Teach English in Japan

Packed with rich history, mountainous views, stunning temples, and innovative technology, Japan is a great country to teach English abroad.

English teachers in Japan are in high demand, and well respected, with salaries ranging from $1,700 - $5,000 USD per month.

Interested in learning how to become an English teacher in Japan? We’ve got you covered! Keep reading to learn more about the types of teaching jobs, average salaries and benefits, and how to get a job teaching English in Japan!

There are 4 main types of English teaching jobs in Japan with varying application requirements and hiring seasons. Keep reading to see which one is right for you and your teaching goals!

The JET Program

The Japanese government has been running the JET program since the late ‘80s. (JET stands for Japan Exchange and Teaching.) Native English speakers are placed as Assistant Language Teachers in public schools across Japan. JETs usually work a 35 hour week from Monday to Friday, and you will need a bachelor’s degree to be considered. The hiring calendar varies by the home country of applicants.

English teachers in Japan can earn an annual salary of about $27,000 during their first year in the JET program. From there, your pay increases every year you renew your contract.

Private language academies/schools

Companies like AEON and ECC are constantly looking for teaching staff. Many of these positions involve relatively long hours, and some will require you to work evenings and weekends. With these private companies, there is a higher likelihood (than with JET) that you will be placed in a large city. You will need a bachelor’s degree to be considered. The hiring calendar varies by company.

Public schools

Some public schools recruit privately or source teachers through organizations such as Interac. A 30-35 hour workweek is common. Leave entitlements can vary significantly depending on the individual school or company you are recruited through. Some public schools prefer their teachers to have a CELTA/TEFL qualification and/or teaching experience. You can apply to work year-round, however, peak hiring season is January through April.

Private lessons

Many foreign nationals give private lessons, often teaching in cafes one-on-one with students. There are no qualifications required for this, though you will need to ensure any work you do is compatible with your immigration status. There is more potential business in the large cities, particularly for anyone looking to do this as a full-time job.

On average, English teachers in Japan can expect to earn a salary between $1,700 - $5,000 USD monthly. The salary you earn while teaching in Japan typically depends on your experience, the type of school you’re working at, and your credentials.

For example, university positions tend to be the highest paying, but require stricter qualifications such as a TEFL certification, master’s degree, or prior teaching experience.

Common teacher benefits

Compared to other major teaching destinations, Japan is known to have some of the best and most comprehensive benefit packages. Below are some of the benefits you can expect while teaching English in Japan:

• Housing
• Flight reimbursement
• Transportation passes
• Cell phone SIM cards
• Free meals (at the school)

Read more: How Much Money Can You Save Teaching Abroad?

Cost of living in Japan

It’s no secret that Japan is one of the most expensive countries in the world. Living costs are high, but with the generous salaries and benefits, it's still possible to have a reasonable standard of living! The following is an estimation of how much it will cost you to live per month, based on your personal preferences and lifestyle:

• Food: $80 - $100 (depends on how much you eat out or spend on groceries)
• Transportation: $68 for a monthly public transportation pass
• Entertainment (movies, bars/clubs, etc): $50
• Housing: ~$769 one bedroom apartment in the city center

Source: Numbeo

As with starting a job in any new country, it's important to do your research before coming to Japan. Start by exploring these major teaching cities in Japan.

Tokyo

Teachers in Tokyo are in high-demand, with Japanese schools requiring children to learn English, as well as many top companies encouraging their employees to take English lessons. Living and teaching in Tokyo is sure to be an exciting experience, packed with plenty of things to do and see, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife scene!

Osaka

Being Japan’s second largest metropolitan area as well as the country’s street food capital, Osaka is a popular destination for both tourism and teachers looking to teach English in Japan. Compared to Tokyo, teaching jobs are not as competitive, although having prior teaching experience or a TEFL certification is still highly recommended.

To teach English in Japan, you'll need to be a native English speaker, meet the qualifications, and obtain a working visa.

Follow these steps to get started:

1. Ensure you meet the basic requirements: You’ll need to be a native English speaker and have a bachelor’s degree and a clean criminal record. For competitive jobs, you may need to be TEFL certified and/or have prior teaching experience.
2. Prepare your application: To complete the application process, you'll need to submit your teaching resume, university transcripts, list of references, copies of your passport photo, and TEFL certificate, if TEFL is needed.
3. Apply for a visa: A working visa is generally required to teach English in Japan. Many language schools will sponsor your visa application, and you will usually need a bachelor’s degree.

As an ESL teacher abroad, it’s essential that you take the time to research the country’s etiquette and classroom culture, as it can be vastly different from what you’re used to at home! Remember that you’re a visitor in the country you’re teaching in, so come in with respect and curiosity!

Here are a few important tips to know before teaching English in Japan:

• If you are teaching adults, you may be able to socialize with them outside lessons, though some private companies prohibit this.
• Some high schools and private companies will require you to dress up and wear a suit when you teach lessons. Those who teach elementary school students are usually able to dress more casually, though.
• While teaching English in Japan, you'll be exposed to a different culture, work environment, and social customs, such as bowing, gift-giving, and style of compliments. It will take some time to adjust to, and nobody will expect you to get everything right the first time, but you will be expected to make an effort.
• The Japanese workplace tends to be formal and punctual -- professionalism is important!