International Education in Tokyo

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If you dream of an expat experience that involves bustling city streets, some of the best cuisines in the world and cultures where togetherness is key, Asia is the place to be. And if you want world-leading technology and a rapid fire pace of life on top of that, Tokyo is the top choice. You won’t just find everything you need to set up life easily as an expat in Japan’s capital - you’ll find multiple choices for everything you need! This is especially true of international schools.

While international education in Japan does not come cheap, you may be surprised to hear that it’s not the most expensive destination in Asia. China, South Korea and Singapore all come before Japan in the pecking order. So if you were planning on setting up life as an expat in Asia, Tokyo could be one of the more affordable choices (comparatively speaking, of course).

You can find international schools in almost all districts of Tokyo. However, there are higher concentrations in certain areas. Shibuya - the major commercial and business centre of Tokyo - has a large selection of schools. Nearby Minato is home to many embassies and household name companies, and also has its fair share. Over in Sumida, a rapidly gentrifying district with lots of residential areas, there is an ever-growing number of international schools too.

English dominates as the language of instruction in Tokyo’s international schools, and the International Baccalaureate dominates as the most common curriculum. The IB is closely followed by the British curriculum, but there is still a wide choice available in a city as big as Tokyo.

State of the art technology is a key feature of Tokyo’s international schools, as you might expect. iPads, laptops, apps, and more will all be part and parcel of your child’s day-to-day schooling. This doesn’t just give your child a great start on using the latest and best technology in the world; it also makes their learning environment even more interactive and engaging.

Japan’s culture of respect and social contribution will also be an important part of their education. From kindergarten age, school children in Japan are encouraged to practice politeness and take part in activities that serve the common good. In international schools, this expands even further into the global good! It may come in the form of group activities like tidying shared spaces, community volunteering or team-building exercises.

If you’re in search of a future-proofed education for your child that emphasises not just academic learning but emotional and social learning too, Tokyo’s international schools could not be a better choice.

Below, we have compiled the top 10 international schools in Tokyo according to our users. However, there are another 50 schools to choose from in the city. You can find the best international school for your child by personalising your results. Just fill in your search criteria, and we will calculate a personal score for every international school in Tokyo based on your requirements.