China vs Japan: Where to Teach English

If you're torn between teaching English in China or Japan, you're not alone. Both countries are top choices in Asia for teachers looking to combine meaningful work with cultural discovery — and both offer plenty of opportunities to build a life abroad. But beyond the job listings and salaries, the day-to-day experience in each place can be dramatically different.

China is bold, fast, and full of contrast — a country where gleaming skyscrapers rise beside ancient temples, and where education is often treated as a high-pressure gateway to success. For teachers, it’s a place of growth and variety, whether you’re working in a rural town or a buzzing city of 20 million.

Japan, meanwhile, moves at its own steady pace — blending deep-rooted tradition with clean, modern precision. The teaching environment here is more structured and predictable, with clear expectations and strong public programs. You’ll find calm commutes, polite students, and a work culture that prizes order and etiquette.

Choosing between these two powerhouses isn’t just about the money or visa rules — it’s about how you want to live, what kind of culture you want to be part of, and how you want to grow while teaching. Let’s look at the key differences that can shape your decision.

Requirements to Teach English

China and Japan both have clear requirements for foreign teachers, but the level of flexibility varies. In China, you’ll generally need to be a native English speaker from a recognized country (US, UK, Canada, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, or South Africa), hold a bachelor’s degree, and have a TEFL/TESOL certificate (120 hours minimum). A clean background check and health exam are also standard parts of the Z visa process.

Japan’s requirements are somewhat more relaxed. A bachelor’s degree is still required for a work visa, but native speaker status is more of a preference than a legal requirement. Programs like JET are generally limited to native speakers, but private language schools (eikaiwas) and ALT dispatch companies often accept fluent non-natives with strong communication skills. TEFL certification is helpful but not always required, especially for entry-level roles.

Both countries screen for background issues, but China tends to be stricter on age limits (usually under 60) and documentation. Japan’s application process is more standardized, especially through government-backed programs.

Compare:

• China requires native speaker status, a degree, TEFL certification, and a clean background
• Japan offers more hiring flexibility, especially for fluent non-native speakers and those without TEFL

Job Market and Demand

Both China and Japan have well-established ESL markets, but the size and dynamics differ greatly.

China has one of the largest and fastest-growing ESL markets in the world. From kindergartens to universities, public schools to private training centers, the demand spans nearly every age group and location. Urban areas like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen offer countless opportunities, while second- and third-tier cities often have less competition and more relaxed hiring standards. The scale is immense — and so is the demand, especially for younger learners and after-school programs.

Japan has a long-standing reputation in the ESL world, but the market is more mature and competitive. Positions in the public school system are largely filled through the JET Programme or private ALT dispatch companies. Private language schools (known as eikaiwas) also make up a significant share of the market, catering to both children and adults. While there are jobs across the country, competition is stiff in desirable urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, and hiring cycles tend to follow academic semesters more rigidly than in China.

Compare:

• China offers more overall jobs across all sectors, including smaller cities
• Japan has steady demand but with tighter competition, especially for public roles and city placements

Types of Teaching Jobs

The types of positions available in each country shape your daily work life and long-term path.

In China, the variety is huge. You’ll find jobs in kindergartens, public schools, private training centers, international schools, universities, and increasingly in EdTech and online education. Work schedules can vary—kindergartens may run during the day, while private language centers often operate in the evenings and on weekends. Class sizes also differ by school type, and many positions allow flexibility in lesson planning. Private tutoring is common and can be a solid source of extra income, especially in larger cities.

Japan’s ESL industry is more standardized. Many teachers work as Assistant Language Teachers (ALTs) in public schools, especially through JET or dispatch companies. ALTs typically support a Japanese teacher, follow a fixed curriculum, and rarely teach solo. Eikaiwas offer another route — private academies with flexible hours, smaller class sizes, and often adult learners. International schools and universities exist but are highly competitive and usually require advanced qualifications. Private tutoring is legal but less common as a main income stream.

Compare:

• China offers more school types and job diversity, with flexible hours and tutoring potential
• Japan leans toward structured ALT or eikaiwa roles, with less variation and stricter routines

Salary and Benefits

Pay structures in China and Japan differ in both scale and stability.

China offers a wide salary range depending on the city and type of school. Entry-level positions at private language centers typically start around $1,200–$2,000 USD/month, but international schools and university jobs can go much higher — $2,500 to $4,000+ with experience. Many employers provide free or subsidized housing, flight reimbursement, bonuses, and paid holidays, especially in second- and third-tier cities where incentives are used to attract talent.

Japan has a more consistent, regulated salary system. Most ALT and eikaiwa positions pay between ¥220,000 to ¥300,000 JPY/month (roughly $1,500–$2,200 USD), with limited room for negotiation. While benefits are usually reliable — such as health insurance, transportation reimbursement, and government pension contributions — housing is rarely included. JET participants get better pay and more perks than those placed through dispatch companies.

Raises in both countries are possible but rarely substantial unless you switch employers or move into higher-tier institutions.

Compare:

• China offers higher earning potential, especially with housing and bonuses included
• Japan has stable but modest salaries with dependable benefits and deductions

Cost of Living

Your paycheck goes a different distance depending on where you're living — and in this area, China often comes out ahead.

China generally has a lower cost of living than Japan, particularly outside of top-tier cities. Rent in cities like Chengdu, Nanjing, or Qingdao is a fraction of what you'd pay in Tokyo or Osaka. Street food and groceries are cheap, transportation is efficient and affordable, and many teachers receive free housing, which reduces expenses significantly. That said, costs are climbing fast in places like Shanghai and Beijing.

Japan, while offering excellent public services and infrastructure, is more expensive across the board. Rent, even in smaller cities, can eat up half your salary if housing isn’t provided. Commuting, eating out, and even utilities can add up quickly. However, Japan’s financial consistency and lack of surprise expenses offer peace of mind for budget-conscious teachers who plan carefully.

Compare:

• China allows you to save more, especially with housing included and lower daily costs
• Japan costs more to live but provides reliable infrastructure and a stable pricing environment

Lifestyle and Culture

Living in China or Japan means immersing yourself in two of Asia’s richest and most distinct cultures — but the rhythm and rules of daily life can feel worlds apart.

China is bold, loud, and constantly evolving. Cities buzz with energy, people are direct and curious, and no two days feel quite the same. The cultural etiquette is more relaxed — expect friendly chaos on the roads, flexible timekeeping, and social spontaneity. Food culture is deeply regional and endlessly diverse, with everything from spicy Sichuan dishes to delicate Cantonese dim sum. Travel is easy thanks to the high-speed rail system and a growing number of domestic airlines.

Japan, in contrast, runs like a well-oiled machine. Clean streets, punctual trains, and a deep respect for social order define daily life. Work culture leans formal and hierarchical, with clear boundaries between roles. People are polite but reserved, and it takes time to build deeper relationships. But the country’s natural beauty, seasonal festivals, and refined cuisine offer constant rewards for those who take the time to engage fully.

Compare:

• China offers a fast-changing, unpredictable lifestyle with strong local flavor
• Japan delivers a clean, structured daily life with deep-rooted tradition and formality

Classroom Experience

How you’ll spend your working hours — and how students respond — can vary greatly between the two countries.

China’s classrooms tend to be lively, with students who are often curious and outspoken, especially in private schools. Teachers are generally expected to be energetic, engaging, and creative — especially in younger age groups. While there’s a national curriculum, many schools offer flexibility in how it’s delivered. That said, class sizes can be large, and expectations around results can be intense in higher-performing institutions.

In Japan, teaching is more formal and consistent. As an ALT in a public school, you’ll usually assist rather than lead, following a structured curriculum and supporting the Japanese teacher of English. Student behavior is typically polite and respectful, though participation can be quiet and group-based. Appearance and punctuality matter a great deal, and teachers are expected to model professional conduct at all times.

Compare:

• China gives teachers more autonomy and lively student engagement, though with less structure
• Japan emphasizes discipline, respect, and a support-based teaching model with strict expectations

Visa Process and Legal Stay

Navigating visa systems is a crucial part of teaching abroad, and China and Japan take very different approaches.

China requires teachers to obtain a Z visa, which involves multiple steps: a job offer, authenticated degree, criminal background check, health screening, and often an in-person consulate visit. Once in China, you’ll need to convert this to a residence permit. The process is strict and time-consuming, and your legal stay is tightly linked to your sponsoring employer. Changing jobs mid-contract can be tricky, and overstay penalties are serious.

Japan’s work visa system is more transparent and consistent. Most teachers apply for a Specialist in Humanities/International Services visa, usually sponsored by a school, dispatch company, or the JET Programme. The process is slower than China’s but generally more predictable, with fewer document authentications. Visa renewals are straightforward if you stay employed, and longer stays may open doors to permanent residency after 5–10 years.

Compare:

• China has a stricter, more bureaucratic system with high employer dependence
• Japan offers a more stable and navigable visa path, especially through public channels like JET

Career Growth and Long-Term Opportunities

If you're thinking beyond your first teaching contract, career growth and longevity matter.

China offers wide opportunities for advancement, especially in the booming private sector. Experienced teachers can move into curriculum development, school management, training roles, or even EdTech startups. International schools, bilingual programs, and online platforms continue to expand. While long-term visas and residency are difficult, many expats extend their stay by moving into higher-tier roles or pivoting industries entirely.

Japan is more rigid but rewarding for those who invest in the system. JET participants can renew for up to 5 years, while teachers who stay with a reputable company or move into international schools or universities can build strong long-term careers. There’s less room for improvisation or entrepreneurship, but the structure benefits those who prefer consistency. Japan also offers a clearer path to permanent residency or long-term stay if you meet income and residency criteria.

Compare:

• China provides entrepreneurial and upward mobility within a fast-growing sector
• Japan offers slower but steady career growth with legal paths to long-term settlement

Which Country Is Right for You?

You might thrive in China if...

• You’re seeking variety, high income potential, and low living costs
• You want to explore diverse regions and cultures within one country
• You’re comfortable navigating bureaucracy and frequent change
• You value autonomy in the classroom and entrepreneurial freedom

You might thrive in Japan if...

• You prefer a structured, stable teaching environment with clear expectations
• You value cleanliness, order, and professional etiquette in daily life
• You’re interested in long-term living with possible PR or family pathways
• You enjoy working within an established public education system

Final Thoughts

Both China and Japan can offer a fulfilling, life-changing experience for English teachers — but what you get out of it depends on what you're looking for. China gives you variety, energy, and opportunity to carve your own path. Japan offers structure, stability, and a deep cultural experience with long-term potential. Whichever you choose, you'll come away with more than just a job — you'll gain perspective, skills, and a new sense of home abroad.

👉 Teach English in China
👉 Teach English in Japan