illustration of Japan

Area

Hokkaido, Aomori, Akita, Iwate, Yamagata, Miyagi, Fukushima

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People

Nearly 400 teachers from 31 countries with Interac North.

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Staff

Small but veteran staff are all experts on the Hokkaido and Tohoku regions.

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Company

A family-like atmosphere where you can feel supported.

Why teach English in Hokkaido and Tohoku?

Ready to take the road less traveled, and discover a Japan few get to see? Welcome to Japan’s wild northern frontier, Hokkaido and Tohoku

 

As our largest area in terms of land mass, you’ll find extraordinary landscapes and experiences with Interac North. If you’re teaching in Japan as an ALT, this could be the adventure of a lifetime.

Explore the Great Outdoors 

 

This stunning region of Japan is known for winter sports and protected areas such as the Shiretoko National Park.

 

Spread out in Japan’s largest prefecture, Hokkaido, enjoying outdoor activities on its northernmost island. Or bathe in the famous hot springs of mountainous Tohoku.

 

Delicious Food & Drink 

 

Discover exceptional food and drink, including some of the country’s best fresh seafood from a thriving fishing industry. Or try locally-grown fruits from the region’s cool orchards.

 

Tohoku’s six prefectures take great pride in their hearty, belly-warming local dishes.

 

A True Japanese Experience

 

Want an immersive experience? With fewer English speakers compared to other areas of Japan, our Interac North ALTs rapidly improve their Japanese language skills and proficiency.

 

If you’re self-sufficient and want to get away from a “foreigner bubble” of English speakers, you’ll find ‘the real Japan’ here.

 

Become a Stronger ALT

 

Over time, our ALTs find going north allows them to become stronger: mentally, spiritually, physically, and linguistically – you’ll be tested and challenged. 

 

Apply to work with Interac North and start your adventure today. 

 
Small islands and some snowy mountains in the background

Matsushima, Miyagi Prefecture

Two story station building made purely out of ice

Sapporo Snow Festival, Hokkaido

Exterior view of the Hirosaki Castle with beautiful fall color at Aomori, Japan

Hirosaki Castle, Aomori Prefecture

Big crater on a mountainside filled with bright green water

Mount Zao, Miyagi Prefecture

Delicious looking bowl of ramen

Sapporo Miso Ramen, Hokkaido

Clear blue river running through a creek

Geibikei Gorge, Iwate Prefecture

Living Cost Comparison for Sapporo

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Data Source: numbeo.com

 

The chance to visit Sapporo is a big highlight of Interac North. As Hokkaido’s largest city, it offers a vibrant hub for ALTs to explore – with markets, attractions, and a beer museum!

 

It’s a safe, welcoming city with great transport links and an easy-to-navigate grid system. However, many of our ALT positions are in the more rural areas of Hokkaido. Communities are sparsely populated, and it’s an ideal location for escaping the stress of city life.

 

The 6 Prefectures of Tohoku

 

In the far north of Japan’s main Honshu island, Tohoku is a treasure trove of unique cultural experiences and warm communities. It is the perfect place for an ALT to make a real difference, especially if you want to integrate into authentic Japanese culture.

Iwate 


You’ll find our Morioka office in Iwate, a peaceful prefecture with astounding natural beauty. The city of Morioka is filled with charm and history, without the usual crowds of tourists.


Akita


Known for its outdoor onsen and the beloved breed of dog, snowy Akita offers a comfortable existence for an ALT. If you’re looking for Japan’s winter wonderland, you can find it here.


Aomori


Famous for its delicious apples, Aomori is Tohoku’s northernmost prefecture. Don’t miss its vibrant summer lantern festival, breathtaking scenery, and freshly caught seafood.


Miyagi

 

Home to our Sendai office, Miyagi prefecture offers a mix of urban excitement and coastal tranquillity. Tohoku’s largest city, Sendai, is known for its great nightlife and shopping.

 

Yamagata

 

If you want to work on your wellness as well as your Japanese, this rural prefecture could be for you. Yamagata is known for its hot springs, mountain views, and excellent cherries.

 

Fukushima

 

A region of resilience, Fukushima is filled with natural beauty, including a huge national park. Meet determined students, and enjoy the best of Japan – sake, skiing, and samurai culture.

 

Our Teachers in Hokkaido & Tohoku

Laarni

“Interac North has been the perfect balance of city life and nature for me. The surrounding areas are beautiful, easily accessible, and great for weekend trips. Meanwhile I can still have the same experience as the ALTs living in the bigger cities. North Japan is truly full of the most beautiful hidden gems in the country. Come see for yourself!”

 

Hometown: Cebu, Philippines

Arrived in Japan: 2014

Japanese level: Advanced

Superpower: Making anything into an entertaining lesson

Sam

“I have lived in many different places around Japan, big cities, smaller towns, hot places, and colder places. I can say, without a doubt, that my experience living in North Japan and working with Interac North has been the best so far. The food is amazing, the weather is just right, and the people are fantastic.”

 

Hometown: London, UK

Arrived in Japan: 2016

Japanese level: Intermediate

Superpower: Can speak 3 languages.

Shane

“The people in North Japan are the kindest of any that I have met. At first I was worried about being isolated in a rural area with limited Japanese skill, but the community truly accepted me and made me a part of their “family.” Not only that, the other instructors in Interac North have a family of their own. Even though I live in a rural area, I have never felt alone!”

 

Hometown: Chicago, USA

Arrived in Japan: 2020

Japanese level: Beginner

Superpower: Kendo team member

About Interac North

Interac is Japan’s largest private provider of ALTs (Assistant Language Teachers). Interac North is one of the smaller companies within Interac, but it is a tight family. We hope we'll be able to support you in working with your students and the local community.
Interac logo
Interac North Company

Branch Offices

Morioka Office

〒020-0021

Iwate, Morioka
1-11-17 Chuo-dori
Dai 2 Odori Building 6F

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:00~18:00

Phone: 019-622-7700

Sapporo Office

〒060-0042

Hokkaido, Sapporo, Chuo-ku
1-14-2 Oodorinishi

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:00~18:00

Phone: 011-596-7680

Sendai Office

〒020-0021

Miyagi, Sendai, Aoba-ku
Chuo 1-10-1
HUMOS 5 5F

Office Hours: Mon to Fri, 9:00~18:00

Phone: 022-302-5277

Interac has longstanding experience and in-depth expertise in Japan and the ALT industry. You can count on us to help you adjust to your new life in this beautiful country, thrive and grow in your role as an ALT, and make this an experience of a lifetime.

Apply to to teach English in Hokkaido today