Childcare Options in Japan: Complete Tokyo Daycare Guide for English-Speaking Expats

Tokyo offers three main pre-school childcare options for ages 0–5: hoikuen (保育園, licensed daycare centers), yochien (幼稚園, kindergartens), and 認定こども園 (nintei-kodomoen, certified centers combining both). Children aged 3–5 can attend any of these free of charge under Tokyo's childcare subsidy program. Key differences include eligibility, hours, and application method (see table below). In general, hoikuen provide full-day care (≈8 hours or more) for working parents, while yochien offer shorter morning sessions (around 4 hours, often with optional after-care) focused on early childhood education. International preschools (private, typically 認可外保育施設) also operate, offering bilingual programs but charging higher fees (partially offset by government subsidies up to ¥37,000/month).

Type	Age (yrs)	Hours	Eligibility & Apply	Costs & Subsidy
Hoikuen	0–5 (licensed)	Full day (~8+ hours)	For working (or studying) parents. Must obtain "need for care" certification and apply through the municipality. Priority by point system (see below).	Fee set by household income. Daycare care is free for ages 3–5; parents pay based on income.
Yochien	3–5	Half day (~4 hr) (with optional extended care)	Open to all local children (education only). Parents choose a school and apply directly (often fall deadline, lottery if oversubscribed). No work requirement.	Monthly tuition and fees (e.g. one Tokyo ward's kinder charges ¥33,000/mo after free subsidy). The education portion for 3–5 yos is covered by public subsidy.
Nintei Kodomoen (認定こども園)	0–5	Flexible (full or half day)	Hybrid of daycare+kindergarten. Open to working and non-working families alike. Apply via ward or directly consult the facility. Operates under daycare rules – fees by income (3–5 free) or education rules if in "education" track.
Intl. Preschool (認可外)	~1–5	Varies (often full day)	Private programs. No government "need" requirement – parents apply year-round directly. Must meet requirements to qualify as childcare facility. (Foreign residents on certain visas may need special work permission.)	High tuition (~¥50–70k+/mo), but up to ¥37,000/month is subsidized for 3–5 yos (¥42,000 for low-income 0–2) if the facility is registered. (Extra costs for materials, meals, etc.)

Tokyo Childcare Options: Daycares and Preschools for International Families

Hours and Care: Hoikuen are full-day daycare facilities (open early morning to evening), whereas most yochien run short sessions (morning only). Many kindergartens do offer extended daycare or mixed-age programs, but by law they must at least provide the ~4-hour education core. Certified centers (認定こども園) can offer either schedule to fit parents' needs.

Enrollment & Application: Hoikuen places are limited and prioritized by "points" (保育の必要性の認定) – typically based on parents' work, health or other needs. Guardians must apply through the ward (not directly to each school) using official forms. Kindergarten enrollment is usually done individually: parents pick a school and submit an application to that school (or municipal education office). Tokyo wards commonly accept applications for April admission in late fall (e.g. Minato City's yochien forms were distributed Nov 11–22). If there are more applicants than spots, kindergartens conduct a lottery; siblings in the school often get automatic priority.

Eligibility: Only Hoikuen and 認定こども園 require a certified "need" (parents working, studying, etc.). If parents are not working, they generally cannot enroll their child in a standard licensed daycare (unless the facility is a certified center accepting education-only tracks). Non-working families can freely choose a kindergarten (education program) with no need certification. International school do not impose parents' work requirements, but foreign visa status matters: some visas (e.g. student visas) may require an extra "資格外活動許可証" to allow full-time childcare fees to be subsidized.

Fees: Tokyo's "Free Preschool" (無償化) program covers the basic childcare or education fees for ages 3–5 in licensed daycare centers, kindergartens, or certified centers. For hoikuen this means the income-adjusted fee for 3–5 yos is effectively zero; kindergarten tuition fees above actual costs are also covered. However, families usually still pay for uniforms, meals, and other incidental costs. International preschools (most being unlicensed) qualify up to the same subsidy limits (up to ¥37,000/mo for 3–5 yos, and ¥42,000 for 0–2 in low-income households), provided they have registered as childcare facilities. In practice, international school remain pricier: after subsidy, parents might still pay on the order of ¥25–35k per month.

Daycare in Japan: How to Apply for Hoikuen (Japanese Daycares)

Check Eligibility: Hoikuen are for children whose families have "need" (usually parents working or studying). Confirm with your ward's Childcare Section what qualifies (employment contracts, study certificates, health needs, etc.).

Gather Documents: Typical applications require (see Arakawa ward example) a Hoikuen entry form, a Childcare Benefit Certification form (子どものための教育・保育給付認定申請書), a Child Health Report, and proof of caregiver status. For working parents, a recent Employment Certificate (就労証明書) is needed (often within 3 months). Foreign residents must include their Residence Card (both sides) and passport if requested. (Some wards note that foreign applicants may need additional work permits on certain visas.) Use your ward's website to download exact forms; e.g. Arakawa ward provides templates and checklists online.

Apply on Time: Submit your application to the ward before the deadline. In Tokyo, April enrollment is most competitive: for example, Arakawa ward's first-round period for April 2025 was Oct. 28–Nov. 11, 2024. (Second-round applications for remaining spots typically occur in December/January.) Many wards allow electronic, mail, or in-person submission. You must apply for a specific entry month; Tokyo daycare centers only admit on the 1st of each month (no mid-month start).

Confirmation & Interviews: The ward will notify you of your "neitei" (preliminary acceptance) by phone or post. Once accepted, the designated daycare will set a date for a parent-child interview and health check. At that point, you finalize paperwork and pay any admission fees.

Prepare "Points" (選考指数): If demand exceeds supply, wards rank applicants by a point system. These points are based on factors like parents' work hours, family conditions, etc. Tip: Consult your ward's admission criteria to calculate your points in advance (some families even call the ward office to double-check their score). A higher score means higher priority.

Find Childcare: Hoikuen Application Checklist for Expat Families

• Determine desired start month and check your ward's timetable.
• Obtain and fill out the ward's Hoikuen Admission Application and Childcare Benefit Certification forms.
• Prepare proofs of status: work or study certificates, income tax docs, etc.
• Include child's health record (医療・保育調査票) and any special needs info.
• For foreign applicants: copy front/back of Residence Card and passport.
• Submit all paperwork before the deadline (e.g. by the 10th of the month prior).
• Contact the ward or ask a Japanese-speaking friend to assist with the application details.

Preschools in Tokyo: Kindergarten Applications for English-Speaking Families

Find a School: First, decide if you want a public or private kindergarten. Tokyo has many wards with public (ward-run) yochien; their information is on each ward's website. Private (認可 or 認可外) kindergartens each have their own programs. Tour any you're interested in – many host open-house info sessions in September–October.

Age & Timing: Kindergartens admit children in Japan who turn 3 by April 1 of the Japanese school year (and up to 5 yos). Note that Tokyo public kindergartens usually only accept April entry each year. (Example: Minato City specified that 3- and 4-year-old entrants must be born between April and the following April.) If your child is older or you need mid-year start, your daycare options may be limited to private kindergartens or certified centers.

Apply: During the application window (often in November), submit an admission form to your chosen kindergarten. For public yochien this can be done in person, by mail, or online. (E.g., Minato City accepted electronic and paper applications Nov 11–22.) You typically just need the application itself (no special "need" documents) and payment of a small application fee. In the example Minato kindergarten, the form fee was ¥8,000. After submission, schools may schedule an interview or simply do a lottery if there are more applicants than spaces. Siblings already enrolled often receive priority – if a current student has a younger sibling applying, they usually win that spot.

Admission and Fees: Once accepted, pay the enrollment fee and any facility fees. For example, a Minato City ward kindergarten charged ¥100,000 for enrollment plus ¥80,000 facility fees. (These large fees are pre-paid once; subsequent monthly tuition was about ¥33,000.) Note: Starting in 2025, the basic tuition portion for ages 3–5 will be covered by subsidy, but all one-time and incidentals (uniforms, events, meals) are still paid by families.

Yochien Application Checklist for Children in Japan

• Confirm your child meets the age cutoff (often born April 2, 2021 – April 1, 2022 for 3-year-olds in 2025).
• Obtain the kindergarten's application form during the distribution period (often Oct–Nov). Fees for the form are typically small (e.g. ¥800–¥3,000).
• Complete the form and submit by the deadline (online or paper).
• If required, attend an interview or provide requested documents.
• Once offered admission, pay any entrance/annual fees by the due date.

International School and Multilingual Daycare Services in Tokyo

International (English-speaking or bilingual) preschools in Tokyo are usually unlicensed childcare facilities (認可外保育施設). They vary widely in size and curriculum. Since they operate outside the public daycare system, you apply directly to each school, often any time of year. Many accept rolling enrollment as long as space exists.

Curriculum & Language: These schools typically use English immersion or bilingual programs, and hire foreign teachers. They may have a broader age range (often 1–5 years) and offer an international-style curriculum.

Fees and Subsidies: Tuition is generally much higher than public daycares. However, as long as the school has registered with the government, parents of 3–5 yos can receive the same childcare subsidy: up to ¥37,000 per month is covered. (For 0–2 yos in low-income households, up to ¥42,000 is covered.) For example, if a preschool charges ¥65,000/month, after subsidy a family might pay around ¥28,000. Note that only the tuition portion is subsidized, not meals or uniforms. Warning: Not all international school qualify – they must meet government standards and be listed as "認可外保育園" to get any subsidy. Always confirm with the school (or ward office) whether the free program applies.

Schedule: Many international preschools run full-day programs, often Monday–Friday with optional extension programs. Some may also offer after-school or weekend language classes. Be aware that these schools may follow different academic calendars (some align with the international school year).

Childcare Service Eligibility for Foreign Residents and Expats

"Need for Care" Certification: To enroll in public hoikuen (and get subsidies), Tokyo requires that parents meet certain criteria (work, study, health care needs, etc.). The local city will assess this and issue a "certification of need." Non-working families generally cannot use a standard hoikuen slot unless the facility is a certified kindergarten-track. However, a non-working parent may still send the child to a kindergarten or a certified center (education-only program).

Foreign Nationals: Tokyo wards are generally very open to foreign residents, but language barriers and visa rules can be obstacles. For example, some wards explicitly note that foreigners should bring passport + residence card when applying, and that those on student or visitor visas may need extra permissions (資格外活動許可) for subsidized care. It is wise to check your visa's work authorization if you plan to work to obtain daycare eligibility.

Daycare Services Timeline: When to Apply for Tokyo International Childcare

• April Admission: Almost all Tokyo daycare centers and kindergartens use April 1 as the entry date. Applications for April openings are usually due in the preceding fall/winter. Daycares: first-round deadlines in late Oct/Nov (e.g. Arakawa Ward used Oct.28–Nov.11, 2024), with a second round (smaller vacancies) in Jan/Feb. Kindergartens: forms typically distributed in early November, with final submission by late November.
• Other Months: Some wards allow in-year daycare starts on the 1st of each month (except Feb/Mar) – you must apply by the 10th of the prior month. Kindergartens usually do not admit mid-year (except transfer cases to other wards or private schools).
• Results: For daycares, wards notify accepted families by mail or phone shortly after the application round. For kindergartens, schools (or the board) often publish lottery results by late November. Plan on having backup options (e.g. private centers or other wards) if you face a waitlist.

Babysitter and Childcare Support: Practical Tips for Expat Families

• Use Local Resources: Each Tokyo ward has its own childcare webpages (often only in Japanese). Visit them early. For instance, Arakawa Ward provides detailed guidance and document checklists. If Japanese is difficult, bring a bilingual friend or hire help. As one advisor notes: "bring someone who understands Japanese and discuss your family's situation at the ward office". Many wards also offer english-speaking support lines.
• Calculate Your "Points": Entering a Tokyo daycare can be very competitive – "it's said to be as hard as getting into college," one mother observed. Some expat families even move to wards with lower demand to improve chances. Find childcare through your ward's scoring system online, and consider strategies (e.g. having both parents listed as working, or scheduling doctor appointments, can raise points). Keep a copy of all paperwork and note deadlines carefully.
• Prepare Early: Visit potential schools or daycare facilities before applying. Public kindergartens often hold info sessions (e.g. Minato kindergartens had open days on Sept.29 and Oct.18). Check if they have multilingual materials. Confirm how sibling priority works (in Minato, siblings were exempted from the lottery).
• Part-Time & Stay-at-Home Parents: If a parent only works part-time, you still usually qualify for daycare care by showing your work contract (parks, companies often fill the employment form). If both parents are at home and neither works, a standard daycare slot won't be granted. Instead, you may opt for kindergarten or apply to a certified center as an education-only child. In practice, many "stay-at-home" expatriate families in Tokyo send their 3–5 yos to kindergarten for the social and educational experience.
• Budgeting: Keep in mind all fees. Aside from tuition, there are uniforms, meals, transport, and event costs. Tokyo often collects one lump "education enrichment fee" annually (e.g. ¥24,000 in a Minato kindergartens) plus materials. Put these sums into your budget plan. Also apply early for any childcare allowances or subsidies via the ward (some wards require a separate application for the 3–5 subsidy).

Childcare Options Summary: Complete Checklist for Finding Daycare in Japan

• Assess Needs: Determine if you need full-time daycare (hoikuen/certified center) or just preschool education (yochien).
• Research: Use Tokyo/ward portals to learn differences. Find nearby childcare facilities and their websites or ward lists.
• Attend Events: Join info sessions or open houses of kindergartens; tour daycares if possible.
• Prepare Documents: Gather ID (resident card), proof of address, income/employment papers, health record, etc., well before deadlines.
• Monitor Deadlines: Note important dates (daycare applications in Oct–Nov and Jan; kindergartens in Nov). Mark your calendar for form pick-up and submission periods.
• Apply & Follow Up: Submit all required paperwork by the deadline. After applying, keep track of contact info from each office. When accepted, immediately complete any follow-up steps (pay fees, attend orientations, apply for benefits).

By carefully planning each stage and using local resources, international families can successfully navigate Tokyo's childcare system. Remember that each ward's procedures may vary, so always check your ward's official site or hotline. With persistence and preparation (and a little help from japanese-speaking friends or consultants), you'll find childcare options that fits your family's schedule and needs in Tokyo.