Nishimachi International School is one of the oldest international schools in the city, founded in 1949 by Tane Matsukata in Moto Azabu. It is an English-medium American-based school running from kindergarten to Grade 9, with a long tradition of teaching Japanese daily alongside English. For families comparing international schools in Tokyo, it is a central-city reference point with deep roots.
Nishimachi at a glance
| Curriculum and exam boards | English-medium programme based on American Common Core standards; daily Japanese (no senior examinations) |
|---|---|
| Stages | Kindergarten to Grade 9, around age 5 to 14 |
| Founded | 1949 |
| Accreditation | Verify current status with the school |
| Fee band | Upper for Tokyo |
| Campus area | Moto Azabu, Minato, central Tokyo |
Curriculum and academics
Nishimachi bases its English-medium programme on American Common Core standards, taught from kindergarten through to Grade 9. Japanese is a defining strength, taught every day at a level matched to each child, from beginner to native speaker. The emphasis is on a broad, inquiry-led education and genuine bilingual capability rather than early exam preparation.
Because the school finishes at Grade 9, families plan the move to a senior school offering the IB Diploma, A Levels or a high school diploma. Ask how Nishimachi supports placement into senior schools and how the daily Japanese programme is structured for your child.
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Nishimachi fees
Nishimachi International School fees sit in the upper part of the Tokyo international school fees range. As an established central-city school, tuition reflects its location and its long-standing programme, and it rises by stage from kindergarten to the middle years.
Beyond tuition, budget for an application or registration fee, a facilities charge, and the cost of lunches, trips and any bus service. Because figures are reviewed each year, confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
Admissions
Nishimachi assesses applications as places open, with the main intake at the start of the year. As a long-established and popular school in central Tokyo, year groups can be full, so early enquiry and a place on any waiting list matter.
The process typically includes a review of prior school records, an age-appropriate assessment and references, with younger applicants assessed informally. The school year for grades 1 to 9 runs from late August to June, so plan your application and any relocation steps around that calendar.
Location and who goes there
Nishimachi International School is in Moto Azabu, in Minato, one of the most central and international districts of Tokyo. The area is home to many embassies and is within easy reach of the corporate centres, which is part of why the school has stayed there for decades.
Minato and the surrounding central wards are where much of Tokyo's expat community settles, drawn by the international amenities and the short commutes. For a wider view of where families live, see our guide to international schools in Tokyo.
Reviews
No verified reviews yet. GlobalSchoolGuide is independent and accepts no payment from schools, so we publish parent reviews only after confirming the reviewer is part of the school community. If your family knows Nishimachi first hand, please share your experience through our school reviews hub.
Frequently asked questions
How much are Nishimachi International School fees?
Nishimachi fees sit in the upper band for Tokyo and rise by stage from kindergarten to the middle years. Add an application fee, a facilities charge, and lunch, trip and bus costs. Confirm the current schedule with the admissions office.
What ages does Nishimachi International School take?
Nishimachi is a co-educational day school running from kindergarten to Grade 9, roughly age 5 to 14. Because it ends at Grade 9, families arrange a senior school place for the later years.
Is Nishimachi International School a good school?
Nishimachi is one of the oldest international schools in Tokyo, founded in 1949, with a strong daily Japanese programme and a central Minato location. It suits families wanting an established, community-focused school for the kindergarten to Grade 9 years. We do not publish a star rating without verified parent reviews.
When do Nishimachi International School applications open?
Nishimachi assesses applications as places open, with the main intake at the start of the year. As a popular central-Tokyo school, year groups can be full, so apply early and ask about any waiting list.
What are Nishimachi International School term dates?
The Nishimachi school year for grades 1 to 9 runs from late August to mid June. Exact dates change each year, so check the school's published calendar before planning travel or a relocation.
