Gap Year Programs in Tokyo,Japan

Tokyo, a global powerhouse of finance and business, awaits you! Gain invaluable work experience in one of the world’s most cutting-edge and liveable cities. Working in Japan’s vibrant capital will elevate your career prospects and help you forge vital global connections. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or professional in transition, this is your chance to build a standout CV and seize your future! Our award-winning program, in partnership with 3,000+ companies and NGOs, is designed to fast-track your professional growth and you'll join our list of 15,000+ global alumni. Whether you’re a seasoned professional, a recent graduate, or still exploring your path, we have the perfect fit for you. Visit The Intern Group's website to learn more!

Get the chance to work with injured animals from the Amazon rainforest or at a shelter for sea turtles in one of our internships abroad. At the Institute for Global Studies, we help students gain invaluable work experience in their field from an international context. Wildlife shelter work can bring out the best of human nature. Connecting with abandoned animals instills a sense of accomplishment that few tasks provide. Apart from bonding with animals, gain insight into local communities and their interactions with wildlife in their area. Meet with students, residents, and the general public to learn about their customs. Common duties include food preparation, checking in animals, interpretation to the public, medical assistance, and community outreach.

Spend 12 incredible weeks exploring Tamarindo, Rome, and Tokyo, three unforgettable destinations that showcase the world’s diversity. This immersive semester blends cultural discovery, new adventures, and light language learning with a supportive travel community. In Tamarindo, Costa Rica (Weeks 1–4), surf warm Pacific waves, join a sea turtle conservation project, hike rainforest trails to Rio Celeste, and explore the Arenal volcano region. In Rome, Italy (Weeks 5–8), step into history at the Colosseum and Vatican, roll pasta and make gelato with local chefs, and take a day trip to Pompeii. In Tokyo, Japan (Weeks 9–12), experience the city’s neon energy, stroll through serene shrines and gardens, try karaoke with friends, and ride the bullet train to Kyoto to explore temples and traditional tea houses. Throughout your journey, you’ll live in EF student residences, travel with your cohort, and join weekly cultural activities plus weekend or overnight excursions. With flights, housing, EF’s global support, and optional U.S. college credit all included, The Globetrotter is more than study abroad; it’s your chance to grow, connect, and experience the world like never before.

Step into one of the world’s most dynamic destinations with our 5-week Japan Mini Semester. Designed for students aged 17-22 seeking a meaningful gap semester or alternative study abroad experience, this program offers a powerful blend of cultural immersion, outdoor adventure, and personal growth in Japan. From Tokyo’s ultra-modern buzz to Kyoto’s ancient temples, and into the heart of the Japanese Alps and Hiroshima’s legacy of resilience, you’ll live and learn alongside local communities, engage in meaningful service, and reflect on your own potential. Through workshops in leadership, sustainability, and global awareness, you’ll build confidence and skills that last far beyond the program. With all logistics managed, experienced mentors leading the way, and opportunities for optional college credit, this immersive experience will leave you inspired and connected to a culture that honors tradition and embraces the new. Inquire now to explore a gap semester unlike any other... in Japan.

Internship in Japan by SEKAIA Inc. (formerly ICC Consultants Inc.) Internship in Japan by SEKAIA is Japan’s leading internship program, connecting global talent with professional opportunities across the country. Based in the heart of Tokyo since 1988, we offer one of the largest networks of exciting placements for students and young professionals. Guided by our vision to “Explore the World,” the program goes beyond work experience—you’ll discover Japan’s culture, business, and people while growing as a global professional. From Finance to Fashion, Robotics to Journalism, Game Design to Event Management, and IT to Trade—we have opportunities to match your goals. No Japanese language skills? No problem. The world is open to you with SEKAIA. Our multinational team supports you every step of the way, offering 24-hour assistance, insurance, and personalized services to ensure a smooth and rewarding experience. Start your journey today—send us a message and take the first step toward your future in Japan!

Our award-winning program gives students the opportunity to spend the summer developing their professional skills on a full-time internship in Tokyo. Live and work in this unique city and build unique experience that will help you stand out in an increasingly competitive job market. Work within your industry of choice with over 30 fields to choose from, including Entrepreneurship, IT, Business, Green Technology and Marketing/PR. Absolute Internship organises company visits, career development workshops as well as cultural activities, day trips and weekend excursions to help you gain valuable industry insights and explore Japan. This is an all-inclusive program, including high-quality central housing, cultural activities, group dinners, and 24/7 on-site support from our Program Coordinator. Absolute Internship has been featured in the New York Times, BBC News, Bloomberg, and Forbes Magazine. We have placed 4000+ interns at 800+ companies worldwide.

Begin your international teaching journey with an accredited 120-hour TEFL course, now available for teachers heading to Japan. This program is designed for anyone eager to gain a globally recognized qualification and explore one of Asia’s most fascinating countries. The course covers key teaching skills including lesson planning, classroom management, and practical teaching methodologies, with flexible online study and full tutor support. Upon completion, you will earn a certificate respected by schools and employers across Japan and worldwide. Japan is a top TEFL destination, blending rich traditions with cutting-edge modern life. With this qualification, you can secure teaching positions in leading cities such as Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka. Whether you dream of exploring temples, experiencing world-famous cuisine, or enjoying vibrant city life, Japan offers the perfect backdrop for your teaching career. Benefit from international accreditation, flexible study options, and lifelong resources. Join a global network of graduates and take your first step towards teaching English in Japan — and beyond.

Our Japanese summer program allows students to experience the Land of the Rising Sun through hands-on courses in the heart of Osaka and day trips to Tokyo, Kyoto, Kobe, Nagoya, and Hiroshima! They explore Japan from the feudal to the modern period with courses individually selected to appeal to most of them! Our instructors are experts in Japanese culture and language and are committed to providing them with a safe and unique abroad experience they will remember for a lifetime! World Class Programs is a study abroad program that gives high school students safe, educational, and worldly experiences. This is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds excited about immersing themselves in Japanese culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program will offer various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, and Japanese language and cuisine.

LTL Language School is a perfect fit for students looking to improve their Japanese quickly. Everyone is welcome to our schools, from beginner to advanced students, of all ages and nationalities. Our comprehensive Japanese programs allow students maximum flexibility. You can study at LTL for a week up to a full year. Our group classes are kept small, with no more than six students per class, to ensure you get plenty of attention from the teachers and time to ask questions. However, most groups only include 2 or 3 students to maximize your ability to learn Japanese fast. Tailored 1-on-1 classes are also available, and accommodation with carefully selected Japanese host families is encouraged to maximize each participant's exposure to the language and culture. Here at LTL, we have welcomed thousands of students since 2007 and are one of Asia's most trusted and premier language schools.

Are you a student or young professional looking to enhance your career prospects through international work experience and hands-on learning? At Intern Abroad HQ, we help students and young professionals turn career aspirations into reality. We organize affordable internships in 20 destinations across 24 career fields that are tailored to meet each individual’s academic, professional, or personal requirements. With over 200 internship programs across Europe, Asia, Africa, Central America and South America to choose from, and options to intern from 2 weeks to 6 months either full-time or part-time, in-country or virtually, we facilitate career-enhancing experiences that work for you, not just the host organization. Intern Abroad HQ is proudly brought to you by the team behind International Volunteer HQ. We have collectively supported over 120,000 program participants since 2007 and are the only B Corp certified provider in our field.

Study Japanese in Tokyo and have an experience you will never forget! Learn the language in an authentic way, which is so much easier when you are surrounded by people who speak it. Soon, you will do more than speak fluently with the locals—you will feel like a local, too! On this trip, you will learn in classes (20 lessons per week) by day and practice by night. With small group classes and optional extras to help, this is the very best way you can learn Japanese. Global Work & Travel offers the complete package and a real-world, international experience to go with it. We'll get you sorted with all the essentials, from finding the right class to securing accommodation, plus all the support you need before, during, and even after your trip. This program is perfect for those who want to visit the country to learn the language and become a part of it! Get started today!

Japan is a top destination for so many reasons. It is exciting, fascinating and full of unexpected surprises. Our 13 day tour packs in all of the must-see sites, including Mount Fuji and The Golden Pavilion. It also ensures that travelers experience the unknown side of Japan. This tour combines fun activities with immersion into Japanese culture and history. There are also plenty of option activities - including real life Mario Karting - so you can tailor experience to your interests! Day 1 - 4: Tokyo - Gaze at the giant Godzilla, the Sensou-ji Temple and The Imperial Palace. On top of this, take part in a sushi-masterclass, watch sumo wrestlers train and visit the Harajuku Fashio District, plus much more... Day 5: Kamakura - Visit the Giant Buddha and enjoy the sunset on the beach. Day 6: Hakone - See magnificent Mount Fuji from a pirate ship on Lake Ashi Day 7 - 9: Kyoto - tour the city, spend time in Pontocho Alley, near the Geisha District and sample some sake Day 10 - 11: Hiroshima - Visit the famous Golden Pavilion and Miyajima Island Day 12 - 13: Osaka - descend into the donjon and enjoy a drink at thee infamous Kamikaze Bar