Guide

Explore Niseko is a leading activities booking center and provider in the renowned Niseko area of Hokkaido, Japan. Committed to delivering exceptional hospitality and unforgettable experiences, we cater to guests from around the world who come to enjoy the world-class skiing and snowboarding, as well as the unique cultural offerings of the region.

We are currently seeking versatile and enthusiastic Guides to join our team for the upcoming season. As a Guide at Explore Niseko, you will lead a variety of tours, including snowshoe tours, onsen tours, and city tours, and provide driving services as needed. Your role will be to ensure guests have an enjoyable, informative, and safe experience while exploring the best that Niseko has to offer.

• Lead a variety of guided tours including snowshoe tours, onsen visits, and city tours, providing insightful and engaging commentary

• Ensure the safety and comfort of guests throughout the tours

• Assist with driving guests to various locations as needed, ensuring timely and safe transport

• Educate guests about the local culture, history, and natural environment of the Niseko area

• Provide instructions and guidance on snowshoeing techniques and safety measures

• Monitor weather conditions and adjust tour plans as necessary to ensure guest safety

• Assist guests with equipment fitting and provide support as needed

• Maintain a welcoming and friendly atmosphere, addressing guest inquiries and enhancing their overall experience

• Collaborate with other team members to ensure seamless operation of tours and activities

• Hiking/Trekking guiding and Avalanche Training certifications

• Previous experience in guiding or leading tours, preferably in a variety of settings such as outdoor, cultural, and city environments

• Strong knowledge of guiding in winter conditions

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and educate guests of all ages and backgrounds

• Valid international driver's license with a clean driving record

• Strong physical fitness and stamina for outdoor activities in winter conditions.

• Ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment

• Fluency in English; additional language skills (e.g., Japanese) are a plus

• First aid and CPR certification

• Must have or be eligible for a Japanese Working Holiday Visa

• Seasonal employment with the opportunity for extension (Dec 1st, 2024 - March 15th, 2025)

• Competitive hourly wage with opportunities for tips - ¥2100 per guiding hour, ¥1600 per non-guiding hour - Estimated 30 total hours per week

• Plenty of skiing/riding time available

• Access to discounted activities and services in the Niseko area

• 50% Grand Hirafu - Hanazono Lift Pass value reimbursement upon completion of the contract and end-of-season performance review

• Japan National Health Insurance coverage - deducted from salary

• Staff housing options available - deducted from salary

• 2 complimentary transfer dates from New Chitose Airport to Staff accommodation

• Income tax and pension

• Japan National Health Insurance

• Staff accommodation

If you have a passion for guiding and love sharing the wonders of Niseko with others, we want to hear from you! To apply, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a copy of your driver's license to [email protected] with the subject line “Explore Niseko - Guide” + your name. Be sure to tell us why you're interested in joining the Explore Niseko team and what makes you a great fit for this position. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

Shortlisted candidates will be contacted throughout June and July for an interview.