International school admissions in Tokyo move on their own rhythm. Japanese academic calendars run April to March, while most international schools follow August to June, which means relocating families face two parallel timelines and a stack of unfamiliar Japanese paperwork. This 2026 step-by-step guide walks English-speaking families through Tokyo international school admissions: when to apply, which documents are non-negotiable, what fees to expect and how to give your child the best chance of being placed at the school you actually want.
How Tokyo international schools differ
Tokyo has roughly 50 foreign-system or English-medium schools, ranging from century-old institutions like St. Mary's and Sacred Heart to younger IB Continuum schools like Aoba-Japan and Makuhari. Most fall into three groups:
- Long-established American/IB schools — ASIJ, St. Mary's, Sacred Heart, Seisen.
- British curriculum schools — The British School in Tokyo, with English National Curriculum to A Level.
- Newer IB Continuum and bilingual schools — Aoba-Japan, Makuhari, Musashi International, K. International School.
Because expat turnover is constant, places open and close at unusual times of year. Apply early, but watch for January and May for late releases.
Curricula available in Tokyo
- American (US diploma, AP) — ASIJ, St. Mary's, Seisen.
- International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) — Aoba-Japan, K. International, Makuhari, Yokohama International.
- British (IGCSE, A Level) — The British School in Tokyo.
- French, German, Indian — national-system schools with their own admissions cycles.
Step-by-step Tokyo admissions timeline
12 months out
Shortlist three to five schools. Compare curriculum, language of instruction, neighbourhood and after-school provision. Register interest with each so admissions teams have you on file before formal applications open.
9 months out
Submit formal applications. Most schools open the August intake between September and November. Pay the application fee (JPY 20,000–50,000, non-refundable).
6 months out
Assessments take place. Younger children sit play-based or English literacy observation; older students complete the WIDA, MAP or in-house tests. Many schools also interview parents.
3 months out
Offers issued. Acceptance deposit (typically JPY 200,000–500,000, non-refundable) due within 7–14 days. Begin the Japanese spouse/dependent visa or Certificate of Eligibility (COE) application.
Move-in month
Submit your child's Tokyo residence card (Zairyu Card), My Number, last two years of report cards, official Transfer Certificate, vaccination history and family photo. Some schools require police clearance from the home country.
Top international schools to consider
Seisen International School
Catholic girls' school (Pre-K to Grade 12 with co-ed early years) offering the IB Continuum. Strong pastoral care, multicultural alumni network, and bilingual Spanish-English option. View Seisen on ISA.
Aoba-Japan International School
Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP) with campuses in Hikarigaoka and Meguro. Known for project-based learning and a strong design-tech focus. See Aoba-Japan on ISA.
St. Mary's International School
Boys' school in Setagaya offering the IB Diploma and US-style preparatory pathway. One of Tokyo's oldest international schools with a strong sports tradition. Read St. Mary's on ISA.
Makuhari International School
IB PYP and MYP delivered to a mix of expat and Japanese-passport returnee families. Strategic location in Chiba serves Narita-corridor families. Explore Makuhari on ISA.
Musashi International School Tokyo
Newer IB Diploma school with a focus on bilingual English-Japanese delivery and a flexible high school timetable. View Musashi International on ISA.
Typical Tokyo school fees in 2026
- Premium tier: JPY 3.0M–3.8M per year (ASIJ, BST, Seisen, St. Mary's).
- Mid-market: JPY 2.2M–3.0M (Aoba-Japan, K. International, Sacred Heart).
- Value international: JPY 1.4M–2.2M (Musashi, smaller IB Continuum and bilingual options).
Add a one-off enrolment fee (JPY 300,000–600,000), facility levy (JPY 100,000–300,000) and 8–10% extras for school bus, lunch and trips. Tokyo schools rarely give sibling discounts but several offer 10–15% for embassy or NGO families.
Document checklist
Tokyo schools and the immigration office both expect a clean paper trail:
- Passport copies for the entire family.
- Japanese residence card (Zairyu Card) and My Number notification.
- Certificate of Eligibility (COE) issued by Japan Immigration.
- Last two academic years' report cards.
- Apostilled birth certificate and Transfer Certificate from the previous school.
- Vaccination record translated into English or Japanese.
- Two passport-size photos per child.
Practical tips for English-speaking families
- Apply early in autumn: popular schools fill Grade 1, Grade 6 and Grade 9 first.
- Use bilingual realtors when comparing flats near Hiroo, Azabu, Den-en-chofu or Setagaya — proximity to school transforms family life in Tokyo.
- Plan for language support: ASIJ, Seisen and Aoba-Japan offer EAL/JSL pathways; check the staff-to-student ratio.
- Visa first, deposit second. Some schools require proof of valid status before banking your deposit.
- Keep a backup school active until you sign the contract — places sometimes open last-minute as other expats relocate.
Where to compare every option
Browse ISA's ranking of the best international schools in Japan for verified profiles, parent reviews, curricula and fee bands.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start applying to international schools in Tokyo?
For top-tier schools, register interest 12–15 months before your intended start date. Mid-market schools accept applications 6–9 months ahead, and rolling admissions are possible in lower year groups when families relocate mid-year.
Do Tokyo international schools require Japanese language skills?
No. English is the medium of instruction at all foreign-system schools, although Japanese is taught as a Modern Language from Year 1. Most schools offer EAL or JSL support for new arrivals.
How much should I budget for the first year at a Tokyo international school?
Plan for JPY 3.5M–4.5M for premium schools once enrolment, facility levies, transport and lunch are included. Mid-market schools fall in the JPY 2.6M–3.4M range for the first year.