Parent education guide

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

Saint Maur, Yokohama International School, and other English-medium options — why Yokohama is a major international education hub south of Tokyo.

Last updated: June 11, 2026·12 min read

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

Editorial note: This guide is intended as neutral, parent-focused information. Admissions, fees, and programs change — always confirm details on each school’s official website.

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

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

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

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.

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	Founded	Curriculum leaning	Location	Best for
Saint Maur	1872	International / Catholic-affiliated	Yokohama	Established Kanagawa community
YIS	1924	IB (PYP/MYP/DP continuum since 2001)	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 (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.