Are you considering an international education for your child in Japan? With a multitude of options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right school. We’ve compiled a handy guide to help you navigate international schools in the region, making your decision-making process a little easier.

There are many areas to consider when choosing the perfect international school such as Location, Curriculum they Teach and the amenities near to the school. With 47 to choose from this guide summaries the top international schools in Tokyo (in a random order) as well as a few great options outside of Tokyo including a summer school.

International Schools in Tokyo

The British School in Tokyo (BST)

• Curriculum: National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, IBDP
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Situated across two campuses – the primary school in Azubadai Hills, Minato-Ku, with a new campus opened in 2023 and the secondary school in Sangenjaya, two stops from Shibuya.
• Website: https://www.bst.ac.jp

Originally opened in 1989, The British School Tokyo (BST) holds a respected status in Japan’s international education landscape. It is recognized for its commitment to delivering a high-quality British-style education and fostering a diverse and inclusive learning community. Graduates from BST often go on to attend prestigious universities around the world, making it one of the top choices for families seeking a high-quality international education in Tokyo.

American School in Japan (ASIJ)

• American School in Japan (ASIJ)
• Curriculum: American curriculum, American High School Diploma, AP
• Age Range: 6-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Chofu, a suburban area west of central Tokyo, about 25 minutes by train from Shinjuku.
• Website: https://www.asij.ac.jp

Founded in 1902, ASIJ is located in Chofu, outside central Tokyo. Their campus boasts a state-of-the-art facility, including a 570-seat theatre and a Japanese culture center. While half of the students are American or dual nationality, all elementary students study Japanese. Three-quarters of graduates pursue further education in America, with the remainder heading to Asia, Canada, UK, Europe, or staying in Japan.

Seisen International School

• Curriculum: Montessori, PYP, MYP, IB Diploma
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational kindergarten, girls only from grade 1
• Location: Situated in Setagaya-ku, in a quiet residential area of western Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.seisen.com

Founded in 1962, Seisen International School offers a comprehensive curriculum for students from kindergarten to high school. It is a Catholic girls-only school that introduces Japanese language and culture into its curriculum. Students come from various regions, with around half going on to universities in America.

International School of the Sacred Heart

• Curriculum: IPC, adapted middle school curriculum, AP, US High School Diploma
• Age Range: 3-5 (Co-educational), 6-18 (girls only)
• Location: Located in Hiroo, central Tokyo, in one of the city’s most desirable expat neighborhoods.
• Website: https://www.issh.ac.jp

Located in downtown Tokyo, this Catholic all-girls school, founded in 1908, is part of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools. As one of the oldest international schools in Japan, ISSH has earned a distinguished reputation for its commitment to providing an excellent education to students from diverse cultural backgrounds, from kindergarten to high school.

Malvern College Tokyo

• Curriculum: International Baccalaureate (IB) (Candidate School)
• Age Range: 4–18 (Currently open to Year 10 for Academic Year 2024–25; expanding annually to include Year 13 for Academic Year 2027-28)
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Kodaira City, a 40-minute commute from central Tokyo, in a prestigious academic hub home to over 50 educational institutions.
• Website: https://www.malverncollegetokyo.jp

Malvern College Tokyo is proud to be the first all-through British-branded school in Tokyo offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Currently, MCT is a candidate school for the IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with plans to introduce the Diploma Programme (DP) as the school expands. As part of the prestigious Malvern College family, they bring a legacy of British educational excellence combined with a forward-looking, international perspective. They currently welcome pupils aged 4 to 15, while the school is growing each year, with plans to accommodate pupils up to 18 years old in AY 2027-28.

Nishimachi International School

• Curriculum: Adapted curriculum
• Age Range: 5-15
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Nestled in the heart of central Tokyo in Moto-Azabu, Minato-Ku, walking distance from Hiroo and Azabu-Juban stations.
• Website: https://www.nishimachi.ac.jp

Established 60 years ago, Nishimachi is known for its commitment to bilingualism, incorporating both English and Japanese into its curriculum from day one. The school’s dedication to fostering global citizenship, critical thinking, and creativity is highly regarded in Japan’s educational landscape. Most graduates go on to attend either the American School in Japan or the Yokohama International School.

St. Mary’s International School

• Curriculum: Adapted American curriculum, American High School Diploma, IB Diploma
• Age Range: 4-18
• Gender: Boys
• Location: Based in Setagaya-ku, specifically in the Foi-Tama area of Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.smis.ac.jp

Founded in 1954, St. Mary’s International School is an all-boys K-12 institution in central Tokyo, offering a holistic education that includes the IB Diploma Program. As a Catholic school open to all faiths, St. Mary’s fosters global awareness within a diverse student body representing nearly 50 countries. Known for its strong academics, arts, athletics, and extracurricular programs, the school provides students with opportunities to explore their passions and excel beyond the classroom. Accredited by CIS and WASC, St. Mary’s operates as a not-for-profit, reinvesting in its students through exceptional faculty, modern facilities, and extensive resources.

Tokyo International School (TIS)

• Curriculum: PYP, MYP
• Age Range: 4-14
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Currently in Minami-Azabu, moving to a new campus at Takanawa Gateway City in 2026.
• Website: https://tokyois.com

Founded in 1997, TIS offers a comprehensive education from preschool to high school. The school is known as an Apple Distinguished School, dedicated faculty, modern facilities, and a commitment to 21st-century skills are among its hallmarks and providing iPads or Macbooks to all students. They are expanding to a new campus at Takanawa Gateway City in 2026.

K. International School Tokyo (KIST)

• Curriculum: PYP, KIST Lower Secondary Programme, IGCSE, IB DIploma
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Situated in Kiyosumi-Shirakawa area of Koto-ku, eastern Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.kist.ed.jp

Founded in 1997, K International School Tokyo offers a comprehensive educational program from preschool to high school. KIST holds a respected status within Japan’s international education landscape and is known for preparing students for academic success in both national and international academic and professional spheres. It follows the International Baccalaureate program with impressive IB Diploma results. It is accredited by the Council of International Schools (CIS).

Canadian International School Tokyo (CIST)

• Curriculum: PYP, adapted Canadian curriculum, Canadian High School Diploma, AP
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Shinagawa-ku, close to the business district of central Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.cisjapan.net

Founded in 2007, CIST provides comprehensive educational programs from kindergarten to high school. Primarily serving Canadian teachers and Japanese students, along with students from 25 other nationalities. Graduates from CIST often pursue higher education at esteemed universities in Canada and the US. It is a preferred choice for families seeking a Canadian-style education in Tokyo.

Columbia International School

• Curriculum: Ontario curriculum, Ontario High School Diploma (OSSD)
• Age Range: 6-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Based in Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, north of central Tokyo.
• Website: https://columbia-ca.co.jp/en/

Located in Saitama, Columbia International School offers a rigorous academic program with a diploma accepted by top global schools. The school creates a learning environment where in small classes each individual student is actively engaged in their learning process.

International Schools Outside of Tokyo

Hakuba International School

• Curriculum: EAL, IB Diploma
• Age Range: 12-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Hakuba village, Nagano Prefecture, in the Japanese Alps.
• Website: https://www.hakuba-is.jp

Located in the heart of Nagano prefecture’s Hakuba village, Hakuba International School (HIS) is a pioneering environmentally focused international boarding school nestled in the Japanese Alps. The school’s unique setting provides an exceptional backdrop for its innovative educational approach that combines academic excellence with environmental stewardship and community engagement. Through a curriculum that uniquely integrates Outdoor Education, Project Based Learning, and Social Emotional Learning, students are empowered to build an inclusive and sustainable future.

The campus serves as a living laboratory where students directly engage with sustainable practices and community-building initiatives, guided by core values including sustainability, respect, integrity, and community. Throughout the academic year, HIS offers popular spring and summer school programs that allow prospective students to experience their distinctive blend of academic rigor and environmental consciousness. HIS also hosts a great summer school program each year which are especially popular.

One World International School Japan (OWIS)

• Curriculum: IB PYP candidate school (Osaka) / Not decided(Tsukuba)
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: OWIS has two campuses in Ikuno-ku, Osaka and Tsukuba City, Ibaraki Prefecture
• Website:  https://owis.org/jp/osaka/ (Osaka) / https://owis.org/jp/tsukuba/ (Tsukuba)

OWIS Osaka is an international school in the heart of Osaka. The school provides a diverse and inclusive environment where students from various backgrounds thrive academically and personally.  With a focus on critical thinking, global citizenship, and personal growth, OWIS Osaka prepares students to excel in a connected world. The school features modern facilities, dedicated teachers, and a supportive community, ensuring students are equipped to succeed and make a positive impact.

Rugby School Japan

• Curriculum: Adapted National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, A level
• Age Range: 11-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Kashiwanoha, Chiba Prefecture, approximately 30 minutes from central Tokyo.
• Website: https://rugbyschooljapan.com

Located in Kashiwanoha in Chiba Prefecture, about 30 mins outside of central Tokyo, Rugby School Japan is a day and boarding offshoot of the British boarding school. 

At RSJ, both parents and students have the flexibility to select a boarding arrangement that best suits their preferences. Full-time boarders, who reside in the new RSJ purpose-built boarding Houses, will receive care and participate in extra activities throughout the entire week. They will also have access to the school’s new facilities during evenings and weekends throughout the term.

For weekly boarders, they will spend the night at RSJ in a boarding House from Monday to Friday, which is a 5-day boarding option, and return home on Sunday nights. RSJ expects this choice to be particularly popular among busy families in Tokyo and throughout Japan.

Harrow International School Appi

• Curriculum: Adapted National Curriculum for England, IGCSE, A level
• Age Range: 11-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Situated in Appi Kogen, Iwate Prefecture, a mountainous region in northern Japan.
• Website: https://www.harrowappi.jp

Located in Iwate Prefecture amidst mountains and nature, Harrow International School Appi encourages high-achieving students in both academics and outdoor activities. Harrow International School Appi replicates the full boarding experience of Harrow School in the UK – all students will be boarders.

The school is complemented by convenient access to a range of outdoor activities like skiing, snowboarding, tennis, golf, mountaineering, and mountain biking right at your doorstep. With a 100% boarding environment and the refreshing mountain air, this school offers a truly unique Japanese experience.

International Schools with Other Languages of Instruction

For families seeking education in languages other than English, Japan has some renowned international schools.

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DSTY)

• Curriculum: German curricula, High school diploma Abitur, Fachoberschulreife, Realschulabschluss, Hauptschulabschluss
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Located in Yokohama, specifically in the Nakaku area.
• Website: https://tokyo.globalindianschool.org

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama (DYST) is a German international school located in Yokohama, Japan. The school was founded in 1904 and is the oldest German school in East Asia.  DYST offers education from kindergarten to high school and follows the German curriculum. The school is recognized for its commitment to providing a German-language education to both German-speaking and international students.

Lycée Français International de Tokyo

• Curriculum: French National Curriculum, Bac, Brevet, OIB
• Age Range: 3-18
• Gender: Co-ed
• Location: Situated in Takinogawa, Kita-ku, in northern Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.lfitokyo.org

The International French High School in Tokyo is known as “LFI Tokyo” belongs to a network of establishments operated by the Agence pour l’enseignement français à l’étranger (AEFE), part of the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs. Since 1 January 2006, the LFI Tokyo has enjoyed accreditation as a licensed local private school (Tokyo kokusai furansu gakuen).

Tokyo Chinese School

• Curriculum: Chinese educational system
• Age Range: 7-18
• Gender: Co-educational
• Location: Based in Suginami-ku, western Tokyo.
• Website: https://www.tokyocs.ed.jp

Originally established in 1929 as an elementary school for overseas Chinese, its operation now follows the education system of the Republic of China (Taiwan). The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) accredits the school.

Average price’s for International schools in Tokyo

When it comes to international schools in Tokyo, several names stand out. While these schools offer diverse educational experiences, they share tuition and fees ranging from 1 to over 3 million yen per year, excluding additional expenses which could include Enrollment fees, annual facility and development fees, budget for uniforms, School bus services, lunch programs and extracurricular activities. Some schools offer early payment discounts, sibling discounts of 10-20%, and financial aid programs for qualifying families. It’s worth noting that schools typically require a non-refundable application fee during the admission process.

Neighborhood Lifestyle

Each international school is situated in neighborhoods with distinct characteristics that cater to expatriate families. Hiroo and Azabu areas, home to several prestigious schools, offer high-end supermarkets, international clinics, and diverse dining options. Setagaya’s family-friendly atmosphere provides parks and community centers, while Chofu’s suburban setting offers more spacious living arrangements with excellent transit connections.

Property Types Near Schools

Housing options near international schools range from luxury high-rise apartments to traditional Japanese homes. Areas like Minato-ku offer modern condominiums with security features and concierge services, while locations like Setagaya provide more spacious family homes with gardens. Each area’s property portfolio caters to different lifestyle preferences

FAQ’s

Are there summer programs in japan for highschool students?

Japan offers a variety of summer programs for high school students, including immersive options like Hakuba International School’s Summer School 2025, which combines environmental sustainability projects with outdoor exploration in a stunning natural setting.

How much does international school education cost in Japan?

International school tuition in Japan typically ranges from 1 to over 3 million yen per year for prestigious schools. Some International School may have lower fees. Additional costs include enrollment fees, facility fees, and optional services like bus transportation and lunch programs. Some schools offer sibling discounts and financial aid programs.

Which areas in Tokyo have the highest concentration of international schools?

Central Tokyo areas like Minato-ku, Shibuya-ku, and Setagaya-ku have multiple international schools, with more spread across the Tokyo area. Many luxury residential properties in these districts cater to international families, offering convenient access to schools. The Hiroo-Azabu area is particularly popular due to its proximity to several prestigious international schools and expat-friendly amenities. See Tokyo properties in great locations -> here

What is the admission process for international schools in Japan?

Most international schools in Japan have rolling admissions throughout the year, though early application is recommended. The process typically includes application forms, previous school records, assessment tests, and interviews. Many schools have waiting lists for certain grade levels, so it’s advisable to start the application process as early as possible.

What transportation options are available to international schools?

Most international schools offer school bus services covering major residential areas in Tokyo. Additionally, many schools are accessible via public transportation. When choosing a property, consider that some families prefer locations within walking distance or a short drive to their chosen school. To help find the best family home use a trusted realtor such as Housing Japan.