Where to Teach English in Japan
Last Updated on January 8, 2023
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For many, the draw to teach English in Japan comes from a love of the country as well as the drive to help others learn.
But the question of where to base yourself while you teach can be just as important as the reasons why.
Fortunately, Japan is full of culturally rich cities and towns, each with its own unique personality and vibe.
Imagine, for a moment, a lively, crowded street.
The aromas of all manner of street foods fill the air, and flashing neon signs adorn the sides of buildings, while skyscrapers tower side-by-side with small alleys and ancient temples.
This mish-mash of cultures, architecture, and lifestyles is a scene common to Japan’s sprawling cities. No wonder it’s one of the most popular places to teach English as a foreign language!
Choosing between the islands’ wonderful and unique metropolises is difficult. Each has something different to offer.
For some who wish to teach English in Japan, salary plays an important part.
For others, even the highest paying English teaching jobs in Japan might not be enough to make them choose somewhere that has the wrong social atmosphere.
Luckily, we have decided to create this little guide on the advantages that each city has for an aspiring EFL teacher. Thank us later.
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Table of Contents
Where to Teach English in Japan
1. Tokyo
Obviously, the capital of Japan and the world’s largest metropolitan area (39 million call it home) had to be first on the list.
Such a large population base is naturally going to come with a sizeable jobs market. Wages are slightly higher, on average, than the rest of the country, but so is the cost of living.
Tokyo is an incredibly diverse city, with imperial palaces, sweeping parks, glossy business districts, and delicious-smelling back alleys.
Think New York or London, but everything works as it’s meant to.
Again, just like New York and London, Japan’s capital is at the forefront of global technological advancement and financial services.
Being the economic powerhouse that it is cements its place as a prime TEFL destination.
Need another reason to teach English in Tokyo? Well the city, like much of Japan, has an extraordinarily low crime rate!
Cost of Living in Tokyo
Annoyingly, Tokyo, as great as it is, is one of the most expensive cities to live in the world. Here are some of the average costs for essentials, according to Numbeo:
- 1 bedroom, city centre apartment: 124,000 yen (£869) per month
- 1 bedroom, outside of city centre: 77,000 yen (£539) per month
Wages in Tokyo
Wages tend to be slightly higher here than in other cities. Someone starting their EFL career can expect to earn around 250,000 yen per month, which is pretty standard.
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2. Osaka
Once Japan’s main commercial and trade hub, Osaka still plays an important role in Japan’s economy and identity.
The second largest metropolitan area in Japan, Osaka is as diverse and crazy as Tokyo, but with a cost of living that’s a whole quarter less!
As such, there’s a reasonable demand for those who want to teach English in Osaka Japan.
Osaka is famed for its street food, so much so that it has earned the prestigious nickname Tenka no Daidokoro or ‘Nation’s Kitchen’.
Even during the coldest month in Osaka, you’ll still be happy to be there because of the street food!
More than rice, sushi, and noodles, Osaka is home to many classics. One example is the Okonomiyaki – an omelette-type dish that can be customised with an assortment of toppings.
For history buffs, there are multiple significant landmarks such as the magnificent Osaka Castle or the Sumiyoshi Shrine.
For a slice of everything Japan has to offer, Osaka is the place to be.
Cost of Living in Osaka
According to Numbeo.
- 1 bedroom, city centre apartment: 73,000 yen (£500) per month
- 1 bedroom, outside of city centre: 51,700 yen (£362) per month
Wages in Osaka
English teaching jobs in Osaka tend to have slightly lower wages than in Tokyo, although not by much. Expect around 200,000 yen per month for a starting salary.
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3. Sapporo
Praised as a breath of fresh air when compared to Japan’s other megacities, Sapporo is a fantastic northern city.
Famed for its snow-capped mountains, friendly locals, and strong expat community, Sapporo is great if the endless urban sprawls of the southern cities doesn’t appeal to you.
For adrenaline-junkies, the surrounding mountains offer top class skiing and snowboarding. In fact, the city is often covered in a blanket of snow for much of winter.
If you’re not great with the cold then maybe English teaching jobs in Sapporo are not for you.
That being said, Sapporo is well worth the minor inconvenience of sub-zero temperatures and should be a big consideration for any would-be English teachers.
Since it is quite a bit smaller, and a little bit off the beaten path, the market for teaching jobs here is not quite as potent as in other cities.
However, it is also less competitive than in Tokyo or Osaka, with jobs less likely to be gobbled up and requirements a bit less stringent.
Cost of Living in Sapporo
According to Numbeo.
- 1 bedroom, city centre apartment: 63,000 yen (£445) per month
- 1 bedroom, outside of city centre: 45,000 yen (£315) per month
Wages in Sapporo
Sapporo teachers can expect to earn a similar wage as elsewhere with around 200,000 – 250,000 yen a month being the standard.
Of course, this can differ between employers, but wages in Japan are fairly stable so this is a reliable average.
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Certification and Qualifications
Now, to the finer details surrounding the teaching English in Japan requirements. The first step for those wondering how to teach English to Japanese students, is to get a visa.
But to actually obtain a visa to work as a tutor in Japan, you must hold a bachelor’s degree, which is annoying for a lot of people.
On top of that, employers can be quite picky when it comes to experience and qualifications.
We recommend completing a 120-hour TEFL course because this will provide you with the level of training most commonly sought after by schools.
Make sure to book your course with an accredited and internationally recognised provider like The TEFL Org so that you give yourself the best start possible.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack up and move away to teach English in Japan now!
Frequently Asked Questions
This will depend on the kind of visa your receive. Time lengths range from a few months up to five years, and they can also be extended in some circumstances.
Not really! People in their 40s, 50s or even older are not restricted from being able to teach English in Japan. In fact, life experience can be a real asset!
Other articles you will love:
- Unique Things to do in Tokyo, Japan
- Weird and Interesting Facts about Japan
- Delicious Japanese Food You Have to Try While in Japan
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