Teaching English in JapanBack to Tefl World

Welcome to the Land of the Rising Sun

Japan is a country where centuries‑old traditions coexist with cutting‑edge technology. Neon‑lit cityscapes sit alongside ancient temples, and annual cherry‑blossom picnics share the calendar with sumo tournaments and manga conventions. This blend of old and new, along with competitive salaries and a strong demand for English education, makes Japan one of the most exciting destinations for TEFL teachers. Whether you choose to live in bustling Tokyo, historic Kyoto or a rural coastal town, you’ll find a welcoming culture and efficient public services. Schools often value foreign teachers as cultural ambassadors, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to share your language while learning about Japanese customs.

Qualifications & eligibility

• Degree and TEFL certification – A bachelor’s degree is required for work visas. The JET Programme doesn’t require a TEFL certificate, but most employers prefer teachers who have completed at least a 120‑hour TEFL course. Qualified teachers with a degree in education and a teaching licence are eligible for higher‑paying roles at international schools.
• Language & nationality – Public school Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) and many private schools prefer native English speakers from countries such as the UK, USA, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Non‑native speakers with strong English skills may still find opportunities, especially in private language schools.
• Background check – A clean criminal record and good health are essential for visa purposes and teaching positions.

Visas & legal pathways

Japan offers several work visas for English teachers. Your employer will act as your sponsor and help secure a Certificate of Eligibility, which you need before applying at your local consulate.

Instructor visa (教育)

ALTs in public schools (elementary, junior high, high school)

Requires a bachelor’s degree in any subject and proof that you were educated in English for at least 12 years. Valid for 1–5 years and renewable.

Engineer/Humanities/International Services visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

Private language schools, business English trainers and corporate roles

Requires a bachelor’s degree or 10+ years of relevant experience. Issued for 1–5 years and allows work in companies such as eikaiwa chains.

JET Programme

Government‑run Assistant Language Teacher positions

Applications typically open in September and close in November. Contracts run for one year with raises and benefits; participants earn ~¥280,000 per month.

• The work‑visa application requires your passport, visa form, photo, job contract and certificate of eligibility. With a certificate, processing usually takes 4–14 days; without it, it may take several months.

When to apply & hiring seasons

Japan’s school year begins in April. The main hiring season is January to March, when public schools and dispatch companies recruit ALTs for April placements. A secondary intake occurs in late summer for autumn starts. The JET Programme opens applications from September to November, while Interac accepts applications year‑round but advises teachers to apply by May or November to hit peak hiring periods. Private language schools (eikaiwa) hire throughout the year, so you can often secure a job from abroad before arrival.

Job types & salary expectations

Japan offers a range of teaching roles, each with its own salary band and workload:

Assistant Language Teacher (ALT)

¥200,000–¥330,000 per month

Work in public schools via JET or dispatch companies like Interac.
Duties include supporting Japanese teachers, co‑planning lessons and leading speaking activities. JET offers higher pay (~¥280,000) and benefits such as 20 days’ paid vacation and pension.

Private language schools (Eikaiwa)
¥240,000–¥275,000 per month

Teach adults and children in small groups or one‑to‑one lessons. Hours are often afternoons/evenings and weekends. Benefits may include bonuses, paid time off and national insurance.

International schools
¥200,000–¥600,000 per month

Full‑time teaching positions for qualified teachers with education degrees. Curricula are often in English; perks include housing allowances, flight reimbursements and pensions.

Universities & colleges
¥300,000–¥600,000 per month

Require relevant postgraduate qualifications and prior teaching experience. Contracts may be part‑time or full‑time.

Business English & corporate training
¥300,000–¥400,000 per month

Teach professionals in company offices or at training centres. Flexibility in schedule but roles often demand business vocabulary and cultural nuance.

New teachers generally start at ¥250,000–¥300,000 per month. With careful budgeting, teachers can cover their expenses and save a portion of their income.

Cost of living overview

Living costs in Japan vary by region. Tokyo and Yokohama are the most expensive, especially for rent, while cities like Osaka, Fukuoka, and rural towns are more affordable.

Housing

• 1-bedroom apartment (city centre): ¥87,304/month on average (¥60,000–¥180,000). Outside the centre: about ¥57,984.
• 3-bedroom apartment (city centre): ¥189,979/month. Families can save by living outside the centre, where the average drops to ¥114,455.

Utilities & Internet

• Utilities (electricity, heating, water): around ¥25,730/month, ranging from ¥15,455–¥46,000 depending on season and apartment size.
• Internet (60 Mbps or more): ¥5,042/month. High-speed, reliable connections are widely available.

Food & Dining

• Meals at inexpensive restaurants: typically ¥1,000, with options from ¥600–¥1,700 depending on dining choice.

Transport

• One-way ticket: ¥220.
• Monthly commuter passes: ¥5,000–¥15,000, often reimbursed by employers.

Lifestyle

• Gym membership: around ¥8,611/month. Fitness and sports clubs are popular but can be pricey.

Average Monthly Expenses (excluding rent)

• Single person: about ¥130,098 ($880).
• Family of four: around ¥459,028 ($3,100).

Many teachers keep costs down by sharing apartments or choosing school-arranged housing.

Best places to teach

Japan offers diverse settings for teachers:

Tokyo – The capital boasts the highest number of teaching jobs, including eikaiwa, corporate training and international schools. It is dynamic, with endless entertainment and cultural experiences, though rents are high and competition is fierce.

Osaka – Known for its street food and friendly locals, Osaka offers abundant positions in private language schools and public schools. Living costs are lower than Tokyo, and the city’s central location makes travel around Kansai easy.

Kyoto – Japan’s cultural heart with over 2,000 temples and shrines. Demand for English focuses on conversational and hospitality language due to tourism.

Yokohama – A major port city with a large expat community and numerous corporate clients. Slightly lower cost of living than Tokyo.

Fukuoka – Located on Kyushu island, Fukuoka offers beaches, ancient temples and a lower cost of living. Growing international business makes it an attractive destination.

Rural areas – Smaller towns and countryside schools offer a more immersive cultural experience and lower costs. Many ALTs appreciate the chance to live in a traditional setting while still being a train ride away from big cities.

Classroom & cultural advice

Respect and punctuality – Arrive on time, dress smartly and show respect to your colleagues with appropriate greetings (bowing). Japanese schools value harmony and order.

Team‑teaching – In public schools, you’ll often work alongside a Japanese teacher. Communicate regularly and plan lessons together to meet curriculum goals.

Engage shy learners – Japanese students may be reluctant to speak up. Use games, pair work and role‑plays to create a comfortable environment where mistakes are accepted.

Avoid Japanese during lessons – While knowing some Japanese helps you integrate, classes should be conducted in English. Use visuals and gestures for comprehension rather than switching languages.

Join the community – Accept invitations to school festivals, sports days and staff gatherings. These events build trust and help you understand local customs.

Teaching in Japan offers a mix of professional growth, cultural immersion and adventure. With thoughtful planning, you can secure a rewarding position, enjoy the high standard of living and explore everything this remarkable country has to offer.