By Ian O' Sullivan — Asia Specialist, Premier TEFL
If you're an international teacher planning to teach English in Japan, one of the first decisions is where to work: the government-run JET Programme or a private conversation school known as an eikaiwa. Both let you live and save well in Japan, but they differ in schedule, pay structure, class size, and job security. This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose the right fit.
JET vs eikaiwa at a glance
| Factor | JET Programme (public schools) | Eikaiwa (private schools) |
|---|---|---|
| Employer | Japanese government | Private company |
| Monthly salary (USD) | $2,000–$2,300 | $1,900–$2,400 |
| Working hours | Daytime, approx. 8am–4pm | Afternoon/evening, incl. weekends |
| Class size | 20–40 students | 1–8 students |
| Vacation | Generous, school calendar | 10–15 days, less flexible |
| Job security | High — government contract | Varies by company |
| Location | Often rural/regional | Cities of all sizes |
What is the JET Programme?
JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme) places native and fluent English speakers in public schools as Assistant Language Teachers. For teachers who want stability, daytime hours, and strong support, JET is a top choice. Applications are competitive and run on an annual cycle.
What is an eikaiwa?
An eikaiwa is a private English conversation school. Classes are small, hours run later in the day, and start dates are flexible year-round. Quality varies by company, so research your employer carefully. Reputable eikaiwas offer solid pay and career growth.
Which should you choose?
Choose JET if you value job security, daytime hours, and a structured government contract. Choose an eikaiwa if you prefer smaller classes, city living, and flexible start dates. Either way, you can save well; see our full cost of living in Japan guide and the highest-paying cities for teachers.
Contract lengths compared
Contract length is one of the biggest practical differences between the two routes, so it is worth understanding before you apply. On the JET Programme, the standard contract is a fixed one-year term, running from the arrival intake (usually late July or early August) through to the end of the following July. What makes JET attractive for teachers who want to stay longer is that contracts are renewable annually up to a maximum of five years, subject to a positive performance review and the agreement of your contracting organisation. This gives you the security of a government-backed agreement while still allowing you to commit just one year at a time.
Eikaiwa contracts are more varied because each school sets its own terms. Most reputable conversation schools offer one-year contracts that renew indefinitely, with no formal cap on how long you can stay. Some smaller or seasonal schools offer six-month contracts, and a minority hire on rolling or part-time terms with no fixed end date. Because eikaiwa start dates run year-round rather than on a single annual intake, you can usually begin within a few weeks of being hired rather than waiting for the next cycle.
| Contract detail | JET Programme | Eikaiwa |
|---|---|---|
| Standard term | 1 year | 6 months to 1 year |
| Renewal | Annual, up to 5 years max | Renewable, usually no cap |
| Start dates | Single annual intake (summer) | Year-round |
What teachers say
Numbers only tell part of the story, so here is how two teachers describe the day-to-day reality of each route.
"The one-year JET contract gave me real peace of mind as a first-timer. I knew my salary, my school and my visa were locked in before I even flew over, and renewing for a second and third year was straightforward once my school was happy with me. Being placed in a rural town pushed me out of my comfort zone, but the stability made it easy to save."
— Marcus, ALT on the JET Programme, Akita Prefecture
"I chose an eikaiwa because I could start in October instead of waiting for the summer intake, and I wanted to live in a bigger city. My contract renews every year and my classes are tiny, so I actually get to know my students. The evening hours took some adjusting to, but having my mornings free is a trade I would make again."
— Priya, eikaiwa teacher, Osaka
Choosing your location: rural JET or metro eikaiwa
Where you end up living is one of the biggest lifestyle differences between the two routes, and it comes down to how placements work. On the JET Programme, the vast majority of participants are deployed in small towns or rural prefectures rather than the big cities. Placement is decided for you, so if your goal is a high-rise apartment in central Tokyo, JET is a real gamble — you apply to the programme, not to a specific city.
With an eikaiwa, the picture is very different. The major conversation-school chains cluster around busy metropolitan commuter hubs, which means applicants can confidently target roles inside major cities such as Tokyo or Osaka from day one. If living in a large, well-connected city matters to you, an eikaiwa gives you far more control over exactly where you land.
Is JET or eikaiwa better for first-time teachers?
JET offers more structure and support, but a well-reviewed eikaiwa can be equally good and easier to start any time of year.
Do both require a TEFL certificate?
A bachelor's degree is required for the work visa, and a 120-hour TEFL certificate strengthens applications for both routes. Note that the visa type differs by route — JET typically leads to an Instructor visa while eikaiwa roles use a Specialist in Humanities visa — but a degree is required either way, as covered in our Japan visa requirements guide.
Which pays more?
Pay is broadly similar; JET offers strong stability while some eikaiwas offer higher hourly rates or bonuses. Because take-home pay depends heavily on your rent and city, it is worth mapping your budget before you commit: our Teach English in Japan Salary & Visa Guide helps you calculate your monthly savings potential across both teaching formats.
Start your Japan teaching journey
Whether you choose JET or an eikaiwa, a recognised 120-hour TEFL certificate helps. Read our full guide to teaching English in Japan and the Japan salary and visa guide, then get certified with Premier TEFL to start applying for your first teaching role.
