Teach English Conversation in Japan: 300+ Schools, 6 or 12 Months | ESLstarter
Teach English conversation classes, over 300 schools. Locations all around the country and 6 / 12 month contracts now available with excellent benefits. 🎎🏯
Teach English conversation in Japan
Teach kids and adults at one of Japan's largest English conversation school groups, with 300+ schools nationwide. Choose a 6 or 12-month contract, with full training and no placement fee through ESLstarter.
English conversation teaching jobs in Japan
Join one of the largest and most established English conversation schools in Japan, with more than 300 schools in towns and cities across the country. You'll teach small, friendly conversation classes to students from all walks of life, from young children to working professionals.
It's a great way to experience Japan with real stability: a fixed weekly schedule, a guaranteed number of lessons and full training. And if you're not ready for a full year, a 6-month contract lets you try life in Japan first.
Comparing options? See our Japan jobs teaching young learners or all teaching jobs in Japan.
Your Japan package
Earn a competitive salary, save money and enjoy everything Japan has to offer.
Average monthly salary, based on 5 teaching days a week
JPY 50 to 150 per lesson taught, when you finish your contract
Paid on contract completion
All commuting costs reimbursed
A guaranteed number of lessons, with flexibility if you need it
Everything you need to start teaching with confidence
Commit to 12 months and you also get
- Work visa sponsorship
- An airfare contribution: JPY 100,000 from outside Asia, JPY 50,000 from within Asia
- A Christmas bonus of up to JPY 20,000
For teachers on a 12-month contract teaching at least 34 lessons a week.
The role
- Teach 5 days a week, up to eight 44-minute conversation classes a day
- Teach both children (ages 3 to 12) and adults
- Build your CV with specialist courses, including TOEIC, TOEFL, business and travel English
- Lead relaxed ‘Voice’ conversation room sessions
- Join a fun, international team with regular social events
Who can apply?
- A university degree in any subject
- Fluent English and a passport from the UK, USA, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia or Canada (a visa requirement)
- Able to commit to 6 or 12 months in Japan
- No teaching experience needed
No TEFL yet? It isn't required for this role, but it helps you stand out and gives you confidence from your first lesson. Our partner TEFL UK's 120-hour TEFL is online, from just £63.
Get TEFL certified from £63How it works
Apply with ESLstarter
Send the form below. We'll check your eligibility and documents.
Interview
An interview with the school, with tips from us beforehand.
Offer and contract
Choose a 6 or 12-month contract and your preferred locations.
Visa and travel
We guide you through your documents and travel planning.
Start teaching in Japan
Full training before your first lessons.
Life in Japan
From the neon streets of Tokyo and Osaka to quiet temples, hot springs and tea fields, Japan offers an incredible mix of modern city life and centuries-old tradition.
Japan is famously safe, clean and easy to get around, with superb public transport, so weekend trips are simple. With a fixed schedule and commuting costs covered, many teachers find they can save money, pay off student debts and still enjoy everything the country has to offer.
Teaching in Japan: your questions answered
How much do English conversation teachers earn in Japan?
The average salary is JPY 250,000 a month, based on teaching 5 days a week. On top of that, your commuting costs are reimbursed, and you can earn a completion bonus of JPY 50 to 150 per lesson plus monthly incentives paid when you complete your contract.
Can I teach in Japan for just 6 months?
Yes. You can choose a 6-month or 12-month contract. Teachers who commit to 12 months and at least 34 lessons a week also receive work visa sponsorship, an airfare contribution and a Christmas bonus.
What is the teaching schedule?
You'll teach 5 days a week, with up to eight 44-minute English conversation classes a day, on a fixed weekly schedule with a guaranteed number of lessons. If you have specific scheduling needs, the school can usually work around them.
Who will I teach?
Both children aged 3 to 12 and adults. You can also teach specialist courses such as TOEIC, TOEFL, business English and travel English, and lead relaxed ‘Voice’ conversation room sessions.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach in Japan?
It isn't required for this role, as full training is provided. However, a TEFL certificate helps you stand out and gives you confidence in the classroom. Our 120-hour TEFL course is online, from £63.
Which nationalities can apply?
Because of visa requirements, you need a passport from the UK, USA, Ireland, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia or Canada, plus a university degree in any subject.
Ready to teach in Japan?
Schools are hiring now, with ongoing start dates. Applying takes five minutes, and our service is free.
