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Tokyo

Japan

Tokyo disorients, then wins you over: a megacity of unbelievable safety and cleanliness, where children gain an autonomy unthinkable elsewhere. The French community is long-established, from Kagurazaka to the lycée in Takinogawa.

Currency
Yen (¥)
Language
Japanese
Time vs Paris
7 to 8h ahead
Emergencies
119 (ambulance), 110 (police)

FIAFE network

The Accueil for French-speaking families

In each city, a volunteer-run association from the FIAFE network welcomes, informs and helps French-speaking families settling in.

Association des Français du Japon (AFJ)

Since 1951

Founded in 1951, the AFJ is the oldest Accueil in the FIAFE network: a monthly welcome breakfast at the French embassy, year-round workshops, a weekly newsletter and a big back-to-school café with the whole francophone community.

Where to meet them

Welcome breakfast once a month at the French embassy (Minami-Azabu, Minato-ku).

Visit the association's website See the FIAFE page

What they offer

  • Monthly welcome breakfast at the French embassy
  • Big back-to-school café in September
  • Sports, art, well-being and Japanese immersion workshops
  • Weekly newsletter and practical guide

Other support networks

Two large national networks also support the French abroad, each with its local chapter.

  • UFE

    UFE Japon

    The UFE chapter in Japan, based in Tokyo, organises talks and gatherings, often at the Institut français du Japon.

    Visit the website
  • Français du monde – ADFE

    Français du monde – ADFE Tokyo

    The Tokyo section supports French residents of Japan with their paperwork and runs a francophone solidarity second-hand bookshop.

    Visit the website Email the chapter

The French business network

The local French chamber of commerce (CCI France International network) is a real asset for work: networking, job offers and help to restart a career or start a business locally.

CCI France International

CCI France Japon (CCIFJ)

The leading European chamber in Japan, based in Tokyo, with a member directory, job offers and many networking events to help a spouse find work and the family settle in.

Visit the website CCI country page

AEFE network

Accredited French schools

Schools accredited by the French Ministry of Education follow the French curriculum: your child can continue their schooling seamlessly, abroad and back in France.

💰 Compare school fees

Source: official AEFE directory, verified June 2026. aefe.gouv.fr

Tutoring and private lessons

To support your children's schooling across two systems, two solutions designed for expat families.

  • Axiom Academic

    Private lessons and tutoring for expat families: French curriculum, IB and British curriculum, at home or online, with teachers who know the schools in your city.

    Discover Axiom Academic

  • IB Tutor

    Tutors specialised in the International Baccalaureate: online lessons in every IB subject, to aim for top grades from MYP to the diploma.

    Discover IB Tutor

Schools and education

The Lycée français international de Tokyo gathers the whole French curriculum on its Takinogawa campus, nursery to baccalaureate. Around it, Japanese public school is a real immersion option for younger children.

Good to know

  • LFI Tokyo (AEFE-affiliated) teaches about 1,550 pupils: apply ahead, from France if possible.
  • Japanese public school is free, demanding and highly structured: immersion works well in early years.
  • Mind the local calendar: the Japanese school year starts in April (the LFI follows the French rhythm).
  • English-language international schools abound but are pricey; Japanese stays secondary there.

Children's healthcare

Japanese healthcare is excellent and affordable: national health insurance covers 70% of costs, and many municipalities make care free for children.

Good to know

  • Register for health insurance (kokumin kenkō hoken or employer scheme) at the city hall on arrival.
  • Most Tokyo wards reimburse the remaining share of children's care.
  • English-speaking clinics and a few French-speaking doctors practise around Hiroo and Minami-Azabu.
  • 119 covers ambulance and fire; the hospital system is highly reliable.

French-speaking community

Kagurazaka, the historic French quarter around the Institut français, remains the beating heart of the community: bakeries, bookshops and francophone cafés. The AFJ has federated it all since 1951.

Good to know

  • The AFJ (FIAFE network) has welcomed newcomers for over 70 years.
  • Kagurazaka and the Institut français du Japon concentrate francophone cultural life.
  • Families often settle around Hiroo, Minami-Azabu, Kagurazaka or near the lycée in Kita-ku.
  • The Français du monde solidarity bookshop recycles French-language books.

Family outings and events

Tokyo with kids is organised enchantment: huge parks, trains on time, interactive museums and a cherry-blossom season that turns every park into a family festival.

Good to know

  • Ueno (zoo + museums) and Yoyogi are the weekend classics; spring hanami is unforgettable.
  • teamLab, the Ghibli Museum (book far ahead) and Disney complete the toolkit.
  • Children commute to school alone from primary age: an autonomy that changes family life.
  • Matsuri (neighbourhood festivals) punctuate summer: yukata, stalls and drums for the kids.

These landmarks change fast: the MumExpat community will keep them up to date.

Coming soon: the full Tokyo guide.

Verified addresses, paediatricians recommended by mums, a family agenda updated every week. Join the waitlist to discover the Tokyo page first.

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