Teaching Jobs in Tokyo, Japan

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).

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.

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.

Read our comprehensive guide on teaching abroad in Japan.