English (tour will be conducted entirely in English)
Minimum conversational in Japanese (you will need to communicate with local vendors, accommodations, etc, as well as be able to confidently navigate life in Japan)
Desired qualities:
Friendly, positive, empathic, fun
Passion for travel, Japan, history, culture, and meeting new people!
Ability to think on your feet, take responsibility, and calmly deal with unexpected issues
We value personality so please apply even if you do not have experience - most of our successful guides started as first-timers!
Ideally reside in Tokyo - surrounding areas, Osaka/Kyoto are also ok - if not sure feel free to inquire
Adventure Leader responsibilities:
Lead our guests according to the provided itinerary
Convey knowledge, history, culture, local legends, and/or any personal experiences about the places you will visit
At times you may need to adapt to changing ground conditions - as the leader you must strive for minimal disruptions (Adventure Leader team is always available for advice/assistance)
Conduct the tour in a smooth, safe, and organized manner
Communicate with the Operations team (the Ops team will handle almost all bookings and preparations for your tour ahead of time, so you can focus on delivering a fantastic experience to your guests)
Reconcile your provided budget and submit within a timely manner after the end of every tour
*While we believe it's important to have fun while leading, please don't forget your primary role is to ensure the guests entrusted to you have the best possible experience (this is not your personal vacation)
Compensation:
This is a contract/freelance position with a daily rate, paid within a week after the end of each month
Daily rate is highly dependent on experience - starts at 18,000/day - rate goes up once you show you can consistently lead successful positive trips
Higher starting rate if you have previous experience leading multi-day group tours across Japan
Keep all tips from your happy guests!
All costs are covered upfront for your private accommodations, transportation, and included activities
Small stipend per trip to help supplement personal meal costs
Leaders with great feedback become stable members of our roster and enjoy schedule priority year after year
Training:
All new Adventure Leaders will join a trip lead by an experienced AL as their training trip.
During this training trip you will have no guest responsibilities and your only task is to shadow the AL. All transportation and all included activities will be covered. Your accommodation will be dorms/shared with the guests. Your training compensation will be 10,000 yen a day for a total of 13 days. After completing a training trip, you will lead your own groups moving forward (For 2026, you will be called upon when needs arise and if you are also available).
Reply to this post to apply! Please include a short self-introduction, how many of the cities mentioned above you have been to if applicable, and a resume if you have one.
Also please make sure you meet the minimum qualifications.