Family Expat Life in Tokyo: International Schools and Neighbourhoods (2026)

Relocating to Tokyo with children requires more planning than moving solo, but it is one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have. Here is what you need to know about schooling, neighbourhoods, and housing before you arrive.

International schools in Tokyo

The choice of school is often what determines which neighbourhood a family lives in. Tokyo has solid options for English-speaking and French-speaking families.

For French-speaking families: Lycée franco-japonais de Tokyo (LFJT)

The Lycée franco-japonais de Tokyo is the official French school attached to the Embassy of France. It follows the French national curriculum from nursery through to the baccalauréat.

Location: Fujimidai, Nerima-ku (Seibu Ikebukuro line, approximately 20 minutes from Shibuya)

Annual fees: approximately 1,200,000 to 1,800,000 JPY per year depending on the grade level. Reductions may apply through the CCIFJ (French Chamber of Commerce in Japan) or French consular registration.

Admissions: waiting lists exist for some grade levels, particularly primary school. Contact the school at least 6 months before the desired start date.

For English-speaking families

Tokyo International School (Minato-ku): International Baccalaureate programme, excellent reputation. Annual fees: 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 JPY.

Nishimachi International School (Minato-ku): English-medium school from nursery through to grade 9.

The British School in Tokyo: British national curriculum.

Canadian International School (Minato-ku): Canadian curriculum in English.

Japanese public schools

Foreign children can attend Japanese public schools free of charge. Schooling is entirely in Japanese. Some children adapt remarkably within 6 to 12 months; others find the language barrier challenging.

Ward offices provide Japanese language support classes for newly arrived foreign children.

Family-friendly neighbourhoods in Tokyo

The residential neighbourhood a family chooses typically follows the location of the school.

Minato-ku: the classic expat family zone

Minato-ku (Hiroo, Azabu-Juban, Roppongi) concentrates the majority of expat families in Tokyo. Close to English-medium international schools, foreign grocery stores (National Azabu, Hiroo Supermarket), English-speaking sports clubs, and many families in the same situation.

Drawback: the most expensive rents in Tokyo. A family 3LDK apartment in Hiroo costs 300,000 to 600,000 JPY/month.

Nerima-ku: the French family neighbourhood

Nerima-ku is the closest ward to the Lycée franco-japonais. Less cosmopolitan than Minato-ku, but very residential and quiet. Rents are 40 to 50% lower than Hiroo for equivalent space.

Strengths: large apartments available, gardens, high-quality Japanese public schools for siblings, tight-knit francophone community around the LFJT.

Setagaya-ku: the residential alternative

Setagaya-ku (Jiyugaoka, Sangenjaya, Futako-Tamagawa) is a residential ward popular with affluent Japanese families and some expat families. Larger apartments, parks, quality Japanese schools.

Strengths: better value than central zones, quiet residential atmosphere, several children's sports and cultural facilities.

Family housing in Tokyo: what to know

Space is harder to find than you expect

Tokyo is dense. Three-bedroom apartments (3LDK) in central areas are rare and expensive. Families with two or more children typically choose between:

• A 3LDK in a central zone at high cost (250,000 to 450,000 JPY/month)
• A 3LDK or house (kodate) in the suburbs at a reasonable price (150,000 to 250,000 JPY/month) with a longer school commute

Houses (kodate)

Individual houses are more common in suburban areas (Nerima, Setagaya, Suginami, Adachi). They offer a small garden, more living space, and no neighbours directly above and below.

Budget: 200,000 to 350,000 JPY/month for a 3 to 4-bedroom house in an accessible area.

What families negotiate differently

Compared to a single-person relocation, families can negotiate:

• A minimum 2-year lease term (landlords prefer stable, long-term tenants)
• Permission for children (some Japanese leases specify the number of occupants)
• Minor fittings or safety adaptations (additional smoke detectors, window guards)

Monthly budget for a family of four in Tokyo

Rent (3LDK Nerima-ku): 180,000 to 280,000 JPY

Schooling (LFJT or international school, 2 children): 200,000 to 300,000 JPY

Food (family of four): 80,000 to 120,000 JPY

Transport: 20,000 to 40,000 JPY

Extracurricular activities: 30,000 to 60,000 JPY

Total monthly budget, family of four: 600,000 to 900,000 JPY/month

Employer-provided relocation packages covering part of the school fees and housing are common in large corporations and significantly reduce the personal financial burden.

Relocating to Tokyo with your family? Book a free consultation to find available family housing near international schools.