Skip to main content
Accredited online TESOL courses since 1997
UK: +44 (0) 7869 257 124 Student login
Compare courses
Home › Travel & Teach › Japan

Teaching English in Japan

Japan generally represents the more lucrative end of the market for TESOL teachers. Demand is high, salaries generally good although wages have been static for a few years, prospects for even the novice teacher are…

Teaching English in Japan

Overview

Japan generally represents the more lucrative end of the market for TESOL teachers. Demand is high, salaries generally good although wages have been static for a few years, prospects for even the novice teacher are good.

Teaching Conditions in Japan

TESOL teachers in Japan can expect favourable contract conditions, including:

  • One-year renewable contracts

  • Paid holidays

  • Assistance with accommodation

  • Flight reimbursement (occasionally offered)

Should you decide to try and obtain work from inside Japan however, you may need deep pockets. Because although you may secure a better contract for yourself, in the short term you will need a fair amount of money to tide you over. This is because the cost of living is very high, particularly in the main cities. That said, many EFL teachers comment on good quality of life they enjoy on their salaries. It is possible to live quite well, enjoy a social life and travel to within Asia on the generally minimum EFL wage. Added to this, Japan appeals because it is considered relatively safe, with a clean, efficient transport system, when compared with other popular EFL destinations. The country has an exciting culture and history and the people are warm and courteous.

Key TESOL Niches in Japan

While general English teaching remains prevalent, some specialised niches are in high demand, including:

  • Teaching Young Learners: A significant portion of TESOL jobs involve working with children in public schools and private language centers.

  • Business English: Many Global English TESOL graduates have found success teaching business professionals, a field that increasingly welcomes non-native English-speaking teachers.

Tips for teaching English in Japan


* the Premier 120-hr TESOL for Asia as a basic qualification
* the 30-hour Teaching Business English for Japan
* for better  job prospects, take the Professional 250-hr TESOL 
* Read the helpful comments from our former TESOL course graduates who are working in Japan, such as those from Matthew Bruce, Mike Konig and others here.

Teaching in Japan at a glance (2026)

RequirementsBachelor’s degree (any subject) for the work visa; 120-hour TEFL expected by good employers
Typical pay¥250,000–¥300,000/month (£1,300–£1,600); JET from ¥280,000
Main routesJET Programme, eikaiwa chains, dispatch ALT, international schools
Hiring seasonJET applies autumn for the following year; eikaiwa hire year-round with a spring peak
VisaInstructor / Specialist in Humanities visa, employer-sponsored
Do I need to speak Japanese to teach in Japan?

No - immersion classrooms are the norm and conversation schools often prefer English-only lessons. Basic Japanese transforms daily life.

JET or an eikaiwa - which is better for a first year?

JET pays better with more support but places you anywhere in Japan; eikaiwa let you pick your city and start sooner. Both are proven first-year routes.

Plan your move

← Back to all countries