Country guide
Teach English in Japan
JET, eikaiwa chains, and ALT positions. Pay is steady, vacation is short.
Japan's ESL market is mature and competitive. JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) is the government program and the most prestigious entry point. Eikaiwa chains like Aeon, ECC, and Gaba hire continuously and place teachers in conversation schools. ALT (Assistant Language Teacher) roles through dispatch companies put you in public schools alongside a Japanese teacher.
Open positions in Japan
1 active listing mentioning Japan. Most recent posted October 15, 2026.
Assistant Language Teachers in Japan
Interac · Across Japan, Japan · Contract
English Teacher Position Available
EVERENGLISH CENTER · South Korea · Contract
NES English Conversation Teachers
Sine Education Service Co., Ltd · Thailand · Full-time
Teach English in Thailand – Get Paid, Housing & Arrival Support
Gloading · Various · Full-time
[Now Hiring] Teach English In Korea | Seoul, Busan & Nationwide | 2.6m+ Krw | Oct 2026–Mar 2027
ASK-Now Inc. · South Korea · Full-time
Kickstart Your Journey in Taiwan – Spring 2027 Public School Recruitment Open Today!
Teach Taiwan · Various · Contract
Great Positions All Over Korea
http://www.eslteachingjobinasia.com. · Seongdong-gu, Seoul, South Korea · Full-time
ESL Teachers Needed in Different Cities Around China Now ASAP
Cheyenne's TESOL Recruitment Center · China · Full-time
Instructor Position in Seoul
Language Scholars Inc. · South Korea · Full-time
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Salary
JET: 4.02M JPY before tax for the first appointment, rising to 4.32M by the fourth. Eikaiwa: 250k to 280k JPY per month. ALT dispatch: 230k to 270k JPY per month. Cost of living outside Tokyo is reasonable.
Visa
Instructor visa or Specialist in Humanities visa. Bachelor's required. Since 15 April 2026 Japan's immigration agency also expects CEFR B2 in the working language for language-based jobs on the Specialist status (see our B2 rule explainer). Native English speaker preference for most roles. JET requires application by November for the following August start.
Best for
Teachers committed to staying multiple years and learning Japanese. The pay does not stretch as far as Korea, but career stability and quality of life are high.
Moving to Japan? Visa and cost guide →
Common questions about teaching in Japan
JET vs eikaiwa vs ALT dispatch — which should I apply to?
JET if you can wait 9 months for a placement and want a public school role with full benefits. Eikaiwa if you want to start within 60 days and are okay with evening hours. ALT dispatch is the fallback when you are already in Japan and need work.
Can I save money teaching in Japan?
Less than in Korea or the Gulf. Most teachers cover living costs comfortably and save 30k to 80k JPY per month outside Tokyo.
Do I need Japanese language skills?
Not to teach. Daily life in major cities works fine without it. Smaller towns are harder without basic Japanese.
Tools for teachers
What you'll need to teach in Japan
Things teachers usually sort out before moving here. Affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no cost to you.
ITTT
Most schools abroad ask for a TEFL certificate. Get yours online.
Offer: 10% off with code ETUNU2026K
- Self-paced, 120 to 550 hour courses
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See ITTT courses →
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SafetyWing
Health cover for the gap before your school insurance starts
- Medical cover while you live abroad
- From about $63 per 4 weeks (ages 18-39)
Get a SafetyWing quote →
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Wise
Paid in one currency, need money in another? Skip the bank markup
- Real exchange rate, fee shown up front
- Hold and convert 40+ currencies
See Wise fees and rates →
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Get ready to teach in Japan
Courses for ESL teachers
Ready-to-teach lesson courses with exercises and teacher notes.
Ready-to-teach lesson packs
Prepared lessons for your first weeks in the classroom.
Japan vs South Korea
First-time teacher choosing between the two most structured ESL markets in the world.
Japan vs China
Experienced teacher choosing between lifestyle (Japan) and savings (China).
Japan vs Taiwan
Teacher comparing two stable Asian markets where lifestyle differences matter more than pay.
Browse all ESL jobs
Every current opening, worldwide.
Visa guides for Japan
Your CV for Japan
Japan expects a different CV from the one a US resume builder produces. The layout, the photo, the paper size and which documents get attested are all country-specific, and getting them wrong is a common reason applications are set aside.
See the Japan CV rulesRead next on teaching in Japan
Japan's 2026 B2 Language Rule for English Teachers
Since 15 April 2026 Japan's immigration agency expects CEFR B2 for language-based jobs on the Specialist in Humanities visa. What the agency's own text says and what it means for eikaiwa teachers.
Korea vs Japan for ESL Teachers: Pay, Hiring, and Quality of Life Compared
A direct comparison of teaching English in Korea and Japan in 2026. Pay, hiring speed, cost of living, visa requirements, and which one fits which kind of teacher.
ALT Salary in Japan 2026: JET vs Dispatch vs Direct Hire
JET pays about 4.02 million yen in the first year. Dispatch ALTs were reported at about 2.47 million. What each route pays, who can apply, and when JET opens.
The 10 Best Countries to Teach English Abroad in 2026
Discover the best countries to teach English abroad in 2026. Compare salaries, visa requirements, cost of living, and lifestyle for the top 10 destinations including South Korea, Japan, Vietnam, and more.
How Much Do ESL Teachers Make? (2026 Salary Guide)
A comprehensive guide to ESL teacher salaries in 2026. Compare earnings by country, teaching environment, and experience level. Learn what factors affect your pay and how to increase your rate.
Teach English Abroad Checklist: 30 Things to Decide Before You Apply
A practical pre-application checklist for first-time ESL teachers: countries, visa fit, savings, TEFL certificates, housing, contracts, documents, and red flags.
Teach English in specific cities in Japan
Sister site · Weightless
Prefer to work remotely from Japan? Browse remote jobs you can do from anywhere on our sister site Weightless.
Find remote jobs →Other countries in Asia
Teach in South Korea
EPIK, hagwons, and university roles. E-2 visa support is standard.
Teach in China
International schools, training centers, and universities. Pay is the highest in Asia.
Teach in Vietnam
Booming demand, low cost of living, and flexible hours.
Teach in Thailand
Lifestyle-first teaching with lower pay and lots of vacation.
Teach in Taiwan
Buxiban (cram school) work plus growing public school programs.
Teach in Cambodia
The easiest legal entry point in Asia. No degree required by law.