In the beautiful Hakuba Valley of Nagano Prefecture, right near the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics, sits a school unlike any other in Japan. Hakuba International School (HIS) brings together the best of education with the natural wonders of the Japanese Alps. The school keeps its classes small and personal, with just 40 students in grades 7-10 for the 2024-25 school year, creating a close-knit community where every student can thrive. HIS also offers a great educational and enriching summer school in Japan.
A Different Kind of Learning
At HIS, students learn differently. While preparing for university, they also learn about taking care of our environment and developing as individuals. The school uses hands-on projects, group discussions, and activities that help students grow both academically and personally. Classes are taught in English, students can propose personal interest projects for school credit, and everyone learns Japanese to stay connected with local culture. Alongside electives like STEM in the Wilderness, Entrepreneurship, and Emerging Technologies, students can take a rigorous Advanced Placement Curriculum and receive an AP Capstone Diploma and a Hakuba International School Diploma. Projects have real-world applications and share ideas with audiences like the United Nations and local government officials.
The school has earned recognition from the Japanese government and is working toward international WASC certification, joining other leading international schools in Tokyo in maintaining high educational standards. Students learn from an experienced team of twenty full time staff, meaning this International School in Japan has an unbeatable ratio of student to teachers of almost 1:2! They bring knowledge from schools across four continents, ensuring a truly global perspective.
Life on Campus
Imagine having the mountains as your classroom. At HIS, students move easily between regular classes and outdoor adventures. Throughout the year, they can ski in winter, hike in summer, and try activities like river rafting. This makes it one of the most involved and interactive international schools in Japan.
Despite feeling worlds away from city life, the campus is easy to reach from Tokyo – just a 1.5-hour bullet train to Nagano and then a 1.5-hour bus ride after that. The train to Hakuba station takes 4 hours, and a coach takes 5 hours showing just how well this tucked away mountain oasis is.
An amazing Summer School
Want to try out life at HIS? The school’s popular summer program for 2025, called “Flourishing People, Flourishing Planet,” welcomes students from grades 6-9 for exciting two-week sessions in June and July. Students dive into science projects, create art, learn about how things connect in our world, and spend plenty of time outdoors. They stay in the comfortable Miyama Dormitory, making friends from around the world.
The summer program package covers everything: room and board, insurance, and all activities. Students work on environmental projects while making memories and friendships that last long after summer ends. With limited places it’s important to sign up as soon as possible.
Growing for the Future
HIS is growing thoughtfully. By the 2026-27 school year, it will add grades 11 and 12, with its first class graduating in 2027. The school started with successful summer programs under the vision of founder Tomoko Kusamoto, before opening its doors as a full international boarding school in August 2022.
As a non-profit school, HIS stays true to its original mission of combining innovative teaching with respect for nature. Students get expert help planning for university, and the school’s program ensures they’re ready for higher education anywhere in the world – all while understanding how to be good stewards of our environment.
Want to learn more? Whether you’re interested in regular admission, summer programs, or just visiting the campus, the HIS team is ready to help you explore this unique learning opportunity.
This is a repost of an article from the Housing Japan newsroom.