The Appeal of Yokohama International School (YIS) | School Culture and New Campus of an IB Continuum School

Founded in 1924, Yokohama International School (YIS) is known as one of Japan's most historic international schools.

Having moved from its long-loved Yamate Hill location to a new campus in Honmoku in 2022, its popularity has skyrocketed.

"What is the Kengo Kuma-designed campus really like?"

"Is the rumor true that it's so liberal students don't study?"

"Admissions are supposedly rolling, but is it actually impossible to get in?"

In this article, we provide a thorough analysis based on the latest 2026 information, covering everything from the full scope of the new campus and the quality of its education as an IB continuum school to the real story behind admissions that you won't find on the official website.

1. A Complete Look at the New Campus, Design Supervised by Kengo Kuma

The biggest topic surrounding YIS is undoubtedly its new campus in Honmoku.

This campus, with design supervised by world-renowned architect Kengo Kuma, is not just a "new building" but a space that embodies the YIS educational philosophy of a 'Learning Hub'.

"Classrooms Without Walls": The Open Hub

The new campus has very few of the "closed classrooms and hallways" found in conventional schools.

Each floor features a vast shared learning space called an "Open Hub," which connects seamlessly with the classrooms[371].

Here, students can work in groups or study independently on sofas, choosing a space that suits their learning style. This embodies the IB philosophy that "learning is not confined to the classroom."

The Campus Plaza: "The Street"

The first-floor promenade connecting the north and south wings is called "The Street," and it serves as a social hub with The Street Café & Bakery and benches.

Children play here during breaks, and parents chat over coffee after school. This space, much like a "park within the school," supports the unique and warm YIS community spirit (the "Dragon Spirit").

State-of-the-Art Facilities

The move to Honmoku has allowed for a significant expansion of facilities that were lacking at the old Yamate campus.

• Indoor Heated Pool: A 25m, 6-lane pool with an adjustable-depth floor, accommodating everything from toddler water play to competitive swim training.
• Auditorium: A 400-seat venue with professional-grade sound and lighting, used for plays and concerts.
• Artificial Turf Field: Equipped with night lighting and large enough to host official soccer matches.
• The Dragon Dining: A cafeteria serving warm, freshly prepared lunches, also functioning as a hub for food education.

2. "Freedom and Responsibility": The YIS Education and Reputation

YIS is known for its 'inclusive' and 'liberal' school culture.

In contrast to schools that emphasize discipline and structure (such as KIST or Saint Maur), it places the utmost value on student agency.

The Strength of an IB Continuum School (PYP/MYP/DP)

YIS is one of the few "IB Continuum Schools" in Japan, offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program consistently from early years through high school.

• Inquiry-Based Learning: Instead of teachers providing answers, the school thoroughly promotes a style where students form their own "inquiries" and lead projects.
• University Matriculation: It's not just "free and fun"; the academic standards are also top-tier. The IB Diploma pass rate is consistently 98-100% annually, and the average score is around 35 points (compared to the global average of about 30), demonstrating exceptional academic performance.

Arts and Service Learning

YIS places a special emphasis on "the arts" and "social contribution."

The facilities for art, music, and drama are professional-grade, allowing students to fully express their creativity. Additionally, through "Service Learning" integrated into the curriculum, the school emphasizes learning outside the classroom, with projects like supporting school construction in Cambodia and addressing local issues in Yokohama.

A Good Fit vs. Not a Good Fit

• A Good Fit: Children who are curious and can find things they want to do on their own. Those who can proactively engage with friends from diverse backgrounds.
• Not a Good Fit: Children who need step-by-step instructions to act. Those who prefer to quietly work on drills in a silent environment.

3. The Reality of Admissions and Transfers: The "Rolling Admissions" Trap

On its official website, YIS admissions are described as "Rolling Admissions." However, it is risky to interpret this as "you can get in anytime."

Waitlisting Has Become the Norm

Due to the new campus's popularity, many grade levels are at full capacity.

Especially in the middle school years (Grades 6-8), where demand is high, it is common for applicants to be placed on a waiting list until a spot opens up, even if their application is accepted.

The priority order is clearly defined as follows:

1. Children of expatriates from overseas (foreign nationals/returnees)
2. Siblings of current students
3. Children of alumni and faculty/staff
4. General applicants (e.g., transfers from other schools in Japan)

Applicants transferring from other international schools within Japan often fall into "Category 4," and the reality is that the effective competition for a spot is extremely high (as places rarely become available).

Selection Process: English Proficiency and "Fit"

This is not an admissions process based on competing for scores on a written exam.

• Document Review: Report cards from the past 2-3 years and, most importantly, a Confidential Recommendation from the current school are given the most weight.
• English Proficiency: While it varies by grade level, English proficiency sufficient to follow lessons is mandatory from Middle School onwards. While ESL (English as a Second Language) support is available, spots are limited.
• Interview/Testing: As needed, applicants may be asked to submit MAP test results, write an essay, or attend an interview. Here, more than just academic ability, they look for "a spirit of inquiry" and whether the student is "a good fit for the YIS community."

4. Tuition & Fees

Following the move to Honmoku, tuition and facility fees have been revised and have tended to increase.

The estimates for the 2025-2026 school year are as follows.

Breakdown of Fees

• Registration Fee: ¥1,350,000 (one-time, non-refundable)
• Building Maintenance Fee: ¥385,000 (annual)
• Annual Tuition:
  • Kindergarten (K) - Grade 5: ¥3,060,000
  • Grades 6 - 11: ¥3,190,000
  • Grade 12: ¥3,285,000

Estimated First-Year Total Cost

For a student enrolling in the elementary school in April, the total cost for the first year will be approximately ¥4.8 to ¥5.0 million.

This is on par with the more expensive international schools in Tokyo (like ASIJ or the British School). However, a key feature of YIS is that its tuition is nearly all-inclusive, covering costs like laptop rental, many field trips, and IB exam fees, resulting in few additional charges.

5. Comparison with Rival School: Saint Maur

In the Yokohama area, YIS is often compared with the equally prestigious Saint Maur International School.

Although the two schools are only about 2km apart in a straight line, their school cultures are almost polar opposites.

YIS tends to be a better fit for active children who are self-starters, while Saint Maur is often more suitable for children who thrive in a calm environment with more hands-on guidance.

Conclusion: YIS Embodies the "Future of Learning"

Yokohama International School (YIS) is a school where the 'hardware' of the Kengo Kuma-designed new campus and the 'software' of its long-cultivated culture of freedom and inquiry are brilliantly fused.

While tuition is not cheap and the admissions hurdle (especially the waitlist) is high, the experience gained here—"learning alongside friends from around the world by posing one's own questions"—will become a priceless, lifelong asset that is hard to find elsewhere.

If you are interested, we recommend first signing up for an "Open House" through the official website to experience its unique atmosphere (the "Dragon Spirit") firsthand. However, as it is a highly popular school, the golden rule is to 'act early (and apply)'.

Check the YIS Official Website (Admissions)