Craft the Future of Sustainable, Adventure Tourism in Japan
Location: Fully Remote (Within Japan)
Employment Type: Full-Time (Remote)
Experience: Little to No Travel Industry Experience Required (Comprehensive Training Provided)
Language Requirement: Business English & Japanese (JLPT N2 or above)
About KODO Travel
KODO Travel is a boutique travel design company on a mission to reshape how the world experiences Japan. We specialize in luxury, adventure, and deeply immersive itineraries that take international travelers off the beaten path and into the heart of rural Japan.
We don’t do mass tourism. Our focus is heavily rooted in sustainable tourism—we partner directly with local artisans, regional guides, and family-owned ryokans to ensure that our tours respect local environments, preserve cultural heritage, and inject economic value directly into rural communities.
Founded by Mike (30+ years in Japan’s adventure travel sector) and Shannon (former marketing specialist at Tourism New Zealand), we are a close-knit, highly collaborative team of 12. We work hand-in-hand with local governments and tourism boards to open up hidden corners of Japan to the world.No prior travel industry experience? No problem. If you have a deep, lived knowledge of Japan, a high level of Japanese proficiency, and a passion for storytelling, we will train you from scratch to become an expert Travel Designer.
Why Join Us?
- Paid Destination Research (Fam Trips): You can’t design great travel without experiencing it. You will regularly step away from your desk to go on fully funded “familiarization trips”—testing regional hiking trails, reviewing luxury ryokans, trying local activities, and building relationships with our rural partners.
- Champion Sustainable Tourism: You will play a direct role in combating over-tourism by designing itineraries that highlight regional Japan, supporting local economies and keeping ancient traditions alive.
- 100% Fully Remote Work: Enjoy the absolute freedom to work from anywhere in Japan. We only meet in person once a month (in Odawara or Tokyo) to reconnect and catch up.
- A Flat, Global Culture: We prioritize creative freedom, problem-solving, and results over rigid corporate hierarchies or long overtime hours.
Key Qualifications
- We are looking for someone who already loves Japan and wants to turn that passion into a career.
- Deep Personal Experience in Japan: You have lived, traveled, or worked extensively in Japan and possess a genuine love for its rural cultures and landscapes.
- Language Proficiency: Business-level English (written and spoken) AND Japanese proficiency at a JLPT N2 level or above (essential for communicating smoothly with local Japanese vendors).
- Attention to Detail: Accuracy with numbers, dates, and logistics is critical to ensuring our luxury clients have flawless trips.
- Valid Work Visa: You must currently reside in Japan with a valid visa that permits full-time work. (We can assist with visa renewals/status changes once hired).
Compensation, Hours & Benefits
- Salary: 260,000 yen – 320,000 yen – skill and experience dependent
- Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Flexible hours available after a 3-month probation period).
- Benefits: Full Japanese social insurance (Health, Pension, Employment), annual health check-ups, and commuting allowance for monthly meetings.
How to Apply
We care more about your passion for Japan and your drive to learn than a perfectly tailored travel resume.To apply, please email mia@kodotravel.com with:
- Your CV/Resume.
- A short paragraph (or cover letter) telling us about your favorite hidden, rural destination in Japan and why you think international travelers should experience it.
Recruitment Contact: mia@kodotravel.com
