Best International Schools in Tokyo 2026

Tokyo is one of the world’s great cities for international education. With over 30 accredited international schools, the choice can be overwhelming for relocating families. This guide ranks Tokyo’s top international schools by reputation, academic outcomes, and quality of provision — helping you find the right fit for your child.

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How We Rank

Our ranking weighs: accreditation status, IB/examination results, university placement outcomes, faculty quality, facilities, community reputation, and breadth of curriculum provision. All schools listed are fully accredited by recognised international bodies.

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#1 — American School in Japan (ASIJ)

Location: Chofu (main campus); Minami-Azabu (early childhood) Curriculum: American + IB Diploma option Accreditation: WASC, CIS, EARCOS Annual Fees: JPY 3,000,000–4,500,000

ASIJ is the undisputed flagship of international education in Japan. Founded in 1902, it serves over 1,700 students from more than 50 countries across Pre-K–Grade 12. Its 14-hectare Chofu campus is one of the most impressive in Asia, featuring Olympic-standard athletics facilities, state-of-the-art science and performing arts buildings, and a dedicated innovation centre.

ASIJ offers both the US curriculum (with AP) and an IB Diploma option, giving families flexibility in university destination. The college counselling programme is regarded as one of the best among international schools in Asia, with graduates attending Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Oxford, and Japan’s Todai annually.

Best for: Families relocating from the US, families seeking US college placement, families valuing community and facilities.

For detailed fees, see: ASIJ Fees Guide

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#2 — The British School in Tokyo (BST)

Location: Shibuya (primary and secondary); Showa (primary) Curriculum: British National Curriculum → IGCSE → IB Diploma Accreditation: ISI, CIS Annual Fees: JPY 2,200,000–3,500,000

BST is the leading British-curriculum school in Japan and the natural choice for families coming from the UK, or those seeking A-Level/IGCSE routes. The Shibuya campus is particularly well-equipped for secondary students, with modern science labs, arts facilities, and an experienced sixth form.

BST’s IGCSE results are consistently above the international average, and its IB Diploma mean scores exceed the global average. For UK university placement — including Oxbridge — BST is unmatched in Tokyo.

Best for: British expat families, families targeting UK universities, students transferring from UK-curriculum schools.

For detailed fees, see: British School in Tokyo Fees

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#3 — Tokyo International School (TIS)

Location: Minato-ku (Mita) Curriculum: IB only (PYP + MYP + DP) Accreditation: IBO, CIS Annual Fees: JPY 2,500,000–3,800,000

TIS is Tokyo’s leading IB-only school and one of a handful of schools in Asia offering the complete IB continuum from age 3 to 18. Its central Minato location, small school size (~600 students), and pure IB philosophy make it distinctive.

TIS attracts families who are committed to the IB approach to education — inquiry-based, internationally minded, and focused on developing the whole child. The IB DP results are consistently strong, and the school’s small size means every student is known by name.

Best for: Globally mobile IB families, families who have followed the IB continuum at previous schools, students targeting IB-friendly universities globally.

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#4 — Nishimachi International School (NISJ)

Location: Minato-ku (Motoazabu) Curriculum: Bilingual (English-Japanese) + IB Diploma (Grades 10–12) Accreditation: WASC, CIS Annual Fees: JPY 2,000,000–3,200,000

Nishimachi is unique among Tokyo’s international schools: a genuinely bilingual school where students develop fluency in both English and Japanese from Kindergarten through Grade 9, transitioning to the IB Diploma in the final years.

For families planning to stay in Japan long-term, or those who value Japanese language acquisition alongside a rigorous international curriculum, Nishimachi offers something no other school in Tokyo can match. Alumni often gain entry to both Japanese and international top universities.

Best for: Long-term Japan residents, families wanting Japanese language proficiency, bilingual children.

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#5 — St. Mary’s International School

Location: Setagaya-ku Curriculum: American + Catholic Accreditation: WASC, NAIS Annual Fees: JPY 2,200,000–3,300,000

St. Mary’s is an all-boys Catholic school with over 70 years of history in Tokyo. Its 8-hectare Setagaya campus is one of the largest international school campuses in the city, with excellent sporting facilities, a chapel, and dedicated science and arts wings.

The school’s community is notably diverse (over 50 nationalities) despite its single-sex structure. US college placement is strong, particularly at Catholic universities and the Ivy League.

Best for: Families from Catholic backgrounds, families seeking US college placement, those who prefer a structured, values-based environment.

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#6 — International School of the Sacred Heart

Location: Shibuya-ku (Hiroo) Curriculum: American / ISSH curriculum → IB Diploma Accreditation: WASC, NAIS Annual Fees: JPY 1,800,000–3,000,000

The International School of the Sacred Heart is an all-girls Catholic school in Hiroo, one of Tokyo’s most prestigious residential areas. ISSH has a long history serving Tokyo’s diplomatic and international community, with graduates attending leading universities in the US, UK, Japan, and beyond.

Best for: Families seeking a girls’ school environment, Catholic values, IB Diploma, central Tokyo location.

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#7 — K. International School Tokyo (KIST)

Location: Koto-ku (Kiyosumi-Shirakawa) Curriculum: IB (PYP + MYP + DP) Accreditation: IBO, CIS, EARCOS Annual Fees: JPY 1,800,000–2,800,000

KIST offers the full IB continuum at a somewhat lower price point than TIS, making it an accessible option for families committed to IB education. Located in the up-and-coming Koto area, the campus is modern and well-equipped.

Best for: IB-committed families seeking a more affordable IB school than TIS, families in east Tokyo.

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#8 — Seisen International School

Location: Meguro-ku Curriculum: American + IB Diploma Accreditation: WASC, NAIS Annual Fees: JPY 1,700,000–2,700,000

Seisen is an all-girls Catholic school in Meguro with a strong reputation for academic results and community spirit. It offers an American curriculum throughout and the IB Diploma in the final two years.

Best for: Girls, Catholic families, those in the Meguro/Shibuya area.

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#9 — Christian Academy in Japan (CAJ)

Location: Higashi-Kurume Curriculum: American Accreditation: WASC Annual Fees: JPY 1,200,000–1,800,000

CAJ is the most affordable fully accredited American-curriculum international school in Tokyo. Founded to serve missionary families, it now welcomes a broader community while maintaining its Christian ethos. Class sizes are small and the community is close-knit.

Best for: Budget-conscious families, families from faith communities, those in north-west Tokyo/Saitama.

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#10 — Honourable Mention: Canadian Academy, Kobe

Location: Kobe (Rokko Island) Curriculum: American + IB Diploma Accreditation: WASC, CIS Annual Fees: JPY 1,800,000–2,800,000

Though technically outside Tokyo, Canadian Academy in Kobe serves the greater Kansai region and is frequently ranked among Japan’s best international schools. For families based in Osaka, Kobe, or Kyoto, it is a strong alternative to the Tokyo schools.

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How to Choose the Right School for Your Family

By Curriculum

• US college-bound: ASIJ, St. Mary’s, CAJ, Seisen
• UK/European university: BST, ISSH
• IB globally mobile: TIS, KIST, ASIJ (IB option)
• Bilingual/Japan long-term: Nishimachi

By Location

• Central Tokyo (Minato/Shibuya/Meguro): TIS, BST, Nishimachi, ISSH, Seisen
• West Tokyo (Setagaya/Chofu): ASIJ, St. Mary’s
• East Tokyo (Koto): KIST
• North-west Tokyo (Nerima/Higashi-Kurume): CAJ

Apply Early

Tokyo international schools — particularly ASIJ, TIS, and BST — are heavily oversubscribed. ASIJ waitlists can extend 12–24 months for popular grade levels. Begin the application process at least one full academic year before your planned start date.

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Preparing for Academic Success

Whether you choose a premium or mid-range international school, many students benefit from supplementary tutoring — especially when transitioning into a new curriculum or preparing for IB, IGCSE, or AP examinations.

Tutopiya offers expert online tutors specialising in all major international curricula taught in Tokyo.

• Find a tutor: Browse Tutors
• Explore our programmes: Learning Portal

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Summary

Tokyo’s best international schools range from ASIJ’s world-class American campus to the intimate bilingual environment of Nishimachi. The right choice depends on your curriculum requirements, your child’s age, your location in the city, and your university destination goals. Apply early, visit campuses where possible, and don’t rely solely on fees as a proxy for quality.

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