7 Things You Should Know About Internships in Tokyo

Visitors to Japan always experience a culture shock. Things can feel so different, from the food to the toilets to the conversations you’ll have – and that’s good! 

Stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. We can all get stuck in a rut, and challenging yourself is one of the best ways of breaking out. And there’s no better way of doing that than fully immersing yourself in a foreign culture. 

But it’s a good idea to prepare yourself for your trip or placement. While there are some things that can only be learnt by experience, having a rough idea of what awaits you will help you adjust. Tokyo can be an especially peculiar city for travellers from abroad; and the last thing you’d want is to be impolite or rude. 

So, if you’re about to intern in Tokyo, here’s seven things you should know about life in the city.

Everyone knows that social norms and customs in Japan are different, so it’s a good idea to prepare for what that means in practice. The first thing you’ll notice is how often the Japanese bow. 

This greeting is a way of showing your respect to the people you meet. The society of Japan is highly hierarchical; the older you are, the more respect you’re afforded. So you’ll likely be bowing first, and more deeply, when you meet others. 

Keep in mind that many, especially younger people, won’t expect a bow and will instead offer a more Western-style handshake; but by taking the initiative and bowing, you’ll demonstrate your respect and willingness to immerse yourself in Japanese culture. 

As you go about day-to-day life, keep personal contact to a minimum and always remain punctual. As a general rule, try to keep things low-key; while you will inevitably stand out in Tokyo, try to draw as little attention to yourself as possible.

Ensure you don’t go making any faux pas’ and get clued up with our comprehensive guide to the differences between US and Japanese culture here.

While it’s improved in recent years, Japan isn’t the most linguistically diverse of countries. And that means that English coverage is patchy at best. 

But Tokyo is a prime location to find English speakers and other international languages. While you will find some signage in English, especially for public transport, it’s not a guarantee. So you’ll want to prepare by learning some key phrases before you travel. 

If in doubt, write down the address of where you’re staying on a card and you can hand it to a taxi driver. English is most widely spoken at popular tourist attractions, so you’ll likely be more comfortable there than anywhere else. 

Tokyo has a reputation for expense, but in reality it’s only as pricey as other prominent countries like the UK, France, or the USA. And if you approach things smartly, you won’t need to pay much at all.

Make use of Tokyo’s fantastic and futuristic public transport system to get around cheaply. And a JP Rail Pass is a great way to gain access to the bullet train and commuter trains. So you can discover more of the country, as well as Tokyo and the surrounding areas with ease. 

Meals can be expensive here but there are so many affordable options too. Search for the right restaurant or stall and you’ll find plenty of delicious food for well under $10. 

Japanese people eat out often due to their relatively small apartment sizes and kitchens. Which means there are options for all budgets. Keep an eye out for any restaurant or diner with a queue of locals outside for the best value – and the most delicious meals!

Speaking of food, make the most of Tokyo’s amazing food culture while you’re here. Japan has the highest number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the world. In fact, Tokyo hosts over three hundred of them! That means you’ll embark upon a culinary adventure like no other while you’re here. 

When you’re in Tokyo, look out for smaller establishments. Restaurants or cafes with only a few seats may look strange, but here the chefs put in the effort to personalize your meal. Sushi is a staple of Japan, but branch out and try as much as you can. Highlights of any trip will include grilled eel unagi and soba noodles. 

There’s an authentic international scene here too. If you’re craving the taste of home, or you’d simply like to expand your horizons, take advantage of a fantastic selection of international restaurants and stalls. Even the menus at familiar fast food restaurants have regional specialities you can try.  

Tokyo is an amazing city, and there’s so much to see and do. But while you’re here, use Tokyo as a base to explore as much of Japan as possible. 

Trains are fast and reliable, and the bullet train network criss-crosses the entire country. To begin with, you might want to head out to Mount Fuji, roughly 100km outside of Tokyo. Then branch out to discover the former capital Kyoto; this city is home to plenty of traditional wooden houses, quaint stone streets, and impressive temples. 

A few hours north of Tokyo, how about capping off your internship with a visit to Nikko? This UNESCO World Heritage site is nestled among striking mountains. It features the Toshogu Shrine; an immersive complex of beautiful buildings and religious artefacts.

You’ll be pleased to hear that Tokyo is one of the safest cities in the world. The crime rate in Japan is well below that of the US and European countries. That means you’ll feel secure as you walk the streets of Tokyo. 

Of course, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any crime at all in Tokyo. As mentioned, you will stand out from the locals, so it’s a good idea to take the precautions you’d normally take in a large city. Keep your wallet and phone in your front pockets, and regularly check them; or keep your purse or handbag firmly secure. 

Tokyo is largely a cash-based city, so you’ll be carrying it with you as you explore. Make sure you plan for each day and take only what you need; leave the rest securely in your accommodation.

As you walk the streets of Tokyo, you might not realize how much is going on beneath your feet. Tokyo has a thriving underground scene, including stores, restaurants, and bars. 

If you’re in Tokyo Station, head down into the connected Yaesu Shopping Mall; it’s a great way to stay off the streets and avoid busy crowds. Otherwise, experience delicious food stalls, inexpensive restaurants and markets as you explore under Tokyo!

Tokyo is a unique city. Travellers are regularly beguiled by an enchanting mix of futurism and tradition; and if you visit once, you’ll definitely want to come back. In fact, most people quote Japan as being the country they most want to return to. 

The Japanese are welcoming to tourists, students, and professionals alike. So learn as many customs as you can to demonstrate your respect for their country. From bowing respectfully to taking your shoes off before entering someone’s residence. But most of all, whatever your sector, Tokyo is the perfect place to kickstart your career with an internship. At Beyond Academy, we offer internships in 18 different industries all found in Tokyo. So if you’d like to begin planning your international adventure, contact us today and find out more!

Want to find out even more about interning in Tokyo? Learn everything there is to know with our comprehensive guide here.