English teachers in Japan typically earn ¥250,000–¥300,000 per month (£1,300–£1,600) in 2026. The JET Programme starts around ¥3.36 million per year with generous support; private conversation schools (eikaiwa) pay ¥250,000–¥270,000; dispatch ALT roles sit lower at ¥200,000–¥250,000; and international schools and universities pay ¥300,000–¥600,000 for licensed or experienced teachers. What you save depends almost entirely on rent and city choice.
Pay by employer type
| Route | Typical monthly pay | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| JET Programme (government) | ¥280,000 first year, rising annually | Flights, support network, placement anywhere in Japan |
| Eikaiwa (conversation school) | ¥250,000–¥270,000 | Evening/weekend heavy; big chains train you |
| Dispatch ALT | ¥200,000–¥250,000 | School hours; watch for unpaid holidays between terms |
| International school | ¥300,000–¥600,000 | Teaching licence usually required |
| Private students (side) | ¥3,000–¥5,000/hour | Common top-up; check your visa and contract allow it |
What life actually costs
A one-room apartment runs ¥50,000–¥70,000 outside Tokyo but ¥80,000–¥120,000 in the capital; move-in fees (key money, deposits) can swallow two months' pay, which is why employer-arranged housing matters in year one. Teachers outside Tokyo commonly save ¥30,000–¥80,000 (£160–£430) monthly; Tokyo teachers often break even in year one.
Requirements and the path in
A bachelor's degree in any subject is required for the standard work visa. A 120-hour TEFL/TESOL certificate isn't legally required but is now the screening line at good eikaiwa and materially improves JET applications - interviewers ask how you'd actually teach. Hiring peaks for autumn (apply from spring) with JET's cycle opening each autumn for the following year. Our 120-hour TESOL Certificate plus our Japan jobs listings is the standard preparation route.
Can I save money teaching English in Japan?
Yes, modestly: most teachers outside Tokyo save £150–£400 a month after normal living. The big savers combine a rural or regional placement (low rent) with private students on the side.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No - immersion classrooms are the norm and eikaiwa often prefer English-only lessons. Basic Japanese transforms daily life and is essential for private-student marketing.
Is the JET Programme worth it versus an eikaiwa?
For first-timers, usually yes: JET pays better in year one, handles flights and housing setup, and its alumni network opens later doors. Eikaiwa win on choosing your city and starting sooner.
Planning the move itself? Our Teach English in Japan guide covers requirements, visas and how to get started.
Eikaiwa and dispatch roles that want more than the minimum usually mean the 150-hour Advanced TEFL / TESOL. International schools in Japan more often shortlist the 250-hour Level 5 TEFL / TESOL.