Insider (Day Guide/Tour Leader)

InsideJapan Tours Ltd.

Company

InsideJapan Tours Ltd.

Job ID

155824

Location

Tokyo, Japan

Post date

May 21, 2025

Industry

Tourism / Travel / Hospitality

Function

Tour Operator, Tour Guide

Work Type

Full Time / Entry Level

Remote work

Available

Salary

¥3.8M ~ ¥3.8M / Year

Insider (Day Guide in Kansai/Kanto) – August 2025 Start

Tour Leader (Insider – Japan) – September 2025 Start

Branch: Japan branch
Work location: Across our destinations in Japan (your permanent base is in Tokyo, Osaka, or Kyoto)
Full time
Reports to: Field Operations Team Leader
Start date: August and September 2025

**Note: Only those who are invited to complete the written application will be contacted.

Our Values
In everything we do at Inside Travel Group, we strive to deliver a Quality and Friendly service with Integrity, Determination and Passion using our collective Knowledge. This is at the heart of the organisation, and the company looks for every individual to demonstrate this daily. Each member of the team is expected to exemplify the company values through their work and professional conduct. We expect everyone to set an example to those around them and to be conscious that they are representing the company when working with customers and partner organisations.

Our Culture
You will be part of a fun, friendly team of employees, all of whom share a passion for our destinations, a belief in our brands and a strong collective sense of values and purpose. Our work culture is supportive, creative, and dedicated, and it is at its best when we all try to lead by example; the more you put in, the more you and the team get out, and it will be important that you play your part.

Job Purpose
Our Insiders are the face of our business, being consummate in-destination hosts for our Small Group Tours and Insider Day/Evening products by acting in accordance with our values and adhering to our motto: Get beneath the surface. They are also our eyes and ears, our boots-on-the-ground, informing our product and marketing strategy by providing innovative insight into new openings, trends, and developments.

The Role(s)
As an Insider, you’ll split your time between leading our small group tours, as well as hosting our Insider Day/Insider Evening products, preparing for and conducting unforgettable experiences for our clients on the ground.

As a Kanto/Kansai Insider, you will focus on guiding clients around targeted areas, displaying exceptional, tailored customer service. You will be executing our Insider Day/Insider Evening products, preparing for and conducting unforgettable experiences for our clients on the ground.

These are exceptionally fast-paced and varied roles, with no two days the same; an outstanding ability to be flexible and think on your feet is paramount.

Strong Japanese ability and understanding of cultural nuances are a must to ensure that you can work closely with our suppliers and be the mediator between them and the clients.

You’ll have the opportunity to share your unique insight daily, engaging clients in informative discussions around Japanese history, culture, heritage and traditions, as well as sharing your experiences of modern day living in Japan.

Key responsibilities:

• For both roles, leading ‘Insider Days’ (full-day, half-day and evening tours for clients on tailor-made holidays) with an exceptional level of customer service
• As an Tour Leader (Insider), leading our group tour clients on multi-week tours around Japan
• Once you gain confidence and demonstrate skills in your role, there could be opportunities to work with VIP clients and on privately escorted holidays
• Looking after clients’ health and safety through regular briefings and in practice on the ground and dealing with hazards and incidents in the appropriate manner
• Looking after clients’ dietary requirements
• Building and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers and partners
• Thorough preparation for tours
• Cultural talks, explanations, sharing of insights and experiences proactively with clients in creative and fun ways

Experiencing Japanese cuisine is a particular highlight for many of our clients, and the responsibility lies with you to ensure that they are provided with a gastronomical experience throughout their stay.

Balancing all of this for a group whilst taking care of individual needs is no easy feat - your ability to keep calm under pressure, quickly and discretely resolving issues as they arise whilst also limiting any impact on the wider group, will be a key asset to your performance in this role.

These roles involve working closely with a diverse team including clients, suppliers, and various internal departments such as PR, Product, Sustainability, and Customer Experience. Insiders are expected to collaborate with colleagues, share knowledge, and represent the brand professionally across different touchpoints—whether that’s guiding travelers, liaising with local partners, or contributing to content creation and sustainability efforts. These positions are integral to delivering high-quality travel experiences and upholding the company’s standards and values in every interaction.

In preparation for these roles, the company offers thorough support and on-going training. New Insiders receive comprehensive on-the-ground training, mentorship from experienced team members, and a training tour to build practical guiding skills. This strong support network, centered around the Nagoya office, ensures that new recruits are well-equipped with both logistical know-how and rich local insights. Sharing best practices and up-to-date recommendations is part of a collaborative culture that helps each Insider excel.

InsideJapan is looking for passionate individuals eager to embark on a fulfilling two-year journey with us. This role offers the chance to explore Japan in depth while delivering unforgettable experiences to our clients. It’s a fast-paced and dynamic position that can involve extended days, weekends, holidays, and consecutive tours during peak seasons—perfect for those who thrive in energetic, ever-changing environments.

We value flexibility, reliability, and a strong customer-first mindset. As an Insider, you'll play a key role in managing logistics, solving problems on the go, and ensuring every trip runs smoothly—all while staying calm under pressure and maintaining a positive attitude.

This is a professional opportunity with real responsibilities. It’s not a vacation—it’s a chance to grow, challenge yourself, and make a lasting impact on travelers’ lives through exceptional service and cultural immersion.

These jobs require a mix of practical, interpersonal, and cultural skills. Candidates should have strong Japanese and English language abilities, public speaking skills, and a deep understanding of Japanese culture. They must also be physically fit and able to manage extensive walking and travel logistics.

Key traits include charisma, resilience, organization, cultural sensitivity, and a proactive attitude toward both self-improvement and client service. Ultimately, the company is looking for professionals who are enthusiastic, dependable, and genuinely passionate about sharing Japan with others.



Beneficial skills and experience
• JLPT N2 certification
• 2+ years of tour leading experience
• Budget management responsibility
• Certification in specialist areas of knowledge related to Japan
• Specialist outdoors skillsets, such as long-distance cycling, hiking, and trekking
• Degree in travel, tourism, Japan Studies or similar
• Travel industry experience

Pay and remuneration

Basic salary: From JPY3,825,900 per year depending on experience and ability. Unlike many other travel companies, the salary is consistent and irrelevant to days worked during a particular month.

Allowance and Bonuses: A per night subsistence payment while leading a small group tour. Bonus schemes you are eligible for are paid at the end of each year. Tips are given at the discretion of your clients. Additional benefits are the provision of Japanese health care insurance and visa support if needed.

About Inside Travel Group
Inside Travel Group (ITG) is a specialist tour operator headquartered in Bristol, UK, with offices located in Broomfield, Colorado, Brisbane, Australia, and Nagoya, Japan. The company consists of specialist travel brands InsideJapan Tours, established in 2000, and InsideAsia Tours, which specialises in travel to Asia.

The multi-award winning InsideJapan is one of the world’s largest and most respected independent providers of travel to Japan. The company offers unique group tours, tailored travel, and cultural experiences that few get the chance to discover. With years of experience living, working, and travelling in our destination countries, our team offers unrivalled advice and support, whatever our customers’ budget or personal interests.

Our holidays give people the chance to experience both the popular and little-known aspects of Japanese and Asian culture, providing customers with an insight into the diverse character of the countries we love.

Closing date for applications: 20th June 2025 (17:00 JST).
Initial interviews to take place: from 26th May 2025, or earlier.

The above information is a public job advertisement. This is neither an offer nor a contract.