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International Curriculum International Schools in Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Japan

International-curriculum international schools in Japan are distinguished by offering overseas curricula - commonly the International Baccalaureate alongside British and American programmes - while teaching primarily in English and often providing daily Japanese lessons or dual-language tracks. Fees vary widely by city and age, but the typical annual tuition across Japan sits around ¥1,931,000, with most schools charging roughly between ¥1,372,500 and ¥2,945,500; top Tokyo schools commonly charge more once facilities and entry-year fees are included. Admissions follow two common rhythms: many international schools use an August (international-style) intake while a smaller group follows the Japanese April intake, so families are generally advised to start applications 9 - 12 months before the desired start date. Practical considerations for relocating families include checking a school’s language support and accreditation, preparing for entrance assessments and interviews, and allowing extra time for residency paperwork and waiting lists.

Compare 8 International Curriculum international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 2,034,163), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 8 schools · avg fee JPY 2,034,163
Schools listed
8
Curricula
12
Average annual fee
JPY 2,034,163
Fee range
JPY 1,072,500 – 3,626,000
Most common curriculum
IPC (International Primary Curriculum) (7 schools)
Average school size
333 pupils
Largest by enrolment
International School of the Sacred Heart
Oldest
Saint Maur International School (1872)
With boarding
1

Read our parent's guide to the International Curriculum →

4 international schools in Tokyo

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2 international schools in Kobe

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1 international school in Sapporo

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1 international school in Niseko

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FAQs for Japan

What kinds of curricula will I find at international-curriculum international schools in Japan?
You will commonly find the International Baccalaureate (PYP, MYP, DP) alongside British (UK national curriculum / Cambridge IGCSE/A-level) and American-style programmes; several schools also offer other national systems or hybrid models. These curricula aim to prepare students for tertiary study overseas as well as provide internationally recognised qualifications, but the exact subjects, assessment methods and grade structures differ between providers and should be checked with each school.
How much do these schools typically cost?
Tuition varies by curriculum, campus and pupil age, but a recent market overview places the typical annual tuition in Japan at about ¥1,931,000, with most schools charging between approximately ¥1,372,500 and ¥2,945,500 per year. Expect higher fees in Tokyo and for schools with larger campuses, extensive facilities or boarding options, and also allow for one-off entry fees, capital levies or annual extras such as meals and transport.
When should we apply and what is the admissions rhythm?
Many international schools in Japan operate an August-to-June academic year, while a smaller number follow the Japanese April-to-March calendar, so there are two principal intake windows; schools commonly ask families to plan their application 9 - 12 months ahead of the desired start date. Admissions typically include a pre-application or application form, classroom visits or testing for older children, interviews and submission of previous school records; overseas applicants should allow additional time for any required assessments and for visa or residency arrangements.
What language(s) are used for teaching, and how much Japanese will my child learn?
Most international-curriculum schools teach primarily in English, and many either offer Japanese as a daily subject or run bilingual/dual-language programmes where Japanese is used alongside English in lessons. The level and intensity of Japanese instruction varies widely between schools, so check whether the school tracks Japanese by ability, offers native-speaker classes, and supports non-Japanese-speaking pupils with language learning.
Are international schools treated the same as Japanese schools under the law, and does that affect university recognition?
Many international schools in Japan are classified as miscellaneous schools (kakushu gakkō) rather than regular Japanese public or private schools, which can affect how transcripts and qualifications are handled domestically. Families should confirm a school’s accreditation, the qualifications it leads to (for example an IB Diploma or UK qualifications) and how those qualifications are recognised by Japanese and overseas universities if that matters for future progression.
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