Japan has always been near and dear to our hearts for more than just its mysterious, intricate culture and ridiculously cute stuff. Beyond the iconic Mt. Fuji and vibrant neon lights of Tokyo lies a whole ecosystem of foreigner-friendly jobs that will get you across the ocean and integrated as a genuine resident in no time.
The most beloved of all? The classic English teaching gig. Teaching jobs in Japan come in all types of flavors, with employers ranging from middle and high schools to private eikaiwa (English conversation) schools. Destinations are scattered throughout the entirety of Japan, so you can opt for the retro streets of Osaka or the more tropical beaches of Okinawa.
Kids ain’t your thang? There are plenty of adults eager to dive into the riveting depths of English grammar too. Basically, the teaching arena in the Land of the Rising Sun offers tons of customizable career options for you to choose from.
Think you have what it takes to be a sensei? If you’ve answered hai with a confident head bow, then get ready to explore some of the best English teaching jobs in Japan!
Here are our recommended awesome teach English in Japan programs:
- Prep with a TEFL Certificate with International TEFL Academy
- Teach English 1-to-1 in Japan with Gaba
- Elementary Teaching Jobs in Asia with Teach Away
- Work at Kids International School with Education Network
- Working Holiday in Tokyo with World Unite
- Part-time Private Teaching Jobs across Japan with Hello Sensei
- Work as an ALT (assistant language teacher) with Interac
- Teach English in Japan as an ALT with Borderlink
8 best teaching jobs in Japan
Editor’s note: These programs are not necessarily listed in order of reviews or ratings. Please see each program listing in our directory for teaching jobs in Japan for more information on highest-rated or most-reviewed programs.
When comparing jobs on the Japan teaching spectrum, we take a look at location, earning potential, whether you need some kind of higher degree or certification, and of course what past participants have to say. Each program is a wee bit different, but you’ll find plenty to compare side-by-side below!
1. International TEFL Academy
While the International TEFL Academy isn’t exactly an employer, it’s a well-recognized avenue to land English teaching jobs in Japan. After obtaining a TEFL certification, International TEFL Academy provides comprehensive career coaching so that you know exactly what kind of job to look for and how to land it. With lifetime job search guidance, you’ll easily be able to find teaching jobs in Japan with a degree and TEFL certificate in hand!
- Where? Various locations
- Salary? 150,000 to 250,000 JPY per year
- Do I need a degree? Yes
- Read International TEFL Academy reviews here
2. Gaba Corporation
While most English teaching jobs abroad are aimed at kids in K-12, that’s certainly not all there is! Gaba’s unique format has instructors teaching other adults in one-on-one private lessons. This personalized approach allows instructors to customize each lesson to match the learner’s unique interests and goals. Yup, no cookie-cutter curriculum here! Another unique aspect of Gaba is the ability to customize your own flexible working schedule.
- Where? Nagoya, Osaka, Tokyo, Yokohama
- Salary? ~1500 to 2200 JPY per 40 minute lesson
- Do I need a degree? Preferred
- Read more information on Gaba Corporation here
3. Teach Away
Prefer to shop around and compare your teaching options? Teach Away is a platform that allows you to search for available teaching jobs in Japan. Opportunities range from teaching little ones at a conversation school to instructing adults in the more complex sentence structures of business English. Unlike many other teach English in Japan programs, Teach Away sets you up directly with the exact job at an international school abroad, so you don’t have to leave some of the details of destination and grade level up to chance.
- Where? Various locations
- Salary? 2,000 to 4,000 USD per month
- Do I need a degree? Depends on the job
- Read Teach Away reviews here
4. Education Network
The Education Network is hiring motivated, college-educated individuals with a soft spot for all things Japan to join the team at the Kids International School. Located in one of Japan’s largest cities, Nagoya, the school offers a comprehensive package deal to successful applicants. If reduced housing rates, a signing bonus, and subsidized airfare aren’t enough to get you to apply, then you’ll be hard pressed to find a better deal! As a genuine part of the team, you’ll be expected to fulfill the same duties as other teachers as you instruct 2 to 6 year old children.
- Where? Nagoya
- Salary? 250,000 to 270,000 JPY per month
- Do I need a degree? Yes
- Read more information on Education Network here
5. World Unite!
You may have heard of a working holiday in other countries around the world. But what if you want to experience Japan for a bit? Good news, because World Unite! organizes working holidays in the bustling megacity of Tokyo. While you can choose to try your hand at farming or in hospitality, you can also opt to nail down teaching jobs in Japan without a degree. World Unite! offers comprehensive support to ensure your transition abroad is smooth and your year abroad lives up to your expectations!
- Where? Tokyo
- Salary? ~890 to 1500 JPY per hour
- Do I need a degree? No
- Read World Unite! reviews here
6. Hello Sensei
For those who prefer the flexibility to teach on their own terms, Hello Sensei provides the perfect part-time opportunity. After registering and creating your teacher profile, students will contact you for 1-on-1 lessons. You can decide on your own fees, lessons, schedules, and teaching locations. So whether you want to give your first lesson at a public park to teach about nature or would rather go over some books in a cafe with your student, it’s all up to you!
- Where? Various locations
- Salary? 2,000 to 4,000 JPY per hour
- Do I need a degree? No
- Read more information on Hello Sensei here
7. Interac
As an ALT with Interac, you’ll join hundreds of other native English speakers working in elementary, junior high, and high school communities all across Japan. Whereas many private teaching jobs in Japan employ several foreign teachers, ALT positions are unique in that you’ll often be the only foreign national working at an entire school. You’ll also get an authentic Japanese K-12 experience by working side-by-side with Japanese instructors. See what school life is all about while also sharing a bit about your own culture and of course the English language!
- Where? Various locations
- Salary? 2,400,000 to 2,700,000 JPY per year
- Do I need a degree? Yes
- Read Interac reviews here
8. Borderlink
Similar to Interac, Borderlink is one of several top teach English in Japan programs that sets Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) up with jobs in elementary and junior highs across the country. In addition to a solid monthly salary, ALTs with Borderlink receive access to some great teaching material, a 24/7 support line, and help getting settled into their new home. Working hours mirror a typical school schedule, with national holidays and school celebrations off. If you dream about working in the Japanese public school system, then be sure to add Borderlink to the mix!
- Where? Various locations
- Salary? 215,000 to 250,000 JPY per month
- Do I need a degree? Yes
- Read more information on Borderlink here
You’re ready to find English teaching jobs in Japan!
Now that you have an idea of the various teaching jobs in Japan, start applying! You’ll be packing a bag in no time!
With all the clear reasons why you should teach in Japan (matcha, anyone?), there shouldn’t be much more convincing to brush up on some basic kanji to make the move. Okay, so maybe the humid summer rainy season may be a hard sell, but did we mention shinto shrines look dreamy in the rain? And if for some reason you do get tired of incredibly polite coworkers and students who clean their own classrooms, you can always zip away to further corners of Asia for a short vacation.
Whether you have three college degrees or none at all, have real-life teaching experience or are just interested in getting started, or have a soft spot for the quaint countryside or for the bustling city, there are plenty of teach English in Japan programs to go around. Once you’ve got the job, the rest is just a quick (bullet train) trip away! So, start weighing your options and get applying. →
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