Last checked: April 2026. School fees and enrollment procedures change — verify with individual schools and local municipal education offices.
Moving to Japan with children raises immediate questions about schooling. Japan has a well-developed education system, a growing range of international schools, and a childcare infrastructure that families quickly come to rely on. This guide covers the main options for expat families.
Japan’s Education System Overview
| Stage | Japanese Name | Ages | Duration | Compulsory? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 幼稚園 (yōchien) | 3–6 | 1–3 years | No |
| Elementary School | 小学校 (shōgakkō) | 6–12 | 6 years | Yes |
| Junior High School | 中学校 (chūgakkō) | 12–15 | 3 years | Yes |
| High School | 高校 (kōkō) | 15–18 | 3 years | No (but ~98% attend) |
| University / Junior College | 大学 / 短大 | 18+ | 2–4 years | No |
The school year runs from April to March — different from most Western countries. School entrance ceremonies (nyūgaku shiki) are in early April; graduation is in March.
Childcare: Nurseries and Kindergartens
Hoikuen (保育園) — Daycare Centers
Hoikuen are childcare facilities for children from infancy (2 months) through age 5, typically used by working parents. They are regulated by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and subsidized by the government. Fees are income-based and can be very affordable for lower-income households; since 2019, hoikuen is free for ages 3–5 for all households.
Demand significantly exceeds supply in major cities — particularly Tokyo and Osaka. Getting a spot in a hoikuen (hoikuen nōchi mondai — the “daycare waiting list problem”) is a major concern for working parents. Apply through your local ward office (kuyakusho) as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months before your expected return-to-work date. Points-based selection systems favor dual-income households.
Yōchien (幼稚園) — Kindergartens
Yōchien serve ages 3–6 with shorter hours (typically 9am–2pm) and are better suited for families where one parent is not working. They are regulated by the Ministry of Education and can be public or private. Like hoikuen, fees for ages 3–5 are now subsidized to free under the government’s early education policy.
International Preschools and Daycare
Many private international preschools operate in major cities, teaching in English or other languages. These are unsubsidized and can be expensive (¥100,000–300,000+/month). They are popular with expat families who prioritize English or home-language instruction from an early age.
Japanese Public Schools for Expat Children
Foreign children resident in Japan are legally entitled to attend local Japanese public schools, tuition-free. This is often the most immersive option and, for children arriving young, a pathway to genuine bilingualism.
- Language — All instruction is in Japanese. Most schools have no dedicated support for non-Japanese-speaking students, though some municipalities offer Japanese language support classes (nihongo kyōshitsu) or assign a buddy.
- Adaptation — Younger children (elementary age) typically adapt within 6–12 months. Older children starting junior high face more significant academic pressure.
- Enrollment — Contact your local Board of Education (kyōiku iinkai) or ward office education section after completing residence registration (jūmin tōroku).
- School supplies and uniforms — Most public elementary schools do not require uniforms; junior highs often do. Schools provide lists of required supplies, which can be extensive and specific (particular brand of art supplies, etc.).
- PTA participation — Joining the PTA (PTA) is culturally expected and involves time commitments; this can be a valuable integration channel for parents.
International Schools
Japan has numerous international schools in major cities offering curricula including IB (International Baccalaureate), British, American, and other national systems. These are typically private, fee-paying schools.
Major International Schools (examples)
- Tokyo — American School in Japan (ASIJ, Chofu), British School in Tokyo, Canadian International School, Deutsche Schule Tokyo Yokohama, Tokyo International School (TIS — IB), Yokohama International School (YIS)
- Osaka/Kobe — Osaka International School, Canadian Academy (Kobe), Marist Brothers International School (Kobe)
- Nagoya — Nagoya International School
- Kyoto — Kyoto International School
Annual fees range from approximately ¥1.5 million to ¥4 million+ per year. Many multinational employers offer education allowances. Waiting lists exist at popular schools — register early, ideally before moving to Japan.
Japanese High School and University Options
Children who have completed most of their schooling in Japan often transition into the Japanese high school and university pathway. Japanese national university entrance (kyōtsū tesuto / CSAT) is highly competitive and conducted in Japanese. Some universities in Japan have special admission tracks for returnees (kikoku shijo) and international students.
There are also several internationally-oriented Japanese universities offering English-medium programs: Waseda, Keio, ICU (International Christian University), Sophia, APU (Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University), and others. These are attractive to bilingual expat children and international students alike.
Key Practical Notes
- Enrollment timing — Japanese schools enroll in April; mid-year enrollment in public schools is possible but administratively complex. International schools typically accept rolling admissions.
- School lunches (kyūshoku) — Japanese public school lunches are famous for their quality and nutritional balance. The school lunch system is an important part of Japanese elementary education culture.
- School events — Sports day (undōkai), cultural festival (gakusai), and class trips (shūgaku ryokō) are major social events with high parent participation expectations.
For more about the overall process of relocating to Japan, see our Moving to Japan Checklist and First Steps After Arriving in Japan. For information on the best cities for expat families, see Best Cities in Japan for Expats.