Teaching English remains one of the most accessible paths into Japan for foreigners without Japanese language skills. Whether you want a structured program or freelance flexibility, there are options.
Types of English Teaching Jobs in Japan
1. JET Programme (ALT in Public Schools)
The Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme is the gold standard. You work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in a Japanese public school.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary | ¥280,000/month |
| Contract | 1 year, renewable up to 5 years |
| Housing | Often provided or subsidized |
| Flights | Return airfare covered |
| Requirements | Bachelor’s degree, native English speaker |
Application deadline: Around October–November for a July start. Apply at: jetprogramme.org
2. Dispatch ALT (Private Dispatch Companies)
Companies like Interac, Heart English School, and Altia Central place ALTs in schools under contract with local boards of education.
- Salary: ¥200,000–250,000/month
- Less competitive than JET, easier to apply
- Benefits vary by company (some provide housing support)
- Typically year-round hiring
3. Eikaiwa (English Conversation Schools)
Chain schools like AEON, ECC, NOVA, and Gaba hire foreign teachers constantly.
| Company | Salary | Style |
|---|---|---|
| AEON | ¥220,000–250,000/month | Group classes |
| NOVA | ¥200,000–220,000/month | Group classes |
| Gaba | ¥1,500–2,500/lesson | 1-on-1, flexible hours |
Pros: Easy to get, often provide visa sponsorship, English-speaking work environment.
Cons: Repetitive content, limited growth, long hours possible.
4. University / College Teaching
Higher-paying and more prestigious, but requires:
- MA or PhD in relevant field
- Teaching experience
- Often Japanese ability helps
Salary: ¥300,000–600,000+/month
Check listings at: JREC-IN, Chronicle of Higher Education
5. Private Tutoring (Online or In-Person)
Many teachers supplement income or go fully freelance tutoring privately.
Platforms to find students:
- italki — Teach online to Japanese students globally, set your own rates
- Preply — Similar model, high demand for English teachers
- HelloTalk — Language exchange app, can lead to private students
- Word of mouth — Once you have a few students, referrals grow
Rates: ¥2,000–8,000/hour depending on experience and format.
Requirements
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Depends on program (JET: native English countries; eikaiwa: often flexible) |
| Degree | Bachelor’s degree required for most visa-eligible positions |
| TEFL/CELTA | Not always required, but boosts salary and options |
| Japanese | Not usually needed for eikaiwa; helps for university roles |
Getting TEFL Certified
A TEFL/TESOL certificate (120 hours minimum) significantly improves your chances and earning potential.
- TEFL Academy — One of the most recognized, fully online
- i-to-i TEFL — Budget option with job placement support
- CELTA (Cambridge) — Premium certification, widely respected
Visa for English Teachers
Most teaching positions come with visa sponsorship:
- Formal positions → Instructor or Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa
- You need a job offer before applying for the visa
Private tutoring only: You’d need an existing work visa that permits this activity — check your visa conditions.
Salary & Budget Reality
| Position | Monthly Take-Home |
|---|---|
| JET | ~¥240,000 after tax |
| Dispatch ALT | ~¥180,000–200,000 after tax |
| Eikaiwa | ~¥180,000–210,000 after tax |
| University | ~¥280,000–500,000 after tax |
Tokyo rents eat into these figures fast. Many teachers in Tokyo live in share houses to keep costs down.
Job Boards
- GaijinPot Jobs — Largest English-language job board in Japan
- OHAYOSENSEI — Teaching-focused job newsletter
- Dave’s ESL Cafe — International teaching job board