For international families in Tokyo

Raising kids in Tokyo, without the guesswork.

Plain-English guides to visas, ward-office paperwork, schools, healthcare and weekends. Every guide checked against official sources.

Where are you right now?

Moving to TokyoVisa, paperwork and your first 30 days, in order.Just arrivedRegister at the ward office within 14 days.Choosing a schoolCompare international schools by area, curriculum and fees.My child is sickInsurance, subsidies and English-speaking pediatricians.This weekendIndoor play, trampolines, museums and festivals.
School Finder

Find the right school in Tokyo

See all schools

School Ward / area Curriculum Ages Tuition per year (JPY, 2026–27) Official website Last checked
Tokyo International School Minato (Mita) IB (PYP, MYP, DP) Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 12 ¥3,100,000 to ¥3,400,000 tokyois.com Oct 2026
Nishimachi International School Minato (Moto-Azabu) American (US Common Core), daily Japanese Kindergarten to Grade 9 ¥3,129,000 nishimachi.ac.jp Oct 2026
St. Mary's International School (boys) Setagaya (Seta) IB Diploma (Grades 11 to 12) Kindergarten to Grade 12 ¥2,860,000 to ¥3,050,000 smis.ac.jp Oct 2026
The British School in Tokyo Minato (Azabudai, primary); Setagaya (Showa, secondary) British, (I)GCSE, IB Diploma Nursery (age 3) to Year 13 ¥2,960,000 to ¥3,070,000 bst.ac.jp Oct 2026
International School of the Sacred Heart Shibuya (Hiroo) American, AP, IPC K3 to Grade 12 (girls; boys K3 to K5) ¥2,560,000 to ¥2,880,000 issh.ac.jp Oct 2026

Annual tuition from each school’s official 2026–27 fee schedule. Entry fees are extra.

November 2026

This month in Tokyo

A young girl in a red kimono for Shichi-Go-SanSeasonalShichi-Go-San in Tokyo: A Practical Guide for International FamiliesPre-filled influenza vaccine syringesHealthFlu Shots for Kids in Tokyo (2026–27): Doses, FluMist and Ward SubsidiesThe departure lobby at Narita Airport Terminal 2Visas and travelFlying Home for the Holidays on a Dependent Visa: Re-Entry Permits ExplainedThe St. Mary's International School campus buildingSchoolsTokyo International School Admissions Requirements Compared (2026–27)
Start here

Your first 30 days

Do these in order. Each step unlocks the next one.

Things to do

This weekend

All activity guides

Meiji Jingu Gaien Ice Skating Rink in TokyoActiveWhere to Book Kids’ Indoor Adventure Activities in Tokyo: Climbing, Skating, Jumping and MoreTrampolines at an indoor trampoline parkActiveBest Trampoline Parks in Tokyo for Kids: Prices, Age Rules and ReservationsChihiro Art Museum Tokyo, a picture-book museumMuseumsTokyo Children’s Museums: Compare Admission Fees and Family ExperiencesA young girl in a kimono at a Japanese shrineSeasonalA Parent’s Guide to Japanese Festivals and Seasonal Events with Kids
Free tools

Plan with real numbers

Cost of raising a child in TokyoA category-by-category breakdown with two example budgets.

Coming soonDeadline checklistKey dates for visas, the ward office, benefits and school applications.
Coming soonEmergency cardA printable card with the phrases and contacts you need in an emergency.

Written by parents in Tokyo

Edited by [EDITOR NAME].

Checked against official sources

Fees, deadlines and rules come from schools, ward offices and ministries. Every guide lists its sources. Editorial policy

Reviewed where it matters

Health guides reviewed by [REVIEWER NAME, CREDENTIAL].