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Nishimachi International School

Japan, Tokyo

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees ¥3,380,000
Ages 5 - 15 years
Pupil numbers 468
Type Co-educational
Opened 1949
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Taught languages Japanese
Typical class size 19
Strengths Sport, STEM, Outdoor Education
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Social and Hobbies, Lifestyle and Wellbeing
Stages Kindergarten, Elementary, Middle School
Introduction

Founded in 1949, Nishimachi International School is a coeducational K–9 day school in central Tokyo. The school enrolls about 480 students, with approximately 20 students per class in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and middle school classes typically ranging from 10–20. Instruction is in English and all students study Japanese. The school describes its curriculum as based on American Common Core standards alongside its Japanese language and culture program taught daily through Grade 9. Beyond academics, students can join activities such as drama, band, ikebana, and sports including soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country and badminton. The school also runs overnight trips to Kazuno (Grades 4–8) and winter ski trips (Grades 4–9).

2 Chome-14-7 Motoazabu, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0046, Japan

The Essentials

Nishimachi International School has 468 pupils, typical class sizes of 19, instruction in English.

Location
Located in the Moto Azabu area of Minato-ku, Tokyo, Nishimachi International School sits in central Tokyo. The campus address is 2-14-7 Moto Azabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0046. The area is popular with international residents and hosts parks, multinational company headquarters, and embassies. It is a central Tokyo location with straightforward access to public transport.

Stages
Nishimachi offers Kindergarten through Grade 9. The campus layout includes a dedicated kindergarten building, a primary building for Grades 1–2, and an upper elementary/middle school building for Grades 3–9.

Type
Nishimachi is a co-educational, private day school. It does not operate a boarding facility.

Pupil Nationality Mix
There are about 35 nationalities represented among Nishimachi students, with around 470 students in total. The school notes a strong international mix, including a significant proportion of students holding dual or multiple passports (about 50%).

Additional learning support
Nishimachi provides Learning Services (LS) for students with mild learning needs, including in-class support or specialized instruction and guidance for parents. English Language Services (ELS) support bilingual and multilingual learners, and staff use language assessments (e.g., MAP) to monitor progress.

Country affiliation
Nishimachi International School operates in Japan as an international school and has no formal country affiliation.

Religious affiliation
Nishimachi is non-sectarian and has no religious affiliation.

School day structure
The school year runs from late August to mid-June. The school day commonly starts around 8:15 am and ends at approximately 3:15 pm for Kindergarten and 3:30 pm for Grades 1–9; after-school care is available for enrolled students.

Bus service
Nishimachi does not offer a school bus service; families arrange transportation themselves or use public transit as needed.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
Boarding arrangements: Nishimachi International School does not provide boarding. It operates as a day school; students must live with at least one parent during enrollment. The school specifically states there is no boarding facility.

Uniform Requirement
Uniform requirement: The school uses a dress code rather than a formal uniform. The dress code aims to keep students neat, clean, and socially appropriate while allowing personal expression.

Food Options
Food options: Lunch is provided by families (each parent provides a daily lunch to be eaten in classrooms). There is an optional paid lunch service offered by Kiwi Kitchen. Morning recess includes a snack.

Governance and Ownership
Governance and ownership: Nishimachi is a private, independent day school governed as a legal school foundation (Gakko Hojin). The governance framework includes a Board of Trustees and a Board of Directors, the latter including the Head of School.
Fees

Annual tuition at Nishimachi International School ranges from JPY 3,380,000 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Application fee (non-refundable): JPY 30,000 per applicant. Instructions for paying the application fee are sent after the completed application is received.

Entrance / one-time fees (first year only)

- Registration fee (non-refundable): JPY 300,000.
- Building maintenance fee (one-time): JPY 825,000.

Annual tuition and other annual fees (all grades K–9)

- Tuition fee (annual): JPY 2,980,000.
- Education Enhancement Fee (annual): JPY 200,000.
- School Growth Fund Fee (annual): JPY 200,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The annual tuition is divided into four equal Quarters. A student's attendance for any portion of a Quarter requires payment of the entire Quarter.
- Quarter breakdown for School Year 2025–2026 (per-quarter tuition amount shown):
- 1st Quarter (August 20, 2025 – October 24, 2025): JPY 745,000.
- 2nd Quarter (October 27, 2025 – January 23, 2026): JPY 745,000.
- 3rd Quarter (January 26, 2026 – April 3, 2026): JPY 745,000.
- 4th Quarter (April 6, 2026 – June 11, 2026): JPY 745,000.

Boarding fees

- Nishimachi does not operate a boarding facility; all students must live with at least one parent while enrolled. There are therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and optional program fees

- The published school fee schedule is described as all-inclusive for regular school operations. Optional or extra programs are charged separately. Examples of separate-cost programs explicitly listed are After School Activities (ASA), After School Care (ASC), Summer Programs, and Kazuno camps. Specific program fees are published separately (for example, Summer Explorers and Summer School session fees are shown on the program pages and may be charged by program).
- No separate mandatory uniform fee or separate line for textbooks is listed in the published tuition and fees schedule. Other incidental or optional charges (ASA, ASC, summer programs, camps, etc.) may appear on program pages or invoices as applicable.

Refund information and withdrawal-related terms

- The application fee and the registration fee are explicitly non-refundable.
- Tuition is charged by Quarter; a student's attendance for any portion of a Quarter requires payment for the entire Quarter, which limits pro-rata refunding within a Quarter. No separate general refund schedule for tuition withdrawals is published in the school's fee materials; optional program refunds and program-specific cancellation terms are shown with those program pages where applicable.

Fee payment options and billing administration

- Application fee payment: the application materials indicate the application fee may be paid by bank transfer (evidence/receipt) or by check made payable to the school; applicants are sent payment instructions after the application is submitted.
- Program payments (for example, summer program registrations) accept credit card payment as shown on the program payment page.
- The school's admissions and parent portals are used for applications and parent billing processes; billing questions are routed through the school's billing contact channels as listed on admissions materials. Payments and invoices are presented in Japanese yen (JPY).

Summary (key figures)

- Application fee (one-time, non-refundable): JPY 30,000.
- Entrance / one-time fees (first year): Registration JPY 300,000 (non-refundable) + Building Maintenance JPY 825,000.
- Annual charges (all grades): Tuition JPY 2,980,000; Education Enhancement Fee JPY 200,000; School Growth Fund Fee JPY 200,000 (total annual charge for continuing students shown in the published schedule). Quarter amounts for tuition are JPY 745,000 each.
Academics

Nishimachi International School teaches American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum for students aged 5 to 15.

Curriculum
Nishimachi International School serves Kindergarten through Grade 9, with English as the language of instruction and daily Japanese study for all students. The curricular framework is Understanding by Design, and the curriculum is standards-based, designed to apply learning in real-world contexts. Elementary School (K–5) features small class sizes with specialist-led programs in arts, sports, and language. Middle School (Grades 6–9) has class sizes typically 12–18, is project-based, provides one-to-one access to Apple iPads, uses 60‑minute teaching periods on a five‑day cycle, and includes a daily 15‑minute advisory. The curriculum aligns with CCSS for English Language Arts and Mathematics, NGSS for Science, and AERO for Humanities and Social Studies, with Japanese language standards modified from MEXT and CEFR; other standards cover Digital Citizenship, Digital Literacy, Drama, Health, Music, Physical Education, Visual Arts, and Student Protection. Nishimachi is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS), with CIS reaccreditation completed on 2 February 2022.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
Nishimachi's Student Services aims to maximize learning for all students and to help children thrive academically and socio-emotionally. In Grades 6–9, every student has 15 minutes of advisory daily to support social-emotional development.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
Learning Services provides support for mild learning difficulties and is not designed to be a formal special education program. The Learning Specialist may conduct assessments, provide in-class support, or refer to external specialists; progress and goals are monitored for the following year.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Two English Language Specialist teachers provide English Language Services (ELS) in collaboration with classroom teachers, offering individualized or small-group instruction as needed. In spring, WIDA-MODEL (Measures of Academic Progress) is administered to all students receiving active ELS.

Mental Wellbeing
A school nurse is on the premises every school day from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., attending to injuries, illnesses, and overall wellbeing. Health guidelines describe procedures for illness and health management, while the Health Office and Student Services support students' health and socio-emotional development.

Safeguarding
Nishimachi maintains a Student Protection Policy aligned with Japanese law (Act No. 82) and the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child; all employees are mandatory reporters of suspected abuse. Staff receive Student Protection training and sign the Employee Code of Conduct annually, with clear procedures for safeguarding concerns.
Parent Experience

History
Nishimachi International School was established in 1949 by Tané Matsukata on the Matsukata family property in the Azabu area of Tokyo. Miss Matsukata had returned to Japan after seventeen years in the United States and sought to rebuild postwar Japan through education that stressed the human side of learning and peaceful coexistence. The founders believed that learning a second language—English—would broaden children's understanding beyond their own culture, and English became the language of instruction with daily Japanese language study. The school opened with four students and was guided by Matsukata's progressive philosophy and the collaborative efforts of friends and family. Over the decades Nishimachi has grown into a bilingual K–9 community with a strong emphasis on English- and Japanese-language programs and cross-cultural learning.

Community
Nishimachi's community is close-knit and culturally diverse, with the English-language program complemented by daily Japanese language and culture study. The school marks its culture with annual Japanese festivals such as Setsubun, Hinamatsuri, and Kodomo no Hi, and a Japanese Culture Day that invites families to engage with learning. Families participate as volunteers and partners in cross-cultural programs, helping to strengthen the sense of community. Student life includes community events, service initiatives, and cultural celebrations that reflect Nishimachi's commitment to global understanding.

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
Tomo no Kai, abbreviated TNK, is Nishimachi's parent association. All parents of Nishimachi students are members, and TNK aims to improve communication across the school community and to foster unity. The TNK Executive Board is elected annually and meets monthly, overseeing planning and volunteer involvement across activities. TNK sponsors cross-cultural programs and social functions and raises funds for the school, including support for Outreach scholarships. Past and current events include the annual Food Fair, Omochitsuki (rice pounding) and Setsubun celebrations, organized with involvement from families and students. Funds raised via TNK activities support Nishimachi students through scholarships and school programs.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The campus is located in the Moto Azabu area of Minato-ku, Tokyo. The campus comprises seven buildings: the Matsukata House, the Ushiba Memorial gymnasium/auditorium, the kindergarten building in the Moto Azabu Hills complex, the primary building housing grades 1-2, the upper elementary and middle school building housing grades 3-9, the Yashiro Library/Media Center, and a dedicated middle school building opened in August 2019. The Yashiro Library/Media Center is a three-floor facility built in 2008 and contains about 17,000 items in English and Japanese. Matsukata House is the founder's residence and now serves as the school's main administrative building and a Tokyo landmark. Nishimachi operates Camp Rioichiro Arai “Kazuno,” an outdoor education center in Gunma Prefecture used for overnight field trips for grades 4–8, comprising three buildings: main building, refurbished Japanese country house, and an old kura warehouse.

Sports Facilities
The Ushiba Memorial gymnasium/auditorium is the primary indoor sports facility on campus. Nishimachi participates in interscholastic sports for grades 6–9, with teams in soccer, basketball, volleyball, track and field, cross country, and badminton. The school maintains a no-cut policy to promote inclusive participation.

Academic Facilities
The Yashiro Media Center Library offers resources on three floors with over 17,000 items in English and Japanese, and the middle school collection is on the top floor while elementary materials occupy the lower floors. The library is open to students during school hours and to parents and students after school from 3:30–4:30 p.m., and provides access to digital resources including eBooks and online databases. Students in the middle school also benefit from one-to-one access to Apple iPads.

Extra Curricular Facilities
Nishimachi offers After School Programs with a range of activities, including early-morning, after-school, or weekend programs, some run by external organizations. Interscholastic sports for grades 6–9 include boys' and girls' basketball, girls' volleyball, soccer, cross country, track and field, and badminton, with a Vikings identity and a no-cut policy. The school conducts outdoor education experiences such as Camp Kazuno in Gunma Prefecture for overnight trips (main building, refurbished country house, and kura warehouse).
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Nishimachi offers a broad array of after-school activities and enrichment programs, including options before and after school and on weekends, with some activities run by outside organizations under school authorization to extend learning beyond the classroom. The school emphasizes experiential and inquiry-based learning, supplementing classroom lessons with field experiences. For example, summer programs include coding and robotics through Camp Kazuno, and the Kazuno outdoor education site provides overnight field trips for Grades 4–8, expanding learning beyond the regular schedule.

Arts & Creative
In the after-school and daily schedule, students engage in arts and creative expression, with afternoons described as expanding into arts, music, and physical education. Extracurricular offerings include cultural clubs and performances that support creative development. These opportunities are part of Nishimachi's holistic approach to nurturing creative thinking and communication skills.

Cultural & Language
Nishimachi emphasizes bilingual language development, with English as the language of instruction and daily Japanese study for all students. The school also fosters cross-cultural engagement through programs such as Tomo no Kai, its parent association, which supports cross-cultural programs and social functions. The school's mission and learner expectations stress developing global citizens who communicate across cultures.

Social & Hobbies
Nishimachi provides a wide variety of after-school activities, including early-morning, after-school, and weekend options, with programs sometimes conducted by external organizations under school authorization. Students participate in clubs and teams that promote social interaction and peer collaboration beyond regular classes. The school emphasizes informal interest-based groups and peer-to-peer activities as part of a well-rounded school life.

Community & Service
Community service and service learning are central to Nishimachi's approach. Student-led service projects provide opportunities to plan, implement, and reflect on contributions to the local community, strengthening collaboration and social responsibility. The school partners with local organizations to offer volunteer opportunities, and community events and initiatives are a regular part of school life.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership is embedded in Nishimachi's learner expectations, with a focus on ownership, initiative, perseverance, ethical action, and collaboration. Students are encouraged to pursue challenges, lead in service projects, and develop communication and teamwork skills through project work and community involvement. The school supports leadership development through cross-cultural programs and a learning environment that promotes responsibility and action.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Nishimachi supports lifestyle and wellbeing through sports and outdoor activities, with facilities like gymnasiums and outdoor spaces. Overnight field programs at Camp Kazuno and other outdoor education experiences provide physical activity and environmental learning opportunities. Afternoon offerings include athletics alongside arts and culture, contributing to a balanced approach to student wellbeing.
Languages

Language Provision
English is the language of instruction for the core program; Japanese is taught daily as part of a dedicated language program. From Kindergarten to Grade 5, Japanese is taught daily; from Grade 6 to Grade 9, Japanese is taught four times a week plus Japanese Social Studies twice a week. The Japanese Language Program uses the CEFR framework to place students into six proficiency groups in Grades 2–9, with Kindergarten and Grade 1 grouped as A, B, and C, and instruction differentiated using adapted Kokugo materials for higher levels. Non-native speakers receive language support through this framework and curriculum adjustments.

Bilingual Teaching
Nishimachi is not a bilingual school. The language of instruction is English for Grades K–9, with Japanese taught daily as part of a robust Japanese Language and Culture Program. The program supports students from different language backgrounds but does not deliver a full bilingual curriculum. English core learning is balanced with Japanese language and culture rather than a two-language instruction model.

Immersion Programs
Nishimachi offers a Japanese-English two-way immersion experience in its Summer Programs. Summer Explorers Little Vikings (incoming Kindergarten and current Nishimachi Kindergarten students) participate in a two-way immersion format. The program emphasizes social skill development, learning routines, and confidence, with activities in art, music, sports, and other interactive learning.
Admissions

Admissions
Admissions Process

Kindergarten admissions process

1. Start the inquiry and online application. Begin by submitting the online application for the upcoming Kindergarten cycle. The online system allows you to save progress and return later, and after you complete the application you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to pay the non-refundable application fee of ¥30,000 per applicant. Overseas passport holders and residents may apply year‑round, and the September 1 to October 31 window applies to the 2026‑27 cycle.

2. Prepare and submit required documents. Upload or provide the requested documents through the online application: report cards from the past two full school years (if available), one Confidential Student Recommendation Form (English or Japanese) filled out by the most recent teacher, a copy of the applicant's birth certificate or passport, the applicant's photo, and a family photo. The process specifies a single application portal for document submission and follows up with payment instructions after the completed application is received.

3. Confirm eligibility and age requirements. Kindergarten applicants must be 5 years old by August 31 of the enrolling year. The program notes clear age eligibility and does not make exceptions for Kindergarten entrants based on age.

4. Participate in the admissions screening. A group screening for selected Kindergarten applicants is conducted during the second week of January, with in-person screening preferred whenever possible. Applicants are evaluated for English communication skills and social/behavioral maturity to ensure readiness for Nishimachi.

5. Receive the admissions decision. The admissions result is sent by email in early February. Depending on class composition and space, some applications may be placed in a waiting pool after documents have been reviewed to maintain balance in language and gender.

6. Note special considerations for overseas applicants. For overseas applicants (outside Tokyo), applications are still accepted after the October 31 deadline, and families should plan accordingly for the January screening cycle as applicable.

Grades 1–9 admissions process

1. Start the inquiry and online application. For Grades 1–9, applications for the next school year open on November 1, and online submission is available through the admissions portal. Applications are reviewed after submission and space availability is assessed; Grade 9 is not currently offered.

2. Prepare and submit required documents. Required documents for Grades 1–9 include report cards from the past two full school years, two online Confidential Student Recommendation Forms (preferably from English and Mathematics teachers for Grades 7–8 applicants), standardized test results if available, a copy of the birth certificate or passport, the applicant's photo, and a family photo. The standard application fee is ¥30,000 (non-refundable).

3. Confirm eligibility and grade availability. Nishimachi serves Kindergarten through Grade 9, but Grade 9 admission is not currently offered; age-based placement guidance applies (Kindergarten 5 by Aug 31; Grade 1 6 by Aug 31). Non-Japanese students must have a residential dependent visa to attend.

4. Admissions screening/interview. Applicants for Grades 1–9 are evaluated for proficiency in English and grade‑level Mathematics to ensure suitability for Nishimachi's program. Applications are not prioritized by the date of submission, and some applicants may be invited to be screened before an admissions decision is made. Parent interviews may be arranged for some applicants.

5. How to apply and follow-up. The online application process allows you to save progress and return to finish later; supporting documents can be uploaded online. After submission, applicants progress to the screening/interview phase and wait for notification of decisions.

6. Waitlist considerations. For Grades 1–9, there is no explicit published waitlist policy; admissions decisions are based on the screening outcomes and other criteria rather than a first-come basis. Applicants are informed by the admissions process when decisions are made.

Note on general admissions context

- The school offers an English-language curriculum based on American common core standards, complemented by a Japanese language program. Tours and virtual information sessions are available for prospective families, including overseas families.

- The school also provides a defined set of admissions criteria, including age cutoffs, language readiness, and visa/residency expectations for non-Japanese students.

- Documentation and fee details, as well as the multi-step screening and decision timeline, are outlined in the admissions materials and online application portal.

Waitlist / Pool

- Kindergarten: Some applicants may be kept in a waiting pool after documents are reviewed to help balance language and gender in classrooms. This is part of the group screening process for Kindergarten.
- Grades 1–9: There is no published waitlist policy for these grades; admissions decisions are not strictly ordered by application date and are based on screening outcomes and eligibility rather than a queue.

Scholarships

- Outreach Scholarship Program: Nishimachi offers the Outreach Scholarship Program to provide partial or full scholarships to select students from diverse socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic backgrounds who are currently in Japan and whose families cannot afford international school tuition. Scholarships are designed to augment diversity on campus.

- Program details: Candidates must meet the school's admissions requirements and provide proof of financial need. The scholarship is awarded for one academic year with renewal options, contingent on satisfactory progress. The Headmaster, with the Scholarship Committee, selects recipients according to criteria including financial need, country of origin and cultural background, grade level, academic achievement and talents, and other factors that enrich Nishimachi's educational environment.

- How to inquire: For those interested, contact the Admissions Office by phone or email to learn more about eligibility and the application process.

- Additional background: The Outreach Scholarship program has been active since 2003–2004 and continues to fund a limited number of scholarships to sustain program diversity.

Notes on language and tone

- Nishimachi offers an English-language program with a strong Japanese language component, aiming for a balanced, bilingual-friendly educational environment. This context informs the admissions and screening focus, including English proficiency assessments and readiness for an international school setting.

- Beyond the core admissions steps, the school runs monthly Head of School Tours and virtual information sessions to help families learn about the campus, programs, and admissions process.

- Family eligibility considerations include the expectation that students live with at least one parent in Japan, and non-Japanese students generally require a residential dependent visa; boarding is not offered.

Scholarships
Scholarships

- Outreach Scholarship Program: Nishimachi offers partial or full scholarships to select students from a variety of socioeconomic, racial, cultural, and geographic backgrounds who are currently in Japan and whose families cannot afford the international school tuition. The program is intended to augment campus diversity.

- How it works: Candidates must meet admissions requirements and provide proof of financial need. The scholarship lasts for one academic year with potential renewal, subject to satisfactory progress. Selection is made by the Headmaster on the recommendation of the Scholarship Committee and considers family need, origin, culture, grade level, academic performance, talents, and other factors that enrich Nishimachi's educational environment.

- How to inquire: Interested families should contact the Admissions Office by phone or email for details on eligibility and the application process.

Waitlist
Waitlist / Pool

- Kindergarten: Some applicants may be placed in a waiting pool after document review in order to maintain language and gender balance in the class. This waiting pool is part of the Kindergarten screening process.
- Grades 1–9: There is no published waitlist policy for Grades 1–9. Admissions decisions are based on screening outcomes and other criteria rather than a first-come, first-served waitlist.
School Events
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