Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
International schools in Japan are a distinct sector that mainly teach in English and follow overseas curricula - commonly the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-level) or American/AP pathways - alongside a smaller but growing number of bilingual Japanese - English programmes. Most are private and concentrated in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka and Kobe, where annual tuition is highest; in the capital a working benchmark for day-school tuition is roughly ¥2.0 - 3.8 million a year, with additional one-off enrolment or capital levies and termly charges for transport, lunches and exams. Many international schools follow a northern-hemisphere (August/September to June) calendar, though a minority align with Japan’s April school year; places often fill long before the intake, so families commonly plan applications 9 - 12 months ahead. Before committing, relocating parents should check a school’s curriculum continuity, language support, accreditation and whether the school is recognised under Japan’s education law, because that affects transcripts, re-entry to Japanese schools and some administrative procedures.
Compare 25 international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 3,160,054), location, and more to find the right international school now.
There are 25 international schools in Japan covering 21 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (DP) (15), IB (PYP) (11), IB (MYP) (10), Advanced Placement (AP) (5), American Curriculum (5). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Annual tuition across Japan runs from about JPY 0 to JPY 7,455,000, averaging roughly JPY 3,160,054. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Sought-after schools in Japan run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
6 of the 25 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
doris lists every international school in Japan we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.
