Teach English in Japan | TEFL Jobs in Japan
With exciting opportunities to teach small classes in Japan, why not kick off your teaching career in Tokyo?
Teach English in Japan
With its awe-inspiring blend of ancient traditions and futuristic modernity, you can see the sights and explore all Japan has to offer while teaching young learners and adults. Offering plenty of professional development and support, teaching English in Japan is where you need to be!
- Up to JPY 262,800 a month
- 1 to 6 students per class
- No experience required
- No Japanese needed
TEFL jobs in Japan with Shane English Schools
From kindergarten to adult and business learners, Shane English Schools Japan work with students from all walks of life. As an English teacher in Japan, you can help Japanese learners of any age who need English skills for a wide variety of reasons.
What you'll do
As part of your TEFL job in Japan, your main responsibility will be to improve students' communication skills through engaging and enjoyable classes, but there will also be an element of cultural ambassadorship, too.
Act as a role model, facilitate important dialogue between cultures, and promote engagement to bring out the best in your learners, no matter their age. So, if you yearn to develop new skills, join an international team and discover beautiful Japan as an English language teacher, we're now hiring teachers for the next intake.
About SES Japan
We believe the best way to learn English is to use it in real-world scenarios. This is why the Communicative Method is used throughout Shane English Schools. In lessons, students actively take part in discussions and activities that let them practise their English pronunciation and intonation.
SES Japan currently has over 200 centres in and around Tokyo and the Kanto region, and is always on the lookout for excellent teachers!
What English teachers in Japan get
A full-time Japan English teacher role in the Greater Tokyo district, with training, support and room to grow.
Competitive salary
Up to JPY 262,800 a month (approx. £1,530), depending on qualifications and experience.
Performance-related pay
A bonus system on top of your salary.
Training
A one-week orientation in Tokyo before you start.
Ongoing teacher development
TEYL training provided, with ongoing teacher support.
5-day teaching week
29.5 hours a week.
Voluntary cover
Optional extra paid shifts can boost your salary by JPY 15,000 a day (around £70) or JPY 7,500 (around £35) for an evening class.
Commuting costs
Your work commuting costs are reimbursed.
Help to find housing
Accommodation support when you arrive.
Generous vacation
6 weeks' annual paid leave, including 5 extra days after 6 months.
Experienced local support
A welfare support team in Japan for on-the-ground help when you need it.
Health insurance
Access to the Japanese Health Insurance Scheme.
Career advancement
Opportunities to progress into senior teacher positions.
Teaching in Japan
- Most positions are in the Greater Tokyo area, with some in Nagoya, Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto and Kyushu
- You'll experience all age ranges, teaching small groups of children, teenagers, parents, young professionals and business people
- Small class sizes of 1 to 6 students
- Working days are capped at 6 hours of teaching and 30 minutes of prep
Conversation school or ALT? Where this role fits
Shane English School (SES) Japan is a conversation school, known in Japan as an eikaiwa. You'll teach small classes in a school setting rather than assisting in a state school classroom, and recruitment runs year-round, so you don't need to wait for the April intake.
Prefer to work in Japanese state schools as an assistant language teacher (ALT)? Look at teaching in Japan with Interac. For another conversation school option, see NOVA, or try a shorter placement first with our Japan TEFL internship. To compare every route, including the JET Programme and university roles, see our full guide to TEFL jobs in Japan.
Qualifications to teach in Japan
- A bachelor's degree
- CELTA, Trinity TESOL or an equivalent Level 5 TEFL course
- Fluent English
- No experience required
- No Japanese language skills needed
Applicants who have 60+ hours of TEFL training and 3 months of full-time teaching experience are also welcome to apply.
Which TEFL course is best for Japan?
Both courses are internationally recognised and meet the requirements of Japanese employers. The Level 5 carries more weight with schools and corporate clients in Japan, while the Combined course gives you real classroom practice before you go. Book your 170-hour TEFL for teaching in Japan.
170-Hour Combined TEFL
£279 £251.10 with JAPAN10
Online theory plus a classroom practicum, open to all education levels. It's accredited but not Ofqual-regulated and isn't a Level 5 qualification.
- 20-hour in-class practicum for hands-on experience
- Suitable for all ages, from primary to adult
- Accessible to all education levels
- Full toolkit to teach confidently anywhere
168-Hour Level 5 TEFL
£269 £242.10 with JAPAN10
Ofqual-regulated Level 5, the qualification Japanese schools and employers look for most. It goes deeper on theory but doesn't include a teaching practicum.
- Ofqual Level 5 certified, highly preferred in Japan, the UK and Europe
- Stronger theory and deeper academic context
- Competitive edge for Business English and corporate roles
- Suitable for all student age groups
Not sure which to choose? If you're aiming for eikaiwa, corporate or Business English roles, the Level 5 is the stronger choice. If you've never taught before and want classroom time first, go for the Combined course. 10% off for Japan applicants: use code JAPAN10 at checkout on either course.
TEFL jobs in Japan: your questions answered
How much do SES Japan teachers earn?
Up to JPY 262,800 a month, depending on your qualifications and experience, plus a bonus system on top. You can also pick up optional paid cover shifts, at JPY 15,000 for a full day or JPY 7,500 for an evening class. For pay across Japan's other teaching routes and what it costs to live there, see our Japan salary guide.
What qualifications do I need for this role?
You'll need a bachelor's degree, plus CELTA, Trinity TESOL or a Level 5 TEFL such as our 168-hour Level 5 TEFL. With one of those, you don't need any teaching experience. If you have at least 60 hours of TEFL training and three months of full-time teaching experience, you're welcome to apply too. You don't need to speak Japanese.
Does SES sponsor my visa?
Yes. SES applies in Japan for your Certificate of Eligibility, which you then take to the Japanese embassy to get your working visa. Find out more about the process and how long it takes in our guide to TEFL jobs in Japan.
Is accommodation provided?
SES helps you find somewhere to live and set it up, but housing isn't free.
What hours will I work?
A five-day week of 29.5 hours, with each day capped at six hours of teaching and 30 minutes of preparation. Conversation schools teach around students' school and work hours, so expect afternoons and evenings.
Ready to teach English in Japan?
Apply below and an advisor will contact you with next steps. Still need your TEFL? Start the Level 5 today and use code JAPAN10 for 10% off.
Don't have TEFL?
Get qualified online from £99.
Find out which TEFL course is right for you.