Part of our guide to international schools in Tokyo. Fees last verified: October 2026.
What is the cheapest international school in Tokyo? Among schools whose 2026–27 fees we could verify on their own websites, India International School in Japan is by far the lowest-cost, at ¥600,000–¥1,200,000 a year in tuition. Among the larger English-language schools, the New International School of Japan and Seisen International School have the lowest first-year costs, at roughly ¥3.3–3.8 million for a new Grade 1 student, compared with ¥4.5–4.7 million at the most expensive schools.
“Affordable” is relative: even the lower-cost options are a major expense. Below are the verified options, the trade-offs to weigh, and other ways families reduce the cost. For the full comparison, see our 2026–27 international school fees guide.
Lower-cost options with verified 2026–27 fees
1. India International School in Japan (IISJ)
- Tuition: ¥600,000 a year for kindergarten, up to ¥1,200,000 for the senior grades, payable in three instalments.
- One-time fees: registration ¥20,000 and emergency and insurance ¥5,000.
- Good to know: an Indian-curriculum (CBSE) school with a Tokyo campus and a Yokohama campus, teaching in English. It welcomes students of all nationalities, but the curriculum and community are Indian-focused, so check how well it fits your plans for future schooling.
2. New International School of Japan (NewIS)
- Tuition: ¥1,960,000 (pre-K) to ¥2,600,000 (Grades 9–12) for the first child, with reductions for second and later children.
- Other fees: ¥200,000 a year resource and program development fee; one-time entrance fee ¥330,000 and building and facilities fee ¥450,000 (lower for siblings); no application fee.
- First year, new Grade 1 student: about ¥3,340,000.
- Good to know: a multi-age, bilingual-friendly school in Ikebukuro. Sibling discounts make it especially good value for larger families.
3. Seisen International School
- Tuition: half-day kindergarten ¥1,500,000; full-day kindergarten ¥2,500,000; elementary ¥2,650,000; middle and high school ¥2,700,000.
- Other fees: ¥150,000 a year building maintenance; one-time application ¥30,000, registration ¥300,000 and development ¥700,000.
- First year, new Grade 1 student: about ¥3,830,000.
- Good to know: a Catholic school in Setagaya offering the IB Diploma. Its kindergarten is coeducational; from Grade 1 the school is for girls.
4. International School of the Sacred Heart
- Tuition: ¥2,560,000 (K3–K4) to ¥2,880,000 (Grade 12).
- First year, new Grade 1 student: about ¥3,920,000.
- Good to know: a long-established Catholic school in Hiroo, Minato; check the school’s admissions page for which grades admit boys.
Other schools often described as lower-cost
Several other schools are often mentioned as more affordable, including the Global Indian International School, Christian Academy in Japan, Tokyo YMCA International School and some Aoba-Japan campuses. We couldn’t confirm their 2026–27 fees from official sources when we last checked, and directory figures disagreed, so ask each school directly for its current fee schedule.
The trade-offs to weigh
- Curriculum: a national curriculum (Indian, for example) suits families who expect to continue in that system; families who may move elsewhere often prefer IB, American or British programmes.
- Class sizes and facilities: lower fees can mean larger classes or fewer specialist facilities. Visit and ask.
- Accreditation: check which international bodies accredit the school, which matters for university admissions and transfers.
- Location and commute: a cheaper school with a long daily commute can cost more in time, transport and wellbeing.
- Total cost, not tuition: compare first-year costs including one-time fees, plus buses and lunches.
Other ways to bring the cost down
- Employer support: negotiate education allowances before you accept a role in Tokyo; it’s far harder to add later.
- Sibling discounts at schools that offer them.
- Half-day kindergarten where available.
- Japanese daycare or kindergarten in the early years: licensed daycare is free in Tokyo for ages 0–5 (base fee), and many families switch to international school later. See hoikuen vs yochien.
- High school tuition support: Tokyo and the national government support private high school tuition for residents (up to around ¥501,000 a year combined in 2026, with no income limit), but whether a particular international school qualifies depends on its legal status as a school. Ask the school whether its high school students are eligible.
FAQ
Is there a free international school in Tokyo?
No. International schools charge tuition. Free English-medium education isn’t available in Japanese public schools, though some public schools offer extra support for children learning Japanese.
Are cheaper international schools worse?
Not necessarily. Fees reflect facilities, location, class sizes and history as much as teaching quality. Visit, ask about accreditation and results, and talk to current parents.
Can we get financial aid?
Some schools offer limited scholarships or financial aid, often for current families. Ask the admissions office.
Sources and official fee schedules
- India International School in Japan — Tuition and fees
- New International School of Japan — Tuition and fees
- Seisen International School — Tuition and fees
- International School of the Sacred Heart — Tuition and fees
- Tokyo Private Schools Foundation and 2026 private school tuition support announcement (Japanese)
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government — International Schools Portal
Fees change every year. Confirm with each school. TokyoParents has no commercial relationship with any school listed. See our editorial policy.
Featured image: Seisen International School by Syced, dedicated to the public domain (CC0), via Wikimedia Commons.
