Freelance Tour Director - Japan

At EF, we believe the world is a better place when we make the effort to truly understand one another. If that resonates with you, you’ll find your community here.We’re looking for people with a deep love for Japan and a passion for sharing it with young travellers from North America. Whether your expertise lies in history, pop culture, fashion, food, sports, or beyond, you’ll inspire students to learn more about the world around them.As a Tour Director, you’ll lead North American high-school students alongside their teachers and chaperones, ensuring you’re part of a supportive team throughout the journey. You’ll be at the heart of this formative experience, bringing Japan to life and guiding your travellers every step of the way.What makes a great Tour Director?Passionate and knowledgeable about Japan in any fieldExperienced and adventurous travellerCalm and flexible under pressureOrganized and detail-orientedA natural storyteller and communicatorStrong believer in cross-cultural learningProficient in English and Japanese (Spanish- and French-speaking tours also available)Our Tour Directors come from all walks of life- from licensed guides, teachers, actors, musicians, photographers, and more. What they share is a love of connecting with people, managing the details that make a trip run smoothly, and creating unforgettable experiences.In this role, you will:Manage tour logistics and schedulesMaintain relationships with local suppliersEngage and inspire students and teachersBring energy, fun, and perspective to every momentAnd so much more!Details to know:You must live in Japan and have the legal right to work hereThis is a freelance role; tours are most common in March, April, June, and July (aligned with North American school travel)You can live anywhere in JapanSuccessful candidates will be invited to join a selection process and a three-day EF introduction to EF and the Tour Director role. This introduction is designed to familiarize you with EF’s approach, provide resources, and help you prepare for leading tours. Check out the video to learn more about the Tour Director role and how it makes a lasting impact on students:Ania's Lessons from Japan | EF Educational ToursIf the idea of inspiring the next generation of global citizens excites you, apply here: https://careers.ef.com/job/30969/EF ToursEF Educational Tours allows educators in North America to incorporate international travel into their lesson plans. Our escorted tours, known as the Global Classroom, bring student groups to experience first-hand the very best historic, cultural, and natural sites in the world. For more detailed information, please visit us on www.eftours.comAbout EF Education FirstAt EF we believe that the world is better when people try to understand one another. Since 1965, we have helped millions of people see new places, experience new cultures, and learn new things about the world and about themselves. Our culturally immersive education programs—focused on language, travel, cultural exchange, and academics—turn dreams into international opportunities.When you join EF, you join a multicultural and diverse community working across more than 600 schools and offices in 50 countries, all with one shared mission of opening the world through education. Whoever you are, whatever you are passionate about—we welcome you and want you to bring that to work every day. EF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to inclusion and belonging across race, ethnicity, gender, age, religion, caste, parental status, identity, experience and everything else that makes you unique.Founded in Sweden in 1965, EF has school and offices around the world, including hubs in Boston, London, Mexico City, São Paulo, Shanghai, Stockholm, Zürich, and more. Learn more at https://ef.com/careers.