Hakuba International School is a Bespoke Curriculum school in Hakuba, Japan. Founded in 2022. Annual tuition ranges from $25,058 to $28,341 USD.
Location & Getting There
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Need-based financial aid available through the HIS Fund, funded by donations. Tuition covers only part of the school's cost; financial aid is one of the areas supported by contributions. No public application process published; families should contact the school directly.
Key facts
About
Hakuba International School is a small international boarding and day school set in Japan's scenic Hakuba Valley in Nagano Prefecture, near the 1998 Winter Olympics site. It offers a university-preparatory 'Human Flourishing Curriculum' for Grades 7–11, using project-based learning, outdoor expeditions, and social-emotional learning within a multinational community of around 60 students. The school operates as a not-for-profit foundation with a strong emphasis on wellbeing, environmental sustainability, and developing globally minded graduates.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
Why Families Choose
Located in the Hakuba Valley near the 1998 Winter Olympics site, offering unique access to year-round outdoor and mountain activities. Operates a distinctive 'Human Flourishing Curriculum' with six-week project-based learning 'bursts' and outdoor expeditions. Small school with a multinational community of 18 nationalities and typical class sizes of 8. University-preparatory program integrating SEL, project-based learning, Socratic Seminars, and sustainability.
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| High School | JPY 4,230,000~$ 28,106 |
| Middle School | JPY 3,740,000~$ 24,850 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: ¥3,740,000 - 4,230,000. Application fee: $168.
Admissions Process
- 1Submit Admissions Inquiry form. Step 2: Submit formal application, transcripts, and recommendations. Step 3: English readiness assessment via conversations and live writing samples. Step 4: Zoom-based interview; optional campus visit or info session. Step 5: If admitted, pay Registration Fee (JPY 500,000 overseas / JPY 300,000 domestic) and annual fees. Step 6: New students typically join at start of school year (late August); limited mid-year openings possible.
Admissions Details
Admissions operate on a rolling basis with limited mid-year openings. No formal published waitlist mechanism; decisions appear to be made as space becomes available.
Boarding Life
Two dormitories — Blanche (Girls) and Miyama (Boys) — house almost 50 students. Rooms are doubles or triples with en suite bathroom, bunk beds, desks, and dressers. Residential faculty live on-site alongside students providing pastoral care.
Two dormitories: Blanche (Girls Dorm) and Miyama (Boys Dorm), housing almost 50 students. Rooms are doubles or triples with en suite, bunk beds, desks, and dressers. Residential faculty live alongside students. Roommate pairing matches by personality and mixes cultural/linguistic backgrounds.
School Day
Three trimesters; four academic days per week with six courses per day; the fifth day is allocated to off-campus projects and applied learning experiences. Calendar runs from August 31, 2025 to June 13, 2026. Six-week project 'bursts' are separated by weeks that include outdoor expeditions.
Student Life
A commercial kitchen in Blanche prepares wholesome meals for lunch for all students and faculty.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
The Human Flourishing Curriculum centers wellbeing as a foundation for learning, drawing on research-informed frameworks including MIT's Compassionate Systems Framework. Reinforced through SEL, Advisory relationships (5–10 students per group), Residential Life with House Parents, and Counseling provided by a licensed professional.
Safeguarding is a top priority with detailed protocols. All staff and Board members receive annual safeguarding training. A designated safeguarding lead coordinates efforts. Policies align with CIS ITFCP recommendations and applicable Japanese laws. Safe recruitment is practiced.
Student Demographics
School Background
Not-for-profit organization governed by a Board, organized as the Hakuba International School Foundation, supported by tuition and donor funding.