Anime, sushi, high-speed trains, and futuristic tech make up Japan’s global image, but the life of a TEFL teacher in Japan is more than headline attractions. Daily realities like work, friendships, chores, and bills still need to be navigated, just like anywhere else in the world!

For anyone interested in teaching English in Japan, we demystify the workplace, social scene, transportation system, shopping experience, cost of living, and more. So let’s uncover everyday life beyond the cultural intrigue.

Work Environment

Workplace culture

You’re fresh off the plane and step into one of several teaching scenarios:

1. An English conversation school (or eikaiwa)
2. A public school
3. A private language institution (also known as ‘cram schools’ or juku)
4. An international school
5. A university

The most popular teaching role is that of the Assistant Language Teacher or ALT. Whatever role you’ve contracted for, you’ll come up against these workplace features: 

• Respect is huge across East Asia, which is infused with Confucian values. This value system emphasises respect for elders, authority, hierarchy, and harmony. 

So, how does this translate into everyday life? It means:

• • bowing when greeting, 
  • remaining polite and humble, 
  • speaking quietly in public, 
  • avoiding conflict,
  • removing your shoes when entering someone’s home, and
  • no littering—respect also covers the environment.

• Professionalism defines the teaching community. You’ll find that teachers are generally well-respected. Show your professionalism by:

• • dressing the part, 
  • engaging in professional development,
  • collaborating with your peers, 
  • showing commitment to your duties, and 
  • engaging with your students’ parents and the broader community. 

• Punctuality is a sign of both professionalism and respect, so don’t dream of ever being late if you hope to climb the ESL ladder in Japan. Being on time shows:

• • effective time management, 
  • reliability, and 
  • respect for social harmony. 

Read more: Asia Uncovered: The Best Places For Teaching Jobs In Asia

Classroom culture

Japanese students may seem shy since they tend to avoid asking questions or standing out. Silence is normal, eye contact is brief, and respect for hierarchy runs deep. But once they feel at ease, they’re motivated, enthusiastic, and fully engaged. As a teacher, building trust, creating a relaxed space, and reading between the lines go a long way.

Work hours and routines

Working hours are role-dependent. 

Most ALTs enjoy a standard work week in the range of 8:00 am to 4:30 pm with weekends off. Those in private language schools generally work afternoon-evening shifts starting around noon and ending around 9:00 pm, leaving little time for socialising after work. 

“Desk warming” is a quirk of public schools where teachers stay put during vacation periods, even though they’ve got little to no work to do. As perplexing as this may be, it’s all about keeping up appearances. 

Staff dynamics and hierarchy

The hierarchy in any Japanese school or language institution is clear, as everyone has well-defined roles. The principal, together with the vice principal, leads the school, while teacher roles vary from homeroom teachers to subject teachers and grade-level coordinators. The ALT role follows suit: assisting with lessons, modelling natural English in class and sharing cultural insights. 

This hierarchy is noticeable in the staff room. Senior teachers mentor newbies and decisions flow through “the ringi  system,” where group consensus is the aim. 

Group uniformity is valued, so expect to follow the group, even if that means working long hours and attending extra sessions of continuous professional development. 

Read more: Common Mistakes TEFL Teachers Make And How To Avoid Them

Daily life

Transportation

Japan’s transport system is world class and teachers travel to and from work with ease. The only hiccup comes with rural placements, which means longer commutes to the city and limited options for getting around in the countryside. 

Support networks

Many employers offer support in the form of orientation, teacher training, ongoing professional development opportunities, social insurance (which covers health insurance and pension), housing assistance, and free Japanese lessons. For example, AEON, Interac, ECC and the JET Program all provide some or all of these benefits.

Programs like the JET Program have dedicated alumni networks, and there are plenty of online communities and forums where teachers can find support, share advice and connect.

Read more: Top Tips For TEFL Teachers To Stay Safe Abroad

Cost of Living

Here’s a quick snapshot of how the cost of living compares between a major city like Tokyo and a rural town like Akita.

*All prices are approximate and accurate as of June 2025. Costs may vary depending on location, lifestyle, and exchange rates.

Accommodation

Tokyo: 

• 1 bedroom city centre – ¥158,852 
• 1 bedroom outside city centre – ¥87,314 

Akita: 

• 1 bedroom city centre – ¥90,000 
• 1 bedroom outside city centre – ¥70,000 

Groceries

Tokyo: 

• Milk – ¥229 
• White bread 500g – ¥224 
• Eggs – ¥342 
• Chicken fillets – ¥1,156 

Akita: 

• Milk – ¥284 
• White bread 500g – ¥300
• Eggs – ¥360
• Chicken fillets – ¥700 

Transport

Tokyo: 

• Monthly pass – ¥12,000 
• One-way ticket – ¥209 
• Taxi 1km- ¥470 

Akita: 

• Monthly pass – ¥4,600 
• One-way ticket – ¥150 
• Taxi 1km- ¥400 

Eating out

Tokyo: 

• Cheap meal – ¥1,200 
• 3-course meal for two – ¥7,000 
• McDonalds – ¥800 
• Cappuccino – ¥524 

Akita: 

• Cheap meal – ¥1,000 
• 3-course meal for two – ¥3,000 
• McDonalds – ¥800 
• Cappuccino – ¥550 

Utilities

Tokyo: 

• Electricity, water, refuse, energy (average monthly cost for 85 m2 apartment) – ¥24,000 
• Internet – ¥4,835 

Akita: 

• Electricity, water, refuse, energy (average monthly cost for 85 m2 apartment) – ¥40,000 
• Internet – ¥8,000 

Cultural and social adaptation

Moving to Japan comes with a cultural curveball, but the following tips can help you thrive:

• Adjust to your new normal. This means getting comfortable with things that may not make sense, like desk warming. It’s a system that’s been in place long before your arrival, not a glitch in the matrix.
• Learn the local customs (and language) and you’ll fit in faster.
• Adjust your communication style to prevent misunderstanding as people might smile and nod despite being lost. Make it a habit to double-check that you are being understood.
• Trade going it alone for group energy:  Say “yes” to after-hours karaoke, team teaching and community activities. Getting involved can take you places.
• Read the room: Avoid taboo topics like politics, religion, or social issues and keep things friendly.
• Stay open to change. A growth mindset helps shape your daily life in Japan into a rewarding adventure.

Read more: Mastering The Local Lingo: Why Learning A Foreign Language Is A Good Idea [And Top Tips To Do It]

Common misconceptions

• Everyone speaks English. 

English is widely taught, but not everyone is fluent, so day-to-day communication can still be a challenge.

• You’ll have tons of free time and an easy schedule.

Some teaching roles require long hours and weekend work.

• Life in Japan is expensive.

Many teachers live comfortably by budgeting and using local resources.

• You need to be fluent in Japanese.


Basic Japanese helps, but fluent Japanese is not a requirement.

• Visa approval is guaranteed for TEFL jobs in Japan.


Visa processes can be strict. Proper documentation and employer sponsorship are a must.

Life as a TEFL teacher in Japan means adapting to a new culture and continuously evolving. Every part of daily life shapes how you see and experience the world, whether it’s at the workplace or a trip to the supermarket. 

If you’re open to change, teaching in Japan could be just the experience you need to enrich your life and your resume.