Tokyo is one of the most rewarding cities in the world to raise children, and its international school sector has expanded steadily to match. For English-speaking expat families, the city now offers a wide choice of curricula, neighbourhoods and price points. This 2026 guide explains what is actually available, how to pick a school that fits, and what the admissions process really looks like.
Curricula available in Tokyo
International schools in Tokyo typically follow one of four pathways. The International Baccalaureate continuum is offered by schools such as Seisen International and Tokyo International School. British schools provide IGCSE and A-Levels, often combined with the English National Curriculum from Reception. American schools teach the US high school diploma, usually with Advanced Placement. A small group of schools follow national curricula from France, Germany, Korea or India.
Language of instruction is predominantly English at mainstream international schools, though several bilingual schools deliver substantial Japanese content from early years.
Top international schools in Tokyo
Shinagawa International School
Shinagawa International School offers an English-medium primary programme informed by IB principles, with strong integration of Japanese language and cultural studies. It is popular with families in the south-central wards.
Yoyogi International School
Yoyogi International School delivers early years and primary education in English with embedded Japanese, offering a warm, smaller community feel near central Tokyo.
Musashi International School Tokyo
Musashi International School Tokyo offers an international primary programme with strong STEAM integration and access to Tokyo's western neighbourhoods.
Canadian International School Tokyo
Canadian International School Tokyo delivers a North American curriculum framework with English-medium instruction and Japanese language support for non-native speakers.
Gregg International School
Gregg International School is a long-established English-medium school with an emphasis on individual attention and cross-cultural learning.
School fees in Tokyo
Annual tuition at established international schools in Tokyo typically ranges from JPY 1,800,000 in early years at smaller schools up to JPY 3,500,000 in senior years at premium schools. Expect a one-off enrolment fee of JPY 200,000 to 500,000, a refundable deposit equivalent to one term, and additional levies for school bus, lunch and materials. Most families budget an all-in figure of JPY 2,200,000 to 4,200,000 per child per year.
Location and admissions tips
Commute times define school choice in Tokyo. Families in central wards (Minato, Shibuya, Meguro) often pick schools nearby, while those in Setagaya and Suginami lean west. Check the exact bus route before signing, as an hour each way on the school bus is common for some campuses.
The main academic year starts in late August or early September, aligned with the international calendar rather than Japan's April intake. Apply eight to twelve months in advance for selective schools, and expect an age-appropriate assessment plus interview from Year 2 upwards. English-language placements assess reading, maths and cognitive ability. For early years, admission is usually based on availability and a short observation visit.
Compare all international schools in Japan
For a full, regularly updated comparison of schools, fees and curricula, see the best international schools in Japan on International School Advisor.
Frequently asked questions
Is Japanese compulsory in Tokyo international schools?
Most international schools teach Japanese as a second language from early years, with options to take Japanese-as-a-first-language courses at higher levels. A small number run fully bilingual English-Japanese programmes.
When does the Tokyo international school year start?
Most English-medium international schools follow an August-to-June calendar rather than Japan's April-to-March academic year, which makes mid-relocation enrolment relatively smooth for families moving from other international schools.
Which Tokyo wards have the best school access?
Minato, Shibuya, Meguro and Setagaya have the widest choice of international schools within sensible commuting distance, and are the most popular choices for expat families.