Applying to an international school in Tokyo is rarely a quick exercise. With more than 30 international and bilingual schools spread across Minato, Shibuya, Setagaya and the western suburbs, expat families face a layered process that often runs in parallel with the relocation itself. This 2026 admissions guide walks you through the typical Tokyo timeline, the documents most schools require, fee planning, and the language and learning support questions you should ask before signing an offer letter.
Tokyo international school admissions calendar
Tokyo schools mostly run on an August-to-June academic year, with a smaller group on the Japanese April-to-March calendar. Plan your application 9 to 12 months ahead of the desired start date.
- September to November: Applications open for the following August intake. Premium schools begin accepting deposits.
- December to February: Assessment days, family interviews and language screening for older year groups.
- February to April: First-round offers go out. Sibling and corporate-priority offers are usually confirmed first.
- May to July: Final rolling intakes for late relocations, contingent on year-group availability.
Mid-year (January) intakes exist at some schools but with limited capacity, especially in Year 1, Year 6 and the IB Diploma Years 12 and 13.
Documents you will need
- Last two years of school reports translated into English where the original language is not Japanese or English.
- Standardised test results (MAP, CAT4) if requested by the school.
- Passport and family Certificate of Residence (jūminhyō) showing the Tokyo address.
- A reference letter from the current head of school for entry into Year 6 and above.
- Health and immunisation records that comply with Japanese school medical standards.
- Application fee (typically JPY 25,000 to 50,000) paid at submission.
Top international schools in Tokyo
Tokyo International School
An IB World School running PYP and MYP for ages 3 to 15, located in Minato and known for its inquiry-based pedagogy. Open the Tokyo International School profile on ISA.
Nishimachi International School
Bilingual English-Japanese campus in Azabu, ages 5 to 15, with a long-standing reputation among diplomatic families. View the Nishimachi profile on ISA.
Canadian International School Tokyo
Offers Ontario curriculum from Pre-K to Grade 12, with smaller cohorts and an English-immersion model. See the Canadian International School Tokyo profile on ISA.
Yoyogi International School
Inquiry-based primary school in Shibuya, popular with families in Yoyogi and Harajuku. Read the Yoyogi profile on ISA.
Shinagawa International School
British-style primary in central Tokyo with a strong focus on early years pastoral care. Check the Shinagawa profile on ISA.
Tuition and fees in Tokyo (2026)
- Application fee: JPY 25,000 to 50,000.
- Enrolment / facility fee: JPY 250,000 to 1,500,000 one-time.
- Annual tuition: JPY 2,300,000 to 3,200,000 for primary, rising to JPY 3,000,000 to 3,800,000 in the IB Diploma years.
- Bus and lunch: Often JPY 200,000 to 400,000 combined per year.
Some employers in Tokyo (especially in finance and consulting) cover full tuition for relocated executives, so check your relocation package early.
Language support and entry assessments
Most Tokyo international schools deliver English-medium instruction with structured EAL or ESL support up to Grade 6, and many run Japanese-as-a-foreign-language strands so children can keep up locally. For Grade 7 and above, schools generally expect functional English, and assessments include reading comprehension, writing samples and a math test. Premium IB schools may also run a structured family interview that focuses on fit and learning history.
Practical tips for relocating families
- Apply to two or three schools in parallel — Tokyo offers move quickly and over-applying is common practice.
- Pick the campus by commute — Tokyo public transit is excellent, but a 60-minute commute is exhausting for primary children.
- Confirm visa-and-school sequencing — schools cannot finalise enrolment until your dependant visa is in process.
- Ask about transition support — third-culture-kid programmes and buddy systems make the first term significantly easier.
Compare Tokyo schools on ISA
For a verified ranking that includes profiles, reviews and curriculum filters, see Top international schools in Japan on ISA.
FAQs
How early should we apply to a Tokyo international school?
Aim for 9 to 12 months ahead of your start date. Premium IB and British schools accept applications from September for the following August.
Are international schools in Tokyo bilingual?
Most are English-medium with optional Japanese language strands. A small group, like Nishimachi, run a true bilingual programme with significant Japanese instruction time.
Do schools require a Tokyo address before applying?
Schools accept applications without a confirmed address, but the final enrolment usually needs your jūminhyō (residence certificate) and a Tokyo postcode for school catchment and bus routing.