Examinations, curricula and tests

Read about the curricula, exams and tests commonly encountered at international schools, including the UK and US systems, International Baccalaureate and International Primary Curriculum.

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International schools in Japan

Search for the best international schools in Japan; you can find a list of selected schools at the bottom of this page. Use the search filters to select only girls' or boys' schools, prep schools, senior schools or sixth forms; or you can search for schools that offer a particular curriculum, such as the International Baccalaureate, the UK national curriculum, a US-style model or the International Primary Curriculum. 

Japan has a well-established international school sector that is centred on Tokyo, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka, with a smattering of other schools across the country. Most expatriate children are educated at international schools, which are also popular with Japanese students. English is the medium of instruction in the vast majority of international schools. Most are coeducational day schools but a small minority offer boarding and there are also a few single-sex establishments and Christian foundations. 

There are 103 IB World Schools in Japan, with 65 authorised to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma. Some schools offer the IB Diploma alongside Japanese, English, Canadian or French programmes. There are also several Christian religious foundations as well as schools serving the Korean and Indian communities.

The Japan Council of International Schools, which promotes best practice in the sector, has 29 member schools and the Council of International Schools has 17 accredited members. The Western Association of Schools and Colleges and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges are also active as accrediting bodies in Japan. 

Japanese society is culturally and linguistically homogeneous, and foreign nationals make up just 1.5 per cent of the population. In public schools, which teach in Japanese, six years of primary education is followed by three years of junior secondary and three to four years of senior secondary education. High schools are selective and competition for places is intense. 

Education is compulsory from age six to 15 but attendance is virtually universal to the end of high school, while net enrolment in pre-schools stood at 86 per cent in 2019. Japan has more than 1,000 universities and colleges and a very high proportion of Japanese citizens hold tertiary qualifications.

If you are looking specifically for International Baccalaureate World Schools in Japan, you can find selected schools on our sister website: www.ibyb.org





ABC International School

2-11-8 Moto-Azabu,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
106-0046,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory.

Abroad International School - Okayama

Yanagimachi 1-10-9,
Kitaku,
Okayama, Chugoku,
700-0904,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Abroad International School - Osaka

Being Yotsubashi Bldg 6F,
1-3-2 Kitahorie, Nishi-ku,
Osaka, Kansai,
550-0014,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Aichi International School

Nijigaoka3-4,
Meito-ku,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
465-0078,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

AICJ Junior & Senior High School

2-33-16 Gion,
Asaminami-ku,
Hiroshima, Chugoku,
731-0138,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

AIE International High School

1-48 Hama,
Awaji, Hyogo, Kansai,
656-2304,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding.

Angel Kindergarten

80-6 Ojiri Shimonagakubo,
Nagaizumi, Shizuoka, Chubu,
411-0934,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool - Mitaka Campus

4-15-41 Shimorenjaku,
Mitaka, Tokyo, Kanto,
181-0013,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool - Nakano Campus

3-6-17-2F Minamidai,
Nakano-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
164-0014,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Aoba-Japan Bilingual Preschool - Waseda Campus

1-14-8 Takadano-baba,
Shinjuku-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
169-0075,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Aoba-Japan International School

7-5-1 Hikarigaoka,
Nerima-ku,
Tokyo,
179-0072,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Asahijuku Secondary School

2590 Mitsushitori,
Kita-ku, Okayama, Chugoku,
709-2136,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Canadian Academy

4-1 Koyo-Cho Naka,
Higashinada-ku,
Kobe, Hyogo, Kansai,
658-0032,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Canadian International School Tokyo

5-8-20 Kitashinagawa,
Shinagawa-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
141-0001,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Chiyoda Jogakuen Senior High School

Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
102-0081,
Japan

Girls, Day.

Christian Academy in Japan

1-2-14 Shinkawacho,
Higashikurume, Tokyo, Kanto,
203-0013,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Columbia International School

153 Matsugo,
Tokorozawa, Saitama, Kanto,
359-0027,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Deutsche Schule Kobe International (DSKI)

3-2-8 Koyochonaka,
Higashinada-ku,
Kobe, Hyogo, Kansai,
658-0032,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama

2-4-1 Chigasaki Minami,
Tsuzuki-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
224-0037,
Japan

Co-educational, , Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

Doshisha International Academy Elementary School

7-31-1 Kizugawa-dai,
Kizugawa, Kyoto, Kansai,
619-0225,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Doshisha International School, Kyoto

7-31-1 Kizugawa-dai,
Kizugawa, Kyoto, Kansai,
619-0225,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Eisugakkan School

980-1, Hikino-cho,
Fukuyama, Hiroshima, Chugoku,
721-8502,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Enishi International School

2-12-32 Kikui Nishi Ward,
Nagoya, Aichi,
451-0044,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Everest International School, Japan

Ikegawa Building,
Aasagaya Minami 3-34-16, Suginami- Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
166-0004,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory.

Fukuoka Daiichi High School

22-1 Tamagawa cho,
Minami-ku,
Fukuoka, Kyushu,
815-0037,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Fukuoka International School

3-18-50 Momochi,
Sawara-ku,
Fukuoka, Kyushu,
814-0006,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Global Indian International School (GIIS) Higashi Kasai Campus

9-3-6 Higashikasai,
Edogawa-Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
134-0084,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Global Indian International School (GIIS) Nishi Kasai Campus

8-3-13 Nishikasai,
Edogawa Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
134-0088,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

Global Indian International School (GIIS) Seishincho Campus

2-10-1 Seishincho,
Edogawa Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
134-0087,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Gregg International School

1-14-6 Jiyugaoka,
Meguro-Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
152-0035,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Preparatory.

Harrow International School Appi

180-8 Appikogen,
Hachimantai, Iwate,
028-7306,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Hiroshima International School

3-49-1 Kurakake,
Asakita-Ku,
Hiroshima, Chugoku,
739-1743,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

Hokkaido International School

1-55 5-jo, 19-chome,
Hiragishi, Toyohira-ku,
Sapporo, Hokkaido,
062-0935,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Hokkaido International School - Niseko Branch

12 Aza Fujimi,
Niseko-Cho, Abuta Gun,
Hokkaido,
048-1501,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Horizon Japan International School

1-24 Onocho,
Kanagawa-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
221-0055,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Horizon Sendai Primary School

4-2-540 Takamori,
Izumi-ku,
Sendai, Miyagi, Tohoku,
981-3203,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Ikuei Nishi Jr. & Sr. High School

637-1 4 chome Mimatsu,
Nara,
631-0074,
Japan

Girls, Day.

India International School in Japan

1-20-20, Ojima,
Koto-Ku -135-0004,
Tokyo, Kanto,
136-0072,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

International School Kitakyushu

Yahata Higashi-ku, Takami 2-chome,
Shinnittetsu, Shijo Kaikan,
Kitakyushu, Fukuoka, Kyushu,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

International School of Nagano

1-2-2 Minami-Matsumoto,
Matsumoto, Nagano, Chubu,
390-0832,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

International School of the Sacred Heart

4-3-1 Hiroo,
Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
150-0012,
Japan

Girls, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Inter-Pacific High School Japan

Tokyo Tanashi Nishitokyo Town 2-16-10,
Tokyo, Kanto,
188-0011,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Senior.

Joy to the World

American International School,
112-0002,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory.

K. International School Tokyo

1-5-15 Shirakawa,
Koto-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
135-0021,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Kaichi Nihonbashi Gakuen

7-6 Nihonbashi Bakurocho 2-chome,
Chuo-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
103-8384,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kaichi-Nozomi Elementary School

3400 Tutudo Aza Suwa,
Tsukubamirai, Ibaraki, Kanto,
300-2435,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

KAIS International School

3-10-60 Kami-Osaki,
Shinagawa-ku,
141-0021,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Kansai Christian School

282-2 Oaza Misato,
Heguri-cho, Ikoma-gun,
Nara, Kansai,
636-0904,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Kansai International Academy

4-1-31 Shinzaike-Minamimachi,
Nada-ku,
Kobe, Hyogo, Kansai,
657-0864,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Karugamo English School

Midori-Ku Mimuro 987-7,
Urawa Ward,
Saitama, Kanto,
366-0911,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Katoh Gakuen Gyoshu Junior & Senior High School

1361-1 Nakamiyo Okanomiya,
Numazu, Shizuoka, Chubu,
410-0011,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kids Tairiku Yokohama Nakagawa

1-19-23 Nakagawa,
Tsuzuki-Ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
224-0001,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kindai University High School

5-3-1 Wakaenishishinmachi,
Higashiosaka, Osaka, Kansai,
578-0944,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kobe Bilingual School

7-1-25 Momoyamadai,
Kobe, Hyogo,
655-0854,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Korea International School

2-13-35 Toyokawa,
Ibaraki, Osaka, Kansai,
567-0057,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding.

Kouhoku School Corporation - Authorized Children's Center Ainosato

4-jo 6-2-5 Ainosato,
Kita-ku,
Sapporo, Hokkaido,
002-8074,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kumamoto International School

2-18-8 Nishibaru,
Higashi-ku,
Kumamoto, Kyushu,
861-8029,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Kyoto International School

252 Shinhigashidoin-cho,
Sakyo-ku,
Kyoto, Kansai,
606-8355,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Liberty International School

342-16 Shimohiratsuka,
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Kanto,
305-0813,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Linden Hall High School

3-10-1 Futsukaichikita,
Chikushino, Fukuoka, Kyushu,
818-0056,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Lycée français international de Kyoto

411 Motoshinmeicho, Tominokojidori Gojo agaru,
Shimogyo-ku,
Kyoto, Kansai,
600-8065,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Lycée français international de Tokyo

5-57-37 Takinogawa Kita-ku,
114-0023,
Japan

Co-educational, , Senior.

Makuhari International School

3-2-9 Wakaba,
Mihama-ku,
Chiba, Kanto,
261-0014,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory.

Marist Brothers International School

1-2-1 Chimori-Cho,
Suma-Ku,
Kobe, Hyogo, Kansai,
654-0072,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Matsumoto Kokusai High School

3-6-25 Muraimachi minami,
Matsumoto, Nagano, Chubu,
399-0036,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Senior, Sixth Form.

Meikei High School

1-1 Inarimae,
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Kanto,
305-8502,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding.

Miura Gakuen High School

3-80 Kinugasa-sakae,
Yokosuka, Kanagawa,
238-0031,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Mizuho School

3-2-25, Shakujiidai,
Nerima-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
177-0045,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Nagoya International Junior and Senior High School

1-16, Hiroji-Honmachi,
Showa-Ku,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
466-0841,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Nagoya International School

2686 Minamihara, Nakashidami,
Moriyama-ku,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
463-0002,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

New International School of Japan

3-18-32 Minami-Ikebukuro,
Toshima-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
171-0022,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Nishimachi International School

2-14-7 Moto Azabu,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
106-0046,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

NUCB International College

4-4 Sagamine Komenoki,
Nisshin, Aichi, Chubu,
470-0193,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Senior, Sixth Form.

Okayama University of Science High School

Daiomachi No. 1,
Kita-ku,
Okayama, Chugoku,
700-0005,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Okinawa Christian School International

1835 Zakimi,
Yomitan, Nakagami-cho,
Okinawa, Kyushu,
904-0301,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Okinawa International School

143 Tamagusuku Fusato,
Nanjo City, Okinawa, Kyushu,
901-0611,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Osaka International High School

1-28 Matsushita-cho,
Moriguchi-shi,
Osaka, Kansai,
570-8787,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Osaka International School of Kwansei Gakuin

4-4-16 Onohara-nishi,
Minoh, Osaka, Kansai,
562-0032,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Osaka Jogakuin Senior High School

2-26-54 Tamatsukuri,
Chuo-ku,
Osaka, Kansai,
540-0004,
Japan

Girls, Day.

Osaka YMCA International School

6-7-34 Nakatsu,
Kita-ku,
Osaka, Kansai,
531-0071,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Phoenix House International School

11 Yonban-cho,
Chiyoda-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
102-0081,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Ritsumeikan Uji Junior and Senior High School

33-1 Hachikenyadani,
Hirono-cho,
Uji, Kyoto, Kansai,
611-0031,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day, Senior.

Sai Sishya International School

6-18-2 Higashi Kasai,
Edogawa Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
134-0084,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Saint Maur International School

83 Yamate-cho,
Naka-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
231-8654,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Sapporo Nihon University High School

5-7-1 Nijigaoka,
Kitahiroshima, Hokkaido,
061-1103,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Seisen International School

1-12-15 Yoga,
Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
158-0097,
Japan

Girls, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Sendai Ikuei Gakuen

2-4-1 Miyagino,
Miyagino-ku,
Sendai, Miyagi, Tohoku,
983-0045,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Seta International School

27-12, Seta 1-chome,
Setagaya-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
158-0095,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory.

Shinagawa International School

4-8-8 Higashishinagawa,
Shinagawa,
Tokyo, Kanto,
140-0002,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Shizuoka Salesio School

3 Chome-2-1 Nakanogo,
Shimizu Ward,
Shizuoka, Chubu,
424-8624,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Shogaku Gakuen Educational Foundation

747 Kokuba,
Naha, Okinawa, Kyushu,
902-0075,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

Shohei Junior and Senior High School

851 Shimono,
Sugito, Saitama, Kanto,
345-0044,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Shukoh Middle School

Sendai Ikuei Gakuen, 241 Miyagino,
Miyagino-ku,
Sendai, Miyagi, Tohoku,
985-0853,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Day.

St Michael's International School

3-17-2 Nakayamate-Dori,
Chuo-ku,
Kobe, Hyogo, Kansai,
650-0004,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

St. Joseph's Primary School

11-1 HigashiTerao-Kitadai,
Tsurumi-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
230-0016,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

St. Mary's International School

1-6-19 Seta,
Setagaya Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
158-8668,
Japan

Boys, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Summerhill International School

2-13-8 Moto-Azabu,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
106-0046,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Sunnyside International School

Iwai 4-10-25,
Gifu, Chubu,
501-3101,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Tamagawa Academy K-12 & University

6-1-1 Tamagawa Gakuen,
Machida, Tokyo, Kanto,
194-8610,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Teikyo University Kani Junior & Senior High School

1-1-1 Katsuragaoka,
Kani, Gifu, Chubu,
509-0237,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

The American School in Japan

1-1-1 Nomizu,
Chofu, Tokyo, Kanto,
182-0031,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

The British School in Tokyo

1-21-18 Shibuya,
Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
150-0002,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

The Montessori School of Tokyo

3-5-13 Minami Azabu Minato-ku,,
106-0047,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Preparatory, Senior.

Tohoku International School

7-101-1 Yakata,
Izumi-ku,
Sendai, Miyagi, Tohoku,
981-3214,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Tokai Gakuen High School

2-901 Nakahira Tenpaku-ku,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
468-0014,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Tokyo International School

3-4-22 Mita,
Minato-Ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
108-0073,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory.

Tokyo West International School

185 Umetsubo-machi,
Hachioji, Tokyo, Kanto,
192-0013,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Tsukuba International School

Kamigo 7846-1,
Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Kanto,
300-2645,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior.

UIA International School of Tokyo

3-14-4 Kiba,
Koto-ku,
Tokyo,
135-0042,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

UPBEAT International School - Atsuta Campus

2-3-18, Hachiban,
Atasuta,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

UPBEAT International School - Nakagawa Campus

2-13, Juichibancho,
Nakagawa,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

UPBEAT International School - Tempaku Campus

201, Shimadagaoka,
Tempaku,
Nagoya, Aichi, Chubu,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

UWC ISAK Japan

5827-136 Nagakura,
Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun,
Nagano, Chubu,
389-0111,
Japan

Co-educational, Boarding, Senior, Sixth Form.

Wakakusa Kindergarten

3-15-4 Yoshida,
Nagano, Chubu,
381-0043,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Willowbrook International School

2-14-28 Moto-azabu,
Minato-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
106-0046,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Yamata Kindergarten

351-1 Higashiyamatacho,
Tsuzuki Ward,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
224-0024,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.

Yokohama International School

258 Yamate-cho,
Naka-ku,
Yokohama, Kanagawa, Kanto,
231-0862,
Japan

Co-educational, Day, Nursery, Pre-Preparatory, Preparatory, Senior, Sixth Form.

Yoyogi International School

5-67-5 Yoyogi,
Shibuya-ku,
Tokyo, Kanto,
151-0053,
Japan

Co-educational, Day.