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Teach English in Japan

Teach English in Japan and experience a culture where innovation meets tradition. Whether you're drawn to the neon lights of Tokyo or peaceful shrines in Kyoto, our TEFL Japan program offers everything you need, from internationally recognized certification and visa support to guaranteed English teaching jobs in Japan. With a competitive teaching salary in Japan and full in-country support, you’ll live and work in one of Asia’s most fascinating destinations.

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Japan - Overview

Teach English in Japan and experience daily life far beyond the tourist trail - reliable routines, safe cities, and memorable classroom moments. You’ll be placed at one of our trusted partner schools, gaining structured teaching experience and the chance to truly settle into Japanese life.

Salary details
Teachers typically earn $1,400–$1,900 USD per month, paid locally.

The school you’ll be placed at
You’ll be placed at a partner school in Japan with support from our team. Placements are designed to provide clear schedules, professional expectations, and strong classroom experience.

Contract length
Most contracts are 1 year.

Potential savings
Many teachers save around $150–$400 USD per month, depending on lifestyle and location.

Download the brochure
Get the full breakdown here.

Teach English in Japan and experience daily life far beyond the tourist trail - reliable routines, safe cities, and memorable classroom moments. You’ll be placed at one of our trusted partner schools, gaining structured teaching experience and the chance to truly settle into Japanese life.

Salary details
Teachers typically earn $1,400–$1,900 USD per month, paid locally.

The school you’ll be placed at
You’ll be placed at a partner school in Japan with support from our team. Placements are designed to provide clear schedules, professional expectations, and strong classroom experience.

Contract length
Most contracts are 1 year.

Potential savings
Many teachers save around $150–$400 USD per month, depending on lifestyle and location.

Download the brochure
Get the full breakdown here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about teaching in Japan? Here are some of the most common ones we hear from applicants.

Yes, for this program you must hold a bachelor’s degree from one of six English‑speaking countries (USA, UK, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand).
Teachers typically earn between $1,400 and $1,900 as part of the ALT or private school programs. Non‑degree options may pay slightly less but still offer a highly competitive living wage in Japan.

The program includes:

  • A 120-hour in‑class TEFL course (depending on your chosen track) or our online TEFL course

  • Guaranteed job placement

  • Airport pickup, accommodation during training, and cultural orientation

  • Visa and paperwork assistance, 24/7 in‑country support, and a lifetime placement guarantee

This combination ensures you’re supported from arrival through your entire teaching placement.

Yes! While Japanese fluency isn’t required to teach, knowing basic phrases can enhance your cultural experience and help with daily life. As part of the 1 week cultural orientation you will learn basic foundational Japanese.
Yes, Japan is considered extremely safe, with one of the lowest crime rates globally. Its cities are clean, efficient, and foreigners often report feeling welcome and secure. Your in‑country team will provide local support to help you adapt confidently.
If you’re applying for a non‑degree working‑holiday intake, registration typically closes around October or November for the following March intake. Degree-holders can apply year-round depending on program availability. We strongly recommend applying at least 3–4 months before your desired start date to secure placement and arrange travel.

Got more questions? Check out our Knowledge Base!

Relevant Blog Posts

A Day in the Life of an English Teacher in Japan

Ever wondered what life is like as an English teacher in Japan? Meet Lilah, an ESL instructor based in Tokyo, who’s traded the familiar comforts of home for a fast-paced, culturally rich life in Japan’s bustling capital. In this blog, she shares an insider’s look at her typical day—from navigating Tokyo’s train system to building connections with her students and adapting to Japan’s unique work culture.

Teacher Diaries
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Japan

Hello! My name is Lilah and I am the current Japan Ambassador for the Teach Abroad program facilitated by TravelBud. If you’re considering moving abroad to teach English, you are likely in the midst of preparing yourself for the variety of cultural differences and changes you will experience living life in another country. Today, I’d like to share some things that I wish I had known about before moving to Japan, along with the solutions I’ve found for dealing with these challenges.

Japan
My Adjustment into Japanese Culture: A Teacher's Experience

Because I anticipated a big adjustment into Japanese culture when teaching English in Japan, I spent time reading articles and watching videos on best practices for foreigners arriving in Japan: Do’s and Don’ts, What to Expect, Must See While in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto and on and on. After having lived in Thailand for five years, I wanted to be prepared for the notorious culture and immense etiquette that Japan is known for. 

Teacher Diaries