UWC ISAK Japan

UWC ISAK Japan is located in Karuizawa, a mountain resort town in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. The campus sits in a wooded area near Karuizawa town center and is accessible from Tokyo by Shinkansen, about 70 minutes away. The postal address is 5827-136 Nagakura, Karuizawa, Nagano 389-0111.

UWC ISAK Japan offers a three-year high school program: Grade 10 Pre-IB followed by Grades 11 and 12 (IB Diploma Programme). The program is designed for students aged approximately 15 to 19.

UWC ISAK Japan is a co-educational, full-boarding international high school for Grades 10–12. Boarding is provided on campus in houses.

The student body represents more than 80 countries. Approximately 30% of Grade 10 students are Japanese citizens or residents, while about 70% are international students.

The school provides on-site wellbeing and academic support: two full-time school counsellors, a pastoral care team led by a Deputy Head of Pastoral, and House Mentors. The Health & Wellness Center includes a health centre, spaces for fitness and meditation, counselling rooms, and isolation facilities; two full-time nurses and weekly visits by a local doctor support medical needs.

Part of the United World College (UWC) network of 18 schools and colleges around the world.

There is no official religious affiliation; the community is diverse and supports multiple faiths with voluntary religious activities.

The school day typically runs from 8:00 a.m. to 3:40 p.m.

As a full boarding school there is no dedicated school bus service.

Residences offer shared bedrooms and living areas. Rooms are two-person or four-person and housed in facilities for 12 to 18 students, with a spacious living room, kitchenette, and laundry facilities. Each house is supervised by a House Mentor and Residential Advisors, and students run their own house-management systems. Blended housing with gender-neutral facilities is available with parental consent.

UWC ISAK Japan does not have uniforms.

UWC ISAK Japan uses a house system within the boarding program. Each house runs its own management system, helping students develop leadership and problem-solving skills, and is supervised by a House Mentor and Residential Advisors. Blended housing with gender-neutral facilities is available with parental consent; most houses are single-gender.

The school is governed by a Board of Directors. It is accredited by the Japanese Ministry of Education (MEXT) and is an Official IB World School.

UWC ISAK Japan delivers transformative education with dual MEXT and IB certification. Grade 10 provides a MEXT-certified foundation with a leadership program and project-based learning. Grades 11–12 offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IBDP) under the guidance of an IB advisor, with six courses from six subject groups and a two-year timeline. The IBDP core components are Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS); the Extended Essay (EE); and Theory of Knowledge (TOK). All subjects are offered at Higher Level and Standard Level across six groups, including Language A, Language B, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics, and The Arts. The curriculum integrates leadership development and design thinking into academic work, and learning emphasizes global citizenship and intercultural understanding.

There are about 200 students and 70 faculty and staff, giving an approximate student-to-staff ratio of 2.9 to 1.

At UWC ISAK Japan, we believe that academic success goes beyond traditional measures of achievement. It is rooted in fostering global citizenship, where students are empowered to take initiative, serve their communities meaningfully, and engage with the world in responsible, empathetic, and inclusive ways. Success is also defined by high-quality learning and teaching that inspires curiosity, critical thinking, and intercultural understanding.

Academic grades reflect one important indicator of success. This academic success is personalized for each student, where for some this looks like a score in the 40s, where for others, a score in the 20s is reason to celebrate. And other students may opt to graduate with a UWC ISAK and MEXT high school diploma. In all cases, our students have the opportunity to pursue impactful higher education. And so, we view learning as a personalised, continuous process of growth and improvement.

University Advising provides a three-year journey with guidance from University Advisors, meetings with admission officers, and resources to support post-secondary planning. Graduates have matriculated to top colleges and universities in sixteen countries.

UWC ISAK Japan centers social and emotional development through a leadership-focused program. The leadership program treats leadership as a practice that anyone can develop and provides a Grade 10 year to lay the foundation for leadership across the IB years, including a pathway to CAS projects in Grade 11. Students exercise leadership daily through Leadership Projects (CAS), Outdoor Education, and Student-Led Clubs & Activities. Community service is integrated to build empathy, social responsibility, and connections with local communities. Dedicated faculty coaches provide guidance as students identify issues, take action, and communicate their vision. The program emphasizes using diverse perspectives and student autonomy to cultivate Changemakers.

All classes are conducted in English, with exceptions for Japanese and foreign language studies. English-language tests are not required for admission, though a functional level of English is expected; recommended levels include EIKEN Level 2 or higher, TOEFL 65+, TOEIC 600, and IELTS 6+.

UWC ISAK Japan follows a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, addressing mind, body, and spirit. The program integrates academics, outdoor education, boarding life, and a Health & Wellness Center to guide students toward a balanced life. The Health & Wellness Center houses the counseling Office for mental health services and a clinic for physical health, along with a meditation room and an exercise room. Outdoor Education supports leadership and resilience, and small class sizes plus a supportive environment promote mental and emotional well-being, empathy, and self-awareness. Boarding life is designed to be nurturing, with house mentors and a residential team who support student well-being daily. Safeguarding is a core component of well-being across all aspects of school life.

Safeguarding is a priority at UWC ISAK Japan. The Safeguarding Team includes the Head of Pastoral (Designated Safeguarding Lead) and Deputy Safeguarding Leads. Concerns can be raised by emailing safeguarding@uwcisak.jp. The Safeguarding Policy aligns with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child and the UWC Common Standards for Safeguarding, with a zero-tolerance approach to inappropriate behavior. The policy covers training, safe recruitment, and clear reporting and response mechanisms, including oversight by a Nominated Individual and a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

In 2008, Lin Kobayashi and Mamoru Taniya began creating the International School of Asia, Karuizawa (ISAK) with support from 100 founding donors. ISAK opened in 2014 in Karuizawa, Nagano, and joined the United World Colleges movement in 2017. In 2024, UWC ISAK Japan celebrated its 10th anniversary as a high school. The campus is located in Karuizawa, Nagano.

The school has about 200 students representing more than 80 countries. As Japan's first full-boarding international high school (grades 10-12), it offers a boarding school experience. The campus features the Accord Center, Creative Center, and Health and Wellness Center and is located in Karuizawa, Nagano. Boarding life fosters growth within a supportive campus community.

The school is located in Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture, and is Japan's first full-boarding international high school (grades 10-12). The campus blends modern facilities with traditional Japanese design in a forest setting that experiences four distinct seasons. Kamiyama Academic Center (KAC) is the main administrative building, housing classrooms, a library, study areas and meeting rooms; Asama houses the cafeteria and science labs. The Accord Center (TAC) is a multi-purpose venue for assemblies, performances and humanities classes. The Creative Center and Health & Wellness Center are in development to host arts programs and provide counseling, fitness and lifestyle services. Residential housing provides two-person or four-person bedrooms in houses for 12-18 students, with a living room/lounge and kitchenette, supervised by House Mentors and Residential Advisors.

On-campus facilities include a full-sized gymnasium and a sports field. Off-campus facilities at nearby Kazakoshi Park offer curling, skating, swimming, fitness and martial arts. The campus location and facilities support a variety of sports and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Kamiyama Academic Center is the main administrative building with classrooms, a library, study spaces and meeting rooms. Asama houses the cafeteria and state-of-the-art science labs. The Accord Center serves as a venue for assemblies, performances and humanities classes. The Creative Center and Health & Wellness Center are in development to host arts programs and provide counseling, fitness and lifestyle services. The curriculum combines leadership development, design thinking, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP).

Clubs & Activities includes 30+ clubs and competitive sports with student-led opportunities. Core Activities are grouped into seven categories: Peace & non-violence, Stewardship & sustainability, Creativity & entrepreneurship, Japanese culture, Global affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, and Leadership. Core Sports include Tennis; Boys Volleyball; Girls Volleyball; Boys Basketball; Girls Basketball; Gym & Fitness; Swimming; Badminton; Boys Soccer; Girls Soccer; Dance; Cross Country Running; Kyudo; Bouldering/Rock Climbing; Rugby; Track & Field; Curling; Triathlon; and Aikido. Student-Led clubs allow students to start or lead activities and manage budgets with faculty support.

UWC ISAK Japan's academics combine leadership development, design thinking, and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IBDP). The program supports students to drive positive change through an integrated approach to learning. A university advising program provides personalized support for college admissions, gap years, and entrepreneurship.

The Arts program includes Visual Arts with mediums such as photography, painting, 3D, printing, and screen-based art, with access to iPad Pros and Adobe Creative Cloud. Theatre is offered as IB Theatre, covering Theatre in Context, Theatre Processes, and Performing Theatre. IB Film provides hands-on film experiences, balancing theory and creation; Music is a campus-life feature supported by student-led clubs and performances at Ohga Hall.

Japanese Culture integrates traditions and philosophy, including concepts such as wabi-sabi and omotenashi, with activities like tea ceremonies and other workshops. Cultural excursions include hiking, camping, and skiing, with the Discover Shinshu Fund enabling hands-on experiences that connect students with Nagano's history and communities. Traditional handicrafts and Japanese culture in practice involve crafts such as pottery and calligraphy, and a school-wide practice of Stop & Clean emphasizes servant leadership.

Clubs & Activities number 30+ clubs and activities, with all students taking part in Core Activities across seven categories: Peace & non-violence, Stewardship & sustainability, Creativity & entrepreneurship, Japanese culture, Global affairs, Diversity & Inclusion, and Leadership. Students must participate in a Core Activity and a Core Sport, with opportunities to join student-led clubs and even lead them. Student-led clubs provide leadership opportunities with budgets and bi-weekly faculty support.

Leadership Focus includes Community Service as a core element, with students leading projects (CAS) and engaging with local communities. Impact Beyond describes HatchEdu, a project to support educational entrepreneurs, and initiatives around gifted learners and education policy; it also highlights policy recommendations and events for educators and parents. The school emphasizes community impact and real-world engagement as part of its leadership framework.

A Grade 10 leadership program provides a year-long foundation for leadership that carries into the IB years, with personalized and project-based learning. Leadership in Action centers on opportunities such as Leadership Projects (CAS), Outdoor Education, and Student-Led Clubs & Activities. The program also includes university advising and an emphasis on entrepreneurship as part of student development.

A Health & Wellness Center, including a Counseling Office and on-campus clinic, mindfulness spaces, and fitness facilities, supports student well-being. Outdoor Education is a core wellbeing program offering seasonal trips and skill-building activities that foster resilience and teamwork. Boarding life provides residences with House Mentors and Residential Advisors, plus a safeguarding program, counseling, advisory groups, and a supportive community focused on safety and well-being.

The school teaches in English. Languages offered include English, Japanese, Chinese (Mandarin), and Spanish. DP language offerings include English A, English B, Japanese A, Japanese B, Chinese A, Mandarin B, Mandarin Ab Initio, Japanese Ab Initio, Spanish B, and Spanish Ab Initio. The school provides mother tongue language support through School-Supported Self-Taught Language Courses, and English Language Support (EAL) is available.

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Grade 10 entry: Applications open between September 1st and December 1st each year for students aged 14 or 15 and in Grade 9 or equivalent at the point of application.

Grade 11 entry: Applicants to Grade 11 cannot apply to UWC ISAK Japan for direct entry. All applicants must do so through one of two admissions pathways below:

Option 1: Grade 11 entry, please apply through the UWC National Committee (NC) of your country of citizenship or residence. Please see the NC's website for more information about the application process and timeline.

Option 2: If you are able to pay full school fees, you also have the option of applying through the Global Selection Programme (GSP).
You can learn more about the UWC movement and both of the admissions pathways here.

UWC ISAK Japan offers need-based financial assistance rather than merit-based scholarships. Annually, approximately 600 million JPY is awarded in financial aid, and about 70% of students receive some level of support, including full scholarships. Financial assistance is not repayable and is determined by a family's financial need, based on income, assets, expenditures, debt, and other factors; the same-year application deadline applies.

For Grade 10 entrants, financial assistance ranges from partial to full awards. For Grade 11 entrants, scholarships are only available to students applying through the national committee pathway. The financial assistance process requires submitting the Financial Assistance Request Form as part of the online application. Flights and incidental costs are generally not covered.

There is a waitlist pathway through a late application process. Late applicants who do not require financial assistance may be considered if spaces are available. The late application period is not guaranteed and runs only if spaces exist.