Hakuba International School

Hakuba International School (HIS) is a boutique international boarding school nestled in the Hakuba Valley of Nagano Prefecture, one of Japan premier alpine destinations. Founded by Tomoko Kusamoto and officially opened, the school provides a distinctive nature-connected international education for students in Grades 6 through 12, approximately ages 11 to 18. HIS combines rigorous academic preparation with an outdoor learning philosophy that leverages the extraordinary natural environment of the Hakuba mountains. The school offers a curriculum preparing students for university admission globally, with particular strengths in environmental studies and physical education embedded in mountain life. With a deliberately small student body of around 60 students, Hakuba International School provides intensive personalized support, small class sizes, and strong mentoring relationships between students and teachers. The boarding environment fosters independence, resilience, and a deep appreciation for nature. Hakuba Village world-class ski resorts, hiking trails, and mountain scenery create a unique backdrop for holistic education. The school attracts students from Japan and internationally who seek an alternative to conventional urban international schools, with annual fees from approximately 3,400,000 yen.