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

Table of Contents

• Why Yokohama matters for international education
• Schools families often research
• Neighborhoods and commute
• Yokohama vs central Tokyo schools
• Admissions and timing
• Comparison table
• FAQ

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

• Long-established Catholic-affiliated international school in Yokohama
• 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)

• IB-focused pathway; well-known among internationally mobile families
• Draws families seeking IB continuity from primary through secondary
• 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

| Area | Character | School fit | |------|-----------|------------| | Yokohama (Naka, Kohoku) | Urban, international services | Close to central Yokohama schools | | Yamate / Bluff area | Historic expat quarter | Walking distance to some schools | | Fujisawa, Kamakura | Coastal, residential | Train commute to Yokohama schools | | Yokosuka | Military community | Many families choose Yokohama or Tokyo schools |

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

| Factor | Yokohama schools | Central Tokyo schools | |--------|-----------------|----------------------| | Lifestyle | Bay area, more space | Urban density, premium rent | | School choice | Focused set of established names | Largest market — more options | | Commute to Tokyo jobs | 30–60+ min typical | Shorter if working in Minato | | Community | Tight Kanagawa network | Broader but more dispersed |

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

| School | Curriculum leaning | Location | Best for | |--------|-------------------|----------|----------| | Saint Maur | International / Catholic-affiliated | Yokohama | Established Kanagawa community | | YIS | IB | Yokohama | IB pathway families | | ASIJ (commute) | American | Chofu, Tokyo | Families prioritizing ASIJ over location | | BST (commute) | British | Tokyo | UK-influenced education |

FAQ

Are there good international schools in Yokohama? Yes — Saint Maur and Yokohama International School (YIS) 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.