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Search & filter all 81 schools Compare 81 schools in Tokyo

International Schools in Tokyo, Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo’s international schools form a dense and varied sector that includes full English-medium schools, schools following the International Baccalaureate, British and American curricula, and a growing number of bilingual Japanese - English programmes. Instruction is most commonly in English, with Japanese taught either as a language subject or as part of a dual-language model, and schools differ in how they balance Japanese literacy with international curricula. Annual tuition for full English-medium international schools typically sits in the low millions of yen, while bilingual schools are often somewhat cheaper; many families should also budget for enrolment fees, capital levies and transport. Places are limited at well-established schools, so applications, assessments and waitlists are the norm and families usually begin enquiries many months before their intended start date.

Compare 81 international schools in Tokyo, Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 2,119,056), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 81 schools · avg fee JPY 2,119,056
Schools listed
81
Curricula
29
Average annual fee
JPY 2,119,056
Fee range
JPY 25,000 – 5,500,000
Most common curriculum
IB (PYP) (27 schools)
Average school size
598 pupils
Largest by enrolment
The American School in Japan
Oldest
Saint Maur International School (1872)
With boarding
2
View by curriculum (9)
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FAQs for Japan

Which curricula and languages are commonly available in Tokyo’s international schools?
You will find a mix of curricular frameworks: the International Baccalaureate (PYP/MYP/DP), British programmes (Cambridge IGCSE and A-level pathways), American-style programmes and other national systems, alongside explicitly bilingual Japanese - English schools. Most English-medium schools offer Japanese as a language subject and some schools run genuinely dual-language programmes that teach subjects in both languages.
How much should we expect to pay for international school tuition in Tokyo?
Annual tuition for full English-medium international schools in Tokyo commonly falls in the low-to-mid millions of yen per year, while bilingual schools often sit somewhat lower; in addition, many schools charge one-off enrolment or capital fees and extra costs for uniforms, meals and transport. Exact figures vary considerably by school, age level and whether a school is a non-profit or private institution, so families should request full fee schedules and examples of total annual costs.
When should we apply and what is the typical admissions rhythm?
Admissions are typically competitive and vary by school, with many operating rolling entry plus formal application rounds for key year groups; waiting lists are common and some schools run entrance assessments or interviews. Families moving to Tokyo are advised to start enquiries and submit applications several months before the desired start term, and to check each school’s specific deadlines, interview requirements and any requirement for the child to be resident in Japan before starting.
How do ages and year groups map to the UK or US systems?
Most international schools use year/grade systems that align broadly with UK or US naming: early years and kindergarten for ages 3 - 5, primary/elementary for roughly ages 5 - 11, middle or lower secondary for ages 11 - 14/15, and upper secondary for 15 - 18. Exact age cut-offs and the names of year groups vary by school, so check a school’s published age/grade table if you need an exact match to a previous school.
What practical things should we compare when choosing a school in Tokyo?
Beyond curriculum labels, compare language provision (how and how often Japanese is taught), the school’s approach to academic support and English language learning, class sizes and pastoral care, accreditation and inspection reports, and total cost including extras and transport. Also consider location and commute time inside Tokyo, the school’s intake nationality mix if that matters to you, and how easily previous records and qualifications will transfer into the school’s programmes.
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