Finding childcare in Japan as a foreigner is genuinely stressful — long waiting lists, Japanese-only paperwork, and a system that differs by municipality. Here’s a clear guide to how it works.

Types of Childcare in Japan

Hoikuen (保育園) — Nursery

For children from age 0 to 6 (school age). Run by municipalities and licensed private operators.

Two types:

  • 認可保育園 (Ninka Hoikuen) — government-approved, heavily subsidized. Fees are income-based. Very long waiting lists.
  • 認可外保育園 (Ninkaigai Hoikuen) — non-accredited, less regulated. More expensive, easier to get into.

Kodomo-en (認定こども園) — Combined Nursery/Kindergarten

A hybrid combining the functions of hoikuen and yochien. Increasingly common.

Yochien (幼稚園) — Kindergarten

For children ages 3–6. Education-focused rather than childcare-focused. Usually morning-only (9am–2pm), so it requires a parent at home or arranging additional care.

The Hoikuen Waiting List Problem

Japan has a serious shortage of daycare spots, especially in urban areas. In Tokyo and Osaka, waiting lists run into thousands of children per ward.

Point system: Municipalities use a points-based priority system. Higher points for:

  • Both parents working full-time
  • Single-parent household
  • Disabled parent or sibling
  • Long commute to work

As a foreigner, you have no disadvantage in the system — you’re scored on the same criteria.

Timeline: Applications for April (start of Japanese school year) typically open in October–November the previous year. Apply as early as possible.

Application Process

  1. Register your child’s birth at your local municipal office
  2. Enroll in NHI (health insurance) for your child
  3. Research hoikuen options in your area — municipality websites list all approved facilities
  4. Submit application at your local city/ward/town office
    • Required docs: income certificates, work certificates (from both parents), child’s health records, residence documents
  5. Wait for allocation results — typically announced in February for April entry
  6. If rejected: you go on a waiting list and can try again next term

Costs

Approved Hoikuen (認可)

Fees are calculated based on household income. Families earning under ¥3 million/year pay very little (sometimes zero). Families earning ¥7–10 million+ pay maximum fees of around ¥60,000–100,000/month.

Children aged 3–5 in approved facilities: FREE (government policy since 2019).

Non-approved (認可外)

¥40,000–120,000/month regardless of income. Some subsidy available for 3–5 year olds.

Language Considerations

Most hoikuen operate entirely in Japanese. Your child will likely not have English-speaking staff.

The good news: Young children pick up languages extraordinarily quickly. Most foreign children who enter Japanese nursery between ages 1–3 speak fluent Japanese within 6–12 months.

If you want English education: Look for international preschools (インターナショナルプリスクール). These exist in major cities but are significantly more expensive — ¥100,000–250,000/month.

See our international schools in Japan guide.

After Nursery — Elementary School

Foreign children have the right to attend Japanese public elementary school (小学校). It is not compulsory for foreign children, but most enroll.

Contact your local Board of Education (教育委員会) to enroll. Schools typically have some support for non-Japanese speaking children, though quality varies.

Tips for Expat Parents

  • Get your child’s documents translated early — birth certificates often need apostille and Japanese translation
  • Join a local expat parent group — Facebook groups for expat parents in Tokyo, Osaka, etc. are invaluable
  • Apply to multiple facilities — put your name on every waiting list you’re eligible for
  • Babysitters: Japan has a growing babysitting culture. Apps like Kidsline connect parents with vetted babysitters