Edited by Aziza Francienne · B2C Marketing Manager
Japan has a growing selection of international schools, concentrated in Tokyo but with strong options in Kobe, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kyoto. The IB is the dominant framework, though American and British pathways are well represented. Fees are lower than Hong Kong or Singapore on average, and Japan's record-breaking expat workforce of 2.3 million means the international school market is expanding. Families find a safe, well-organised society with excellent public transport, though the language barrier can be challenging outside school hours.
Compare 85 international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 2,174,066), location, and more to find the right international school now.
There are 85 international schools in Japan covering 29 curricula. The most widely offered are IB (PYP) (38), IB (DP) (34), IB (MYP) (27), American Curriculum (16), Bespoke Curriculum (12). If your child may move countries again, an internationally-portable curriculum (IB, or Cambridge/British) keeps options open; if you're likely to settle, a curriculum matching your home or target university system can be the better fit.
Annual tuition across Japan runs from about JPY 0 to JPY 7,455,000, averaging roughly JPY 2,174,066. Budget for one-off costs on top — application and enrolment fees, a refundable deposit, uniform, transport and exams.
Sought-after schools in Japan run waiting lists, so apply early — ideally a term or two ahead. Most admissions involve an application, prior school reports and an assessment or interview, with entry points often tied to the school year. Each school's profile shows term dates, open days and how to enquire.
8 of the 85 schools offer boarding — useful if you're relocating or want weekly or full boarding.
doris lists every international school in Japan we can find — not only those that pay. We take no placement fees and sell no rankings or "top school" spots, so the schools above aren't ordered by who paid most. Details come from the schools' own information and public sources, and you can compare any of them side by side.
