Foreign children residing in Tokyo are entitled to receive an education in local public elementary and junior high schools under the same conditions as Japanese citizens. Parents can undertake enrolment procedures at their local municipality office at any time during the year. Tuition and textbooks in public schools are provided free of charge, offering an accessible educational pathway for international families moving to Japan.
How do public elementary and junior high school systems work in Tokyo in 2026?
Children living in Tokyo can enrol in a public elementary school (shogakko) in the month of April following their sixth birthday. Compulsory primary education lasts for six years. After completing elementary school, students may progress to junior high school (chugakko) to undertake an additional three years of study. The official school year begins in April across Japan. Depending on the specific school, the academic year is organized into either two terms (semesters) or three terms (trimesters). For detailed municipal regulations, families can refer to the official Tokyo Metropolitan Government portal.
Tokyo public education also includes options for older learners or those with specialized academic needs. There are eight public junior high night schools across Tokyo designed for individuals who were unable to finish elementary or junior high school, or who did not receive sufficient junior high education. For students transitioning to higher secondary education, the Tokyo metropolitan high school entrance examination for foreign residents living in Tokyo provides special admission arrangements. Families should always confirm specific visa rules and individual entrance qualifications directly with municipal education authorities or official government offices, as individual legal eligibility varies.
What are the costs for public schooling in Tokyo?
Attending a public elementary or junior high school in Tokyo is supported by public funding. Tuition is completely free for all enrolled students, including foreign nationals. In addition, standard textbooks are provided free of charge. However, parents are responsible for purchasing personal school supplies and related daily items. If a family encounters financial difficulties that make school attendance challenging, local municipal authorities offer financial grant assistance programs for school supplies and related expenses. Parents can inquire about these school expense grants directly at their local ward office, city hall, town hall, or village office.
How can foreign parents apply for local school enrolment?
The enrolment procedure for foreign children seeking entry into a public elementary or junior high school in Tokyo is straightforward. Parents or legal guardians must complete the required administrative steps at their local municipality office, such as a ward office or city hall. Unlike some systems with rigid single annual intake windows, municipality offices accept school enrolment procedures at any time throughout the year. Foreign parents preparing to move should consult their local municipal authority upon arrival to confirm required paperwork and registration steps for their specific district.
What education consultation and interpreter services are available?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Education Consultation Center provides dedicated support services for foreign students and their guardians. A general education consultation and bullying hotline is available free of charge 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at the phone number 0120-53-8288 (consultation via this hotline is conducted in Japanese). For in-person support, on-site consultations are held on weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., as well as on the third Saturday of every month from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (in August, this Saturday consultation takes place on the fourth Saturday instead). Appointments must be booked in advance by calling 0120-53-8288.
To assist foreign families with language barriers, the consultation center offers specialized interpretation services for elementary and junior high school guidance and counseling. Interpreters are available on Fridays between 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m., with the registration desk closing at 4:00 p.m. These interpretation services are provided in Chinese, English, and Korean. Foreign parents needing guidance on school adjustment or academic planning can schedule an appointment to utilize this support.
Finding a place to stay
When relocating to Tokyo with children, securing housing is an important early step. Most international families arrange their initial accommodation after receiving their Certificate of Eligibility or visa approval, shortly before arriving in Japan. Staying in temporary housing during your first few weeks allows you to complete local ward office registrations, select your neighborhood, and finalize school enrolment procedures without rushing into a long-term lease. Many newcomers stay in a furnished monthly apartment first. OHAYO Stay offers furnished monthly apartments and rooms in Tokyo. Booking is online with a passport or ID and a credit card, with no guarantor, no key money and no agency fee. Furthermore, the monthly price includes electricity, gas, water and Wi-Fi, making family budgeting straightforward.