Japan School Year Calendar and Enrollment Guide for Parents in Tokyo

International School Admission Guide for Tokyo Metropolitan Families

Key Takeaways

• Japan's school year runs from April to March, so international families must adjust to an early-spring start.
• School year rule: Classes begin in April (not September as in many countries).
• Holiday dates: Summer break is typically late July–August (about 6 weeks), winter break spans late Dec–early Jan.
• Cost/benefit: Public elementary and junior high schools have no tuition or textbook fees (just pay for supplies/lunch).
• Requirement/risk: Parents must register children at the local ward/city office – do it early to avoid delays.
• 2025 trend: Japan's education is emphasizing global integration, and Tokyo is expanding language support as foreign student numbers grow.

Why Tokyo's Japanese School Calendar Matters in 2025

Japan's school calendar is unique: the academic year runs from early April through the following March. This matters because international families often expect fall start dates. In 2025 the context is even more important – Japanese education is adapting to globalization and technology trends, with growing numbers of international school students. For example, Tokyo's Board of Education notes that even foreign children have the same right to enroll; children enter elementary in the April after they turn 6. In short, understanding the April–March cycle and key break periods is essential for planning your child's schooling in Japan.

Japanese Education Structure and Key Dates

– Start of school: The new academic year begins in early April. Tokyo's 2025 start date is April 7, 2025. All grades advance in spring, with graduation/entrance ceremonies in late March/early April.
– Terms: Schools may use a 2-term or 3-term system (some prefectures vary), but most Japanese schools split the year into spring, summer, and fall terms. Each term ends with exams, then a break.
– Age requirement: Compulsory schooling starts at age 6. In Tokyo, children are admitted to elementary school in April of the year they turn 6. So if your child's 6th birthday is before April 1, they begin 1st grade that spring.
– Tip: Don't miss the April cutoff. If you arrive mid-year, you can enroll at the start of the 2nd or 3rd term (September or January), but planning for an April entry is ideal. Always check your local Board of Education schedule for precise dates.

International School Application Holidays and Break Periods

– Spring break: A short break at the end of March, usually just before the new term in April. For example, Nerima Ward lists spring break Mar 26–Apr 5, 2025.
– Summer break: Typically from late July to end of August. Nerima's schedule shows 2025 summer break from July 21 to Aug 31 (about 6 weeks). Other Tokyo wards follow similar schedules (vary by district).
– Winter break: Around the New Year. Nerima's 2025–26 winter break is Dec 26, 2025–Jan 7, 2026 (about 2 weeks).
– Golden Week and other holidays: In addition to the long breaks, Golden Week (late April/early May) often creates additional holidays around the April term start. Be sure to check local calendars.
– Tip: Plan travel or childcare during these breaks, as school will be out. Also note some schools have short mid-term breaks (e.g. a week in October or November).

Enrollment Process for International Families

– Notify the ward: Begin by contacting your local city/ward Board of Education (education committee). They will explain the admission procedures. For example, Setagaya Ward advises international parents to complete enrollment at the Board of Education office (City Hall).
– When to apply: In practice, registration is open throughout the year. However, for a child entering 1st grade in April, districts often hold a health check or orientation in autumn (Oct–Nov) before enrollment. When you register, you'll be informed of these dates.
– Required documents: Typically prepare your child's residence card, birth certificate, immunization records, and passport. Bring translated copies if available. Some wards may ask for a certificate of residence (住民票). If your child attended international school abroad, bring school records and ask for guidance on credit transfer.
– Designated school: In Japan, students are usually assigned a school based on address (school zone). The ward can tell you which elementary/middle school your child will attend. To choose a different school may require a special application ("区外就学").
– Tip/Pitfall: Don't assume enrollment happens automatically. You must file a 就学届 (school enrollment notification) with the local government office. Leaving this late can delay your child's start. Also, missing the health-check timing (for 1st graders) might postpone enrollment.

Best Practices for Tokyo International Enrollment

• Mistake: Missing registration deadlines. If you enroll too late, your child may have to wait until the next term.
Solution: Complete all forms as soon as you know your move date. Check with the ward in fall for April admissions. Use dates from local announcements to plan ahead.
• Mistake: Insufficient documents. Incomplete paperwork can stall the process.
Solution: Gather all IDs and records early. Confirm specific document requirements with your ward office, and bring translated versions if needed (some offices provide multilingual guidance).
• Mistake: Underestimating Japanese language needs. A non-Japanese-speaking child may struggle without support.
Solution: Enroll your child in a Japanese as a Second Language (JSL) class or use free tutoring. Many Tokyo wards offer JSL programs; ask the school or Board of Education about support (Tokyo law ensures equal education for foreign students).

Optional Mini-Table:

Risk/Mistake	Impact	How to Avoid
Late enrollment	Child misses start of term	Initiate registration months before the new year
Incomplete paperwork	Processing delays or rejection	Verify all required documents with ward in advance
No language preparation	Child struggles academically	Use JSL classes or international community language support

Japanese Public School Enrollment Checklist

• Locate your zone school: Find out which public school covers your address (ask the ward or check their website).
• Contact the Board of Education: Visit or call the local education office to express your intent to enroll your child. They will provide the 就学届 form and any local guidelines.
• Complete required screenings: For new 1st graders, schedule the school health examination (usually held Oct–Nov before April intake) as directed by the ward.
• Gather documents: Prepare your child's residence card, birth certificate, past school records, and immunization records. Have translations ready.
• Submit enrollment forms: File the 就学届 (enrollment notification) at the ward office (or online if available). Make sure the ward acknowledges receipt.
• Attend school orientation: When offered, attend orientation or introductory meetings at the assigned school. This helps your child get accustomed to the school and teachers.
• Confirm start date: Check the exact date of the first day (始業式) for your child's grade in your district. Mark holidays on your calendar to plan childcare or travel.

FAQ

Q1: When does the Japanese school year begin?
– Most schools start in early April. For example, Tokyo's 2025 elementary term begins on April 7, 2025. The school year then runs through March, with graduation in late March and the next intake in April.

Q2: What are the main school holidays?
– There are three main breaks: a spring break around late March–early April, a summer vacation (~late July to end of August), and a winter break around late December to early January. Exact dates vary by district (check your local calendar).

Q3: How do I enroll my foreign child in a Japanese public school?
– Contact your ward or city Board of Education to submit a school enrollment notification (就学届). Tokyo advises international parents to complete this at the Board's office (often in City Hall). The office will guide you through required forms and timing.

Q4: At what age must my child start school in Japan?
– Children who turn 6 by April 1 begin elementary school that April. If your child's 6th birthday is on or before March 31, they start 1st grade that spring. You must enroll them when they reach this age.

Q5: Are public schools free?
– Yes, public elementary and junior high are free of tuition. The government provides free textbooks and classes. Families only pay for some supplies, uniforms, lunch, and activity fees.

Q6: What if my child doesn't speak Japanese?
– Foreign children still have the right to enroll. Many schools offer Japanese language support (e.g. special classes, bilingual aides, or tutoring). Ask the school or ward office about available language programs to help your child integrate.

Related Articles

– Top International Schools in Tokyo: Best Picks for Expat Families — A guide to Tokyo’s top international schools, curriculum options, and fees for expat parents.

– Foreign Student Enrollment in Japanese Public Schools: A 2025 Analysis — In-depth look at enrollment procedures, demographics, and language support for foreign students in Japan’s public system.

– Childcare Options in Tokyo for Foreign Families — Overview of daycare and preschool (hoikuen, yōchien, etc.) in Tokyo, with tips on applications, costs, and subsidies.

Conclusion

Understanding Japan's April-to-March school calendar and enrollment process is crucial for international parents. By following the dates and tips above—such as registering at your ward office, preparing documents, and noting break periods—families can ensure a smooth start to their child's Japanese education in Japan.