English Teaching Jobs in Japan (2025 Guide)

Struggling to navigate English teaching jobs in Japan? You’re not alone – the job market can feel overwhelming with various roles, visa rules, and a new culture. Fear not: this 2025 guide breaks down everything from salary ranges to visa requirements, helping you land a teaching job in Japan with confidence.

Key Takeaways

Typical Salary: Entry-level English teachers earn about ¥250,000–¥300,000 per month on average. (Higher qualifications or university roles can command more.)

Visa Requirements: A work visa is required – usually the Instructor (for school ALTs) or Engineer/Humanities visa – which requires at least a bachelor’s degree.

Academic Year & Hiring: Japan’s school year starts in April, so peak hiring season is January–March for April job starts. A secondary intake often occurs in late summer for fall starts.

ALT Demand: Public schools employ over 18,000 Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) nationwide, including ~1,831 ALTs in Tokyo alone – reflecting high demand in major cities.

---

Job Types & Pay in 2025

Different English teaching jobs offer varying pay scales and employers. Here’s a snapshot of common job types in 2025:

Job Type	Monthly Salary (¥)	Common Employers
ALT (Assistant Teacher)	¥220,000–¥280,000 (JET Program starts ~¥280k	Public schools via JET Programme, local Boards of Education, dispatch companies (e.g. Interac)
Eikaiwa Instructor	¥250,000–¥300,000	Private English conversation schools (Nova, AEON, ECC, Berlitz, Gaba)
International School Teacher	¥300,000–¥800,000+	Private international schools (American School in Japan, British School, etc.)
University Lecturer	¥300,000–¥600,000 (FT roles)	Public and private universities (e.g. Waseda, Osaka University)
Business English Trainer	¥300,000–¥400,000	Corporate training firms, in-company language programs (Berlitz, dispatch trainers)

Note: ALT salaries vary by program. JET ALTs have a set pay scale (¥3.36–3.96 million/year) plus bonuses like flights, whereas dispatch ALTs often earn less (~¥230万円/year in some cases. International and university positions require credentials but pay more, as shown by top international school teachers earning ¥10M+ annually.

Visa & Legal Requirements

To teach English in Japan, you must meet visa criteria. Most teachers enter on one of two work visa statuses:

Instructor Visa (教育)

For ALTs in public schools (elementary, junior high, high schools). Requirements: A university degree (in any field) or a valid teaching license. If teaching a language, you should have completed at least 12 years of education in that language (e.g. being a native English speaker covers this for English). Instructor visa holders are typically employed by schools or Boards of Education.

Engineer/Humanities/International Services Visa (技術・人文知識・国際業務)

Often used for eikaiwa instructors, business English teachers, or corporate roles. Requirements: A university degree or higher (any major is acceptable) – or 10+ years of relevant work experience if no degree. This visa covers jobs in private companies, including conversation schools and corporate training.

Both visa types require a sponsoring employer in Japan. Key documents for visa application include:

• Degree certificate: proof of graduation (bachelor’s or higher)
• Employment contract: outlining your job offer, salary, and duties
• Resume/CV and any teaching certifications (if applicable)
• Company documents: your employer’s registration and a letter of guarantee

Tip: Your employer usually helps file for a Certificate of Eligibility from immigration. Once issued, you obtain the actual visa at a Japanese embassy/consulate. The Instructor visa and Humanities visa are typically granted in 1, 3, or 5-year lengths and are renewable if you stay employed.

---

Cost of Living Reality Check

Before jumping in, understand Japan’s living costs – especially in big cities where most jobs are. Here’s a quick look at monthly expenses in major cities:

Expense (Monthly)	Tokyo (23 wards)	Osaka (City)	Fukuoka (City)
Rent (1K apartment)	~¥77,000	~¥54,000	~¥45,000 (avg estimate)
Food (groceries & dining)	~¥40,000	~¥35,000	~¥30,000
Transport (commuter pass)	~¥10,000	~¥7,000	~¥5,000

Housing: Rent is highest in Tokyo (1R/1K average ¥76,648. Osaka is ~30% cheaper, and regional cities like Fukuoka are more affordable. Note that key money and deposits can add upfront costs when renting. (See our Tokyo rent guide for navigating apartments.)

Food: Expect to spend ¥30k–¥40k per month on groceries and eating out. Cooking at home, shopping at discount supermarkets, and using ¥100 shops can save money. Dining out tends to be reasonable for local cuisine (e.g. ¥800 lunch), but imported foods are pricier.

Transportation: Many teachers get a commuter rail pass reimbursed by their employer. Out-of-pocket transit costs are modest – the average single-person transit expense is only ~¥3,600/month (since companies often cover commute). In Tokyo, a typical subway/train pass might cost ¥5,000–¥10,000 depending on distance. In smaller cities, you might bike to work (bicycle ownership is common and cuts transport costs).

Reality Check: An entry-level teacher’s salary (¥250k) can comfortably cover basic living expenses in most areas if you budget wisely. However, Tokyo’s high rent means you’ll likely rent a small apartment or sharehouse to save money. Consider locations and benefits (some jobs offer housing stipends or subsidized teacher housing). Always factor in health insurance (¥2–3k) and pension deductions when planning your budget.

---

Where to Find English Teaching Jobs in Japan

Finding reputable teaching jobs can be daunting. Start with these top job sources (2025 edition):

• JET Programme – Official government program placing ALTs in schools nationwide. Competitive but offers the best benefits (higher pay, flights, training). Apply via the Japanese Embassy/Consulate in your country.
• Interac – Japan’s largest private ALT dispatch company. Hires year-round for public school ALT positions across Japan. Known for extensive placements (but lower pay than JET). Recruitment is online from overseas or within Japan.
• GaijinPot Jobs – Popular job board for foreigners in Japan. Lists many eikaiwa instructor jobs, ALT positions, and sometimes international school roles. You can filter by “Teaching English” and location.
• JobsinJapan.com – Another English-friendly job board. Often features positions at smaller eikaiwa, ALT companies, and private schools. Good for finding part-time tutoring or niche teaching gigs too.
• JREC-IN – The Japan Research Career Information Network. It’s the go-to portal for university and research jobs (including university English lecturer posts). Most listings require higher qualifications (MA or PhD).

Other sources: Check major eikaiwa school websites (ECC, AEON, Berlitz careers pages) for direct hiring info. Networking via JALT (Japan Association for Language Teaching) or alumni from your home country teaching in Japan can also uncover leads. If you’re already in Japan, local city websites sometimes post ALT openings for direct hire.

---

Application Timeline

When should you apply? Here’s a month-by-month timeline to plan your job hunt (assuming an April school-year start):

• August–October (prior year): Research programs and jobs. JET Programme applications typically open in early fall – start preparing your documents and essays. Also update your resume and gather any TEFL certificates.
• November: JET Programme application deadline hits (late Nov). For private jobs, this is a good time to reach out to eikaiwa recruiters for positions starting in spring. Many big eikaiwa conduct overseas interviews in late fall.
• December: Many schools are on winter break. Use this time to interview (some companies may do initial interviews via video) and line up potential offers. JET interviews are scheduled for January–February, so you might receive an interview notification this month or in early January.
• January: Peak hiring picks up. Private ALT companies (Interac, etc.) hold interviews for April placements now – both online and in select cities abroad. If you’re in Japan, attend any job fairs or meet-and-greet events. By mid-Jan, you should hear back on JET interview selection if you applied.
• February: If you secured a job, you’ll be handling paperwork now. Employers will file for your Certificate of Eligibility (which you need before getting the visa). JET interviews occur this month; treat it formally (suit up, know your motivations). Eikaiwa schools continue hiring to fill April training cohorts.
• March: It’s crunch time. JET results (provisional acceptances) are announced in late March. Dispatch ALTs get placement notifications. You should aim to have your work visa in hand by mid-late March. Also, start apartment hunting (many leases begin in late March for April move-in – see our rental listings!).
• April: The new school year begins. ALTs arrive for orientations; eikaiwa teachers start intensive trainings. If you got a late offer, you might still be just arriving – some schools hire last-minute up to April. (If you missed this cycle, note many eikaiwa hire again in summer for fall start.)
• May–July: Mid-year hiring slows, but some eikaiwa positions open (as teachers leave after their one-year contracts). Also, JET alternates may be upgraded into vacant slots around May. Summer is a good time to network (e.g. attend JALT events) and prepare for the next hiring cycle if you plan to apply again.
• August: A smaller hiring wave occurs for September (start of second school term). Companies like Interac sometimes recruit additional ALTs for schools that add positions mid-year. International schools (which often have August start dates aligned with international calendars) also hire in early summer.
• Year-End: From September onward, begin the cycle again for the next year’s April. JET applications open in October; other employers ramp up recruiting by November. Use autumn to improve your qualifications (get a TEFL, learn Japanese basics) to strengthen your next applications.

---

FAQ

Q: Do I need to speak Japanese to teach English in Japan?

A: No, Japanese language ability is generally not required for English teaching jobs. Class instruction is expected to be in English only. Many ALTs and eikaiwa teachers start with zero Japanese. That said, basic Japanese skills help in daily life and to communicate with coworkers. Employers appreciate if you make an effort (and some dispatch companies offer Japanese lessons to teachers). But rest assured – you can get hired without Japanese as long as you’re a fluent English speaker.

Q: What qualifications are required to teach English in Japan?

A: The main requirement is a bachelor’s degree (in any subject) – this is mandatory for your work visa. You typically don’t need a teaching license or prior experience for entry-level jobs (ALT or eikaiwa). A TEFL/TESOL certificate isn’t required by law, but having one can boost your hiring chances and starting salary. Some programs (e.g. JET) are very competitive, so extra qualifications help. For international schools or university jobs, you’ll need proper credentials (teaching license, MA/PhD, etc.). But for most jobs: degree + fluent English is the baseline.

Q: How much do English teachers in Japan earn?

A: Salaries vary by job type and experience. At entry level, expect around ¥250,000–¥270,000 per month (approximately ¥3.0–3.5 million per year). This is common for ALT and eikaiwa positions. The JET Programme pays about ¥280,000/month in the first year. Experienced eikaiwa instructors or those with additional responsibilities might make ¥300,000+. At the upper end, international school teachers and university lecturers can earn ¥400,000–¥600,000+ per month, commensurate with their higher qualifications and responsibilities. Keep in mind, many entry jobs include bonuses like subsidized housing or airfare which add value to the overall package.

Q: Is there an age limit for teaching English in Japan?

A: No official age limit exists. In fact, the JET Programme has no upper age cap on applicants (and some JETs continue into their 40s or 50s). However, practical hiring tends to favor younger teachers. Japan’s mandatory retirement age is around 60, and private employers often shy away from hiring foreigners close to that age. If you’re over 60, opportunities become limited (visa renewals can also be tricky without an employer sponsor). But plenty of teachers work in Japan through their 30s, 40s, and beyond – as long as you have the energy and meet the requirements, you can find a position.

Q: Do schools provide housing or cover airfare for teachers?
A: Standard eikaiwa and ALT jobs do not include free housing – you’ll be renting an apartment like other residents. However, some programs and employers offer partial support. For example, JET Programme ALTs get one round-trip airfare paid and often receive a housing allowance or subsidized teacher housing in their placement town. A few dispatch companies might provide temporary housing or help set up an apartment (sometimes deducting rent from your salary). In general though, budget to secure your own apartment. The good news is that E-Housing can help you find foreigner-friendly rentals – see our listings to make your housing search easier!

---

Written by Kareem Hasan
Real Estate Content Creator at E-Housing Japan.
Kareem specializes in housing trends, expat life, and navigating Japan’s real estate market as a foreign resident.

Read More Related Articles

• Your Complete Guide to Renting an Apartment in Japan for Foreigners – Everything you need to know about renting in Tokyo as a non-Japanese resident.
• Apartment Rent by Prefecture Compared to Living in Tokyo – Compare rent prices in Tokyo with other major cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Fukuoka.
• How Much Is a One‑Bedroom Apartment in Tokyo? A Complete Cost Guide – A detailed breakdown of 1K and 1LDK apartment costs across Tokyo’s wards.