Tokyo is one of Asia's most rewarding postings for expat families, and for many that decision starts with a single question: which international school should we apply to? The Japanese capital hosts more than fifty schools delivering English-medium and bilingual programmes, ranging from long-established American and British institutions to newer IB campuses in Setagaya, Minato and Shinagawa. This 2026 guide walks expat parents through the curricula on offer, how to shortlist the right school, fee ranges in yen, and the practical admissions steps for the August 2026 intake.
Curricula on offer in Tokyo
Three curriculum families dominate Tokyo's international school landscape. The International Baccalaureate (IB) is the most common, with several schools offering the full three-programme continuum from Primary Years through to the Diploma. The American track centres on a US Common Core or AP-based pathway leading to high school graduation and AP exams, while the British system follows the National Curriculum for England with IGCSEs at 16 and A-Levels or the IB Diploma at 18. A handful of campuses also run French, German and Indian curricula for families who plan to return to those national systems.
Bilingual Japanese-English programmes are gaining ground, especially in the early years, where families want their children to integrate into Tokyo life while keeping a clear path back to a Western university. If your children are likely to remain in Japan beyond a single posting, a school with strong Japanese language support is worth prioritising.
Top international schools in Tokyo for 2026
The schools below all hold full ISA profiles and welcome non-Japanese families. They cover the main curricula and price points families relocating to Tokyo typically consider.
Tokyo International School
An IB World School in Minato that runs the PYP and MYP for ages 3 to 15. Class sizes are small, the staff is internationally recruited, and the campus draws families from more than forty nationalities, making it a strong option for parents who want their child immersed in a genuinely multicultural environment from day one.
Nishimachi International School
One of Tokyo's oldest international schools, founded in 1949 in Azabu. Nishimachi serves children aged 5 to 15 with a US-style curriculum strengthened by daily Japanese language instruction. Families who plan to spend several years in Japan often pick it for the quality of the Japanese programme and its central location.
Canadian International School Tokyo
An accredited British Columbia offshore school in Shinagawa offering the full Canadian curriculum from kindergarten to grade 12. Graduates earn the BC Dogwood Diploma, which is recognised by universities worldwide. The school is a good fit for North American families and those who want a clear path into Canadian higher education.
Shinagawa International School
A boutique English-medium school close to Shinagawa station, popular with families looking for smaller cohorts and a personalised approach in the early and middle years. Its location is ideal if you are based in southern Tokyo or commuting from Yokohama.
Gregg International School
A long-running independent school in Setagaya that combines a US-style curriculum with strong Japanese cultural programming. It runs from preschool through the elementary years and is a frequent first choice for younger expat children who arrive without Japanese.
Tuition and fees in Tokyo
International school fees in Tokyo are paid in Japanese yen and have risen modestly over the past three years. As a working baseline for the 2026-2027 academic year, expect:
- Early years and kindergarten: roughly 1.8M to 2.6M yen per year
- Elementary school (grades 1-5): 2.4M to 2.9M yen
- Middle school (grades 6-8): 2.6M to 3.1M yen
- High school (grades 9-12): 2.8M to 3.3M yen
On top of tuition, plan for a one-off enrolment fee of 300,000 to 500,000 yen, an annual capital or facility levy of 200,000 to 400,000 yen, plus optional bus, lunch and uniform costs that can easily add another 500,000 yen per child per year. Some employers refund part or all of these fees through an education allowance, so it is worth asking HR before signing.
Practical tips for relocating families
Three details make a real difference in Tokyo. First, location: traffic is light by global standards but commutes by train can still be long, so a school within thirty minutes of home pays back across the year. Second, waiting lists at the most established campuses can stretch six to twelve months, so apply as soon as your assignment is confirmed. Third, sibling priority is honoured at most schools, which is useful if you are moving with more than one child and want to keep them on the same campus.
Where to look next
For a fuller view of the Japanese market, including campuses in Yokohama, Kobe and Nagoya, see the curated ISA ranking of the best international schools in Japan. Each profile shows curriculum, age range, language of instruction, fees and parent reviews, and lets you contact admissions teams directly.
Frequently asked questions
Do international schools in Tokyo accept Japanese citizens?
Most accept dual nationals and returnees, but many require parents to demonstrate that the child has spent significant time abroad or speaks English at native level. Always confirm the policy with admissions before applying.
Is the IB or the American diploma better for university entry?
Both lead to top universities worldwide. The IB Diploma is broader and tends to suit students who enjoy a balanced workload, while AP allows deeper specialisation in chosen subjects. The right choice depends on your child's profile, not the school's brand.
How early should we apply for the August 2026 intake?
Aim to apply at least nine months before the start date. Popular grade entries (especially Year 1, Year 7 and Year 12) fill first, and many schools assess applications on a rolling basis once they reach capacity.