This study reports on a teaching practice that integrates a pre-internship–based experiential learning program into a practical hotel Japanese course. The study describes how participation in this program influenced learners’ practical understanding of hotel operations and their awareness of Japanese language use. The primary research method was semi-structured interview, supplemented by learning portfolios and questionnaires, and the data were analyzed quantitatively. The findings indicate that participants acquired practical knowledge and skills that are difficult to obtain through classroom instruction. In addition, participants became more aware of the importance of language use in professional contexts and recognized their limited Japanese proficiency. These results suggest that pre-internship–based experiential learning may promote learners’ practical understanding and awareness in hotel Japanese education.