TEFL Travel Guide: Japan

An alluring country, with its top-notch technology and incredible ancient history, it’s easy to see why so many EFL teachers choose to head to Japan. Whether it’s the cultural hub of Tokyo, where innovation blends with tradition, the treasure trove of history that is Kyoto, or the great heights of Mount Fuji that’s piqued your interest, you’ll have plenty to do and see during your time in Japan. We’ll break down the need-to-know info so you can start your journey today! 

Requirements for teaching EFL

There are numerous requirements to teach English in Japan, from age restrictions to formal qualifications. A TEFL certificate is not a formal requirement to teach English in Japan, but it’s definitely a good idea to have one under your belt. The Japanese government receives thousands of applicants for work visas each year and can therefore be quite picky about who they let in. Those who hold at least a Level 2 TEFL certificate are far more attractive candidates and therefore more likely to have their visa applications accepted. If you still haven’t got your TEFL certificate, you can enrol and start your training today with our Interactive Online TEFL Course.

There are some non-negotiables you’ll need to know before you think about applying for any TEFL jobs. 

• A bachelor's degree is essential to teach in Japan (particularly if you're planning to do the JET Programme) - it’s good to know that this doesn’t have to be a specific teaching degree. Geography degree? No problem! No degree? Don’t fret, there are ways to work around this. A Working Holiday Visa is a great option as it allows you to work and travel in Japan for up to a year. There are other pathways available for those without a degree - such as the spouse visa, student visa, and Japanese citizenship - but these do come with their own challenges. 

• As with most countries across the world, you’ll need to have a clean background check. Japan is an extremely safe country and they want to keep it that way! If you've been arrested, charged, or convicted for anything other than a minor traffic offence, then you can expect your work visa to be denied. Almost all schools and institutions will also require a clean criminal background check. 

• Your citizenship is important when considering TEFL jobs in Japan. Preference is given to those who come from native English speaking countries - specifically the ‘Big 7’: Australia, Canada, the US, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, and South Africa. While it’s not impossible for applicants outside of the Big 7 to obtain TEFL jobs in Japan, it can be a little trickier. 

TEFL jobs in Japan

There are a couple of pathways for teaching English in Japan: The JET Program, Eikaiwas (conversation schools), and universities. 

• The JET Programme. Run by the Japanese government since 1987, the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) programme is perfect for those who are fairly new to the TEFL industry and are looking for their first taste of teaching English abroad. Primarily, the JET Programme allows budding EFL teachers to live in the country while working as a teaching assistant. You’ll be assisting experienced teachers by preparing materials and participating in extracurricular activities amongst other things, which makes it ideal for those who are new to the game. You can request where you’d like to work, but it will be the government who decides where you are placed. There is currently high demand for EFL teachers in smaller towns, so be prepared to be placed somewhere rural. Applications open in October and the process can take 6-7 months before you find out if you’ve been successful. Find out more about the JET Programme here. 

• Eikaiwas.An Eikaiwa is a privately run institute that helps local language learners achieve verbal fluency. From young learners to professional executives, a broad range of students attend Eikaiwas.These institutions stride to fill a skills-gap in the Japanese English teaching curriculum, focussing on fluency and conversation. They can either be smaller institutions or large national chains - you’ll find it easier to get a job at a smaller institute, but job stability and pay packages are often better at the larger companies. Find out more here. 

• Universities. Experienced EFL teachers who have extensive TEFL experience may find they are eligible for a position at a Japanese university. Around 700 tertiary institutions operate throughout Japan, and almost all teach English as part of the curriculum. As this is a prestigious job, you can expect a higher salary. The easiest way to apply for university gigs is via an established agency (such as Westgate Corporation), which advertises upcoming roles on all the major TEFL job boards.

Life in Japan

The school environment in Japan is often formal and respectful. Though all schools and institutions offer their own culture and environment, you’ll find generally that students are respectful and engaged. Weekdays can be long in Japan, with schools often working around a 9-5 schedule. Public transport is extremely efficient in Japan, so the commute to and from is often calm. 

Weekends are often far more relaxed than weekdays and offer teachers the chance to explore all Japan has to offer. There are often cultural workshops such as tea ceremony classes, calligraphy, or ikebana (flower arranging) that provide a deeper understanding of Japanese traditions. Head to local markets to grocery shop or go into the city for shopping or to visit museums and art galleries. Weekends are a time for relaxing and socialising with friends. 

Exploring Japan

Japan has so much to offer and life can differ dramatically from place to place. Nearly every corner of Japan is accessible by train, which means you’re free to explore the country during your downtime. It’s an easy country to explore.

Visit Kyoto with its traditional feel, forests of bamboo, temples and shrines in gold and silver and scarlet, raked gravel Zen gardens, intricate feasts served on lacquered plates, graceful tea ceremonies, and markets full of intriguing but unidentifiable ingredients. 

Head to Tokyo, Kyoto’s ultramodern counterpart. Its skyscrapers, arcades, pedestrian crossings, quirky youth fashions, and many incredibly delicious restaurants offer you the big city feel. 

Takayama is an utterly gorgeous small town on the edge of the Japan Alps and one of the best less-visited places to go in Japan.Visit the Hida Folk Village to see traditional thatched houses, wander the old town in the early morning, buy delicious fruit from the morning markets and snack on mitarashi-dango (rice balls grilled in soy) from a street stall.

Mount Fuji is on most people’s lists of places to visit in Japan, but this must-see Japan landmark can be rather elusive and is often hidden by clouds. Hakone is easy to reach from Tokyo and there are lots of other things to do in the area in case you are out of luck with a sighting. Soak in an onsen, stay in a tatami room in a ryokan (traditional inn) and enjoy an elaborate dinner.

Ready to start your Japanese journey? 

If this sounds like a bit of you then why not get your TEFL certificate in time to start applying for some teaching positions!