Internship in Japan

Japan overview

Japan is a one of a kind country from all aspects including the modern skyscrapers in Tokyo, the breathtaking sights of Mount Fuji, and traditional culture. The country exhibits modern technologies that can’t be found anywhere else across the globe, as well as world-famous Japanese cuisine. With an internship in Japan through AIP, you will have the opportunity to explore, learn and experience everything this amazing country has to offer!

Japan provides great opportunities to acquire international working experience for students and young professionals, which is beneficial to further your career. You will be highly valued if employers see that you’ve completed an international internship in Japan.

Going abroad for a Japan internship will not only increase your skills and knowledge but also expand your professional network.

Going abroad to Japan is an ideal opportunity to acquire international work experience for any young professional or university student. Information Technology is a major industry in the country, but other popular sectors that previous interns have pursued are Manufacturing, Import Export, and Engineering. There are a plethora of opportunities to explore in Japan.

Being partnered with a wide range of companies across all industry fields from multinational corporations to exciting startups, AIP offers internships in Japan that can launch your future professional career. Whether you’re looking for a Japan internship during the summer or winter, we can accommodate your requirements, as we accept applications all year round.


Internship in Tokyo

Tokyo Overview

Tokyo is the capital city of Japan, home to the seat of the Emperor of Japan, and one of the country’s 47 prefectures.

It is situated at the head of Tokyo Bay on the Pacific coast of central Honshu.

With about 9.3 million (2015) people living in the city, Tokyo is easily the largest urban and industrial agglomeration in Japan.

It is also regarded as the hotspot of the extensive metropolitan area called the Greater Tokyo Area, which was ranked as the world’s most populous metropolitan area in 2018.

Internship Opportunities in Tokyo

As the city with the largest metropolitan economy in the world and as one of the three “command centers” for the world economy, Tokyo remains one of the best locations where a student or young professional can pursue an internship in Asia.

It is a major international finance center, and home to the headquarters of many of the world’s largest investment banks and insurance companies.  

Not surprisingly, tourism is also a thriving industry in Tokyo, with millions of foreigners and Japanese visiting the city annually. Some major employers in this sector include Fujita Kanko Inc., Japan’s leading hospitality and tourism company, the Ritz-Carlton, Park Hyatt, and Shangri-La Hotel.

Tokyo serves as a hub for Japan’s electronic equipment manufacturing, among other, industries.

Notable companies in this space include Sony Corporation, Fujitsu, Toshiba, Panasonic, and many more.

Tokyo Attractions

Many attractions await you in Tokyo; from the city’s many science and art museums (such as the Tokyo National Museum) that offer all sorts of exhibits, to the natural parks many of which contain exquisite Japanese gardens, and theaters for traditional and modern forms of Japanese drama, operas, symphonic works, etc.

Internship experience in Japan

Internship in Japan

Japan is one of the staple countries in Asia and is packed with ancient traditional cultures, innovative technology, and world-famous cuisine. Once you arrive in Japan, you will instantly notice that the country possesses a technologically advanced infrastructure but still maintains its rich heritage which cannot be witnessed anywhere else across the globe. During your internship in Japan, your lifestyle will be very inspiring as you will be working and living in a first-class country while experiencing this wonderful East Asian culture.

We highly encourage you to explore everything that Japan has to offer when you have leisure time away from your internship in Japan. There are so many incredible places to visit and things to experience in Japan. Kyoto, the former capital, is packed with traditional Japanese cultures and beautiful sights such as the red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine and the Golden Temple at Kinkaku-ji. Japan is also known for its famous cherry blossoms, and the most famous place to see these gorgeous flowers first hand is in Yoshino. And don’t forget to take advantage of tasting the local foods during your internship in Japan. From all the different kinds of ramen, sushi, and gyudon, these are just a very small sample of Japanese cuisine, so you need to explore and find your own hidden gems.

Work culture

Aside from their tall organizational hierarchy and extensive working hours, Japan is notorious for having strict unwritten business rules. Although Japanese are quick to forgive cultural misconducts, having a sound understanding of how business works could give you a huge advantage during your internship in Japan.

You should arrive at least 10 minutes earlier to all the meetings throughout your internship in Japan. Before stepping foot into the room, you should always bow at a 30-degree angle to signal respect. In cases where you must enter an on-going business meeting, knock on the door thrice before declaring your name and the person whom you are representing to avoid tarnishing your reputation and being labeled as disrespectful.

The Japanese respect for its orderly and hierarchical corporate structure is reflected in the language used. Your register and word choice are entirely dependent on the age; position; and relationship of whom you are speaking to. Therefore, as someone who undergoes an internship in Japan, you would want to address a senior member of the company or those at a high ranking position with utmost respect. To do so, be sure to make a switch from their colloquial speech pattern to Sonkeigo (尊敬語) or its formal version that honors the person whom we are communicating with.

Top industries


The bustling and colorful city of Tokyo is also the country’s most prosperous business center! Carrying out an internship in Japan’s mega capital does not only allow you to gain an insight into how one of the world’s most well-accomplished countries works, both financially and economically; but it will open you up to a realistic, fast-paced environment of the Japanese corporate industry.

Hospitality and tourism industry is another attractive sector to carry out an internship in Japan. Since Japan is enjoyable all year round, you are most likely going to join millions of tourists on their journeys to iconic Japanese destinations: Ōsaka, Nara, Hokkaido, and Kyoto as you divulge some of the country’s cultural heritage and its many other hidden gems.

Crowned as one of the world’s leaders in innovation and technology, this Japanese sector remains one of the country’s key economic drivers. Over the years, Japan has translated its rapid technological developments into various forms of revolutionary digital solutions to combat some of the world’s most pressing issues. In completing your internship in Japan, the very country that completely transformed the global digital landscape, you are guaranteed to be placed at the forefront in creating a bright future for generations to come with the most up-to-date technologies.

Japan accommodation

  • Furnished accommodation
  • Free Hi-Speed Wifi access
  • Close proximity to the workplace (within 1 hour or less)
  • Accessible by public transport
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Visa information

Japan can provide a Short Term Stay Visa, which allows foreign nationals to enter the country for tourism, commerce, business, training, conferences, visiting relatives, etc. The Short Term Stay Visa will allow you to stay in the country for up to 90 days. If your internship duration is longer than 3 months, you must leave the country and upon return you will receive an additional 90 days.

For certain foreign nationals, the Short Term Stay Visa will allow you to stay up to 6 months in the country. Within the initial 90 days upon arrival in the country, you can apply for a 90 day extension at the nearest immigration office. You are eligible to stay up to 6 months if you are a national of the following countries: Austria, Germany, Ireland, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

Apply online and our staff can offer you further support in regards to your visa eligibility for Japan.

Note: Immigration laws are updated frequently, so the above text may be subject to change.

Our process

1. Apply
Click "Apply Now", fill the form and schedule an interview to discuss your dream internship.
2. Interview
During your interview, one of our AIP representatives will ask you questions about your background, past work experiences, internship preferences and goals.
3. Pay Deposit
If you are officially accepted into AIP, you will be asked to confirm your spot in our program with a deposit fee.
4. Placement
Our experienced placement team will match you with your ideal host company and arrange an online interview for you with them.
5. Final Payment
Once your internship has been accepted by yourself and the host company, you will be invoiced for the final payment which will officially confirm your placement.
6. Prepare
After your payment confirmation: For remote internships: We will put you in contact with your host company so that you can start to work right away on your internship. For all the other AIP programs: We will assist you in the visa application process, as well as arranging airport pickup and accommodation (if applicable).
AIPx might be a suitable option for those that are in a hurry. Via AIPx, we will have a confirmed interview for you within 21 working days (The normal process can take up to 8 weeks).
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