Urban and suburban
Regional hubs such as Sapporo, Sendai and Kumamoto, with great transport, food and culture. Placements in the centre of major cities are the least common.
English Teaching Jobs in Japan
Excellent salaries up to ¥3 million a year, with full visa sponsorship and housing support.
Now recruiting for April and mid-year starts
Teach English in Japan with Interac
Work as an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) in Japanese state schools with Interac, Japan's largest private ALT provider. You'll get a salary of ¥2.4–3 million a year, full visa sponsorship, housing support and up to USD $1,200 towards flights. No Japanese needed, and applying through TEFL UK is free.
¥2.4–3MAnnual salary, paid monthly
USD $1,200Flight reimbursement
Visa sponsoredInstructor Visa handled for you
£0Fees to apply through TEFL UK
What's included in your Interac ALT package
Interac handles the logistics of moving to Japan so you can focus on teaching.
Flight reimbursement
Up to USD $1,200 towards your airfare, paid in two instalments with your salary.
Housing support
Interac sources an apartment close to your assigned schools and helps you settle in when you arrive.
Full visa sponsorship
Interac manages your Instructor Visa application, and visa and registration costs are reimbursed with receipts.
National health insurance
You're enrolled in Japan's national health insurance scheme, with help getting your insurance card on arrival.
12 monthly salary payments
Your ¥2.4–3 million annual salary is paid in 12 equal instalments, so there are no gaps over school holidays.
Transport reimbursement
Approved commuting costs are reimbursed monthly, and driving positions include a vehicle allowance.
ALT salary in Japan and cost of living
Japan is safe, well connected and more affordable than many people expect, especially outside the biggest cities.
¥2.4–3M
per year
Roughly £13,000–£16,500 or USD $16,000–$20,000, enough for a comfortable single-person lifestyle in Japan.
- 12 equal monthly payments, with no gaps
- Average rent for Interac ALTs of around ¥53,000 a month
- Up to USD $1,200 flight reimbursement
- Possible bonus when you successfully renew your contract
- Vehicle allowance for driving positions
- No application or placement fees through TEFL UK
Life outside the classroom in Japan
Weekends and school holidays are your own. Japan's rail network makes it easy to swap a quiet hometown for neon city nights, cherry blossom season or a temple trail.
Requirements to teach English in Japan with Interac
The requirements are straightforward, so the role is open to a wide range of applicants.
- A bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited university. It must be a full bachelor's degree, as Japanese immigration doesn't accept diplomas as equivalent.
- Native-level English. You were born and schooled in a recognised English-speaking country, or completed 12+ years of education entirely in English.
- Eligible nationality or residency. Interac recruits from 30+ countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand and South Africa.
- Aged 20 to late 50s. You must be able to complete a full contract year before Japan's retirement age of 60.
- No Japanese required. You'll team-teach alongside a Japanese Teacher of English.
- A TEFL certificate is recommended. See our courses for Japan.
Do I need a TEFL to teach in Japan?
A TEFL isn't a legal requirement for the Instructor Visa, but it makes your application much stronger. It shows Interac you already understand lesson planning and classroom management, and it helps you stand out from other applicants.
Why apply through TEFL UK?
TEFL UK is an Interac referral partner. Applying through us costs nothing, and our recruitment team can help you with your application and interview preparation at every step.
Where you could teach in Japan
Interac places ALTs across Japan through five regional divisions, from Hokkaido in the north to Kyushu in the south-west.
Suburban and semi-rural
Many placements are one to two hours from a major city, with lower living costs, close-knit communities and everyday Japanese life on your doorstep.
Rural placements
Ideal if you love the outdoors and want deep cultural immersion. Local ALT networks and regular branch events keep you connected.
Flexibility gets you placed faster. You can share your placement preferences during the application, and Interac tries to match them where schools have vacancies.
Interac vs the JET Programme
JET is the best-known route into Japanese schools, but Interac suits applicants who want to apply year-round, move faster and stay longer.
| Factor | Interac (via TEFL UK) | JET Programme |
|---|---|---|
| Applications | Year-round, online | Annual government cycle only |
| Placement | Regional preferences considered | Government-assigned |
| Contract renewal | No term limit | Maximum 5 years |
| Salary | ¥2.4–3M a year | ~¥3.36M a year to start |
| Flights | Up to USD $1,200 reimbursed | One-way flight provided |
| Housing | Sourced by Interac, paid by you | Varies by placement |
| Competition | Lower, with rolling intakes | Very high |
| TEFL required | No, but recommended | No, but recommended |
Teaching in Japan with Interac: FAQs
Do I need to speak Japanese to teach in Japan?
No. Japanese isn't required. You'll teach alongside a Japanese Teacher of English (JTE) who handles communication at school, and Interac staff help you set up daily life when you arrive. Many teachers pick up conversational Japanese quickly.
Does my degree subject matter?
No. Interac accepts a bachelor's degree in any subject from an accredited university. It must be a full bachelor's degree, as technical diplomas and professional certificates aren't recognised by Japanese immigration as equivalent.
How much do English teachers earn in Japan with Interac?
Interac ALTs earn ¥2.4–3 million a year, paid in 12 equal monthly instalments. That's roughly £13,000–£16,500 or USD $16,000–$20,000, and is enough for a comfortable single-person lifestyle. Average rent for Interac ALTs is around ¥53,000 a month.
When do Interac contracts start?
Standard contracts run from April to the end of March. Mid-year starts are also possible, running from your start month to the following March. There's no limit on how many times you can renew.
Can I choose where in Japan I'm placed?
You can state regional preferences and Interac tries to accommodate them, but placement depends on school vacancies. Being flexible makes a faster placement much more likely.
Do I need a TEFL certificate to teach in Japan?
A TEFL, TESOL or PGCE isn't legally required, but it strengthens your application and prepares you for the classroom. TEFL UK recommends the 168-Hour Level 5 TEFL for Japan, and you can save 10% with code JAPAN10.
Can South Africans teach in Japan with Interac?
Yes. Interac recruits from more than 30 countries, including South Africa, the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Ireland and New Zealand. Eligibility is based on your nationality or residency and English-language education.
What's the difference between Interac and the JET Programme?
Interac recruits year-round, considers your regional preferences and has no limit on contract renewals. JET recruits once a year through a government cycle, assigns placements and caps contracts at five years. JET pays a higher starting salary and provides a flight, while Interac reimburses up to USD $1,200 towards flights.
Why apply through TEFL UK rather than directly?
Applying through TEFL UK is free and gives you our recruitment team's support throughout the process. There's no cost or disadvantage to applying through a referral partner.
Ready to teach English in Japan?
Apply through TEFL UK in a few minutes. There are no fees, and our team will support you from your application to your first day in the classroom.
Apply to teach in JapanApplications are open year-round for April and mid-year starts.
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