Teaching Jobs in Tokyo, Japan

Japan’s education system is perennially ranked as one of the best in the world, and the capital city of Tokyo is at the center of it all. It is not only the world’s largest city, but also one of the world’s most economically productive and connected cities. The Tokyo metropolitan area is home to over 35 million inhabitants, a number of multinational corporations, and quite a few elite academic institutions. Teaching jobs in Tokyo typically revolved around teaching English, since English fluency is highly sought after. Individuals who choose to teach in Tokyo will have the chance to join the ranks of a fun, enriching, and unique culture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Teaching jobs in Tokyo, particularly English positions, are sought after due to Japan's renowned educational system. With a focus on English fluency, the city provides a one-of-a-kind cultural experience amid its massive population, multinational corporations, and well-known academic institutions.

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Teachers in Tokyo, especially English teachers who are often native speakers, earn around $1,500 to $3,500 per month. Some jobs include additional benefits like housing assistance, flights, and days off. Private tutoring opportunities can further supplement income at roughly $25 per session.

How Much Do English Teachers Make in Japan?

Yes. Most programs and institutions want to fill their teaching vacancies with degree-holding applicants to give the best experience for the international students they will be teaching. Furthermore, some schools that specialize in hiring English teachers may demand TEFL qualifications, but this is not always required.

Everything You Need to Teach English in Japan

While Japanese proficiency is preferred, many teaching roles in Tokyo don't demand it. English teachers can find opportunities even without knowing Japanese. However, a basic understanding of the language can enhance the overall experience of living and teaching in Japan.

How to Teach English in Japan

Ideal teaching programs in Tokyo offer not just job opportunities but also benefits such as housing support, cultural excursions, and off days. Proximity to cultural sites, shrines, and restaurants with programs facilitating homestays adds to the appeal for international teachers.

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Essential qualifications for teaching roles in Tokyo include having an accredited degree, a clean background check, English fluency, and compliance with age restrictions (under 60). Also holding a valid work visa is mandatory for teaching English in Japan.

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Latest Program Reviews

I'm having an amazing time!

September 02, 2024by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

I am coming up on 6 months into my placement as an English teacher in Japan and could not be happier that I chose to work with TravelBud! TravelBud makes it extremely easy to begin the process of moving your life abroad, from facilitating a TESOL certification course, setting up interviews with prospective schools, and even connecting you with incredible people making up an in-country support team. Every staff member I have spoken with from this company has been incredibly kind, patient, and more than willing to answer any and all questions I had about teaching, living abroad, and the entire process of doing so. If you are thinking about teaching abroad, I cannot recommend TravelBud enough - they are a perfect resource to make the process of moving your entire life to another country as seamless as possible, whether it's your first or tenth time doing so!

Supportive

September 22, 2022by: Denise Shroyer - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

Honestly, amidst the entire COVID craze and when the japan borders were closed, the on-the-ground team did great with being as supportive as possible with its limitations. And I mean many limitations such as most of the schools not interviewing until the end of the year, or when borders opened. The support team was especially great, as they check in with you very thoughtfully. The program does listen to your specific preferences (such as age group, location, etc) but as I said, it was limited due to borders closed. I think if it weren’t COVID, if I had applied in another time, my experience would’ve been even more great due to more school options and an in-person cultural immersion. People think it’s sketchy at first, which is fair paying so much money, but when you think about it’s worth it as they do the hard work for you with their connections to schools and prioritized getting into the country.

I'm having an amazing time!

September 02, 2024by: Lilah Cseh - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

Supportive

September 22, 2022by: Denise Shroyer - United StatesProgram: Paid Teaching Program in Japan with TravelBud

A Guide to Teaching Abroad in Tokyo

What Else You Need to Know

Japanese is the language of education throughout Japan, which somewhat narrows the possibilities for foreign teachers who are not familiar with the language to teach abroad in Japan. However, although speaking at least some Japanese is generally preferred of teaching applicants, there are still plenty of teaching jobs in Tokyo that do not require teachers to speak the language.

Opportunities to teach in Tokyo are offered for international teachers at a variety of levels, and at both private and public schools. Many schools that focus on recruiting English teachers will require applicants to have TEFL certificates, but this is not always a necessity. Teaching jobs in Japan are available for individuals who want to teach English as a Foreign Language, to children, high school students, college students, or adult learners. Individuals can teach in Japan through both structured classroom placements and in private tutoring lessons. English is the language of International Business worldwide, so in such a global city, the opportunity to learn English is highly valued and there are plenty of eager students.

There are also many positions for international teachers to teach in Japan at bilingual or international schools in Tokyo. These schools typically range from kindergarten to grade 12, and offer foreign teachers an opportunity to teach subjects outside of English (i.e. Math, Science, History).

Life in Tokyo for ESL Teachers

Though immensely large and densely populated, Tokyo flourishes as an impressively clean and efficiently run city. You will enjoy a comfortable standard of living teaching abroad in Tokyo, and come to benefit from the city’s many accessible public services. The expansive metro system will take you anywhere you need to go within the prefecture limits, and major railways will also conveniently take you throughout the rest of Japan. Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains travel at speeds of over 200 miles per hour and make outside travel fun and extremely fast.While teaching in Tokyo you will come to fully embrace Japanese culture in all its historical richness and uniquely modern manifestations. Even though it is a bustling global city, Tokyo holds onto its culturally distinct heritage through all new developments. Culture shock is certain to greet individuals teaching in Tokyo, as they will experience many things which will strike them as odd or bizarre at first. But teachers must give Japan time, and soon they will be a warmly integrated part of their new home. The sprawling public parks, ancient temples, electric nightlife, humming market places, and expansive museums of Tokyo will inspire teachers in Japan to never stop exploring.

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The Japanese Yen runs at an exchange rate of about 109 JPY to $1.00. Teaching salaries for teaching jobs in Japan typically vary from 180,000 to 300,000 JPY a month, depending on the school, monthly hours, and other included forms of compensation. Many teaching jobs in Tokyo will compensate teachers with provided housing, for example, and some meals served during working hours. Carefully research a variety of available teaching jobs in Tokyo to find the one that best fits your cultural expectations and financial needs.

No matter how long you plan on traveling, living, or teaching in Tokyo, it will no doubt be a life changing experience. It is one of the truly great cities of the world, and you will enjoy the perks of a highly connected city while at the same time benefit from exposure to the thriving, unique Japanese culture.

The Japanese education system is one of the finest in the world, so while teaching in Tokyo, you might just end up learning even more than your students.