doris
Ask doris
Find Schools Events My shortlist My account Ask doris
Parent Guide Community Transparency Charter About For Schools
Currency
Search & filter all 6 schools Compare 6 schools in Japan

Premium International Schools in Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Japan

Premium international schools in Japan are independent, largely English-medium day schools concentrated in major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, serving both expatriate and Japanese families who want an international curriculum or a bilingual education. These schools commonly offer the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-level) and American (US curriculum/AP) pathways, and an increasing number run integrated Japanese - English programmes. Annual tuition for premium day schools in Tokyo commonly falls in the region of ¥2 - 4 million, with extra charges for application/enrolment fees, capital levies, buses, meals and uniforms. Admissions calendars differ - some schools follow the Japanese April intake while others use an international (August/September or January) rhythm - so relocating families should begin research and applications roughly 9 - 12 months before the desired start date and expect waiting lists for popular year groups.

Compare 6 Premium international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 5,056,874), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 6 schools · avg fee JPY 5,056,874
Schools listed
6
Curricula
8
Average annual fee
JPY 5,056,874
Fee range
JPY 3,138,300 – 10,606,830
Most common curriculum
American Curriculum (2 schools)
Average school size
239 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Nishimachi International School
Oldest
Nishimachi International School (1949)
With boarding
4
Explore more — related searches, map view, upcoming events
Open Japan in map view170 upcoming open days & tours in Japan

Related searches

Affordable SchoolsIB Curriculum

FAQs for Japan

What curricula do premium international schools in Japan usually offer?
Premium international schools typically offer one of three broad pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB), British curricula leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, or American-style programmes that may include Advanced Placement courses. Many schools also provide bilingual Japanese - English streams or language support to help students integrate into both international and Japanese systems.
How much should we expect to pay each year?
Tuition fees for premium international day schools in Tokyo commonly fall between about ¥2 million and ¥4 million a year, though exact charges vary by school, grade and services provided. Families should also budget for one-off application and enrolment fees, possible capital levies, transport or bus charges, lunches, uniforms and extra-curricular activity costs.
When should we apply and what are the main intake periods?
Application timing depends on the school: some follow the Japanese school year with an April start while others use international calendars with August/September or January intakes. A sensible rule is to start researching and submit applications about 9 - 12 months before the desired start date; schools commonly publish open days and application deadlines in the autumn and winter ahead of the new school year.
What language is used in lessons, and how are non-native English speakers supported?
Most premium international schools use English as the principal language of instruction, but many also provide Japanese language lessons and run dual-language or bilingual programmes. Schools usually offer English as an additional language (EAL) support, learning-support services and entry assessments to place pupils in the correct level, so check each school’s EAL provision and class sizes before applying.
What should parents look for when visiting schools?
Focus on curriculum continuity (how the programme prepares older students for university choices), accreditation and inspection reports, teacher qualifications and the school’s approach to language support and wellbeing. Also check practical matters such as transport routes, total annual costs (including extras), class sizes, pastoral care, university or pathway counselling and how the school helps newly arrived or internationally mobile children settle in.
doris
linked-in-logo facebook-logo instagram-logo
About
Parent Guide
Transparency Charter
Privacy Notice Terms of Use Cookies Notice Cookie Preferences
© 2026 doris Worldwide Ltd. All rights reserved.