International Schools in Tokyo: Living in the Hiroo & Azabu Area
Understanding International Schools in Tokyo
For families moving to Tokyo with children, choosing an international school is often one of the first and most important decisions. With a wide range of schools offering different curricula, grade structures, and admission policies, it can take time to identify the right fit for each child.
In practice, families usually secure a school placement first—taking into account factors such as curriculum, grade availability, and enrollment capacity—before deciding where to live. Once a school has been confirmed, attention naturally shifts to finding a neighborhood that supports daily routines, commuting logistics, and overall family life.
For families planning a longer-term stay in Japan—or establishing a second home in Tokyo—this decision often extends beyond short-term rental considerations. Lifestyle quality, neighborhood stability, and long-term comfort become just as important as proximity to the school itself.
This guide is designed to help families look beyond school lists and rankings, and instead focus on where to live near international schools in Tokyo. From a residential perspective, it introduces the areas most commonly chosen by international families, with particular attention to the Hiroo and Azabu area, where education, livability, and long-term value are closely aligned.
Major International Schools in Tokyo
Tokyo is home to a diverse range of international schools, each offering different curricula, educational philosophies, and grade coverage. While families ultimately choose schools based on their child’s needs, it is also helpful to understand how schools are distributed by living areas, especially when planning daily life, commuting, and long-term residence.
Rather than organizing schools strictly by administrative wards, the following overview is structured around real-life residential areas commonly chosen by international families. This approach reflects how families actually think about school access and living environments when settling in Tokyo.
Hiroo & Azabu Area
The Hiroo and Azabu area is widely regarded as one of the most established residential zones for international families in Tokyo. Its combination of long-standing international schools, quiet residential streets, green spaces, and high-quality housing makes it a natural choice for families seeking stability and long-term comfort.
The following schools are most commonly associated with this area from a practical living perspective:
- International School of the Sacred Heart
A long-established international school closely associated with the Hiroo area and frequently considered by families living nearby. - Nishimachi International School
Located in Moto-Azabu, Nishimachi is a well-known choice among families residing in the Azabu and Hiroo neighborhoods. - British School in Tokyo (Azabudai campus)
Serving the British curriculum, this campus is within easy reach of the broader Azabu and Roppongi residential areas. - Tokyo International School
Often considered by families living in the Hiroo, Azabu, and Shirokane surroundings due to its accessibility within central Tokyo.
Together, these schools form the core educational options typically considered by families choosing to live in the Hiroo and Azabu area.
For the most up-to-date information on admissions, curriculum, and enrollment availability, please refer to each school’s official website.
Other Major International Schools in Tokyo
Beyond central Tokyo, international schools are also located in other parts of the city and surrounding areas. These schools may be well suited to families who prioritize larger campuses, specific curricula, or suburban-style living environments.
Examples include:
- Seisen International School（Setagaya area）
- St. Mary’s International School（Setagaya area）
- K. International School Tokyo（Koto area）
- American School in Japan（Chofu area）
- Aoba-Japan International School (Nerima, Meguro)
- Canadian International School (Shinagawa, Meguro)
- Yokohama International School (YIS) (Outside Tokyo)
While these schools are highly regarded, the commuting distance and lifestyle differ significantly from central residential areas such as Hiroo and Azabu.
Transition to Residential Areas
Once a school has been selected, families often begin to focus more closely on where to live in relation to that school. Residential preferences tend to concentrate in specific neighborhoods that balance accessibility, livability, and long-term value.
The following sections explore why the Hiroo and Azabu area continues to be one of the most popular residential choices for international school families, and what makes it particularly suitable for long-term living in Tokyo.
Why the Hiroo & Azabu Area Is So Popular for International School Families
The Hiroo and Azabu area has long been recognized as one of Tokyo’s most desirable residential locations for international families. While proximity to international schools is an important factor, the area’s appeal goes well beyond education alone.
One of the key reasons families choose Hiroo and Azabu is the overall quality of the living environment. The neighborhoods are characterized by quiet, low-rise residential streets, mature greenery, and a sense of calm that is rare in central Tokyo. Large parks, international supermarkets, and well-established medical facilities are all within easy reach, supporting a comfortable daily lifestyle for families.
Accessibility is another major advantage. From Hiroo and Azabu, families can reach multiple international schools, business districts, and key transport hubs without long or complicated commutes. This flexibility becomes especially important once school schedules, extracurricular activities, and family routines are taken into account.
Beyond convenience, many families are drawn to the area for its long-term residential suitability. Housing stock in Hiroo and Azabu tends to focus on high-quality condominiums and well-managed residences, often built to standards suitable for long-term occupancy rather than short-term stays. This makes the area appealing not only to families renting initially, but also to those considering a future purchase once their plans in Japan become clearer.
For families establishing a long-term base—or a second home—in Tokyo, Hiroo and Azabu offer a rare balance of livability, stability, and enduring value. The area’s international community, consistent demand, and established reputation have helped maintain its appeal across generations of residents.
As a result, Hiroo and Azabu continue to be chosen by families who prioritize education, lifestyle quality, and long-term peace of mind when selecting where to live in Tokyo.
Choosing a Home in the Hiroo & Azabu Area: What Families Should Consider
The decision of where to live in the Hiroo and Azabu area involves more than simply finding a property close to a school. Families who choose this area often place importance on long-term livability, quality of construction, and overall residential stability.
One key consideration is the type of housing available. Hiroo and Azabu are known for a high concentration of well-managed condominiums and low-rise residences, many of which were developed with long-term occupancy in mind. Building management, security, and maintenance standards tend to be higher than average, which is an important factor for families planning to establish a stable base in Tokyo.
Another important aspect is the surrounding environment. Quiet residential streets, proximity to parks, and access to daily amenities such as international supermarkets and medical facilities contribute significantly to everyday comfort. These elements become especially valuable as family routines settle and time spent at home increases.
For families considering a longer stay—or a future purchase—the Hiroo and Azabu area also offers a sense of continuity. Properties in this area tend to retain strong demand over time, supported by the neighborhood’s established reputation and consistent appeal among international and domestic buyers alike.
Ultimately, choosing a home in Hiroo and Azabu is about finding a balance between education, lifestyle, and long-term peace of mind. This balance is what continues to draw families who view their time in Tokyo not as a temporary stay, but as an important chapter in their lives.
Planning Your Next Step in Hiroo & Azabu
Choosing the right home near an international school is about more than proximity alone. For families considering a long-term stay or establishing a base in Tokyo, factors such as residential quality, neighborhood stability, and future flexibility play an equally important role.
The Hiroo and Azabu area continues to attract families who value education, lifestyle, and long-term peace of mind. Whether you are in the early stages of planning or beginning to explore residential options in more detail, understanding the local housing landscape can make the decision process significantly smoother.
If you would like personalized guidance on residential options in the Hiroo and Azabu area—whether for long-term living or a future purchase—please feel free to get in touch. I would be happy to assist you in finding a home that aligns with your family’s plans in Tokyo.
If you are interested in exploring residential options in more detail, you may also find it helpful to review an overview of condominiums and residences in the Hiroo and Azabu area. → View Selected Luxury Condominiums in Central Minato-ku (Hiroo & Azabu)