Hello! Snow Monkey Resorts is Nagano’s best reviewed tour operator and a leading destination management company. Recently awarded a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award for one of our tours – recognized as one of the Top 10 Experiences in Japan for 2022 – we offer a range of tours in Nagano and nearby prefectures including visits to the Jigokudani Snow Monkey Park, the Zenko-ji temple complex, nearby historic towns, and ski resorts, along with many other destinations and activities. Our tours provide guests with a fun and informative experience of Japanese culture led by English-speaking guides.
With the international border set to open, we are seeking to add to our team of part-time guides with the possibility of a full-time position for the right candidate. Applicants living in the Nagano City, Hakuba and Iiyama/Nozawa areas would be ideal for this role however candidates based nearby will also be considered. Experience with tour guiding in Japan or abroad is advantageous however not essential.
Job Description
This role is ideally-suited to applicants with an interest in helping others enjoy and unlock Japanese culture, with the potential of a full-time position for applicants wanting to establish a long-term career in Nagano offering true potential for professional growth and development in a leading destination management company.
This role necessitates a natural enthusiasm for life in Japan, an ability to communicate well with others (including groups and a range of nationalities), punctuality and professionalism in all aspects of your work, basic record-keeping and money handling, and a willingness to adapt to the needs, expectations, and personalities of your guests. Applicants should be fluent in English and have a minimum of basic to conversational Japanese language ability.
Pay & Conditions
Rates of pay are dependent on the experience of the guide and type of tour. We are happy to discuss this with any suitable candidates. We operate every day of the year, meaning that we can offer work on any day of the week and are flexible to your schedule. For new guides, a typical tour involves around 8 hours of actual guiding, starting at 09:00 and finishing by 18:00 at our office at JR Nagano Station. In winter many tours also include the option of starting and finishing in Hakuba. Should you be interested in guiding to and from Hakuba, you would likely start between 07:30 to 08:00 and finish between 17:30 to 18:30 – higher rates apply for these tours. Should you be interested, we are also able to offer longer tours of 10 to 12 hours guiding along with short morning shifts of only 1 to 1.5 hours handling our morning check-in of guests. Training is provided with ongoing support to get you up and running as quickly as possible.
To apply for a position with us, please APPLY HERE or contact us by email: snowmonkeyresorts@machinovate.com
If contacting us by email, please include:
• a brief introductory message including your place of residence, days/hours of availability, and visa/work rights status in Japan
• a brief resume (pdf or MS Word doc) including photograph
Please also feel free to contact us with any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you!
