Looking for the list of the best international schools in Japan in 2026? International Schools in Japan are a great choice for both local and expat families as they offer globally recognized curricula, outstanding academics plus a nurturing environment for children. Discover our selection of the best International Schools in Japan, including reviews, fees, and why families choose them.
Top International Schools Japan 2026
Discover top International Schools in Japan. Use the filters to find the right fit and contact schools directly from their profiles.
Rugby School Japan
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 11 to 18 years old
- School type:Day & Boarding School
- Yearly fee: 5,000,000 - 8,200,000 jpy
- Curriculum:British Curriculum
- Foundation:2023
- Community: 306 students • 26 nationalities
- Examinations:A Level, AS, IGCSE
- Language:English
- First British boarding ethos in Japan
- Unrivalled focus on character growth
- Enrichment via diverse global connections
Annual tuition fees at Rugby School Japan range from 5,000,000 jpy to 8,200,000 jpy, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The annual School Fee consists of:Tuition Fee (The same for Day and Boarding Students)Boarding Fee (an additional charge only for Boarding Students: 5 days or 7 days)School Meals (All meals:...Tamagawa Academy IB Programmes
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 12 to 18 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 1,886,000 - 1,902,000 jpy
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Foundation:1929
- Community: 300 students • 8 nationalities
- Language:English, Japanese
- Immersive Bilingual Learning
- Integrated Arts & Sciences Focus
- Global Mindedness, Japanese Values
Annual tuition fees at Tamagawa Academy IB Programmes range from 1,886,000 jpy to 1,902,000 jpy, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Makuhari International School
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 3.0 to 12.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 8,013 - 10,016 usd
- Curriculum:Japanese Curriculum, Other
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- Bilingual education with equal emphasis on English and Japanese for all subjects except Japanese.
- Curriculum designed for seamless transition to Japanese junior high and international schools.
- Award-winning facilities and resources on a spacious campus for enhanced learning experiences.
Annual tuition fees at Makuhari International School range from 8,013 usd to 10,016 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Saitama Municipal Omiya International Secondary School
-
Japan - Saitama
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- International Baccalaureate curriculum fostering global perspectives and critical thinking skills.
- Strong emphasis on career education with diverse pathways and exploration opportunities.
- Active participation in global competitions, including top rankings in Mathematics A-lympiad.
Tokyo Gakugei University International Secondary School
-
Japan - Nerima City
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- Interdisciplinary education with a focus on inquiry-based learning and real-world connections.
- Unique overseas work camps in Thailand and Okinawa for hands-on global experiences.
- Emphasis on developing communication skills and global awareness through diverse backgrounds.
The Montessori School of Tokyo
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 2.0 to 15.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,493 - 17,317 usd
- Curriculum:Montessori
- Language:English
- First accredited Montessori school in Asia, emphasizing individualized learning journeys.
- Unique Upper Adolescent program focused on authentic Montessori experiences for high schoolers.
- Community-driven sustainability initiatives led by faculty and parent-led committees.
Annual tuition fees at The Montessori School of Tokyo range from 16,493 usd to 17,317 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
The American School in Japan
-
Japan - Chofu
- Co-Education
- 3.0 to 18.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 21,323 - 23,324 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Foundation:1902.0
- Language:English
- Over 120 years of educational excellence with a strong American curriculum focus.
- Diverse student body representing 59 different countries fostering global citizenship.
- 170+ co-curricular activities promoting holistic student development and engagement.
Annual tuition fees at The American School in Japan range from 21,323 usd to 23,324 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Shogaku Gakuen Educational Foundation
-
Japan - Okinawa
- Co-Education
- 1 to 19 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum
- Language:English
- Japan's rich tradition, global approach.
- Emphasis on character, moral values.
- Innovative bilingual education model.
MEES International School
-
Japan - Bunkyo City
- Co-Education
- 1.0 to 11.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 8,074 - 9,540 usd
- Curriculum:Other, Project Based Learning
- Language:English
- Project-based learning that encourages active exploration of real-world challenges.
- Regular outdoor education that fosters resilience and a connection with nature.
- Mixed-age cohorts promoting mentorship and collaborative peer relationships.
Annual tuition fees at MEES International School range from 8,074 usd to 9,540 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Musashino University Chiyoda High School
-
Japan - Chiyoda City
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- Innovative research activities comparable to university-level studies across various disciplines.
- Collaborative projects with global leaders and organizations for real-world problem-solving.
- Unique programs like 'Social Innovation' and 'Liberal Arts Projects' fostering creativity.
Machida Kobato Kindergarten /Gakkouhoujin Kanzou Gakuen
-
Japan - Machida
- Co-Education
- 3.0 to 4.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Primary Years Programme
- Language:Japanese
- First kindergarten in Tokyo certified as an IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) school.
- Emphasis on "free play" to foster children's natural curiosity and social engagement.
- Unique "Little Room" program supports pre-kindergarten children with tailored activities and expert guidance.
Kahoku Junior High School
-
Japan - Kami
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Middle Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- International Baccalaureate MYP accredited school, promoting global citizenship and critical thinking.
- Community projects showcasing local culture and nature, enhancing student engagement and responsibility.
- Unique art museum initiative by students, highlighting Kahoku's rich heritage and natural beauty.
International School of the Sacred Heart
-
Japan - Shibuya
- Girls Only
- 3.0 to 18.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 16,482 - 18,495 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Community: 184.0 students
- Language:English
- Internationally minded curriculum fostering global citizenship and cultural understanding among students.
- Strong emphasis on girls' education with a focus on leadership and empowerment.
- Active partnership with parents and community for holistic student development.
Annual tuition fees at International School of the Sacred Heart range from 16,482 usd to 18,495 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Kouhoku School Corporation Nintei-kodomoen Ainosato
-
Japan - Sapporo
- Co-Education
- to 6.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Primary Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- PYP accredited IB curriculum fostering individual curiosity and self-directed learning.
- Monthly community events like 'Ainosato Festival' promoting family engagement and fun.
- Hands-on sensory activities encouraging exploration with everyday materials, enhancing creativity.
Osaka International High School
-
Japan - Moriguchi
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- Only school in the region offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
- Unique campus design promotes hands-on learning with nature and cultural experiences.
- Extensive practical training opportunities in the Early Childhood Education program.
Christian Academy in Japan
-
Japan - Higashikurume
- Co-Education
- 3.0 to 18.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 12,787 - 15,024 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum
- Language:English
- Christ-centered education focused on equipping students for global servant leadership.
- Dedicated Parallel Educational Services for English-speaking homeschoolers since 1983.
- Diverse student body from over 25 countries, promoting cultural understanding.
Annual tuition fees at Christian Academy in Japan range from 12,787 usd to 15,024 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Enishi International School
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 5.0 to 15.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 21,145 - 21,145 usd
- Curriculum:American Curriculum, IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme, IB Primary Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- Authorized IB curriculum from Early Learning through High School, fostering global-minded learners.
- Multilingual education emphasizing inquiry, respect for cultures, and personal growth.
- Diverse extracurricular activities, including community events and field trips for holistic development.
Annual tuition fees at Enishi International School range from 21,145 usd to 21,145 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
CGK International School
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 2.0 to 11.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Yearly fee: 12,258 - 13,201 usd
- Curriculum:Other
- Community: 280.0 students
- Language:English
- Only integrated international school in Yokohama with April enrollment for all ages.
- IB World School offering a 12+4 year continuum education from preschool to high school.
- Unique one-year study abroad program for 7th graders to develop diverse perspectives.
Annual tuition fees at CGK International School range from 12,258 usd to 13,201 usd, depending on the student's grade level and program.
Shohei Junior and Senior High School
-
Japan - Sugito
- Co-Education
- to years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Diploma Programme, IB Middle Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
- IB candidate school with a focus on global citizenship and international perspectives.
- Specialized athletic programs like the 'select athlete' class to nurture sports talent.
- Record university acceptance rates, including 66 students to top-tier universities.
Sai Sishya International School
-
Japan - Tokyo
- Co-Education
- 3.0 to 13.0 years old
- School type:International School
- Curriculum:IB Curriculum, IB Primary Years Programme
- Language:Bilingual, English, Japanese
How much does it cost to attend International Schools in Japan?
Category | Low Range | High Range |
|---|---|---|
Annual Tuition | $10,000 | $30,000 |
Monthly Tuition Equivalent | $835 | $2,500 |
Registration Fee (one-time) | $1,000 | $2,000 |
Uniforms & Materials | $200 | $500 |
Extras & Trips | $500 | $1,500 |
Total Est. Annual Cost | $11,700 | $35,000 |
Why families choose an international school in Japan?
Deciding on the right educational path for their children is a significant decision for expatriate families. In Japan, international schools are increasingly becoming the preferred choice due to a variety of compelling factors that cater specifically to the needs of international residents and globally-minded Japanese families. These institutions not only provide a familiar curriculum but also foster an environment that bridges multiple cultures seamlessly.
Global Curriculum and Language
One of the primary reasons families opt for international schools in Japan is the curriculum. Most international schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) or other internationally recognized curricula, which are known for their rigorous standards and emphasis on critical thinking and cultural awareness. This global educational model is particularly appealing to families who might not stay in Japan long-term, or for those who anticipate future relocations. Furthermore, these schools predominantly instruct in English, offering non-native speakers an invaluable opportunity to develop proficiency in what is considered the lingua franca of the global business world.
Cultural Diversity
International schools in Japan are melting pots of cultures, which is an invaluable aspect for parents who wish their children to grow up with a global mindset. The student body at these schools typically comprises a mix of expatriates and local Japanese students who are looking for an international education. This diversity exposes students to various perspectives and customs, enhancing their interpersonal skills and understanding of global cultures, which is essential in today’s interconnected world.
Extracurricular Excellence
Beyond academics, international schools in Japan offer a wide array of extracurricular activities that might not be as readily available in local schools. From sports like soccer and swimming to arts such as music and drama, these activities are designed to support the holistic development of students. They allow children to explore personal interests and talents, which is a crucial aspect of personal development and can also be influential in their future educational and career choices.
Community and Support Networks
International schools also typically boast strong parent-teacher associations and communities that can be a great support network for both parents and students new to Japan. These networks help families adjust to the new environment and can be particularly comforting to those who may feel isolated due to language and cultural barriers. The community associated with international schools often organizes events and gatherings, providing a sense of belonging and easing the transition into Japanese society.
Educational Continuity
For families who move countries frequently, international schools provide a semblance of continuity in education, easing the academic transitions that accompany relocation. The consistency of curriculum allows students to pick up where they left off, without the disruption that can come from differing educational systems. This is particularly beneficial for the academic and emotional stability of the children.
In summary, international schools in Japan offer a blend of academic excellence, cultural diversity, and community support that aligns well with the needs of globally mobile families and forward-thinking local residents. These schools not only prepare students for a global future but also provide a stable and supportive educational environment amidst the challenges of living abroad.
FAQ
Why families choose an international school in Japan?
International schools in Japan attract families due to their globally recognized curricula, cultural diversity, and strong support networks. These schools cater to the educational and personal development of students, providing a stable learning environment and preparing them for a global future.
How much are tuition fees at Best International Schools in Japan?
The yearly tuition fees for International Schools in Japan generally range from $10,000 to $30,000 per year. This cost can vary based on factors like the curriculum, the quality of campus facilities, the standard of boarding, and the services – with some top-tier schools exceeding $40,000 annually.















