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Search & filter all 7 schools Compare 7 schools in Japan

Premium International Schools in Japan

Edited by · B2C Marketing Manager

About international schools in Japan

Premium international schools in Japan are independent, largely English-medium day schools concentrated in major cities such as Tokyo and Yokohama, serving both expatriate and Japanese families who want an international curriculum or a bilingual education. These schools commonly offer the International Baccalaureate, British (IGCSE/A-level) and American (US curriculum/AP) pathways, and an increasing number run integrated Japanese - English programmes. Annual tuition for premium day schools in Tokyo commonly falls in the region of ¥2 - 4 million, with extra charges for application/enrolment fees, capital levies, buses, meals and uniforms. Admissions calendars differ - some schools follow the Japanese April intake while others use an international (August/September or January) rhythm - so relocating families should begin research and applications roughly 9 - 12 months before the desired start date and expect waiting lists for popular year groups.

Compare 7 Premium international schools in Japan. Filter by curriculum, fees (average JPY 5,872,321), location, and more to find the right international school now.

At a glance 7 schools · avg fee JPY 5,872,321
Schools listed
7
Curricula
8
Average annual fee
JPY 5,872,321
Fee range
JPY 3,138,300 – 11,180,000
Most common curriculum
Japanese Curriculum (3 schools)
Average school size
247 pupils
Largest by enrolment
Nishimachi International School
Oldest
Nishimachi International School (1949)
With boarding
5

3 international schools in Tokyo

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RSJ Entrance
Rugby School Japan logo

Rugby School Japan

British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE · Ages 11 to 18

¥5,440,000 - 11,180,000
Ages 11 to 18 years
British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Instructs in English
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Front entrance of Nishimachi International School in Tokyo.
Nishimachi International School logo

Nishimachi International School

American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum · Ages 5 to 15

¥3,380,000
Ages 5 to 15 years
American Curriculum, Japanese Curriculum
Instructs in English
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Tokyo International Progressive School campus surrounded by greenery and seasonal flowers.
Tokyo International Progressive School logo

Tokyo International Progressive School

Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum · Ages 9 to 18

¥3,138,300 - 3,740,000
Ages 9 to 18 years
Advanced Placement (AP), American Curriculum
Instructs in English
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1 international school in Nagoya

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An aerial view of the iconic circular campus building at NUCB International College.
NUCB International College logo

NUCB International College

IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum · Ages 15 to 19

¥4,100,000 - 4,600,000
Ages 15 to 19 years
IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum
Instructs in English
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1 international school in Hakuba

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Students attend classes in this contemporary lodge-style facility in Hakuba.
Hakuba International School logo

Hakuba International School

Bespoke Curriculum · Ages 12 to 18

¥3,740,000 - 4,230,000
Ages 12 to 18 years
Bespoke Curriculum
Instructs in English
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1 international school in Nagano

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UWC ISAK Japan — international school in Nagano, Japan
UWC ISAK Japan logo

UWC ISAK Japan

IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum · Ages 14 to 18

¥7,455,000
Ages 14 to 18 years
IB (DP), Japanese Curriculum
Instructs in English
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1 international school in Hachimantai

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The modern brick-red academic buildings of Harrow International School Appi Japan.
Harrow International School Appi Japan logo

Harrow International School Appi Japan

Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum · Ages 11 to 18

¥9,767,360 - 10,606,830
Ages 11 to 18 years
Bespoke Curriculum, British Curriculum, Cambridge IGCSE, Cambridge A Levels
Instructs in English
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FAQs for Japan

What curricula do premium international schools in Japan usually offer?
Premium international schools typically offer one of three broad pathways: the International Baccalaureate (IB), British curricula leading to IGCSEs and A-levels, or American-style programmes that may include Advanced Placement courses. Many schools also provide bilingual Japanese - English streams or language support to help students integrate into both international and Japanese systems.
How much should we expect to pay each year?
Tuition fees for premium international day schools in Tokyo commonly fall between about ¥2 million and ¥4 million a year, though exact charges vary by school, grade and services provided. Families should also budget for one-off application and enrolment fees, possible capital levies, transport or bus charges, lunches, uniforms and extra-curricular activity costs.
When should we apply and what are the main intake periods?
Application timing depends on the school: some follow the Japanese school year with an April start while others use international calendars with August/September or January intakes. A sensible rule is to start researching and submit applications about 9 - 12 months before the desired start date; schools commonly publish open days and application deadlines in the autumn and winter ahead of the new school year.
What language is used in lessons, and how are non-native English speakers supported?
Most premium international schools use English as the principal language of instruction, but many also provide Japanese language lessons and run dual-language or bilingual programmes. Schools usually offer English as an additional language (EAL) support, learning-support services and entry assessments to place pupils in the correct level, so check each school’s EAL provision and class sizes before applying.
What should parents look for when visiting schools?
Focus on curriculum continuity (how the programme prepares older students for university choices), accreditation and inspection reports, teacher qualifications and the school’s approach to language support and wellbeing. Also check practical matters such as transport routes, total annual costs (including extras), class sizes, pastoral care, university or pathway counselling and how the school helps newly arrived or internationally mobile children settle in.