[ZenGum]

LJ, maybe you are thinking of Lesbos, the home island of Sappho. Go ahead, if you like women with mustaches.
(Apologies for the stereotype.)

Razz, a lot of people come over here "cold" - no Japanese at all. It does make life a bit challenging (which is half the benefit) but many Japanese people can get by in English, or know someone who can.
Your school will help you set up your life - typically arranging an apartment, and guiding you through the banking/phone/foreigner registration etc etc you need to do.
Most schools expect English-only in the classroom. You communicate with gestures and English.
It isn't a paid holiday. It is a job, but a fairly interesting one, in a place with novelty value.