Tokyo is one of the world's great cities for raising a family, and for expat parents, finding the right international school in Tokyo is a top priority before any relocation. Japan's capital hosts a vibrant community of globally mobile families, and the city's international schools have developed strong reputations both academically and in terms of pastoral support. Whether your child is four or sixteen, Tokyo offers excellent schooling options across a range of curricula.
International Curricula Available in Tokyo
Tokyo's international school landscape is dominated by the International Baccalaureate (IB), though strong British and American curriculum options also exist. The IB Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and Diploma Programme (DP) are offered across several schools, making Tokyo one of the best cities in Asia for families committed to the IB pathway. British curriculum schools offering IGCSEs and A-Levels are a popular choice for UK families, while American-style schools provide a familiar environment for families from North America.
One distinguishing feature of Tokyo's international school scene is the smaller class sizes compared to other major expat hubs, which many parents find beneficial for children who are adjusting to a new country. Most schools have robust English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programmes, recognising that not all incoming students will arrive with strong English proficiency.
Top International Schools in Tokyo
Tokyo has a number of well-regarded international schools that have served the expat community for decades. The following schools consistently receive strong reviews from families and educational authorities.
Tokyo International School
Tokyo International School (TIS) in Minami-Azabu is an IB World School offering the PYP and MYP, with a genuine commitment to developing internationally minded, caring students. The school has a strong arts and technology programme and is known for its inclusive, nurturing environment. Class sizes are intentionally small, and the school draws students from over 40 nationalities, making it a genuinely diverse community.
The British School in Tokyo
The British School in Tokyo (BST) has campuses in Shibuya and Showa Women's University and is the go-to choice for British families seeking a curriculum consistent with England's national school system. It offers the English National Curriculum from Early Years through to A-Levels, and its IGCSE and A-Level results are consistently strong. BST is accredited by the British Schools Overseas programme and is well regarded for both academic rigour and pastoral care.
Seisen International School
Seisen International School in Yoga is a Catholic girls' school offering the IB curriculum from Early Years through to the IB Diploma. While it is a faith school, it welcomes students of all backgrounds and consistently achieves excellent IB Diploma scores. Seisen is particularly well regarded for its STEAM programme and its commitment to developing young women of character and academic excellence. It is one of the most respected all-girls international schools in Asia.
Nishimachi International School
Nishimachi International School in Moto-Azabu is one of Tokyo's oldest international schools, founded in 1949. It caters to students from Kindergarten through Grade 9 and has a unique emphasis on both English and Japanese language development — all students learn Japanese, which is a significant differentiator for families planning a longer stay in Japan. The school follows an American-influenced curriculum and is known for its warm, family-like atmosphere.
St. Mary's International School
St. Mary's International School in Setagaya is a Catholic boys' school that has educated the sons of Tokyo's expat community since 1954. It offers an American curriculum from Kindergarten through Grade 12, leading to the American High School Diploma, with strong Advanced Placement (AP) course options. The school is particularly well regarded for its strong college counselling programme and its impressive track record of placing graduates at top universities in the United States, UK, and Canada.
School Fees in Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the more expensive cities in Asia for international schooling, though fees are generally lower than in Singapore or Hong Kong. As a guide for 2025–2026:
- Established IB and British curriculum schools: ¥2,000,000 – ¥3,500,000 per year
- Mid-range international schools: ¥1,200,000 – ¥2,000,000 per year
- Entry-level international schools: ¥700,000 – ¥1,200,000 per year
Most schools charge additional fees for school buses, lunch programmes, textbooks, and activity fees. A capital levy or enrollment bond is common at the more established schools, sometimes reaching ¥1,000,000 or more for a new family. It is essential to request a full breakdown of fees from each school before applying, as the total annual cost can be considerably higher than the headline tuition figure.
Practical Tips for Admissions in Tokyo
Tokyo's most sought-after international schools fill their seats quickly, and for the most popular campuses, waiting lists of one to two years are not unusual. Families considering a move to Tokyo should contact schools as early as possible — ideally before confirming the relocation date — and should be prepared to be placed on a waiting list.
Most schools require the previous two years of school reports, a character reference from the current school, and sometimes an entrance assessment. Some schools assess English proficiency for students whose first language is not English, while others offer EAL support regardless of entry level.
Tokyo's international schools are concentrated in the central and south-western wards — Minato, Shibuya, Setagaya, and Ota — which makes choosing accommodation near these areas practical. School buses cover a wide radius, but morning traffic in Tokyo can be significant, and many families prefer to live within a manageable commute of their chosen school.
Japan's academic year runs from April to March, which is different from the September intake common in most international schools globally. Most international schools in Tokyo operate on a September-to-June calendar aligned with Western school systems, which is an important point to confirm during the admissions process.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What international curriculum is most common in Tokyo?
The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most widely available international curriculum in Tokyo, with multiple schools offering the full IB continuum from PYP to Diploma. British curriculum schools following the English National Curriculum and offering IGCSEs and A-Levels are also well represented, particularly for UK families. American curriculum schools are available for families from North America or those seeking a US High School Diploma.
How much do international schools in Tokyo cost?
Annual tuition at Tokyo's established international schools typically ranges from ¥2,000,000 to ¥3,500,000 (approximately USD 13,000–23,000). Some schools charge additional enrollment bonds of up to ¥1,000,000. School bus fees, lunch, textbooks, and activity fees add further to the annual cost. Always request a complete fee schedule before applying.
Is English widely spoken at international schools in Tokyo?
Yes — Tokyo's international schools operate almost entirely in English, and most have dedicated English as an Additional Language (EAL) support programmes for students joining with limited English. Some schools, such as Nishimachi International School, also provide structured Japanese language instruction for all students, which is a valuable asset for families planning to stay in Japan for several years.