International Schools in Yokohama: A Parent's Guide for Greater Tokyo Families (2026)

Yokohama is not a suburb of Tokyo's school market — it is a major international education hub in its own right. Families stationed at Yokosuka, working in Minato, or preferring Kanagawa's lifestyle often anchor their school search here.

Yokohama's bay-area lifestyle and established international community draw families from across Greater Tokyo

Why Yokohama Matters for International Education

Scale: Multiple established K–12 programs; long history of international community.

Who attends: Military and diplomatic families, corporate expats, entrepreneurs, returnees, and internationally minded Japanese families.

Lifestyle: More space, waterfront living, Shinkansen access — without leaving Greater Tokyo employment options.

National context: Best international schools in Japan · Best international schools in Tokyo

Schools Families Often Research

Always confirm current programs on official websites.

Saint Maur International School

• Founded in 1872 — the oldest international school in Asia, predating most of Japan's other international schools by half a century or more
• Catholic-affiliated, English-medium K–12; strong community reputation
• Popular with families wanting a structured international program in Kanagawa
• Admissions competitive in popular grades — plan ahead

Yokohama International School (YIS)

• Founded in 1924; became the first school in Japan authorized to offer the IB Primary Years Programme, in 2001
• IB continuum from primary through secondary (PYP, MYP, DP); well-known among internationally mobile families
• Community includes significant expat and bilingual Japanese family presence

Other Greater Tokyo options

Some families in Kanagawa commute to ASIJ (Chofu), BST, or other Tokyo schools — feasible but daily commute length varies significantly by home address.

Neighborhoods and Commute

Commute tip: Test door-to-door during weekday rush hour. A 40-minute train ride on Sunday feels different from Tuesday morning with a child in tow.

Related: Where to live in Tokyo for international school

Yokohama vs Central Tokyo Schools

Families who work in central Tokyo but live in Yokohama should model both school and office commutes before deciding.

Admissions and Timing

• Start 12–18 months ahead for competitive grades
• Apply to multiple schools if timeline is tight
• Military and corporate relocation timelines sometimes compress planning — contact admissions immediately on orders

Guides: Tokyo international school admissions · Application checklist

Comparison Table

FAQ

Are there good international schools in Yokohama? Yes — Saint Maur (founded 1872, the oldest international school in Asia) and Yokohama International School (founded 1924, the first school in Japan authorized for the IB Primary Years Programme in 2001) are among Japan's most established programs outside central Tokyo.

Should we live in Yokohama or Tokyo for international school? Depends on your school choice and work commute. Yokohama suits families at Yokohama-based schools or those wanting more space; Tokyo suits central school commutes.

Can we commute from Yokohama to ASIJ or BST? Yes — many families do. Expect 45–75+ minutes depending on home location. Test the actual route.

How does Yokohama compare to Kobe for international school? Both offer community-focused markets outside the capital. Kobe centers on Canadian Academy; Yokohama has Saint Maur and YIS. See Osaka vs Kobe for Kansai comparison.

How much do Yokohama international schools cost? Comparable to other Greater Tokyo programs — often ¥2.5M–¥4M+ annually at secondary levels plus fees. See tuition guide.

Is Yokohama good for military families? Yes — proximity to Yokosuka and established international school infrastructure make Yokohama a common choice. Confirm school admissions timelines early.