The American School in Japan, almost always shortened to ASIJ, is the best known American school among the international schools in Tokyo and has educated the children of expatriate families since 1902, making it one of the longest serving foreign schools in the country. Its main campus is in Chofu, a green suburban city to the west of central Tokyo, and it also runs an Early Learning Center in Roppongi Hills for its youngest pupils. The school teaches a US curriculum from early childhood through Grade 12 and prepares students for North American and international universities. Unlike several Tokyo internationals, ASIJ does not offer the IB, focusing instead on the American programme and Advanced Placement.
American School in Japan at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | US curriculum, high school diploma, Advanced Placement (College Board) |
|---|---|
| Stages | Early Learning to Grade 12 (roughly age 3 to 18) |
| Founded | 1902 |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) and the Council of International Schools (CIS) |
| Campuses | Chofu main campus, plus the Roppongi Hills Early Learning Center |
| Fee band | Premium, at the upper end of the Tokyo range |
| Campus area | Chofu, western Tokyo, with the early years in Roppongi |
Curriculum and academics
ASIJ teaches a US standards based curriculum end to end, leading to an American high school diploma supported by a broad menu of Advanced Placement courses across English, mathematics, the sciences, social sciences, world languages and the arts. It does not run the IB, which makes it the natural choice for families who want a recognisably American education and the AP and grade point average profile that US college admissions read most fluently. For the wider American curriculum picture and how it compares with other systems, our curriculum pillar sets out the detail.
The school is large and exceptionally well resourced, with strong arts, athletics and a substantial college counselling operation geared to the US application calendar. While its centre of gravity is North American universities, leavers also progress to institutions in the UK, Japan and beyond, where AP results and the diploma are recognised. Families weighing ASIJ against an IB school will find the contrast useful, and the city's IB schools in Tokyo listing helps when deciding between the American and IB routes.
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American School in Japan fees
American School in Japan fees sit at the upper end of the Tokyo international school fees range, among the most expensive places in the city. Annual tuition runs into the millions of yen and rises by grade, and the school publishes its current tuition by stage, which is the figure to rely on, as it reviews fees annually. Third party estimates circulate online, but the school's own schedule is the only reliable source.
As with other premium schools, plan for costs beyond tuition. At ASIJ these typically include a one off capital levy that funds the school's long term facilities, an application or registration fee, a deposit to confirm a place, and charges for lunches, trips, certain activities and any bus service. AP examination entry fees apply in the final years. Because precise figures change each year, confirm the current tuition, the capital levy and ancillary charges directly with the admissions office before applying.
Admissions
ASIJ admissions are competitive and run to a structured annual cycle, with the main intake at the August start of the academic year. Families apply through the school's admissions portal, submitting prior school reports and references, and applicants are typically assessed or interviewed as part of the process. Demand is high at the most popular entry points, so early application is advisable for families relocating to Tokyo.
The school is used to working with corporate relocation timelines and mid year moves, and can advise on availability by grade. Overseas families should factor in the documentation needed to settle in Japan and the travel time to the Chofu campus when choosing where to live. As places are limited, ASIJ encourages early contact once a Tokyo posting is confirmed.
Location and who goes there
ASIJ occupies a large purpose built campus in Chofu, a residential city in western Tokyo with the space for the playing fields, theatres and laboratories that define the school, while its Early Learning Center sits centrally in Roppongi Hills. Families choosing ASIJ tend to live either out west near Chofu and Mitaka for the shorter commute, or in the central international districts of Minato, including Hiroo, Azabu and Roppongi, and use the school bus network.
The community is predominantly American, with a significant spread of other nationalities tied to multinational employers, finance, technology and the diplomatic presence in Tokyo, alongside dual nationality Japanese American families. Its long history and deep alumni network are part of the appeal. For how Chofu, Minato and the other districts compare, the Tokyo city hub maps where the main expatriate communities settle and which schools serve them.
Reviews
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Frequently asked questions
How much are American School in Japan fees?
ASIJ is among the most expensive international schools in Tokyo, with annual tuition running into the millions of yen and rising by grade. The school publishes current tuition along with a one off capital levy towards facilities, plus charges for items such as lunches, trips and any bus service. Confirm the live figures with admissions before applying.
Does the American School in Japan offer the IB?
No. ASIJ teaches a US standards based curriculum with a wide range of Advanced Placement courses and an American high school diploma. It does not run the International Baccalaureate, which sets it apart from several other Tokyo internationals.
Is the American School in Japan a good school?
ASIJ is one of the oldest and largest American schools in Asia, fully accredited and known for its college counselling and facilities. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews, so we set out its programme and accreditation rather than score it.
When do American School in Japan applications open?
ASIJ runs a structured annual admissions cycle around an August start, and handles mid year moves where places exist. Demand is high, so families relocating to Tokyo should apply as early as a posting is confirmed.
Where is the American School in Japan?
Its main campus is in Chofu, a suburban city west of central Tokyo, and it runs an Early Learning Center in Roppongi Hills for its youngest children.
