Tour Manager - Japan

Collette is seeking experienced Tour Managers to lead tours along Japan’s Golden Route (Tokyo, Hakone, Ise-Shima, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima) for departures beginning Spring 2027, with additional opportunities in Autumn 2027 and Spring 2028. Must be available during our peak seasons:  Spring (March–June) and Autumn (September–November).

About Us:

There has never been a better time to be in the travel industry. As the longest-running tour operator in North America, now in our 108^th year, our family-owned business leads the industry in innovation and expertise. Collette has a long history of operating guided tours in Japan. Collette’s passionate team works hard to fulfill travel dreams and is always looking for talent that will help to shape the company’s future.  

We believe that your role as the on-the-ground face of our company is the most important aspect of a remarkable customer experience. Over the course of our guided tour, you’ll build rapport and develop relationships with your travelers, ensure that the group moves safely and efficiently through the experiences of the itinerary, keep the group informed and engaged in their surroundings, show the depth of culture and interact with local people, and find ways to enhance the experience and delight your group.

Tour Management is a rewarding and flexible role for someone who enjoys working both independently and as part of a team with Collette staff, partners, and vendors; connects quickly with a wide variety of people, can think on his/her feet; and has a true passion for sharing experiential learning opportunities with others. You’ll join a team of charismatic and dedicated travel professionals, and benefit from all the resources and support you need to make each travel program you lead into a success story.

We set ourselves apart in the industry through:

• Confirmed scheduling up to two years in advance
• 6–10 annual departures for top-performing Tour Managers
• 24/7 emergency and operational support from Collette Headquarters
• Long-standing, trusted in‑country operational partnerships
• A Tokyo‑based expert product design team ensuring culturally rich itineraries
• A competitive per diem, plus eligibility for our Tour Manager Incentive Plan

Primary Functions:

• Executing a travel itinerary and making the destination and sights come alive for your group
• Managing logistics and safety while providing a local, cultural, and historical narrative
• Delivering an excellent travel experience for our travelers that meets or exceeds our quality goals.
• Assume primary responsibility for travelers’ day-to-day well-being and enjoyment of the tour.
• Execute the pre-established travel itinerary and adhere to Collette’s brand standards.
• Flexibility to run each tour based on the needs of individual travelers within the agreed group itinerary.
• Owning feedback from travelers about their experience and being willing to improve any area through agreed coaching process.
• Provide commentary and guidance to enhance the traveler’s experience.
• Offer advice on food, shopping, and local activities during free time.
• Maintain daily expense accounts, retain receipts, and submit debrief reports and feedback within expected timeframes.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Minimum 5+ years’ experience leading guided tours for North American and Australian travellers
• Experience leading tours along Japan’s Golden Route (Tokyo, Hakone, Ise-Shima, Kanazawa, Takayama, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima)
• Fluent English
• National Certified Tour Guide-Interpreter licence holders encouraged but not required.
• Comfortable working with technology.