Most Expensive International Schools in Tokyo 2026
Most Expensive International Schools in Tokyo 2026
Tokyo’s international school market is one of Asia’s most established and most expensive. With a large expatriate community — drawn by Japan’s leading corporations, diplomatic missions, and global financial institutions — demand for quality international education is consistently high.
At the premium end, Tokyo international school fees reflect the city’s extraordinary cost of living, world-class teaching talent, and the comprehensive programmes these schools offer.
Tokyo’s Most Expensive International Schools: Fee Overview
| School | Curriculum | Annual Fees (JPY) | Annual Fees (USD approx) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASIJ (American School in Japan) | American + IB | JPY 3.0M–4.5M | ~$20,000–$30,000 |
| Tokyo International School | IB | JPY 2.5M–3.8M | ~$17,000–$25,000 |
| British School in Tokyo | British IGCSE/A-Level | JPY 2.2M–3.5M | ~$15,000–$23,000 |
| St Mary’s International School | American | JPY 2.2M–3.3M | ~$15,000–$22,000 |
| New International School of Japan | IB | JPY 2.0M–3.2M | ~$13,000–$21,000 |
Fees are indicative for 2025/2026. Always confirm directly with each school.
ASIJ (American School in Japan)
ASIJ is the largest and most prestigious international school in Japan, educating over 1,600 students from more than 50 countries. Its Chofu campus in western Tokyo is a self-contained world — sports fields, performing arts centre, media studios, and state-of-the-art science facilities spread across a substantial campus.
Founded in 1902, ASIJ offers the American curriculum with AP courses and the IB Diploma Programme option. University placements are exceptional: ASIJ graduates attend US Ivy League, top liberal arts colleges, and leading UK universities each year.
Annual fees range from approximately JPY 3.0M–4.5M depending on grade level. First-year one-time costs (application, capital levy) add JPY 500,000–1,500,000.
Read our full ASIJ fees guide →
Tokyo International School
Tokyo International School (TIS) is an IB-only school offering the full IB continuum from Early Years through to the Diploma Programme. Located in Minato ward — central Tokyo — its urban campus is well-positioned for families living in the city centre.
TIS is known for its small class sizes, genuinely international community (50+ nationalities), and deep commitment to IB philosophy. The school’s focus on inquiry-based learning and global citizenship sets it apart from more traditional international schools.
Annual fees are approximately JPY 2.5M–3.8M.
British School in Tokyo
The British School in Tokyo (BST) is the leading British curriculum school in Japan, with campuses in Shibuya and Showa. BST offers a rigorous British education from Early Years through to IGCSE and A-Level, with consistent strong results and university placements predominantly to UK universities.
BST is the natural first choice for British and Commonwealth expat families. The school’s smaller size relative to ASIJ means a more community-focused environment, and its central Shibuya location makes it accessible from across the city.
Annual fees range from approximately JPY 2.2M–3.5M.
Read our full British School in Tokyo fees guide →
St Mary’s International School
St Mary’s International School is a Catholic boys’ school (co-educational through to elementary) following the American curriculum. Founded by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, it serves a predominantly American community and is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).
Located in Setagaya ward, St Mary’s has a long history in Tokyo and strong connections with the Catholic and US diplomatic communities. Annual fees are approximately JPY 2.2M–3.3M.
New International School of Japan
New International School of Japan (NISJ) offers the full IB continuum in a modern, purpose-built facility. It is a growing school that attracts families who want IB from the early years at a slightly lower price point than ASIJ or TIS.
Annual fees are approximately JPY 2.0M–3.2M.
What Drives High Fees in Tokyo?
Real estate. Tokyo’s land prices — especially in Minato, Shibuya, Setagaya, and Chofu — are among the highest in the world. Schools owning or leasing campuses in these areas face significant property costs.
Teacher salaries and housing. Internationally certified teachers in Tokyo typically receive salary, a housing allowance, flights home, and health insurance as part of their package. These costs are significant.
Curriculum licensing. Schools paying IB or AP fees, maintaining external accreditation, and meeting the standards of bodies like WASC incur ongoing costs beyond basic operations.
Yen vs international salaries. While Japan’s yen has weakened in recent years (making USD-denominated fees look cheaper in dollar terms), operating costs in yen remain high for schools with predominantly yen-denominated expenses.
University Placements
Tokyo’s premium international schools deliver consistently strong university outcomes. ASIJ regularly places graduates at Ivy League, UC, and top liberal arts institutions. BST graduates attend Oxford, Cambridge, and the Russell Group. TIS and NISJ IB graduates access universities worldwide through the IB’s global recognition.
What to Know Before Applying
Apply early. ASIJ’s waitlist for popular year groups can extend 1–2 years. British School in Tokyo and TIS also have waitlists at popular entry points.
Eligibility. Unlike South Korea, Japan places no nationality restrictions on international school attendance. Both foreign nationals and Japanese nationals may attend Tokyo international schools.
Currency note. Most Tokyo international schools charge fees in JPY. For families paid in USD or other currencies, exchange rate movements affect the effective cost.
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