International Schools in Tokyo
The complete 2025-2026 guide to finding the right school for your family.
Tokyo hosts approximately 30 fully accredited international schools serving families from around the world. The "Big Three" (ASIJ, BST, TIS) dominate enrollment, but excellent alternatives exist for specific needs. Most schools follow American (AP), British (A-Levels), or International Baccalaureate (IB) curricula.
The market has entered a structural transformation following the post-pandemic return of expatriate families. Demand at elite institutions has reached pre-2020 levels while supply remains constrained, creating waitlists that can span years for popular entry points like Kindergarten and Grade 6.
Critical Information
The Waitlist Crisis
Top-tier schools like ASIJ, TIS, and BST report waitlists of 50-200+ applicants for Kindergarten entry. Waitlists function less as queues and more as "talent pools"—admissions directors curate intakes for nationality caps, gender ratios, and English proficiency. Your position is fluid, not first-in-first-out.
ASIJ, TIS, BST. Apply knowing waitlists may span years.
Match your profile: KIST, St. Mary's, Seisen, Aoba.
CIS, UST, GIIS. Shorter lists, faster decisions.
Peak Season: January-March. Japanese school year starts April. Submit early for competitive grades.
Strategic Hack
The Single-Sex Advantage
For families with daughters, single-sex schools offer a strategic "hack" to bypass fierce co-ed competition. ISSH (Sacred Heart) and Seisen provide Tier 1 education with slightly better admissions odds.
Prime Hiroo location, AP curriculum, co-ed Kindergarten
IB Diploma, Setagaya campus, championship athletics
Financial Planning
Understanding School Fees (2025-2026)
The First-Year Premium
One-time fees (Enrollment, Building, Capital Development) add ¥700,000 - ¥1,900,000 to first year. For a ¥3M annual tuition, expect to pay ¥4M-5M in Year 1.
Corporate Package Warning
Many corporate relocation packages cover "Tuition Only"—explicitly excluding one-time fees. A ¥1.5M building fee is a common shock. Negotiate coverage of "Registration, Enrollment, and Building Fees"in your contract before accepting the assignment.
Lifestyle Trade-off
The Commute Problem (And the Boarding Solution)
Tokyo's top school—ASIJ—is located in Chofu, requiring a 45-60 minute commute from the Minato/Shibuya expat enclaves. The "bus life" defines the ASIJ student experience: early wake-ups, limited after-school activities, and social schedules dictated by routes.
The Central Tokyo Strategy
Live in Minato/Shibuya, accept commute or choose central schools:
BST, TIS, ISSH, Nishimachi — walkable from Hiroo/Azabu
The Boarding "Hack"
Rugby School Japan offers weekly boarding (Mon-Fri) from ¥3.2M/year:
Child lives on campus during week, home on weekends. Saves 10+ hours/week.
Market Opportunity
The TIS 2026 Factor
Tokyo International School is moving to a landmark new campus at Takanawa Gateway City in August 2026— a futuristic, carbon-neutral development by JR East. This will enable TIS to expand into a full K-12 with IB Diploma authorization.
For families applying in 2025, gaining admission to the current Minami-Azabu campus is a "golden ticket" to the future facility. Expect waitlist pressure to intensify as the move date approaches.
Market Structure
Understanding School Tiers
Heritage Tier
Established pre-1980, deep alumni networks
- • ASIJ — American flagship, 25m pool, regulation fields
- • BST — British curriculum, new Azabudai campus
- • ISSH — All-girls, prime Hiroo location since 1908
- • St. Mary's — All-boys, championship athletics
- • YIS — World's second-oldest international school
New Entrants (2020s)
UK heritage brands, modern facilities
- • Rugby School Japan — UK boarding tradition, Kashiwanoha
- • Malvern College Tokyo — UK brand, IB curriculum choice
- • TIS (2026 campus) — Takanawa Gateway, major expansion
New schools offer shorter waitlists but less proven track records.
Top 15 International Schools in Tokyo
The American School in Japan (ASIJ)
WASCChofu (Main) / Roppongi (ELC) • American (Common Core, AP)
Founded in 1902, ASIJ is the 'Harvard' of Tokyo's international circuit. Sprawling Chofu campus with 25m pool, multiple gyms, and regulation athletic fields. Early Learning Center in Roppongi for preschoolers. Over 20 AP courses available.
The British School in Tokyo (BST)
BSO, CISAzabudai (Primary) / Sangenjaya (Secondary) • British (National Curriculum, IGCSE, A-Levels)
Premier non-denominational British school. Primary campus in prestigious Azabudai Hills development (opened 2023). Secondary campus at Showa Women's University with access to university-grade facilities.
Tokyo International School (TIS)
CIS, NEASCMinami-Azabu (Current) / Takanawa (2026) • IB (PYP, MYP, DP Candidate)
Modern boutique IB school with diverse student body. Moving to spectacular new Takanawa Gateway City campus in August 2026. Currently expanding to full K-12 with IB Diploma authorization pending.
International School of the Sacred Heart (ISSH)
CIS, WASCHiroo • IPC (Elementary), American (AP)
All-girls institution (co-ed kindergarten) in prime Hiroo location since 1908. Part of global Sacred Heart network. AP program in high school with strong US university placement.
St. Mary's International School
CIS, WASCSetagaya • International, IB Diploma
All-boys school in Setagaya known for disciplined environment, championship wrestling team, and world-class choral program. Full IB Diploma in Grades 11-12.
Seisen International School
CIS, WASCYoga/Setagaya • Montessori, IB (PYP, Diploma)
Catholic all-girls school near St. Mary's with Montessori-based Kindergarten. Full IB framework (PYP to Diploma). Strong reputation for Fine Arts and Music.
K. International School Tokyo (KIST)
CIS, WASCKiyosumi-Shirakawa • Full IB Continuum (PYP, MYP, DP)
Academic powerhouse with highest IB Diploma scores in Japan. Intense, results-focused culture. Full IB Continuum from PYP to DP. Located in Koto-ku serving East Tokyo.
Nishimachi International School
CIS, WASCMoto-Azabu • International with Japanese Immersion
Boutique K-9 school in Moto-Azabu with unique bilingual/bicultural mission. Daily rigorous Japanese instruction for all students. Ends at Grade 9; families transfer for high school.
Aoba-Japan International School
CISHikarigaoka (Main) / Meguro • Full IB Continuum + Online IBDP
Innovative school emphasizing Global Leadership and entrepreneurship under BBT University ownership. Split model: Meguro K-6 feeder, Hikarigaoka K-12 main campus. Offers unique Online IB Diploma.
Rugby School Japan
BSOKashiwanoha, Chiba • British (IGCSE, A-Levels)
Sister school to 450-year-old Rugby School UK. First genuine British boarding school in Greater Tokyo (opened 2023). Located in Kashiwanoha 'Smart City'. Weekly and full boarding available.
Malvern College Tokyo
CIS CandidateKodaira • IB (PYP, MYP, DP Candidate)
Prestigious UK brand school opened 2023 in Kodaira. Unlike BST/Rugby, chose IB curriculum combined with British pastoral care and House system.
Yokohama International School (YIS)
CIS, WASCHonmoku, Yokohama • Full IB Continuum
Second oldest international school in the world (1924). Moved to stunning new campus in 2022. Full IB Continuum. Excellent option for southern Tokyo residents.
Canadian International School Tokyo (CIS)
WASCShinagawa • Canadian + IB PYP
Friendly school in Shinagawa offering Canadian curriculum (Prince Edward Island) with IB PYP. Canadian High School Diploma well-regarded by universities.
United School of Tokyo (UST)
WASC CandidateTomigaya, Shibuya • American (Common Core)
'Value' disruptor in central Shibuya near Yoyogi Park. Significantly cheaper than Big Three. American-based curriculum with community focus.
Global Indian International School (GIIS) Tokyo
CIS, IBEdogawa (East Tokyo) • CBSE, IB Diploma, Cambridge
'Budget Academic' option serving large Indian expat community but open to all. Multiple curricula including CBSE, IB Diploma, and Cambridge. Strong STEM results at fraction of cost.
Choose Your Path
Curriculum Comparison
| Curriculum | Best For | Key Features | Schools |
|---|---|---|---|
| American (AP) | US university track, flexible course selection | Broad curriculum through Grade 10, then AP specialization. SAT/ACT focus. Holistic admissions prep. | ASIJ, ISSH, UST |
| British (A-Levels) | UK university track, deep subject specialization | IGCSE at 16, then 3-4 A-Levels. Greater depth, narrower breadth. Strong for Oxbridge/Russell Group. | BST, Rugby School Japan |
| IB (International Baccalaureate) | Global mobility, critical thinking, balanced education | PYP/MYP foundation, then 6-subject Diploma with Extended Essay and CAS. Recognized worldwide. | TIS, KIST, Seisen, St. Mary's, Aoba, YIS, Malvern |
Strategic Planning
Enrollment Tips for 2025-2026
Apply to Multiple Schools
Top schools like ASIJ and TIS have severe waitlists. Apply to 4-5 schools mixing "Reach," "Target," and "Safety" options.
Budget for First-Year Premium
One-time fees (Registration, Building, Development) add ¥700,000 - ¥1,900,000 to first year. Ensure corporate packages cover these explicitly.
Consider Location Strategy
Living in Minato/Shibuya gives access to BST, TIS, ISSH, Nishimachi by foot/short bus. Setagaya access St. Mary's and Seisen. Chofu for ASIJ.
The 2026 Factor
If you have a younger child, prioritize TIS. The Takanawa Gateway campus opening in 2026 will make it the most facility-rich central school.
Where to Live
Location Strategy
Minato / Shibuya Central
Walking or short bus distance to BST, TIS, ISSH, Nishimachi. The expat epicenter with premium rents.
Neighborhoods: Hiroo, Azabu, Roppongi
Setagaya West
Access to St. Mary's and Seisen. More residential, family-friendly atmosphere. Lower rents than central.
Neighborhoods: Yoga, Sangenjaya, Futako-Tamagawa
Chofu / Tama
ASIJ main campus location. Suburban lifestyle with space. Dedicated bus network for commuting students.
Best for: ASIJ families prioritizing campus proximity
Action Required
Planning Your School Search?
The schools listed above represent the top tier. However, success requires treating this like university admissions: build a portfolio of applications, prepare for interviews, and secure recommendations early.