Getting a job at an international school in Japan is definitely competitive. Lots of people want to come to Japan, especially those with families. It’s a relatively safe place to live and offers a good quality of life. A good friend of mine who is married to a Japanese woman and has significant international experience in primary international education has been trying for years to get a job at a top school here – with no luck.

current international teacher in japan

Teach in Japan: Salary, Taxation & Cost of Living

Based on our research, here are some of the average teaching salaries you can expect to earn if you teach in Japan. We’ll also explain how taxation in Japan works for international teachers and what you can expect regarding the cost of living. Understanding these figures can help you work out if Japan is the best choice for you and your family.

Packages at top-tier international schools often include a range of teaching benefits, such as flights, housing or housing allowance, annual bonuses, global health insurance, and tuition discounts for dependent children. Mid-tier packages offer more modest benefits.

What You Need to Know Before Applying

Competitive Market Reality:

• Top international schools in Tokyo receive 100+ applications per position
• Schools prioritise candidates with:
  • 3-5+ years teaching experience
  • IB, British, or American curriculum experience
  • Subject-specific expertise (especially STEM, languages)
  • Advanced degrees (Master’s preferred)

Red Flags to Watch:

• Schools offering salaries below ¥300,000/month for experienced teachers
• Contracts without clear housing or visa sponsorship details
• Schools not registered with accrediting bodies (CIS, WASC, etc.)

Tax System & Deductions

In Japan, you’ll be considered a tax resident if you stay more than one year in Japan. Let’s explore some of the tax implications if you teach in Japan:

• Income Tax: Progressive rates from 5% to 45%; most teachers typically fall in the 10–20% range.
• Resident Tax: Additional local tax (10% average) paid after your first year.
• Social Insurance: Mandatory for full-time teachers; covers health, pension, and unemployment.
• Withholding: Taxes and social insurance are usually deducted monthly by your employer.
• Professional Tax Advice: Recommended if you plan to stay long-term or are concerned about double taxation.

Housing Benefits

• Housing stipends or subsidised housing are typical if you’re working at international schools.
• Allowance Range: USD $500 – $1,500/month, depending on your location and your school package.
• Housing in Japan is typically small but high-quality. This will need to be a consideration if you’re a bigger family (3+ kids) as you may struggle to find the space you need within your price range.
• Larger cities have expensive rents; smaller (and more regional/rural) cities offer better value though there are less international schools outside of major areas.

Popular Expat Areas:

• Tokyo: Hiroo, Azabu, Nakameguro
• Osaka: Umeda, Tennoji
• Yokohama: Motomachi, Minato Mirai
• Kyoto: Sakyo, Higashiyama

Some schools will help you to find housing and may provide settling in allowances that help to cover deposits and agency fees. Each school is different, so be sure to ask what’s included when reviewing your offer and teaching contract.

Japan Cost of Living

As you’d expect, your living costs in Japan depend largely on the lifestyle you choose to live and where you’re located.

For international teachers with families, cities like Fukuoka, Kobe, and Hiroshima are a more affordable option with decent international school options.  Tokyo, Yokohama, and Osaka typically have higher living costs, but they also offer more job opportunities and expat amenities. Your choice will depend on what you’re after in terms of salary package and lifestyle.

Monthly Living Costs (Excluding Rent):

• Family of four in Tokyo: ¥300,000-540,000 ($2,000-$3,700 USD)
• Single person in Tokyo: ¥150,000-220,000 ($1,000-$1,500 USD)
• Regional cities (Osaka, Fukuoka): 20-30% lower

Actual Monthly Rent (Tokyo):

• 1-bedroom apartment (central): ¥100,000-150,000 ($670-$1,000)
• 2-bedroom apartment (central): ¥150,000-250,000 ($1,000-$1,670)
• 3-bedroom apartment (central): ¥200,000-350,000 ($1,340-$2,340)
• Suburbs (20-30 min from center): 30-40% cheaper

Other Cities:

• Osaka: 10-20% cheaper than Tokyo
• Yokohama: Similar to Tokyo
• Fukuoka, Kobe, Hiroshima: 30-50% cheaper than Tokyo

Move-in Costs: Expect 4-6 months’ rent upfront (deposit, key money, agency fees, first month’s rent)

• Food & Dining:
  • Convenience stores and local eateries are affordable and high-quality. You’ll be surprised at how much a local Family Mart can offer!
  • Western or imported groceries and restaurants are more expensive.
  • Convenience store meal: ¥400-800 ($2.70-$5.40)
  • Local restaurant meal: ¥800-1,500 ($5.40-$10)
  • Western restaurant: ¥1,500-3,000 ($10-$20)
  • Monthly groceries (family of 4): ¥60,000-100,000 ($400-$670)
• Utilities:
  • Moderate to high, depending on the season (especially for costs like heating in winter and air conditioning in summer).
  • Electricity: ¥8,000-15,000 ($54-$100), higher in summer/winter
  • Gas: ¥3,000-6,000 ($20-$40)
  • Water: ¥3,000-5,000 ($20-$34)
  • Internet: ¥4,000-6,000 ($27-$40)
• Transportation:
  • Public transport is world-class. It’s safe, efficient, and extensive.
  • Commuting by train/subway is common; many teachers get a commuter pass to travel to and from school depending on how far your housing is from the campus.
  • Monthly Transportation:
  • Train commuter pass (30 min): ¥10,000-15,000 ($67-$100)
  • Train commuter pass (60 min): ¥15,000-25,000 ($100-$167)
  • Mobile phone: ¥3,000-7,000 ($20-$47)
  • Note: Most international schools cover commuter pass costs
• Healthcare:
  • High standard of care, universal coverage system. Most employers enrol teachers in the National Health Insurance (NHI) or offer private medical insurance as part of your package.
  • Healthcare Costs:
  • National Health Insurance: Employees pay ~30% of medical costs
  • Doctor visit co-pay: ¥1,000-3,000 ($7-$20)
  • Hospital co-pay: ¥5,000-10,000 ($34-$67)
  • Prescription drugs: Usually under ¥2,000 ($13)
  • Most international schools provide supplemental private insurance covering the 30% co-pay and offering English-language medical support.
• Savings Potential:
  • Teachers in Japan can typically save USD $5,000 – $15,000 annually, depending on salary, city, and spending habits.

Japan is an amazing place to live, and we have found day-to-day life is quite affordable.

current international teaching family – working in japan

Visa & Work Permits to Teach in Japan

To work legally in Japan as an international teacher, you’ll need a valid work visa. You’ll typically require either the Instructor visa or Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, depending on your teaching role and employer.

The same visa categories are also used for ALT/public school positions, but this guide focuses only on international and bilingual schools.

To qualify for a Japanese work visa, you’ll need:

• A Bachelor’s degree in education or your teaching subject, plus a recognised teaching licence/registration.”
• A clean criminal background check from your home country
• A job offer from a sponsoring institution (this is must-have)

Most schools will sponsor your visa and guide you through the process. The system is well-established so there should be no issues if you have all the paperwork required (which your employer will let you know). But like most visa processes, it can still be slow.

Once you’re in Japan, your residence card will be issued. You’ll need to register your address at your local city hall shortly after you arrive. Again, most schools will help organise this for you.

Spouses and children can receive dependent visas. But if your spouse wants to work, they’ll need to apply for their own work visa with a sponsoring employer.

International schools almost always require your work visa to be fully issued before entering Japan.

The good schools recruit before Christmas. You’ll sometimes see the odd position posted later if existing teachers’ plans change, but it’s pretty unusual.

current international teacher, japan

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Challenges & Things to Know about Teaching in Japan

• Language Barrier: Knowing at least some basic Japanese is essential for day-to-day interactions outside your expat bubble. Translation apps and basic phrases can be lifesavers!
• Cost of Living: Housing, food, and transportation can be expensive, especially if you’re based in Tokyo or Osaka.
• Work Culture: Long hours and hierarchical structures can feel intense.
• Education Transitions: Japanese school systems can be significantly different from Western models – ensure you understand the type of school you’re working in and that it aligns with your family’s goals.
• Bureaucracy: Getting paperwork sorted for residence cards, opening bank accounts, etc, can require patience.
• Social Integration: Building deep friendships with locals can take time due to cultural and language barriers.
• Natural Disasters: Earthquakes, typhoons, and tsunamis are all realities of living in Japan – be sure you’re prepared and aware.

Japan rewards those who embrace its culture and show respect for local customs. The language barrier is real, but Japanese people are generally patient and helpful when you make an effort to communicate in their language.

Ex-international teacher in osaka, japan

Teach in Japan: Is It Right for You?

Teaching in Japan offers a high quality of life. Salaries are competitive (although typically less than other areas in Asia), but so too are teaching jobs. There are some excellent international schools available, and you’ll be immersed in one of the world’s most fascinating cultures, making it an appealing option for many families.

Japan is ideal if you:

• Appreciate order, efficiency, and attention to detail
• Are looking for safety, cleanliness, and high-quality public services
• Are interested in learning Japanese and ready to embrace local customs
• Enjoy seasonal beauty and cultural traditions

Families will definitely benefit from Japan’s child-friendly society, where you’ll find plenty of smiles, patience and curiosity from locals. There is a strong expat community and you can enjoy incredible experiences including visiting temples, bathing in hot springs and much more. Despite initial challenges, many teachers stay longer than their initial contract because Japan offers a great balance between professional fulfilment and personal rewards.

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This guide is based on research and interviews with current international school teachers in Japan (2024-2025). Salary and cost of living figures reflect current market conditions and may vary by school, location, and experience level. Always verify specific details with prospective employers.