Tech enthusiasts, anime fans, foodies, tea drinkers, martial arts enthusiasts, design enthusiasts, and fashionistas have flocked to Japan for decades and show no signs of slowing down.
But there is a difference between visiting Japan and living there.
If you really want to experience Japanese culture first hand, you need more time to immerse yourself in the daily life of its bustling cities.
An internship in Japan will allow you to do this while gaining invaluable experience to improve your CV.
In this article, you will find a good number of Japanese internships for fresh graduates to gain industry knowledge.
Indeed, Japan has an infinite fascination for millions of people around the world, but each one has a different reason.
Especially being the third-largest economy in the world, there is a wide variety of industries and companies in which interns can work.
Are you planning an internship in Japan?
Japan is home to popular industries for internships for fresh graduates, who fit into the manufacturing, importing, exporting, and engineering sectors.
Table of contents
- How Safe is Japan for an Intern?
- What is the Best Time to Get an Internship in Japan?
- What is the Cost of Living in Japan for an Intern?
- How Can I Get Accommodation in Japan as an Intern?
- What Type of Visa Do I Need for an Internship in Japan?
- 10 Best Internships in Japan for Fresh Graduate in 2023
- #1. Japan Internships with Meiji Internships
- #2. Tokyo Internship Program – CRCC Asia
- #3. International Internships in Tokyo – The Intern Group
- #4. Internship in Japan – Asia Internship Program (AIP)
- #5. Zentern Internship & Cultural Program in Japan
- #6. Japanese Language & Internship Program in Kyoto – JaLS Group
- #7. Paid Internships for Students in Technical Fields – Cultural Vistas
- #8. Ski & Snowboard Instructor Internships: Training + Paid Job – EA Ski & Snowboard
- #9. Tokyo Internships – Beyond Academy
- #10. International Internships in Tokyo – Absolute Internship
- Conclusion
- Recommendation
How Safe is Japan for an Intern?
Japan is one of the safest countries in the world.
Even in large cities, the risk of crime is considerably lower than you can expect elsewhere.
However, you should always take the usual precautions: always be attentive to your belongings and avoid areas you do not know at night.
Standards of medical care are also very high, but treatment can be expensive.
Make sure you have health insurance that covers you throughout your stay and familiarizes yourself with your policy before leaving for your internship in Japan.
See Also: What Are Gap Year Internships | Paid Opportunities, How It Works
What is the Best Time to Get an Internship in Japan?
In most industries in Japan, you can find an internship at any time of the year.
Some companies schedule their internship announcements at the end of the academic year (end of March in Japan) to attract students.
However, this tends to be for Japanese language roles.
Companies offering English-speaking internships to international applicants sometimes do the same, advertising their internships before the summer break.
Summer is a great time to intern and learn real-world skills if you are not taking a summer course.
In general, the beginning of spring is a good time to start looking.
What is the Cost of Living in Japan for an Intern?
Japan is relatively expensive, but not prohibitively expensive.
Rent in big-city costs around 90,000 yen ($850) per month, but that can be almost half if you’re willing to live in the suburbs and deal with the legendary crowded commuter trains.
Eating out can be quite inexpensive, as long as you eat like a local. Some foods are more expensive than in the West, either because they consider it special treats (like fruit) or because they are new to the West (like cheese).
Meal deals for busy workers like an intern are common in restaurants and are a good way to refuel.
Convenience stores are a godsend when you live in Japan alone, offering microwaveable meals and snacks that are much tastier and cheaper than you might think.
Transportation in major cities is extremely reasonable considering its quality – a subway ticket will cost around $2 for most one-way trips.
When traveling across the country, the Shinkansen (bullet train) is the most convenient option, but it is also generally more expensive than airfare.
For more information on the cost of living in Japan, click here.
How Can I Get Accommodation in Japan as an Intern?
Accommodations for interns are quite easy to get.
Because most large companies in Japan have employee housing, which is mainly used by young, single employees. Interns are often placed in these residences, sometimes for free.
However, these bedrooms will almost always be separated by gender.
In this scheme, you will have a private room with a small shared kitchen and a shared bathroom, usually with shared showers.
If you are interning with a third-party organization, they will generally include accommodation. This will be in a dorm-style arrangement with other interns in the same program as you or in a host family.
If they didn’t provide accommodation as part of your internship, you will need to search for an apartment. Rent can be expensive, and roommates are not as common as in other countries.
Typically, in such a situation, you can rent a small studio or one-bedroom apartment.
Check Out: List Of Top International Scholarships In Japan 2023-2024
What Type of Visa Do I Need for an Internship in Japan?
The type of visa you need will depend on the length of your internship and whether you are receiving compensation for it.
Paid internships generally require a designated activities visa, while unpaid internships (which are more common) require a cultural activities visa.
Your employer, a third-party organization, or a university (if you’re interning as part of your studies) should be able to advise and support.
You can also contact your local Japanese embassy for assistance.
10 Best Internships in Japan for Fresh Graduate in 2023
Japan has a booming economy in various industries, many of which are attempting to go global.
English-speaking internships can be found in any industry, but are more popular with large multinationals than small local businesses.
Here is a list of the best Japan Internships for Fresh Graduate from great and noble industries in Japan.
#1. Japan Internships with Meiji Internships
Location: Japan, Akita, Fukuoka, Kanazawa, Kobe, Kyoto, Nagasaki, Naha, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo
Salary: 900 USD (Starting Price)
Do you want to launch your international career with an unforgettable internship adventure in your industry and destination of choice?
Meiji Internships is offering Japan Internships for Fresh Graduate and will also accompany you throughout your journey for those who want to have an experience in Asia.
They work with an extensive network of over 750 partner companies in 8 countries to help you pave the way for your future!
Program Details
Length: 4 to 24 weeks
Industry: Advertising Arts Biology Business Communications Computer Science Conservation and Preservation Design Economics Education Engineering
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Fall Spring Spring Break Summer Winter Year-Round
Housing: Apartment Host Family
Language: Japanese
Age Min.: 16
Age Max: 30
What’s Included: Accommodation, Activities, Airport Transfers, Travel Insurance, Wifi.
What’s Not Included: Activities, Domestic Airfare, Meals, SIM cards, Transportation, Visa.
#2. Tokyo Internship Program – CRCC Asia
Location: Japan, Tokyo
Salary: 2,595 USD
CRCC Asia offers internship programs in Japan for fresh graduates, allowing you to experience this unique country first-hand while gaining valuable industry-specific experience to prepare you for your future career.
They offer award-winning Japan Internships for Fresh Graduate (featured on CNBC, Bloomberg, WSJ, BBC News) in the vibrant, innovative, and culturally refined city of Tokyo.
Through this comprehensive one- or two-month internship program, you’ll also immerse yourself in Japanese culture, cuisine, history, business, and ultimately the thriving city itself.
CRCC works with over 100 forward-thinking hotel companies, so be confident that they can find the perfect internship for you, whatever your industry.
Over 9,000 students have participated in CRCC internship programs during the last 14 years.
Program Details
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter, Year-Round
Industry: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Conservation and Preservation, Criminal Justice Design, Finance Healthcare, and many more
Housing: Apartment
Language: English
Weekly Hours: 40
What’s Included: Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers SIM cards Visa Wifi
Internship Requirements
- A degree program (Associates, Bachelors or Masters)
- GPA: 2.7 minimum
#3. International Internships in Tokyo – The Intern Group
Location: Japan, Tokyo
Salary: 4,665 USD
The Intern Group, a big company in Tokyo, Japan offers selected candidates the opportunity to gain invaluable work experience in the commercial, economic and financial capital of Japan.
Recently, the Intern Group international internship programs for fresh graduates have been featured on CNN, Time, Forbes, and more.
In partnership with a variety of businesses, organizations, and NGOs, their program will stimulate your professional development.
During your internship abroad, you will gain practical professional experience and network for your future career.
Your internship in Tokyo will allow you to differentiate yourself from your peers.
They offer programs for people of all backgrounds and levels of experience.
If you’re a fresh graduate, current student, take this internship opportunity to gain experience that will make your CV stand out.
Program Details
Industry: Accounting, Architecture, Arts, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Criminal Justice Design, Economics, Engineering, and many more
Length: 6 to 24 weeks
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter, Year-Round
Housing: Apartment
What’s Included: Accommodation, Activities, Airport Transfers, Wifi
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Meals, Travel Insurance, Visa
Internship Benefits
Your program includes:
- accommodation,
- airport pickup,
- regular social and cultural events,
- professional development tools and workshops,
- 24/7 emergency assistance,
- individual career counseling for alumni, and
- many other benefits.
#4. Internship in Japan – Asia Internship Program (AIP)
Location: Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Salary: 2,100 USD
AIP is giving opportunities to those who wish to develop work experience in an international environment.
Their team is dedicated to making this experience as enjoyable as possible by offering you a guaranteed design internship to lay the foundation for your career.
AIP offers 3 types of internship packages designed to meet the needs of all participants in our program.
The placement package, the most basic package, includes a personalized internship, visa support, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
The Standard Package is an upgraded version of the Location Package but includes fully furnished accommodation, transport cards, a SIM card, airport pick-up, and language lessons.
The Signature package includes all the benefits of the standard package, monthly trips to explore your host country, gym membership, and access to networking events.
Program Details
Industry: Accounting, Advertising, Agriculture, Architecture, Biology, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Design, Economics, Engineering, and many more
Length: 6 to 24 weeks
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Summer, Year-Round
Housing: Apartment
What’s Included: Some Activities, Airport Transfers, Some Meals, Transportation, Travel Insurance, Visa, Wifi
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Accommodation
Internship Benefits
This Japan Internships programs for Fresh Graduate also offer:
- Vocational training
- Orientation session
- Travel insurance
- 24/7 assistance
- Certificate of completion
- Activities with other learners
- Study area
- Language course
- Trips to explore Japan
Note: Tuition fees include a personalized internship, accommodation, professional networks, etc.
Each internship is unpaid due to the regulations of foreign countries.
#5. Zentern Internship & Cultural Program in Japan
Location: Japan, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto
Salary: 1,700 USD
Zentern offers you a fantastic internship and culture program.
Operating primarily in Tokyo and Osaka, they organize internships in a wide variety of industries.
During the week and on weekends, ZenTeam takes you to explore and learn more about Japan and its (pop) culture.
Japanese is not required, but you can register for their Japanese courses.
Program Details
Industry: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, Biology, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Design, Economics, Finance, Hospitality, and many more
Length: 4 to 24 weeks
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Year-Round
Housing: Apartment, Host Family
Language: English
What’s Included: Some Activities, Some Meals, Sim Cards, Transportation, Visa, Wi-Fi.
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Accommodation, Domestic Airfare, Travel Insurance, Domestic Airfare, Meals
#6. Japanese Language & Internship Program in Kyoto – JaLS Group
Location: Japan, Kyoto
Salary: 2,050 USD
Japanese Language and Internship Program are ideal for those who want to combine intensive Japanese studies with a fantastic work experience in a Japanese company.
As an intern, each week, you will receive 15 hours of intensive Japanese study and 20 hours of the internship experience.
You will also benefit from the professional support, supervision, and training of our experienced team.
Also, you can choose from a 6, 8, 12, or 26-week period and several accommodation options.
Program Details
Industry: Education, Journalism
Length: 6 to 26 weeks
Compensation: Unpaid
Timeframe: Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter, Year-Round
Housing: Apartment, Host Family
Language: Japanese
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Accommodation, Activities, Airfare, Airport, Transfers, Meals, Sim Cards, Transportation
#7. Paid Internships for Students in Technical Fields – Cultural Vistas
Location: Japan, Germany, Czech Republic
Salary: Varies
Improve your skills and expand your view of the world with IAESTE USA Internships in Japan.
The IAESTE Internship Program connects American fresh college graduates who specialize in technical fields with PAID internships from a network of 80 countries around the world.
Internships abroad offer students the opportunity to immerse themselves in a new culture and environment, while gaining practical experience in an international environment.
Spend your summer interning abroad through IAESTE, or more!
Program Details
Industry: Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Ecology, Engineering, Film, History, International Business, Marketing, Media Relations, Startups, Sustainable Development, Technology
Compensation: Paid
Timeframe: Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter, Year-Round
Housing: Apartment, Host Family
Language: English
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Transportation, Health Insurance, Visa fees
What’s Included: Visa
#8. Ski & Snowboard Instructor Internships: Training + Paid Job – EA Ski & Snowboard
Location: Japan, Switzerland, United States of America, Canada, New Zealand
Salary: 6,475 USD
Do you want a career that takes you around the world?
Do you want to live, work, and have fun in the best ski destinations in the world?
Become a ski instructor with EA Ski & Snowboard as part of an internship program and accelerate your career in the snow industry.
Train, quality and work as a ski instructor, all in one season.
You can choose from 27 world-class ski resorts in the United States, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, and Switzerland to train this winter.
In this Japan internship for fresh graduate, you will:
train with the best, obtain internationally recognized instructor qualifications, and obtain the best work experience for your CV with your guaranteed job offer.
earn instructor qualifications recognized by the International Ski Instructors Association (ISIA), the world’s body of professional ski instructors.
This means that you will be able to work in other world-class ski resorts around the world.
Limited places available, apply today to secure your spot!
Program Details
Industry: Education, Hospitality, Photography, Tourism
Timeframe: Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Spring Break, Summer, Winter, Year-Round
Length: 4 weeks
Housing: Apartment
Language: English
Age Min.: 18
Age Max: 32
What’s Included: Some Accommodation, Some Activities, Some Meals
What’s Included (Extra):
Airport transfers, visa support, discounted flights, and insurance, employee lift pass, training costs, exam fees, association membership fees, support from a local EA representative, social events, plus loads more.
What’s Not Included (Extra): Optional orientation weekend.
#9. Tokyo Internships – Beyond Academy
Location: Japan, Tokyo
Salary: 3,500 USD
Beyond Academy offers an exhilarating location for internships. Whether you’re an aspiring accountant or engineer, fashion designer, or music producer, Beyond Academy’s Tokyo Internship got you covered.
Their internship program is available in 18 industries, with start dates every month, and durations from 1-6 months.
Program Details
Industry: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, and many more
Timeframe: Year-Round
Housing: Apartment
What’s Included: Some Accommodation, Airport Transfers, SIM cards
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Meals, Travel Insurance
Internship Benefits
- A guaranteed professional internship in your preferred industry
- Full day immersive business workshop
- Career coaching and support
- Curated calendar of professional networking events
- Curated online courses and tools
- CV support
- Beyond Academy Certificate of Excellence
- Thriving local community
- Comprehensive 24/7 local support
- Orientation
- Welcome dinner
- Bi-Weekly community dinner
- Local events and day trips
- A bustling social calendar of exciting events
- Farewell dinner to celebrate program completion
- Visa support
- Airport transport on arrival
- Beyond welcome bag
- SIM card (on request)
- Accommodation (optional)
#10. International Internships in Tokyo – Absolute Internship
Location: Japan, Tokyo
Salary: 3,500 USD
Absolute Internship award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend the summer developing their professional skills during a full-time internship in Tokyo.
Live and work in this unique city and build a unique experience that will help you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market.
Absolute Internship organizes guided company tours, career development workshops, as well as cultural activities, day trips, and weekend excursions to help you gain valuable information about the industry and explore the world.
This program includes high-quality central accommodation, cultural visa support activities, group dinners, travel and 24/7 on-site support by our program coordinator.
Absolute Internship has been featured in The New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg, and Forbes Magazine. They have placed over 4,000 fellows in over 800 companies around the world.
Program Details
Industry: Accounting, Advertising, Architecture, Business, Communications, Computer Science, Design, Engineering, and many more
Timeframe: Summer
Housing: Apartment
Weekly Hours: 40
What’s Included: Accommodation, Activities, SIM cards, Wifi
What’s Not Included: Airfare, Meals, Travel Insurance
Conclusion
Japan is an incredibly unique country known for its large cities, diverse landscapes, and distinct traditional culture.
It’s a pioneer of modern technology and it dominates the information technology sector.
Learn the essential skills employers are looking for, gain invaluable experience, and grow exponentially as a person through the internships here.
Learn better. Travel further. Dream bigger.
