International schools in Japan tend to run fewer, more structured open days than schools elsewhere in Asia. Many ask you to register or send an inquiry first, some sessions are for parents only, and a few are held online or in more than one language. Reading the details before you book saves disappointment on the day.
Here's how to prepare, followed by the dates confirmed so far in Tokyo, Nagoya and Okinawa.
Which kind of visit is right for you?
- Open house or open day. A presentation and campus tour. Often parents only, so plan childcare if needed.
- Open campus. A chance to see the school at work, sometimes over two days.
- Online information session. Useful if you live outside the city, or want a first overview. Some are offered in Japanese or Chinese as well as English.
- Individual visit. Many schools arrange these after an inquiry.
Before you go
Read the attendance rules. Several schools ask that children don't attend, or limit each family to two guests. Some require an inquiry form before you can register.
Check which kind of school it is. Some schools in Japan are international schools accredited by overseas bodies. Others are Japanese-accredited schools that teach partly or fully in English. This can matter if your child might later move into, or out of, the Japanese school system. Ask admissions which applies.
Pick the right language session. If a school offers English and Japanese sessions, choose the one where you'll follow the details comfortably.
Plan the journey. Tokyo campuses range from central wards to western suburbs such as Chofu and Kodaira. Check the train journey at school-run time.
Write your questions down. Sessions are often tightly timed.
On the day
- Notice how adults and students interact outside the presentation.
- Look at student work on display, and ask about a recent project.
- Ask to see an ordinary classroom for your child's age.
- Ask current parents, if you meet any, what their first year was like.
The NovaEd Campus Culture Check gives you eight things to look for and a simple way to rate each one.
Questions worth asking
- Which accreditations does the school hold, and what does that mean for university or later school moves?
- How big are classes, and how many adults support each one?
- What support is there for children learning English, and how is Japanese taught?
- How do you settle students who arrive mid-year from overseas?
- What does admissions involve, and what are the deadlines for August 2027?
- Which costs sit outside tuition: enrolment fee, facility fee, bus, lunch, trips?
- How long do teachers usually stay?
Afterwards
Write down your impressions while they're fresh, and compare schools on the same points. Then check deadlines: some schools in Japan close applications for popular year groups early.
Confirmed open days in Japan, October to December 2026
| Date | School | City | Who it's for | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu 15 Oct | Okinawa International School | Online | Preschool to high school | Online information session |
| Thu 15 Oct, 5 Nov, 19 Nov, 3 Dec | The American School in Japan | Tokyo (Chofu) | Prospective families | Complete the inquiry form first; two guests per family |
| Sat 17 Oct | K. International School Tokyo | Tokyo (Koto) | Elementary and secondary | Parents only. English session 9:45, Japanese session 13:15. Booking closes 16 Oct |
| Tue 3 Nov | Malvern College Tokyo | Tokyo (Kodaira) | Prospective families | Sessions at 10:00 or 13:30 |
| Wed 4 – Thu 5 Nov | Okinawa International School | Okinawa (Naha) | Preschool to high school | Open campus |
| Sat 21 Nov, 10:00–11:30 | Nagoya International School | Online | Preschool to Grade 12 | Held in Chinese |
| Tue 1 Dec | Nagoya International School | Nagoya | Preschool to Grade 12 | Children are asked not to attend |
| Tue 1 – Wed 2 Dec | Okinawa International School | Okinawa (Naha) | Preschool to high school | Open campus |
Free NovaEd guides for your visits
- NovaEd School Visit Guide: what to do before, during and after a school visit, with a question list you can print.
- NovaEd Campus Culture Check: eight things to look for on campus, with a simple rating sheet.
- International schools in Japan: browse and compare schools on the NovaEd directory.
Dates are as published by each school on 27 September 2026. Schools do change dates and sessions do fill, so please confirm with the school before you go. NovaEd doesn't organise these events.