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Horizon Japan International School

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥2,690,000 - 3,140,000
Ages 3 - 18 years
Pupil numbers 530
Type Co-educational
Opened 2003
Bus Service Yes
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP)
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 20
Strengths Sport, Performing Arts, STEM
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Early Years, Primary School, Secondary School
Introduction

Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) is an IB World School in Yokohama, serving students from preschool age 3 through Grade 12 (ages 3–18). It is authorized to offer the full IB continuum which includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is located in the heart of Yokohama, with directions provided from Yokohama Station. HJIS reports over 500 students representing more than 50 nationalities. The campus was completed in 2019. Students can join an After School Program with a wide range of activities which includes sports, music, art, robotics and debate. The school also notes “over 60 after-school clubs” with more than 300 active students.

1-24 Onocho, Kanagawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0055, Japan

The Essentials

Horizon Japan International School has 530 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
The Horizon Japan International School is located at 1-24 Ono-cho, Kanagawa-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 221-0055, Japan. The campus sits along Yokohama's portside waterfront in central Yokohama. It is accessible from Yokohama Station via multiple JR lines (Keihin-Tohoku/Negishi, Tokaido, Yokosuka, Shonan-Shinjuku) and private rail lines (Tokyu Toyoko Minatomirai, Keikyu Main Line, Sotetsu, and the Yokohama Municipal Blue Line).

Stages
HJIS offers the full International Baccalaureate continuum from early years through high school. The Early Years Programme (EYP) serves ages 3–5, followed by the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the Diploma Programme (DP) in the upper grades.

Type
HJIS is a co-educational international day school. It operates as a day school rather than a boarding institution.

Pupil Nationality Mix
The student body represents over 37 nationalities. The school has more than 530 students (Preschool to Grade 12) and 22 nationalities represented among the faculty. The most represented nationality among students is not publicly disclosed.

Additional learning support
The school provides English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. A Student Support & Guidance framework is in place to support learners, alongside related SEN provisions.

Country affiliation
No formal country affiliation is stated. The school is located in Yokohama, Japan.

Religious affiliation
No religious affiliation is stated; the school welcomes students from diverse religious backgrounds.

School day structure
Lunch is offered through a school lunch program (students may also bring lunch). After-school Daycare runs from 3:30 to 6:00 PM on regular school days. The School Office hours are 8:00 AM–5:00 PM on weekdays.

Bus service
Private bus transportation is provided by a contracted bus company for an additional fee. The fleet serves a large region including most major areas of Yokohama and surrounding neighborhoods. Bus routes include Kohoku, Hiyoshi, Yokohama, and Kawasaki, with annual revisions; safety rules and a timetable are published and waitlists may apply when buses reach capacity.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding is not offered. The school operates as a day school. For families needing after-school care, Horizon Daycare provides a supervised after-school program for children aged 3 to 6 from 3:30 to 6:00 PM on regular school days. Daycare is also available during midterm holidays and summer school days, with sign-up allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform dress is required for all students from Monday to Friday; uniforms must be neat and clean and students are expected to present a formal appearance. There are exceptions for special events, and a Dress Code Policy governs attire; uniforms can be ordered through the online ordering link.

Food Options
Nutritious meals are prepared by Cezar's Kitchen, designed to meet daily nutritional needs under the supervision of nutritionists. Vegetarian options are regularly updated, and meals are prepared with appropriate utensils; students may opt for the hot lunch program or bring lunch from home, with microwaves available in the cafeteria.

House System
HJIS uses a house system as part of student life. House-based activities and house competitions are included in the extracurricular program.

Governance and Ownership
HJIS is a not-for-profit educational institution governed by a Board of Directors. It holds Gakko Hojin (educational corporation) status granted by Kanagawa Prefecture. The school operates within a Horizon-branded network of international schools in Japan, as shown by sister campuses such as Horizon Sendai.
Fees

Annual tuition at Horizon Japan International School ranges from JPY 2,690,000 to JPY 3,140,000 for 2026/27.

Application and one-time fees
- Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable): JPY 30,000.
- Registration Fee (one-time, non-refundable; payable when a place is offered and accepted): JPY 300,000.
- Building Fund (one-time, non-refundable; payable when a place is offered and accepted): JPY 600,000.

Tuition fees by year group (term amounts and full academic year totals)
- Early Years (Preschool / Pre-Kinder / Kindergarten): 1st term JPY 976,000; 2nd term JPY 732,000; 3rd term JPY 732,000. Total for the academic year: JPY 2,440,000.
- Primary School (Grades 1–5): 1st term JPY 1,116,000; 2nd term JPY 837,000; 3rd term JPY 837,000. Total for the academic year: JPY 2,790,000.
- Secondary School (Grades 6–12): 1st term JPY 1,156,000; 2nd term JPY 867,000; 3rd term JPY 867,000. Total for the academic year: JPY 2,890,000.

Maintenance fee
- Maintenance Fee (one-time contribution, non-refundable): paid across the three term payments as JPY 100,000 (1st term), JPY 75,000 (2nd term), JPY 75,000 (3rd term); total JPY 250,000.

Additional fees and other recurring costs
- English as an Additional Language (EAL) Support Fee (if required): 1st term JPY 200,000; 2nd term JPY 150,000; 3rd term JPY 150,000. Total when required: JPY 500,000.
- Daycare service (if used; available to students up to Kindergarten): 1st term JPY 300,000; 2nd term JPY 225,000; 3rd term JPY 225,000. Total: JPY 750,000. Day-use daycare is charged at JPY 1,000 per 30 minutes.
- School bus (if utilized): Round-trip – 1st term JPY 120,000; 2nd term JPY 90,000; 3rd term JPY 90,000; total JPY 300,000. One-way – 1st term JPY 85,000; 2nd term JPY 65,000; 3rd term JPY 65,000; total JPY 215,000. One-time school bus fee per ride: JPY 2,500.
- IB Programme Fee (for Grade 11 and 12 candidates): annual fee JPY 150,000.
- Annual PTA Fee: JPY 5,000.
- Expenses not included in tuition (paid separately by parents): PE uniforms, classroom supplies, cafeteria/lunch services, after-school activities (ASPs), activity-related travel and expedition/overnight trip costs, technology devices (iPad for Grades 1–4; MacBook for Grades 5–12) and any optional extracurricular fees.
- Sibling discounts: 20% discount on tuition for the second child; 30% discount on tuition for the third child.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Standard term due dates: 1st term payment due June 5; 2nd term payment due October 5; 3rd term payment due February 20.
- Tuition may be paid in three scheduled installments aligned to the term due dates.
- Payments for admissions-related one-time fees and the first-term tuition must be paid at admissions (new-student invoice payment is required within one week of admission notification).
- The school uses an automatic withdrawal system for tuition and other school-related payments; payments are processed via bank arrangements and are automatically withdrawn on the scheduled dates (June 5, October 5, February 20). Admissions, Building Fund, Registration Fees and the first term school fees should be made by bank transfer during the admissions process. The school does not accept cash or credit card payments for tuition and fees. Note: the application fee can be paid by credit card via the online admissions portal or by bank transfer.

Boarding fees
- Boarding is not applicable; no boarding fees are listed.

Uniforms and related costs
- The school requires a uniform; uniform items (including PE uniform) are additional costs paid by parents and are ordered through the school's uniform ordering process. PE uniform and other uniform items are not included in tuition and are charged separately.

Refund and withdrawal information
- Application, Registration and Building Fund fees are one-time and non-refundable.
- Tuition and maintenance fees are non-refundable. The school will not reimburse payments for a current term because of a student's absences, suspension or expulsion. In the event of natural disasters or adverse weather conditions resulting in school cancellations, no refunds will be provided for affected days. Tuition and fees are not transferable to another student.
- Withdrawal procedure requires completion before the last day of the next term's tuition payment deadline; official transcripts and records are released only after all financial obligations are met. Late enrollment requires payment for the entire term even if attendance is for only part of the term.

Fee payment instructions and bank information (methods)
- Accepted payment method for ongoing tuition and term payments: automatic bank withdrawal / bank transfer. Parents are responsible for any bank transaction fees and charges.
- Admissions, Building Fund and Registration Fees and the first term school fees should be paid by bank transfer during the admissions process; subsequent scheduled payments are processed by automatic withdrawal from the bank account arranged by the family.
- The school does not accept cash or credit card for tuition and fees; the application fee may be paid by credit card through the online admissions portal or by bank transfer.
Academics

Horizon Japan International School teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP) for students aged 3 to 18.

Curriculum
HJIS offers an IB Continuum from Early Years through Grade 12, including the Early Years Programme (EYP), Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP), and the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Instruction is in English, with English as an Additional Language (EAL) support to ensure full access to the curriculum. The Diploma Programme follows the IB framework with six subject groups and a DP core to prepare students for higher education. The school holds accreditations as an IB World School and is accredited by CIS, WASC, and ECIS. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning and global citizenship across all grade levels.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
HJIS prioritizes student social and emotional wellbeing as a core part of its safety and learning culture. The Student Support & Guidance program combines academic assistance, language learning, and career preparation into one seamless framework. The IB continuum and guiding statements promote global citizenship, high quality learning, and a collaborative community, which underpin SEL. The school offers more than 60 after-school clubs to support social development and peer connections. Digital Citizenship and Global Citizenship are highlighted as core values in the guiding statements, reinforcing responsible, empathetic participation in school and beyond.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
An ILP (Individualized Learning Plan) is used during admissions to tailor support for students with identified needs. EAL (English as an Additional Language) support is provided for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. Placement assessments determine whether EAL or other specialized assistance is required. Horizon is an IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP), with SEN support described as integrated within the IB framework rather than as a separate SEN department.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
HJIS provides tailored English support for non-native speakers from Early Years to the Diploma Programme. Lessons focus on reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills and are integrated into the IB curriculum. During admissions, a WIDA test is used to assess EAL needs and determine the level of support required.

Mental Wellbeing
Safety Protocols state that the safety, health, and emotional wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors are top priorities. The protocols outline emergency communications and a culture of safety and trust. During incidents, families are updated via emails, website posts, social media, and phone where available, and no child is dismissed from school without a parent or approved designee with photo ID.

Safeguarding
HJIS is a JCIS World School (joined 2024) and CIS-accredited (since 2018), with ECIS membership; these accreditations emphasize safeguarding, inclusive practices, and strong governance. Safety Protocols describe a culture of safety and trust and robust emergency communications. During emergencies, updates are provided through multiple channels (email, website, social media, phone), and dismissal follows strict identification and designee rules. The admissions policy states Horizon is non-discriminatory in admissions.
Parent Experience

History
HJIS began life in 2003 as a Gakkō Hōjin (educational corporation) in Yokohama. It is a preschool through Grade 12 international school located along Yokohama's portside waterfront. Horizon Japan International School is an IB World School authorized to offer the PYP, MYP, and Diploma Programme. Over the years, it earned ECIS membership in 2010, CIS membership in 2011, WASC accreditation in 2012, IB authorization in 2013, and CIS accreditation in 2018. In 2019 the school opened a purpose-built campus in Yokohama to support 21st-century learning.

Community
HJIS brings together a diverse community with families representing more than 50 nationalities, and an alumni network spanning graduates in 30+ countries. The school supports formal community groups including a Parent Teacher Association (PTA), an Alumni Association, and Horizon Connect to keep current families, graduates, and staff connected. The International Cultural Festival and Sports Day are central events on the calendar, complemented by coffee mornings, cultural exchanges, and other community activities. Alumni events and reunions are held in Yokohama and Tokyo, reflecting the school's long-standing international connections.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) coordinates volunteering, workshops, and school events to connect families with the school community. The PTA organizes major events such as the International Cultural Festival and Sports Day, as well as seasonal celebrations that bring families, students, and staff together. It runs volunteer opportunities through event committees, cultural booths, fundraising, and classroom support, inviting participation from all parents. Coffee mornings, socials, and cultural exchanges provide regular ways for families to connect and share experiences. Membership is open to all HJIS parents, with sign-up available on the PTA site or via a membership form, and volunteers are encouraged to contribute in any capacity.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Opened in 2019, Horizon Japan International School's Yokohama campus was purpose-built for 21st-century learning. It features bright, flexible classrooms, dedicated science laboratories, and creative studios to support IB programs. The Library & Media Center houses over 30,000 books, two librarians, and digital library resources. The campus includes expansive athletic spaces and a rooftop sports area known as The Nest for PE and events. The on-site cafeteria provides nutritious meals with vegetarian options, and microwaves are available for student use.

Sports Facilities
Expansive athletic spaces include a rooftop sports area called The Nest. There is also a rooftop gym (Hawks gym) that supports athletic activities.

Academic Facilities
Opened in 2019, the campus features bright, flexible classrooms, dedicated science laboratories, and creative studios. The Library & Media Center houses over 30,000 books, two librarians, and provides a digital library and catalog to support research.

Extra Curricular Facilities
HJIS offers a wide range of after-school programs, with over 60 ASPs, plus daycare services and summer programs. ASPs cover areas such as arts, robotics, chess, and athletics.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
The ASP offers more than 50 clubs and more than 300 student participants, spanning sports, music, art, robotics, and debate. Secondary ASPs include Model United Nations, advanced robotics, visual media, performing arts, and competitive sports, enabling students to deepen passions and take on leadership roles. Horizon also hosts IYPT Japan as the national organizer, coordinating training and national selection for the International Young Physicists' Tournament.

Arts & Creative
Primary ASPs provide creative arts and language, along with sports, robotics, and dance. Secondary ASPs include visual media and performing arts. During ASPs, students have opportunities to engage in music and other arts, supported by dedicated facilities such as creative studios on campus.

Cultural & Language
HJIS hosts international cultural events, including the International Cultural Festival (ICF), representing more than 40 nationalities with performances and workshops. The school provides cross-cultural exchanges and opportunities through activities such as Model United Nations and IYPT Japan, which Horizon organizes as Japan's national organizer. English as an Additional Language (EAL) support helps non-native speakers access the curriculum and participate in cultural and linguistic activities.

Social & Hobbies
Students can join a wide range of ASP clubs—over 50—spanning social, artistic, and recreational interests, with hundreds of students participating each term. The school also runs inter-house competitions to promote teamwork and school spirit. Horizon's athletics program includes futsal, basketball, volleyball, and badminton with multiple age-group teams that compete in ISTAA leagues and regional tournaments. The campus features a rooftop sports area, The Nest, in addition to a full gymnasium to support informal and organized activities.

Community & Service
Service Learning is integrated across the IB continuum, with PYP projects like Rice Harvest and partnerships with local food banks (Onigiri Action and Kodomo Kitchen). The MYP highlights a Literacy Club and DP CAS projects include a student-led in-school MUN conference, building leadership, teamwork, and research skills. The school's PTA and broader Horizon community offer volunteering opportunities and events that foster community involvement.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is embedded in ASP offerings, including Model United Nations and opportunities for students to lead clubs and organize events. Service Learning features student-led MUN conferences and training sessions that develop public speaking, collaboration, and project management. Horizon MUN is an active program with annual events (e.g., Horizon MUN '26) that provide ongoing leadership and professional development experiences.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
A strong athletics program runs futsal, basketball, volleyball, and badminton across grade levels, with teams competing in ISTAA leagues and tournaments to promote discipline and resilience. Facilities include a rooftop sports area (The Nest) and a three-story gymnasium that support physical education and healthy activity. The school also offers extended programs, including Summer School and other enrichment activities, to promote physical activity, social interaction, and well-being outside regular hours.
Languages

Language Provision
The main language of instruction is English across the IB programmes (PYP, MYP, DP). English as an Additional Language (EAL) support is provided from Early Years through the Diploma Programme, with integrated classroom support, small-group or one-on-one sessions, and focused development of reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. In the Diploma Programme, Japanese is offered as DP language options (Japanese B and Japanese A LAL), alongside other language offerings such as Spanish AB, French AB, and English B, with a Language and Culture option listed among DP subjects.
Reputation

Accreditations
Horizon Japan International School (HJIS) holds several formal accreditations and memberships that define its international standards and governance. Key accreditations include:
- Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC): WASC is a U.S.-based accrediting body focused on educational quality, student outcomes, and institutional effectiveness. Horizon was accredited in 2019.
- IB World School (PYP, MYP, DP): HJIS is authorized to offer the International Baccalaureate continuum (Primary Years Programme, Middle Years Programme, and Diploma Programme), reflecting adherence to IB's framework and international standards.
- Gakkō Hōjin Accreditation (Kanagawa Prefecture): The school has official recognition by Kanagawa Prefecture as an educational corporation since 2004.
- Japan Council of International Schools (JCIS) World School: JCIS membership was established in 2024, placing HJIS among a selective group of international schools in Japan.
- Council of International Schools (CIS): CIS accreditation was achieved in 2023; CIS is a globally recognized accrediting network focused on learning, global citizenship, and well-being. Note: the school site also shows a past year of 2018 for CIS accreditation, but CIS's own accreditation notice confirms 16 February 2023.
- European Council of International Schools (ECIS): Horizon is a long-standing ECIS member (more than 15 years), a professional learning community for international schools.
Admissions

Admissions
Step 1 – Gather the documents. Collect the items listed in the admissions guidance: Academic Records for applicants in Grade 1–12; Proof of payment of the application fee of 30,000 JPY; a scan of the student's passport or birth certificate for birth-date verification; photos of the student and guardian(s); a guarantee letter from the employer if the company will pay school fees; and any individualized learning plan (ILP) or other supporting documents. This collection ensures the admissions team has complete material to begin with and supports a smooth review. The documents are used to determine eligibility and placement, and to facilitate the review of the application package.

Step 2 – Submit your application. Submit the online application and complete all checklist items in your account. The online submissions are routed through the school's admissions portal, and submitting the form triggers the review process once all required documents are received. This step marks the transition from document gathering to formal review.

Step 3 – Submission Review. After online submission, the child may be invited for an interview and a placement assessment. The placement assessment helps determine the appropriate class placement and whether English as an Additional Language (EAL) support or other specialized assistance is required. The outcome of the assessment informs next steps and potential supports.

Step 4 – Application Decision. Following the assessment and review of prior school records, the school decides whether the child may register. Families are notified by email as soon as possible of the outcome, and the actual registration occurs at this stage if a place is offered. This decision ties together assessment results, records, and space availability.

Step 5 – Enrollment Begins. The admissions office determines the first day of the school, and a family orientation may be organized if applicable. A WIDA test for English as an Additional Language (EAL) learners will be conducted as part of the enrollment process. Enrollment activities culminate in the start of the new school term.

Scholarships
Scholarships are available through the Corporate Contribution Plan. Scholarships are granted to students whose parents are employed by companies that participate in this plan. Detailed information about eligibility and how to apply is provided by the Business Office. Families interested in this option should contact the Business Office for further information.

Waitlist
Horizon Japan International School uses a rolling admissions policy with a space-available basis. Applications are reviewed and considered as spaces open up, and there is no published waitlist system; families are typically informed by email if a place becomes available or if further steps are required. This approach means that admissions can occur at various times during the year depending on vacancies.
School Events
The school has not added events
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