Top 13 International Schools in Japan: A Comprehensive Guide

International schools in Japan, increasingly favored by expat families, offer globally-oriented education, often based on foreign curricula, and primarily instruct in English. 

The Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) supports 27 member schools across cities like Tokyo and Osaka, providing diverse programs from early learning to high school, many accredited by organizations like the International Baccalaureate Organization. 

These schools host students from various cultures and offer supportive communities for students and parents, with experienced staff adept at assisting expat families. Despite high tuition fees, the distinctive educational and cultural advantages make these schools a valuable choice for many.

American School in Japan

The American School in Japan (ASIJ) is a well-known international private day school in Tokyo, Japan. Founded in 1902, ASIJ has provided a world-class educational program to students from all nationalities for over a century. 

The school is co-educational and consists of an elementary, middle, and high school, all located on the Chōfu campus.

ASIJ offers an American-style college preparatory education to students of all ages. The school has a rigorous educational program that prepares students for top universities worldwide. 

The curriculum is structured to captivate and challenge students, offering courses such as Advanced Placement (AP) classes.

ASIJ ensures a nurturing space for its students. Our team is devoted to academic and personal success. We cherish diversity and strive for an inclusive atmosphere for everyone.

The admissions process for ASIJ is competitive, and the school receives many applications each year. Families interested in applying to ASIJ should be prepared to provide detailed information about their child’s academic and personal background. 

The admissions committee considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and recommendations from teachers and other adults.

ASIJ has a reputation for being an expensive school. Tuition fees for the 2023-2024 school year range from ¥2,740,000 to ¥3,275,000, depending on the grade level. 

Families should be ready to cover extra costs for textbooks, uniforms, and other school necessities, but financial aid is available for those in need. 

ASIJ’s school day typically lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., with after-school activities and clubs available for interested students and support services like counseling and tutoring.

Located in Chōfu, around 20 kilometers west of central Tokyo, ASIJ is easily reachable via public transport, with many students commuting by train or bus daily. 

The campus boasts modern, top-notch facilities and technology, and students must have a MacBook for school-related tasks.

The British School in Tokyo

The British School in Tokyo (BST), founded by former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in 1989, is Japan’s oldest British school. 

It offers a curriculum based on England’s National Curriculum, adapted for international students in Japan aged 3 to 18.

BST is a co-educational school that takes students from over 65 nationalities. The school is rated in all eight areas examined by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which includes academic results, student personal development, and the quality of teaching and learning.

The school offers an educational program that prepares students for university and beyond, with students going on to attend top universities in the UK, the US, and around the world. The school also offers advanced placement courses for students in their senior years.

BST has both an elementary and secondary school, with the secondary school offering a wide range of subjects, including science, humanities, languages, and the arts. The school strongly focuses on developing the whole child with extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and drama.

The school operates on a tuition-based system, with fees varying depending on the student’s age and the number of siblings attending. 

The admissions process involves an application and an interview, with priority given to families who have previously attended BST or are connected to the British community in Japan.

The school day at BST is from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. After-school activities and additional learning sessions are available for interested students. Extra support is also provided for those who need help with their studies.

Yokohama International School

Yokohama International School (YIS) is a co-educational, independent, non-profit institution in Naka-ku, Yokohama, Japan. Established in 1924, it provides a comprehensive International Baccalaureate Continuum, encompassing the Primary, Middle, and Diploma Programmes.

The school comprises four divisions: Early Learning Center (ages 3-4), Elementary School (grades K-5), Middle School (grades 6-8), and High School (grades 9-12), covering a total of 13 academic years. 

The school’s educational program is designed to provide a challenging and rigorous academic curriculum that promotes inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and creativity.

YIS has a diverse student body, with over 50 nationalities represented. The school’s co-ed environment fosters community and encourages students to develop a global perspective. 

The school’s faculty is also diverse, with over 150 teachers from around the world who bring a wealth of experience and expertise to the classroom.

The admissions process for YIS is competitive, and the school considers various factors, including academic performance, extracurricular activities, and English proficiency. The school also offers financial aid to families who demonstrate need.

YIS emphasizes community service, urging students to engage in numerous service projects annually. Also, the school provides a variety of extracurricular activities such as music, sports, drama, and robotics.

While the tuition fees at YIS are substantial, approximately JPY 3,200,000 annually for high school, the school does offer scholarships and financial aid to assist families in need.

Tokyo International School

Tokyo International School is an outstanding international school in central Tokyo that caters to the expatriate community. 

The school offers top-notch, creative education to a culturally diverse community. The curriculum is crafted to equip students with the skills needed to navigate the demands of a swiftly evolving world.

The school offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) and Middle Years Program (MYP) of the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. The PYP curriculum is for children aged 3-12 years, while the MYP curriculum is for students aged 11-16. The school strongly emphasizes developing students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

Tokyo International School is a co-ed school that enrolls students from nursery through high school. The school has a diverse student body, with students from over 40 nationalities. The school firmly commits to promoting cultural awareness and understanding among its students.

The admissions process for Tokyo International School is competitive, and the school has a rigorous selection process. The school requires students to take an entrance exam, and the admissions committee considers factors such as academic performance, language proficiency, and extracurricular activities.

Tokyo International School prioritizes extracurricular activities, providing students with numerous sports, clubs, and activities and advanced placement (AP) courses for high schoolers. 

School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuition fees range between $20,000 and $30,000 annually, varying by grade level, but financial aid is available for needy families.

Aoba-Japan International School

Aoba-Japan International School is a well-established international school in Tokyo, Japan, with four campuses: Meguro, Hikarigaoka, Bunkyo, and an Online Campus. 

Aoba-Japan International School provides education from kindergarten through grade 12, aiming to create a secure and nurturing environment where students can realize their full potential and mature into responsible global citizens. 

The school caters to students from varied cultural backgrounds, offering a curriculum grounded in the globally recognized International Baccalaureate (IB) program known for its rigorous academic standards.

Aoba-Japan International School offers comprehensive courses, including advanced placement programs, to prepare students for admission to top universities worldwide.

Aoba-Japan International School is a co-educational school that welcomes students from all over the world. The school has a diverse student body, with students from over 50 countries. 

The school also firmly commits to family involvement in education, and parents are encouraged to participate in school activities and events.

The admissions process at Aoba-Japan International School is competitive, and the school receives many applications each year. 

The school offers an online application process, and prospective students must submit academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other supporting documents. 

The school also requires applicants to take an admissions test and attend an interview. The tuition fees at Aoba-Japan International School vary depending on the campus and grade level. 

The school offers a flexible payment plan, with tuition payable in one or two installments spread evenly throughout the year. The school also provides financial aid for eligible students to help cover the cost of tuition.

Nishimachi International School

Nishimachi International School is a private, co-educational, non-sectarian day school in the Azabu area of Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1949 to serve as a center of education for both expatriate and Japanese children. 

The school follows an educational philosophy based on internationalism and humanism, creating a supportive learning environment for children.

The school offers an educational program for students from Kindergarten through Grade 9. The educational program is designed to develop students’ intellectual, creative, personal, social, and physical abilities. 

The primary language of instruction is English, and Japanese is taught to all students every day, from beginner to native speaker level.

Nishimachi International School has a diverse student body, with students from over 30 countries. 

The school is co-ed and has a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, which ensures that each student receives individual attention. The school is committed to providing a well-rounded education and offers various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, drama, and community service.

The admissions process at Nishimachi International School is competitive, and the school looks for students who are motivated, academically strong and have a genuine interest in learning. 

The school also considers the student’s family background and their ability to contribute to the school community. The school’s tuition fees are on the higher side, but it offers financial aid to families who are in need.

Regarding school hours, Nishimachi International School operates from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. The school follows the Japanese education system, meaning students have a long summer break and shorter winter and spring breaks. The school also offers an after-school program and a summer school program.

Nishimachi International School has a strong record of sending its graduates to top universities worldwide, including the University of Tokyo, Kyoto University, Tohoku University, and many universities in the United States. 

The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for high school students who wish to pursue university studies in the United States.

Seisen International School

Seisen International School (SIS) is a private Catholic school for girls in Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1962 and has since offered a Kindergarten to Grade 12 education program. The school has a diverse student body and faculty, with students and teachers from over 60 countries. The primary language of instruction is English.

Educational Program

Seisen International School follows the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, renowned for its rigorous and comprehensive curriculum. The IB program is designed to prepare students for university education and beyond, emphasizing critical thinking, global awareness, and community service. 

The school offers the Primary Years Program (PYP) for elementary school students, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for middle school students, and the Diploma Program (DP) for high school students.

Admissions Process

Seisen International School employs a selective admissions procedure, offering limited spots per grade. The school evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, involvement in extracurricular activities, and individual characteristics.

Prospective students must submit an application form, academic transcripts, and recommendation letters. They may also be asked to attend an interview or take an entrance exam.

Fees and Tuition

Seisen International School is fee-paying, and tuition fees vary depending on the grade level. For the academic year 2023-2024, the annual tuition fee for high school students is JPY 2,880,000, and for elementary and middle school students, it is JPY 2,520,000. The school also charges a one-time admission fee of JPY 540,000 for new students.

Co-Educational

Seisen International School is a girls-only school, providing a unique learning environment that fosters sisterhood and empowerment. However, the school recognizes the importance of co-education. It offers various opportunities for students to interact with boys from other schools—for instance, the school partners with St. Mary’s International School, a boys-only school in Tokyo.

School Hours

Seisen International School operates from Monday to Friday, with classes starting at 8:30 a.m. and ending at 3:15 p.m. for high school students. Elementary and middle school students have slightly different schedules. The school also offers after-school programs and clubs for students wanting to further their interests and skills.

Advanced Placement

Seisen International School does not offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses. However, the school’s IB Diploma Program is recognized by universities worldwide, and many universities offer credit or advanced standing to students who have completed the program. 

The school has a dedicated college counseling team that assists students in their university applications and helps them explore different post-secondary options.

International School of Sacred Heart

The International School of Sacred Heart, located in Shibuya, Tokyo, is a prestigious all-girls institution established in 1908. It is a Network of Sacred Heart Schools member and has affiliations with educational entities across 44 countries.

ISSH’s educational program is rooted in the Goals of the Society of the Sacred Heart, which aims to educate young women of the international community in Tokyo to believe, learn, serve, connect, and grow.

ISSH educates girls from kindergarten to grade 12 and is co-educational for kindergarten. The school’s educational program is designed to provide students with a challenging, well-rounded, and internationally-focused education. 

The curriculum overview includes English, mathematics, science, social studies, world languages, arts, physical education, and more. The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses to prepare students for university-level studies.

ISSH’s admissions process is rigorous, and the school considers various factors. The admissions process includes an application, an interview, and a review of academic records and recommendations. 

When making admissions decisions, the school also considers factors such as diversity, extracurricular activities, and community service.

The tuition and fees at ISSH differ based on the student’s grade level. Financial aid is available for families showing financial need. School hours are 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and the academic year is from early September to mid-June.

Montessori School of Tokyo

The Montessori School of Tokyo (MST) is an internationally recognized and accredited Montessori school located in the heart of Tokyo. It was founded in 1993 and was the first accredited Montessori school in Asia. 

MST offers a vibrant vision of education for children, focusing on developing a love of learning and a sense of community.

MST provides a Montessori curriculum for children ages 2 to 15. The school has four program levels: Little People (for 2-3-year-olds), Sunshine (for 3-6-year-olds), Elementary (for 6-12-year-olds), and Erdkinder (Middle School – for 12-15-year-olds). The school employs almost exclusively guides trained by the Association Montessori Internationale, the organization Maria Montessori started.

MST is a co-ed school that offers a nurturing environment for children to discover their passions and embark on meaningful and purposeful journeys of self-construction. The school’s faculty and staff are highly qualified and diverse, drawn from around the globe.

The admissions process for MST involves an interview with the family and a visit to the school. The school hours are from 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m., and the tuition fees vary depending on the program level. The school also offers financial aid to families who need it.

MST’s educational program focuses on developing the child’s physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. The school’s curriculum encourages children to become independent learners and critical thinkers. MST also offers advanced placement courses for high school students who wish to pursue university studies.

Mary’s International School

St. Mary’s International School is a private boys’ school in Setagaya, Tokyo, Japan. Established in 1954, it moved to its current location in 1971. The school is committed to nurturing every student’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development.

The school, with English as its primary language of instruction, encompasses elementary, middle, and high schools, all situated within the Setagaya campus. Additionally, it provides the International Baccalaureate program.

The school has a diverse population of 846 students from 52 countries. Many students carry two or more passports and speak English and at least one other language. St. Mary’s International School has been known for providing quality education in the Tokyo area for 66 years.

Education Program

St. Mary’s International School offers a comprehensive educational program that nurtures students’ intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development. 

The school provides a curriculum that prepares students for university and future endeavors through the globally recognized International Baccalaureate program, equipping students with advanced academic studies.

Admissions Process

The admissions process at St. Mary’s International School is competitive, and the school only admits a limited number of students each year. 

The admissions process includes an application, an interview, and an entrance exam. The school considers each applicant’s academic record, extracurricular activities, and personal qualities.

Co-Ed

St. Mary’s International School is exclusively for boys, emphasizing a secure and supportive learning environment. Nonetheless, it does facilitate co-educational activities and events by collaborating with nearby schools.

Fees and Tuition

St. Mary’s International School is a prestigious private institution with substantial tuition fees. The school extends scholarships and financial aid to assist those in financial need. Additionally, it provides a range of extracurricular activities like sports, music, and art, which might incur extra charges.

School Hours

St. Mary’s International School has a rigorous academic program and extended school hours. The school day begins at 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. for elementary school students and 4:00 p.m. for middle and high school students. The school also offers after-school programs and activities.

St. Mary’s International School is a well-respected institution in Tokyo, providing quality education to boys for over 60 years. The school’s focus on nurturing each student’s intellectual, physical, emotional, and social development makes it a top choice for families looking for an excellent education for their children.

Camelot International School

Camelot International School is a co-educational international school located in Itabashi-ku, Tokyo. The school was founded in 2014 and offers a Cambridge Curriculum education system. With over 85 students and more than 15 dedicated teachers and staff, the school aims to provide a high-quality education to its students.

The school offers education from primary school to secondary school levels. The educational program is designed to help students develop their critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. The school also offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students who wish to pursue higher education in Japan or abroad.

The admissions process for Camelot International School involves submitting an application form and paying a non-refundable application fee of ¥15,000. The school also requires an entrance examination, which can be taken on the day of the exam or before the exam day via bank transfer. The school accepts both Japanese and international students.

The tuition fees for Camelot International School vary depending on the student’s grade level. The school also offers a sibling discount for families with more than one child attending the school. The school hours are from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., with an optional after-school program until 6 p.m.

Regarding university placement, Camelot International School has a good track record of sending its students to top universities in Japan and abroad. The school also offers guidance and support to students seeking higher education.

Global Indian International School

Global Indian International School (GIIS) is a multi-award-winning international school in Tokyo, Japan. The school offers a curriculum that nurtures 21st-century skills and is designed to prepare students for the challenges of the modern world. 

GIIS is recognized for its academic excellence and ranked 9th among 16,000 CBSE schools and 1 in Overseas CBSE Schools.

GIIS Tokyo offers education for students from Nursery to Grade 12. New students can enroll any time during the academic year, with some exceptions for those seeking admission into CBSE & IB Diploma Programme 11 and 12. The school’s educational program is 

MEXT is approved and follows the national curriculum mandated by India’s Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

The school has a diverse student body, with students from different nationalities and cultural backgrounds. GIIS Tokyo emphasizes cultural diversity and provides a unique blend of holistic learning, well-qualified faculty, and modern infrastructure. The school also offers a Bus Service covering different routes, making it convenient for families to send their children to school.

The school fees at GIIS Tokyo are affordable, and the school provides a 25% discount on tuition fees for new students. The admissions process is straightforward, and the school provides guidance and support to families. The school hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and it also offers after-school activities and a Cram School to help students with their studies.

GIIS Tokyo is a co-ed school that provides a comprehensive education that prepares students for university and beyond. The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses for students who wish to pursue higher education in Japan or abroad. 

GIIS Tokyo is an excellent choice for families looking for an international school that provides a high-quality education and a nurturing environment for their children.

Kohana International School

Kohana International School, located in Kawasaki, Japan, is a private, co-educational institution offering preschool programs for children aged 2-6 and elementary programs for those aged 6-12. 

It adheres to the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum and holds the Council of International Schools (CIS) accreditation.

The school is dedicated to delivering top-notch education to equip students for future academic achievements. It emphasizes the development of critical thinking, creativity, and a global perspective in its educational approach.

Additionally, the school emphasizes the importance of developing strong character traits like respect, responsibility, and empathy.

The admissions process for Kohana International School is competitive, and the school only accepts a limited number of students each year. Prospective students and their families are encouraged to attend an open house or schedule a school tour to learn more about the educational program and admissions process.

Tuition fees for Kohana International School vary depending on the program and grade level. The preschool program’s tuition ranges from ¥1,150,000 to ¥1,500,000 per year. 

The elementary program’s tuition ranges from ¥1,650,000 to ¥1,950,000 per year. The school also offers after-school care and additional programs, such as cram and summer school, for an additional fee.