10 Internships for High School Students in Tokyo
High school is a good time to start building experience, and internships can help you do that. When you take part in an internship, you can strengthen your profile and resume, improve your employability, and gain practical experience in a field you are interested in. You’ll also get a better idea of how workplaces operate, which can help you make more informed choices about your future studies and career path. Internships give you the chance to gain relevant hands-on work experience, learn new skills, or meet professionals and gain valuable connections.
If you want to check out other international internships on offer, find a list of free ones here! And for those more interested in business-specific offerings, check out this blog!
What internships are available for high schoolers in Tokyo?
High schoolers in Tokyo may find internships in areas such as business, technology, research, media, education, design, hospitality, and nonprofit work. Some internships are more structured and offer guided learning, while others may involve shadowing professionals or assisting with simple tasks. You may also find virtual or hybrid options, which can be useful if you want flexibility or are still building experience. Internships can help you learn workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving. They can also give you a clearer sense of what a career in a certain field looks like on a day-to-day basis.
In this blog, we have narrowed down the list to 10 internships for high school students in Tokyo that can help you learn, explore, and build your profile.
Key takeaways
This list covers 10 internships in Tokyo spanning business, technology, law, consulting, and nonprofit work, with standout hosts including a major internet company, one of Japan's leading law firms, and Ladder Internships.
Costs vary widely here, from a fully government-funded science exchange trip on one end to programs with fees running into the thousands of dollars for accommodation, coursework, and structured career coaching on the other.
Ladder Internships is the only fully remote, startup-based option on this list, while a company visit program offers a shorter, lower-commitment way to see how a major Tokyo employer operates without a full project-based workload.
Access varies by program: some require being physically in Tokyo or attending a specific partner school, a couple set a minimum age of 18 for in-person participation, and fully remote options are open regardless of location or age past 16.
Most of these run on rolling admissions, so applying early gives you the best shot at a seat, though one business-focused program has a fixed application window in mid-to-late May, followed by a second round in late June.
1. Sakura Science High School Program (SSHP)
Location: Various host institutions across Japan (including Tokyo)
Cost/Stipend: Fully funded; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Typically small national delegations (varies by country, often a few students per cohort)
Dates: Usually 1-week programs held multiple times a year
Application Deadline: Varies by country and nominating institution
Eligibility: High school students (primarily science stream) nominated through schools or government/partner institutions; Often first-time visitors to Japan
In this program, you’ll participate in a short-term scientific exchange in Japan, where you’ll explore advanced research and technology environments. You’ll attend special lectures delivered by leading scientists and visit top universities, research institutes, and innovation centers. You’ll also interact with Japanese high school students, which helps you understand different academic systems and cultures. Throughout the program, you’ll take part in hands-on activities and discussions that build your interest in science and technology. You'll experience Japanese culture alongside academic learning, giving you a well-rounded exposure. By the end of the program, you will have gained insight into global scientific collaboration and developed a clearer understanding of potential STEM career paths.
2. Ladder Internship Program
Location: Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Varies (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Multiple cohorts throughout the year
Application Deadline: Varies depending on the cohort
Eligibility: High school students who can work for 10-20 hours/week for 8-12 weeks
Ladder Internships is a selective start-up internship program for ambitious high school students! In the program, you’ll get to work with a high-growth start-up on internships across a variety of industries, from tech/deep tech and AI/ML to health tech, marketing, journalism, consulting, and more. Ladder’s start-ups are high-growth companies that, on average, raise over a million dollars. As an intern, you will work closely with your managers and a Ladder Coach on real-world projects and present your work to the company. Here is the application form.
3. CyberAgent High School Visit Program
Location: CyberAgent, Inc. office, Tokyo, Japan + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible; Year-round availability
Application Deadline: 2weeks – 3 months before the desired date (via school or group application)
Eligibility: Junior high and high school students across Japan
The CyberAgent High School Visit Program allows you to explore how a major internet company operates through a structured company visit, either online or at its Tokyo office. You’ll learn about CyberAgent’s business, services, and workplace culture through presentations and direct interactions with employees. The program introduces you to how teams function within an internet and technology company, helping you understand potential career paths in the industry. During in-person visits, you may also take part in guided office tours, where you can observe creative and collaborative workspaces. You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and engage with professionals, gaining insight into real-world work environments.
4. Immerse Education – Tokyo Track
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies according to program (financial aid available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: 2 weeks during the summer
Application Deadline: Multiple summer cohorts with rolling admissions
Eligibility: High school students aged 15-18
The Career Insights Program lets high school students explore careers in major global industry hubs. The Tokyo track is designed to immerse you in Tokyo’s iconic industries – from anime studios to global tech headquarters and precision manufacturing hubs – where you’ll learn how ideas become reality. As a participant, you’ll engage in project-based learning with established companies, attend interactive workshops, and visit offices, factories, and headquarters. The program also includes in-person weekly 1:1 career coaching sessions and sessions where you will receive personalized feedback on your resume and overall profile. You’ll also present your findings to industry experts at the end of the program. You can find more details about the application here!
5. Temple University, Japan Campus (TUJ): High School Summer Program
Location: Temple University – Japan Campus, Tokyo, Japan + excursions around Tokyo and Nikko
Cost/Stipend: ~$2,094 program fee + ~ $123 registration fee; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: July 29 – August 6
Application Deadline: Typically rolling
Eligibility: High school students; No prior Japanese language experience required
In this program, you’ll experience university-style learning while exploring Japanese culture in Tokyo. You’ll take Japanese language classes along with elective courses modeled after undergraduate subjects, which helps you understand how college academics work. You’ll also participate in cultural excursions, including visits around Tokyo and an overnight trip, which gives you hands-on exposure to Japan beyond the classroom. Throughout the program, you’ll interact with students from different countries as well as local Japanese students, helping you build global connections. You’ll stay in a structured and supervised environment, which allows you to develop independence while still being supported.
6. United Planet Virtual Internships
Location: Virtual (projects based in 20+ countries, including Japan)
Cost/Stipend: $800 – $2,300 (scholarships up to ~$350 available); unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Flexible start dates; 1-6 months with 5-40 hours/week commitment
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions year-round
Eligibility: High school students (16+), as well as college students and professionals
In this internship, you’ll work remotely with nonprofits and social impact organizations across different countries. You’ll choose a focus area such as education, global health, environmental sustainability, or community development, depending on your interests. As an intern, you’ll collaborate with international teams and contribute to real projects like research, content creation, fundraising, or program support. Throughout the experience, you will receive guidance from a program coordinator who helps shape your role and learning goals. You’ll also develop cross-cultural communication skills while working with people from different backgrounds.
7. Komuro Consulting Group High School Internship Program
Location: Komuro Consulting Group Office, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: None
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Selective; Limited cohort size
Dates: August 14 – 16
Application Deadline: May 18 – 29 (Round 1); June 29 – July 10 (Round 2)
Eligibility: High school students worldwide with an interest in business or entrepreneurship (parental permission required)
In this internship, you’ll explore consulting and business strategy through short, intensive workshops held in Tokyo. You will learn how business models work and take part in activities where you design and present your own ideas. You’ll collaborate with other high school and university students, which helps you understand teamwork in a professional setting, and receive guidance directly from experienced professionals, including the company’s leadership. Throughout the program, you’ll participate in discussions, case-based learning, and sometimes business competitions. By the end of the internship, you will gain a basic understanding of consulting, along with practical experience in presenting and evaluating business ideas.
8. Nishimura & Asahi High School Internship Program
Location: Nishimura & Asahi Law Firm, Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Not specified
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not disclosed
Dates: 1 week (tentative)
Application Deadline: Not publicly listed (school-based nomination/selection)
Eligibility: High school students from partner international schools in Tokyo
In this internship, you’ll explore the legal profession by working inside one of Japan’s leading law firms. You’ll observe how lawyers handle real cases and support ongoing legal work through guided tasks, interact with legal professionals, and gain insight into areas such as corporate law and public interest work. You’ll also learn how law firms operate in an international setting, especially in a global city like Tokyo. Throughout the program, you’ll build an understanding of legal research and professional communication. This experience helps you explore whether a future in law or related fields aligns with your interests.
9. Beyond Academy Tokyo Internship Program
Location: Various host companies across industries in Tokyo, Japan
Cost/Stipend: Varies; Unpaid
Acceptance rate/cohort size: Not specified
Dates: Multiple cohorts in a year
Application Deadline: Rolling admissions
Eligibility: Applicants should be at least 18
In this program, you’ll complete a professional internship placement in Tokyo across industries such as technology, business, marketing, or fashion. You’ll work with a host company where you will contribute to real projects and learn how organizations operate in a global environment. You will also attend networking events, workshops, and cultural activities organized by the program. Throughout the experience, you’ll receive career guidance and support that helps you build professional skills. You’ll interact with both local and international professionals, which helps you understand workplace expectations in Japan.
10. The Intern Group: Internships in Japan (Tokyo)
Location: Various organizations across Tokyo, Japan + Virtual
Cost/Stipend: Approx. $4,864 – $9,592 (scholarships may be available); Unpaid
Acceptance rate: Selective
Dates: Year-round start dates (multiple intakes each month)
Application Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Students who are at least 18 years old to participate in the in-person internship program or at least 16 years old to participate in the remote internship program
In this program, you’ll complete a professional internship in Tokyo that is tailored to your interests, such as business, marketing, consulting, or media. You will be placed with a host company and work on real projects, where you may conduct research, assist with operations, or support client work. You’ll also receive career development support, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and one-on-one coaching. Throughout the program, you will attend networking events and cultural activities, which help you build connections with professionals and other interns from around the world. You’ll gain exposure to Japanese work culture and develop skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.
Questions students often ask about these internships
1. Do I need to already speak Japanese to apply to these internships?
No, most of these programs are conducted in English or provide language support, since many are designed with international or exchange students in mind. A few do involve Japanese language coursework as part of the experience, but that is a feature, not a requirement to get in.
2. Some of these programs charge a fee. Are they still worth the investment?
Often yes, particularly if you value the cultural immersion, career coaching, or industry access that comes with them. Fee-based programs tend to include housing, structured mentorship, or company visits that would be hard to arrange on your own. If cost is a concern, look into scholarships or financial aid before deciding a program is out of reach.
3. Do I need to be physically in Tokyo to take part in any of these opportunities?
Some do require being on the ground in Tokyo, while a few offer fully remote formats you can complete from anywhere. Check the location and eligibility details closely, since a couple of programs set a higher minimum age for their in-person option than for their remote one.