Hospitality Work Program in Japan

Ashiraj's Hospitality Work Program in Japan gives culinary candidates an intensive introduction to Japanese language and kitchen culture before a hands-on restaurant placement in Tokyo or Kansai.

Program Details

Detail	Information
Duration	12 weeks total (3–4 week language phase + 8-week placement)
Program fee	From US$4,800 (round trip to Japan not included) until 15 December 2026, and from US$4,950 after that date
Program start dates	Multiple fixed start dates throughout the year
Location	Tokyo and Kansai (Kyoto/Osaka/Kobe)
Compensation	Unpaid placement; meals provided on shift days
Typical application process	3–6 months, including a skills portfolio review

About the program

Participants spend the first three to four weeks in intensive Japanese language lessons with weekly cooking workshops, staying in shared accommodation. The remaining eight weeks are a full-time placement in a partner restaurant, working alongside professional chefs to learn Japanese culinary technique and kitchen discipline first-hand.

Because the placement is unpaid, this program is best suited to candidates who are prioritising skill-building and cultural immersion over compensation.

Advantages of a hospitality placement in Japan

• Train in an internationally respected culinary tradition
• Build practical Japanese language skills through daily immersion
• Opportunity to obtain university credit
• Network with restaurant groups in Tokyo and Kansai
• Live and work in Japan

Shared dormitory-style accommodation is arranged during the language phase, and shared apartment housing during the placement; both are self-catering, with some meals provided on shift days by the host restaurant. Participants receive ongoing support from an Ashiraj coordinator and our Japanese partner, and are issued a Certificate of Completion after the final evaluation.

Program Eligibility

• Age 18–35
• Minimum 12 months of culinary or hospitality education
• Submission of a short culinary skills portfolio or video as part of the application
• Basic conversational English; no Japanese required to apply
• Valid passport with at least 12 months remaining validity