The Tokyo school landscape
Tokyo's international school market is small in number but exceptional in quality. The flagship is The American School in Japan (ASIJ), founded in 1902 and arguably the most respected American-curriculum school in Asia. Other heritage schools include Saint Maur International (1872), Yokohama International (1924), Nishimachi International and The British School in Tokyo (BST).
Most schools require a one-time facility fee or capital levy of $5,000 to $15,000 in addition to tuition. Tokyo schools rarely have long waiting lists at most year groups but Reception/Kindergarten and Year 7 entry are highly competitive. Sibling priority is universal.
Looking for an English-medium school with Japanese language support?
Most Tokyo international schools offer JSL (Japanese as a Second Language) for non-native speakers from age 5 upwards.
Most popular neighbourhoods for families
Hiroo, Azabu and Roppongi form Tokyo's traditional expat triangle, with several international schools within walking distance. Setagaya (Chofu) is home to ASIJ. Shibuya and Aoyama are popular with younger families. Yokohama, 30 minutes south, has its own large international school cluster including Yokohama International and Saint Maur. Read our guide to living in Azabu with international schools. For the central ward with the densest cluster of international schools, read our guide to living in Minato with international schools. For a leafier, residential base in the west of the city, see our guide to living in Meguro with international schools. Read our guide to living in Musashino with international schools.
