If you want to teach English in Japan, two of the most common starting points are assistant language teacher (ALT) positions and eikaiwa jobs at private English-conversation schools. Both can provide legal employment, classroom experience, and a path into life in Japan, but the daily reality is very different.
The better choice depends on how you prefer to teach, when you want to work, where you want to live, and how much structure or independence you expect. This guide compares the two routes so you can evaluate the actual job rather than choosing by title alone.
ALTs usually work in public elementary schools, junior-high schools, or high schools. They commonly assist Japanese teachers with foreign-language classes, prepare activities and materials, support speech contests or extracurricular programs, and participate in school life. The exact division of responsibility varies by school and teacher.
The official JET Programme guidance describes ALTs as assistants to Japanese teachers, but direct-hire boards of education and private dispatch companies also recruit for ALT placements. That means two jobs with the same title can have different salaries, benefits, school assignments, and classroom expectations.
Eikaiwa are private English-conversation schools. Teachers may work with children, teenagers, adults, or a combination of age groups. Lessons are often delivered from a company curriculum, although preparation and customization requirements vary.
Many eikaiwa operate during the hours when students are available: afternoons, evenings, and weekends. Some focus on young learners, while others specialize in adult conversation, private lessons, corporate instruction, or online classes. Large brands include NOVA, AEON, ECC Japan, Gaba, and Berlitz Japan.
| Category | ALT | Eikaiwa |
|---|---|---|
| Work setting | Public schools or boards of education | Private language schools, studios, or corporate sites |
| Common schedule | Weekday daytime hours | Afternoons, evenings, and weekends |
| Students | School-age children and teenagers | Children, teenagers, adults, or mixed ages |
| Classroom role | Usually assists or team-teaches | Often leads the complete lesson |
| Common residence status | Instructor | Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services |
| Location pattern | City, suburban, regional, or rural placements | Often concentrated in populated areas, with regional branches available |
Many entry-level ALT and eikaiwa positions fall roughly within the ¥230,000 to ¥300,000 monthly range, although offers outside that range exist. A higher headline salary does not automatically create the better package.
ALT applicants should check whether the salary is paid evenly across all 12 months, whether school holidays reduce income, and whether travel between schools is reimbursed. Eikaiwa applicants should compare teaching hours with total workplace hours and ask whether preparation, meetings, sales activities, events, and student communication are included in paid time.
For both job types, review social-insurance enrollment, pension, employment insurance, transportation, housing assistance, annual leave, sick leave, bonuses, renewal terms, and deductions.
ALT schedules generally align with public schools. Teachers often work weekday daytime hours and may have evenings and weekends available. However, school events, clubs, speech contests, desk-warming periods, multiple-school placements, and long rural commutes can affect the experience.
Eikaiwa schedules commonly run later. Teachers may begin near midday and finish in the evening, with weekends forming part of the normal workweek. This can suit teachers who prefer late mornings, but it may make social plans with conventional weekday workers harder.
An ALT may have less control over curriculum and classroom decisions because the Japanese teacher remains responsible for the class. Some ALTs participate deeply in planning and instruction; others are used mainly for pronunciation practice or occasional activities. Ask how lessons are normally divided before accepting.
Eikaiwa teachers are more likely to lead lessons independently. The curriculum may be highly structured, and performance can be measured through student retention, parent feedback, lesson evaluations, or school targets. Ask whether the role includes sales or customer-service expectations in addition to teaching.
ALT positions commonly use the Instructor status of residence, while many eikaiwa positions use Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Services. Your permitted activities depend on your status and actual duties. Japan's Immigration Services Agency provides guidance on permission for activities outside an existing status.
Changing from one job type to another may require a status change, immigration notification, or additional permission. Never assume that having a valid residence card authorizes every teaching job.
Neither ALT nor eikaiwa work is automatically better. ALT jobs often offer a more conventional schedule and public-school experience. Eikaiwa roles can provide more independent teaching and more location options, but commonly require evenings and weekends. The employer, contract, commute, and campus matter more than the job title.
Explore the full GSS guide to teaching in Japan, browse current Japan teaching jobs, compare school profiles and teacher reviews, or use the GSS resume builder before applying.
Immigration rules and employment conditions can change. Confirm current requirements with the employer and the appropriate Japanese government authority.
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