Licensed Tour Guide (Freelance or Full-time) – Japan

About Explera DMC

Explera DMC is a premier Destination Management Company dedicated to delivering exceptional travel and event experiences worldwide. We operate with a global mindset while maintaining rigorous compliance standards.

Role overview

We are hiring licensed tour guides in Japan who guide in English, Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese or Hindi. Explera's partners send us guests from Latin America, Spain, Russia, France, the Middle East, China, Japan, Brazil, Portugal, India and English-speaking markets, and we need guides who can host them in their own language.

You can work with us as a freelancer, paid per tour or per day and choosing the dates you accept, or on our payroll as a full-time guide with a regular roster. Tell us which you prefer when you apply; both are welcome.

You will lead city tours, day trips and multi-day tours across Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka, look after guests' safety and comfort, and keep our operations team informed throughout the day.

Key responsibilities

1. Guiding in your language

• Lead tours across Tokyo, Mount Fuji and Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka with accurate, engaging commentary in your guiding language
• Adapt pace and content for families, seniors, incentive groups and FIT travellers
• Explain local customs, etiquette and rules at every site, and help with meals, shopping and photos

2. Guest care & safety

• Count and brief guests at every stop, and keep the group together
• Help with dietary needs (vegetarian, Jain, halal, kosher, allergies)
• Handle illness, lost items and emergencies calmly, and call operations straight away

3. Coordination & reporting

• Confirm timings with drivers, restaurants and attractions before each tour
• Report incidents, delays and guest feedback to operations the same day
• Keep receipts and complete a short tour report after each assignment

Requirements

• The National Government Licensed Guide Interpreter (全国通訳案内士) or a Regional Guide Interpreter qualification. For languages without a national exam (such as Hindi), proven paid guiding experience in Japan
• Fluent in at least one of: English, Spanish, Russian, French, Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Portuguese or Hindi. More than one guiding language is a strong plus
• Japanese for working with our local team and suppliers
• At least 1 year of paid guiding
• Friendly, punctual and confident with groups; available early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays when booked
• Valid right to work in Japan (freelancers: registered to invoice or be paid per tour under local rules)

Freelance or on payroll

• Freelance: paid per tour or per day at an agreed rate; you accept the dates that suit you; you handle your own tax as a self-employed guide
• On payroll: a full-time employment contract with a monthly salary, statutory benefits and a regular roster
• Both: the same training on our guests' markets, clear tour briefs from operations and support on the day

Why join Explera DMC?

• Regular tours all year with Explera's partners in Japan
• Guests from many markets in your own language
• Be part of a dynamic, growing DMC with a strong compliance culture
• Autonomy to own your role and drive process improvements