Compare IB Curriculum International Schools in Japan

North London Collegiate School Kobe (NLCS Kobe) opened in September 2025 and is a co educational day school for students in Grades 1 to 7, located on Rokko Island, Kobe, with convenient access to both Kobe and Osaka. Guided by the philosophy of being an “International School with a Japanese Heart,” the school combines a globally minded education with a strong appreciation for Japanese language, culture, and values. All classes are taught in English and follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework, encouraging inquiry based learning, critical thinking, creativity, and international mindedness. The school also places strong emphasis on personalised pastoral care and small class sizes to support each student’s individual development. Facilities at the Rokko Island campus include dedicated spaces for science, ICT, art, music, and drama, providing students with a broad and enriching educational experience. A growing co curricular programme further supports confidence, collaboration, and leadership skills. The planned Senior School campus will open on Rokko Mountain in 2028 and will include boarding facilities, expanding the school’s provision for secondary students within a distinctive natural setting.

UWC ISAK Japan is a co-educational, full-boarding high school in Karuizawa, Nagano. It opened in 2014 as International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK) and joined the UWC movement in 2017. As members of the United World Colleges movement, we are committed to making education a force to unite people, nations and cultures for peace and a sustainable future. Our own vision sharpens that commitment into something personal and actionable: One Life. Realize Your Potential. Be a Catalyst for Positive Change. These are aspirational statements that form the basis for how we make decisions at all levels of the school, how we teach, and how we learn together. What makes UWC ISAK Japan distinctive is the community that lives this out. Over 80 nationalities. Seventy percent of students receiving some level of financial assistance. A fully residential campus on the slopes of Mount Asama in Karuizawa, Nagano. An IB Diploma Programme, alongside a Grade 10 programme built around leadership and entrepreneurship. Each element matters. Together, they produce something harder to define - a student and alumni body that takes initiative and makes an impact, here and beyond.

Abroad International School Osaka is a co-educational school in Ikuno-ku, Osaka, serving students from age 1 through Grade 12, with learning pathways that include Early Learning Center through High School. The school is an IB Continuum School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school notes the DP will launch in August 2026. In the Early Learning Center, the school states the youngest learners follow the UK EYFS framework. Support services include an EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme and a school bus service with published routes/schedules. After-school options include Study Hall in the library and a range of clubs such as soccer, karate, art and crafts and Korean language.

Aoba-Japan International School – Bunkyo Campus is an IB World School in central Tokyo that serves Grades 10–12. The campus is on the Yamanote Line, near Sugamo and Komagome stations, and features open-plan classrooms and specialized spaces such as a black-box theater, sound-proof music studios, and multimedia rooms, plus a spacious cafeteria and lobby. The Grade 10 program blends team- and research-based learning with real-life experience through internships. Students choose between the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB DP) and the Global Leadership Diploma (GLD), with advisory teachers helping tailor pathways to individual interests and career goals. An Online IB Diploma Programme option is available for Grades 11–12, offering hybrid and fully online learning. Beyond academics, the campus runs after-school programs in sports, Model United Nations, and design, and hosts arts events like the DP Arts Exhibition and Shredfest, aligning student passions with university opportunities worldwide. Advisory teachers support course planning early.

Located in Hikarigaoka, Tokyo, Aoba-Japan International School offers an IB continuum for ages 3 to 18. The Hikarigaoka Campus serves Kindergarten through Grade 9, with Early Years grouped multi‑age, Primary Years Programme for K3–Grade 6, and Middle Years Programme for Grade 7–9; the Diploma Programme is available across the network, and a Global Leadership Diploma provides a dedicated pathway. The school emphasizes transdisciplinary inquiry, collaborative learning, and the use of technology, complemented by after‑school extension programs. Facilities include open‑plan classrooms, a sports pitch, a pool, and a gymnasium, plus a halal‑certified lunch program prepared by Cezars Kitchen. Accredited by NEASC and CIS, the campus sits about 30 minutes from downtown Tokyo and hosts over 570 students. Notable features include IB World School status, a full IB pathway, and a 50th anniversary celebrated in 2025. The school also offers bus transport and a range of language, arts, and leadership activities today.

Aoba-Japan International School's Meguro Campus caters specifically to early education for children aged 18 months to six years. Located in Tokyo's Aobadai neighborhood, the campus operates across two adjacent buildings: one dedicated to toddlers and another for four- to six-year-olds. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), delivering transdisciplinary units in English. Students participate in a distinctive After School Program that features Taiko drumming, violin instruction, calligraphy, and STEAM activities. For older kindergarteners (K4 and K5), swimming lessons run throughout the academic year. The campus serves hot lunches prepared in halal-certified facilities by Cezars Kitchen, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian menus daily. The school caps class sizes at 16 children with two educators per room, ensuring individualized attention. K5 graduates from Meguro transition directly into Grade 1 at Aoba’s larger Hikarigaoka campus.

Aoba-Japan International School – Online Campus offers a 100% online high school pathway delivering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) for Grades 11–12. The two-year online program is developed with the International Baccalaureate Organisation and features three core IB courses plus six subject groups, culminating in the IB Diploma and Aoba's double-accredited high school diploma. Instruction is conducted via the Aoba Global Campus platform with live classes, team-based activities, and independent study to support inquiry-based, real-world learning. The daily timetable runs 10:00–17:00 Japan Time, balancing synchronous lessons with individual study and hands-on support from expert teachers. Post-secondary guidance is provided through school counselors, a dedicated homeroom advisor, and teacher office hours. Graduates gain access to optional extracurriculars, experiential activities, and social programs, including trips. The program enables a connected online school community while preserving rigorous IB standards and broad post-secondary pathways. Students benefit from personalized academic support and world-minded peers worldwide.

Canadian Academy is a PreK–Grade 12 international day and boarding school in Kobe, Japan. THe school was founded in 1913 and is located on Rokko Island. The school offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum from Pre-K through Grade 12, including the Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma programmes. Early Childhood includes programmes for 3 and 4-year-olds, with literacy and numeracy introduced in age-appropriate ways, as well as specialist classes that can include Japanese. Beyond classes, students can join activities such as Robotics Club, Model United Nations, science clubs and publications, alongside service clubs. For boarding, the school describes a programme for about 40 high school students from over 20 countries, studying in English while living in Japan.

Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS Tokyo) is an international day school in Tokyo offering education from Kindergarten through Grade 12 with English as the language of instruction. It follows the Canadian curriculum and incorporates the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme in the early years. In the upper grades, students have access to Advanced Placement course options. Japanese language is taught as part of the curriculum alongside core academic subjects. The school operates multiple campuses in the Shinagawa and Nakameguro areas, both of which are well connected to central Tokyo by public transport. Class sizes typically average around 15 students, with a maximum of about 20, allowing for close interaction between teachers and students. Annual tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year range from approximately ¥2,600,000 to ¥3,100,000. CIS Tokyo is accredited by the Prince Edward Island Department of Education, the International Baccalaureate for the PYP and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The program includes physical education, music and visual arts, and a contracted school bus service is available.

Capital Tokyo International School (CTIS) is a private, day school serving elementary and middle grades across three campuses: Minami-Azabu (Elementary & Middle), Mita (Elementary & Middle G5–G8), and Shibuya (Kindergarten). CTIS is an IB World School offering the Primary Years Programme and the Middle Years Programme, with learning organized around Units of Inquiry and, for middle school, the MYP design cycle. The language of instruction is English, and CTIS follows a trilingual approach with Japanese language aligned to MEXT guidelines and Mandarin introduced in elementary years, with continuing Mandarin options. The curriculum also incorporates elements from Australian and Japanese curricula and emphasizes project-based learning (PBL) and STEAM across subjects. Facilities support outdoor activity, with PE classes taking place in nearby parks and local gymnasiums. The school offers After School Programs for G1–G4 and enrichment experiences such as programming, PBL art, video production, and parkour, available to external students. A pathway to higher education is supported by an International University Entrance Qualification. A high school is planned for 2028 to complete a K–12 program.

CGK International School’s Bashamichi Campus is a preschool campus for Age 2 and Age 3 children located in Naka-ku, Yokohama. The campus is within walking distance of Bashamichi Station (about 3 minutes), as well as Sakuragicho and Kannai stations, making it accessible from central Yokohama and nearby areas. According to the school, CGK is an IB PYP World School and received authorization to deliver the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) in July 2024. The preschool programme includes structured physical education and monthly swimming lessons conducted at a nearby indoor heated pool. In addition to the core preschool programme, the school offers fee-based after-school optional classes from 4:30 p.m., such as Programming in English, Dance and Japanese-language programmes including Pygmalion and Ronri Engine. A school bus service is available for preschool students. CGK also notes that English is used as the main language at school, with Japanese taught as a subject, supporting children who are growing up in an international environment in Japan.

CGK International School – Kannai Campus in Yokohama offers international education from age 2 through middle school, with a high school scheduled to open in April 2028. The school follows the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and is a candidate school for the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP), with learning structured around inquiry, projects and concept-based teaching. English is the main language of instruction across all sections of the school. The campus is located in the Kannai area of Naka Ward, a central district of Yokohama with convenient access to multiple train stations and nearby cultural and waterfront areas. CGK provides a school bus service for eligible students and offers seasonal school programs that extend learning beyond the classroom. A distinctive feature of the school is its one-year study abroad opportunity for middle school students, reflecting its focus on global experiences and international-mindedness.

Deutsche Schule Kobe International is a school on Rokko Island serving ages 1 to 18. The school teaches in English, German and Japanese, with a German curriculum aligned to the Thüringer Lehrplan for German speakers and Japanese mother tongue programme for families. In the Early Years and Primary, students follow the IB Primary Years Programme while mathematics and language are taught through the Cambridge Primary Programme. From 2026/27, Lower Secondary and Upper Secondary Cambridge courses lead to the IGCSE, taught in English alongside German and Japanese language study. In 2030/31 the Diploma Programme will be offered; English remains the language of instruction, German is studied as a higher-level foreign language and Japanese may be available at native speaker level. The campus is eco-friendly and on Rokko Island. Facilities include swimming for pupils, specialist music and art, and a range of after-school clubs, coding, robotics and 3D modelling through STEM activities.

Doshisha International School Kyoto (DISK) is a Japanese-registered IB World School located in Kansai Science City, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture. Established in 2011 as part of the Doshisha International Academy, the campus sits in a rural setting with mountain views. Facilities include a gym, outdoor grounds, Kizuna Terrace, a Science Lab, a Library with nearly 20,000 books in Japanese and English, plus an Art Room, a Music Room and Kizuna Hall. The school delivers the IB curriculum in English for students aged 11 to 18, with a Middle School Programme (MSP) for ages 11–16 and the IB Middle Years Programme (MYP) framework used for grades 9–10, comprising eight subject groups and an inquiry-based, concept-based approach. The IB Diploma Programme (DP) offers six subject groups, requires study in at least two languages, and includes the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and CAS; DP total score up to 45. The motto Learning for Life, Learning for the World, Learning for Love guides principled, internationally minded learners. DISK is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). After-school clubs include Model United Nations and Yearbook Club.

Enishi International School in Nagoya offers an IB continuum, which includes the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP), serving students from age 1 through Grade 12. Foundation classes use the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and the school states that from Preschool to High School it follows International Baccalaureate programs. The campus is located next to Noritake Garden and is about a 15-minute walk from Nagoya Station. Instruction is described as being in English, and Japanese is taught across age groups, including options in DP subject groups. EIS lists extensive after-school clubs (for example soccer, basketball, dance, drama, coding, robotics, chess and debate) and also mentions free Saturday courses for secondary students in subjects such as math and science.

Fukuoka International School (FIS) is an IB World School in Fukuoka, Japan, serving students aged 3–18. It offers all three IB programmes: the Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school is located in Momochi in western Fukuoka City. Its main campus overlooks the Muromi River, and an additional campus (“The Annex”) is a short walk away and houses the Art Center and Design Lab. Facilities listed by the school include a gym, playground, science labs, multiple learning spaces and a 12,000-volume library. Beyond classes, FIS runs an after-school activities programme refreshed each trimester, with examples such as martial arts, handball, yoga and a language lab, plus seasonal athletics clubs for older students. The school also hosts community events, including a Spring Festival described as a large-scale multicultural celebration.

Global Indian International School Tokyo – Kita Kasai Campus opened in April 2023 and is located in Edogawa City, on the eastern side of Tokyo. The campus accepts students from ages 3 to 18 and offers Pre-Primary through Highschool education. According to the school website, Kita Kasai campus provides three academic programmes: the Global Montessori Plus (GMP) programme for early years, the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP), and the Indian CBSE curriculum. The IB PYP curriculum includes English as the primary language of instruction, with Japanese or French offered as a second language. The campus is accessible from Nishi-Kasai Station on the Tokyo Metro Tozai Line, with nearby Toei Bus connections. GIIS Tokyo also lists a range of co-curricular activities across its campuses, including coding, dance and sports such as soccer and basketball, which support students’ learning beyond the classroom.

Global Indian International School – Higashi Kasai Campus in Tokyo offers international education pathways from upper primary through high school, featuring IB PYP, Cambridge (CLSP & IGCSE), and the IB Diploma Programme. Located in the residential Edogawa ward of eastern Tokyo, the campus combines internationally recognised curricula with a framework known as 9GEMS designed to develop varied competencies. Instruction is primarily in English, and students aged approximately 8 to 18 can pursue structured learning from primary through senior levels. The campus offers curriculum choices that support transitions to global higher education pathways and encourages participation in activities that support skills beyond academics, including technology and leadership-oriented programs. Bus services are available, and the school operates as a co-educational day school.

Hiroshima Global Academy (HiGA) is a public boarding junior and senior high school in Osakikamijima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, about 1.5 hours from Hiroshima. The school offers the International Baccalaureate: the Middle Years Programme (Grades 7–10) and the Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). HiGA supports learning in both English and Japanese, and notes that some DP subjects can be studied in either language depending on a student’s ability; it also provides individualized Japanese language courses. Student life includes dormitory living across grades and nationalities. After-school, students can join A4LC clubs such as science, sports, instrumental ensemble (big band jazz), and an art-and-technology group; a student A4LC team has competed in FIRST LEGO League and qualified for a national competition.

Hiroshima International School (HIS) is an IB World School founded in 1962 and located in Kurakake, Asakita-ku, on the edge of Hiroshima in a quiet residential district. Students follow the IB Primary Years Programme (ages 3–11), Middle Years Programme (Grades 6–10), and Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). English is the language of instruction, and Japanese is taught as a subject. The campus facilities listed by the school include a large gymnasium, library, music room, art room, dance studio, science laboratory and an enclosed playground. A distinctive feature is the Thousand Crane Club: each year students deliver paper cranes sent from around the world to the Children’s (Sadako) Monument in Peace Memorial Park.

Horizon Academy Sendai Campus offers two stages: an Early Learning Centre for ages 3–5 and a Primary School for Grades 1–6. In the Early Learning Centre, the school describes its curriculum as based on the UK’s EYFS framework, with inquiry-based experiences in English. In Primary, the school states that it implements the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) and is a PYP authorized school, with 50–60% of instruction in English and both Japanese and English homeroom teachers. The campus is located in Takamori, Sendai and the school describes the setting as a peaceful residential area surrounded by nature. Practical supports listed on the site include a school bus service and daycare options.

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.

India International School in Japan (IISJ) was established in 2004 and provides education from Kindergarten through Grade 12. The school follows the Indian Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) curriculum, with students sitting for CBSE Board Examinations in Grades 10 and 12. IISJ also offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme for senior secondary students and publishes IB programme information on its website. The Tokyo campus relocated to a new building in spring 2023, which includes physics and chemistry laboratories, a library, a cafeteria, a gymnasium and a soccer field. Instruction is delivered in English, and additional languages taught as subjects include Japanese, Hindi, Tamil, French, and Nepali. IISJ provides a school bus service in Tokyo. After-school activities listed by the school include Model United Nations, STEM Club, Student Council and sports such as basketball and cricket.

International School of Nagano (ISN) is a private international school with campuses in Matsumoto, Nagano, Nakano, and Shimauchi. It serves preschool through middle school and follows an IB continuum with the Japanese National Curriculum. Preschools and Elementary participate in the IB Primary Years Programme, while Middle School aligns with the Japanese Junior High Curriculum with IGCSE options. Diploma Programme and Career-related Programme are delivered in English, French, or Spanish, providing a pathway to university overseas or in Japan. Distinctive feature is the PIC Program, a four-year middle school pathway beginning in Grade 6 that blends project-, inquiry-, and concept-based learning in English and Japanese. Sustainable Library at Gojo Campus and National Geographic Lift Curriculum support research literacy. Outdoor education is central through Activities in the Nature of Shinshu and seasonal trips, including Sports Day and Hakuba excursions. ISN emphasizes bilingual staff and community engagement to connect students with Shinshu's environment.

The International School of Nagano (ISN) Nagano Campus offers an inquiry-based IB PYP curriculum for young learners, uniquely housing preschool and elementary students under one roof. This distinctive setup naturally fosters mentorship, giving young children older role models to observe while allowing older students to practice responsibility and leadership. Instruction is delivered entirely in English, supported by dedicated Japanese language classes to ensure bilingual development. A signature element of ISN is its integration with the local environment. Through initiatives like the Biosphere Reserve program, students regularly engage with nature, participating in forest walks, rice planting, and observing seasonal changes in the nearby Japanese Alps to build environmental literacy. The campus itself features outdoor play spaces designed to support physical development and daily exploration. By blending the structured IB framework with hands-on outdoor learning and cross-age collaboration, ISN Nagano Campus provides an active environment where students learn through inquiry, play, and community connection.

K. International School Tokyo (KIST) is a private, co-educational day school in Koto-ku, about three kilometers east of Tokyo Station and close to Kiyosumi-Shirakawa Station. It serves students from K1 (age 3) through Grade 12 and teaches in English. KIST offers the IB Primary Years Programme (K1–Grade 5), an original Lower Secondary Programme (Grades 6–8), Pearson Edexcel IGCSE courses (Grades 9–10) and the IB Diploma Programme (Grades 11–12). The school is also designated as a SAT test center, and all students sit a PSAT in Grades 9 and 10.

Kyoto International School (KIS) has served Kyoto since 1957 and describes itself as the city’s only IB Continuum School. KIS offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP), Middle Years Programme (MYP) and Diploma Programme (DP). The school currently provides learning from Early Years through Grade 10, with plans to expand to Grade 12 by 2026. KIS lists campus spaces that include classrooms, a library, a playground and a gymnasium. Student life includes a House Team system and after-school options such as Bukatsu (clubs) and activities like calligraphy, gardening, board games, dance, sport and STEM, with additional paid lessons such as coding, drama, basketball and piano.

Linden Hall High School offers a distinctive English-immersion secondary education in Fukuoka, Japan, preparing students for global opportunities through the IB Diploma Programme alongside the Japanese national curriculum. Set against a lush 60,000-square-meter English garden, the campus features specialized facilities like a tiered music room, active science laboratories, and bright, air-conditioned classrooms. A uniquely notable feature is its commitment to sustainability and student health, being the first school in Japan to serve year-round organic school lunches prepared by exclusive chefs and registered dietitians. The curriculum extends beyond standard academics; students engage heavily in Environmental Studies, complete annual coastal cleanups, and participate in international exchange through the Round Square network. Boarding is available in dedicated, short-walk dormitories, fostering a close-knit, multinational community. By blending active inquiry-based learning with environmental consciousness and cultural appreciation, Linden Hall provides an engaging and globally-minded educational environment.

Malvern College Tokyo opened in August 2023 and is located in Kodaira, a residential and academic area in western Tokyo, approximately 40 minutes from the city centre by train. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) and Middle Years Programme (MYP), with English as the main language of instruction. All pupils study Japanese daily, with classes organised by language proficiency. The campus includes specialist facilities such as science laboratories, a library and a STEAM and Design Makerspace equipped with tools including 3D printers and laser cutters. Sports facilities include a two-storey gymnasium, a full-size all-weather sports pitch and a running track. The school also features a Sakura Garden, which is used for outdoor learning and community events, including the annual Sakura Culture Festival. Malvern College Tokyo currently operates as a day school and provides school bus services on selected routes.

Marist Brothers International School (MBIS) in Kobe, Japan, is an international day school serving students from Early Years through Grade 12 with instruction primarily in English. Founded in 1951, the school offers International Baccalaureate programmes (PYP, MYP and DP) This allows the school to form a continuous curriculum designed to support global learning from early childhood through the diploma years. The campus is situated in the residential Suma area of Kobe, near both mountains and the sea, providing a peaceful setting within easy reach of urban amenities. MBIS embraces a diverse community, with students from many backgrounds learning in a multilingual environment. Athletics, arts and service are integral to student life alongside formal academic programmes. The school also provides transportation services and a broad range of extracurricular clubs. Marist emphasises character development, teamwork and personal growth, with English as the core language of instruction and a wide range of co-curricular opportunities for students.