School Time in Japan: Daily Schedule, Lunch, and After-School Care

Key Takeaways

• Why it matters: Expat parents need to know Japanese school routines (start times, lunch, and after-care) to help children adapt smoothly in 2025. Japan's educational institutions have distinctive schedules and rules, and policies (like rising foreign enrollment and new schedules) are evolving.
• Typical schedule: Classes usually begin around 8:30–8:45am and run through 4–6 periods. Elementary students have 4 classes in the morning, lunch around 12:15–13:00, and finish by early afternoon (around 3:00pm for six-period days).
• Lunch (Kyūshoku): Virtually all public schools provide a hot lunch after fourth period (typically 12:15–13:00). Parents pay roughly ¥4,500 per month on average, though low-income families often get subsidies.
• After-school childcare: Municipal "After-school Clubs" (放課後児童クラブ) keep kids safe until about 6:00–6:30pm for working parents. Fees are modest (around ¥4,000/month) with waivers for some households. Spots can fill quickly, so apply early in the fall (usually Nov–Dec for April enrollment).
• 2025 Trend: Many schools are adopting a new "five-class morning" schedule (全校 '午前5時間制'), meaning earlier start times, slightly later lunches, and longer post-school free time. This reflects reforms aimed at reducing afternoon classes and easing teacher workloads.

Why School Time in Japan Matters in 2025

For families moving to Japan, understanding the school day is crucial. Japan has seen a surge in foreign student enrollment (over 114,000 foreign students in public schools by 2025) and is actively promoting inclusive education. Schools are also changing their schedules: starting in 2025, more districts (like Meguro City) are shifting to a 5-class morning schedule, which starts earlier and ends sooner. At the same time, government childcare policies are expanding – for example, after-school clubs aim to serve 1.52 million children under a new 2025 plan. Compared to past generations (when full 6-day weeks or mixed schedules were common), today's students may attend classes on Saturday for special programs, have mandatory classroom cleaning time, and rely on structured after-school care. In sum, legal and social shifts mean that knowing the daily schedule, lunch system, and after-school options is more important than ever for expat families in 2025.

Daily School Schedule

Japanese elementary schools generally run Monday to Friday, with children arriving by about 8:00–8:20am. A short morning assembly (朝の会) usually starts around 8:25–8:35am, where teachers take attendance and give announcements. The first class (1限目) then starts at roughly 8:45am and each lesson lasts 45 minutes. Between classes there are brief 5–10 minute breaks, and a longer 20-minute break between second and third periods.

Typically, students complete 4 classes in the morning. After 4th period (around midday), lunch time begins for everyone (see next section). After lunch and a short recess, students usually have 1–2 more classes. In total, a full school day might have 5 or 6 periods: for example, ending around 2:30pm (5 periods) or 3:30pm (6 periods). Lower grades often have only 4–5 periods (ending by early afternoon), while 5th–6th graders commonly have 6 periods.

Key requirement: If your child will be late or absent, notify the educational institution promptly (typically by phone). Teachers worry if a child misses morning assembly (朝の会 at 8:25–8:35) without notice. It's best to arrive by 8:20am so your child is in class by the morning meeting.

Practical tip: Have your child practice the commute route and make a morning checklist (shoes, bag, lunch items) so they consistently arrive on time and ready for the 8:25am start.

School Lunch and Recess

By law, almost all Japanese public elementary schools offer a balanced hot lunch (kyūshoku) around midday. Lunch typically begins around 12:15pm and lasts ~45 minutes (15 minutes to prepare, 20 minutes to eat, 10 minutes to clean up). The menu is planned by nutritionists and often includes rice, protein, vegetables, soup, and milk. Students eat in their classrooms while seated at desks. Milk and condiments are served family-style, and children take turns in lunch duty roles (配膳当番) to distribute food and carry trays.

After eating, students enjoy recess (昼休み) roughly 13:00–13:20 (weather permitting, children play outside). Then the class performs cleaning duties (掃除) for about 15–20 minutes (13:20–13:40). Cleaning tasks are assigned by class and include sweeping floors, wiping blackboards, or cleaning windows. This routine (meal and chore) is part of the curriculum, teaching teamwork and responsibility.

Practical tip: Decide with the educational institution whether your child will join the kyūshoku program or bring a bento (packed lunch). Most parents use school lunch; if your child has dietary restrictions, inform the staff in advance. On lunch days, ensure your child has an apron, napkin, and indoor slippers – they typically change shoes and aprons for lunch duties.

Citing cost: Public school lunch is not free. Parents pay a monthly fee (averaging about ¥4,477/month for elementary) to cover ingredients and cooking. Low-income or multi-child families may qualify for waivers. (If your child opts out of kyūshoku, they must bring a nutritionally adequate bento each day.)

Cleaning Time and End-of-Day

After recess, the cleaning period (掃除) usually follows around 13:20, lasting up to 20 minutes. Every student participates, and tasks are rotated. After cleaning, classes resume briefly if needed, followed by a short closing homeroom (終わりの会) of ~10 minutes where teachers give final instructions and hand out announcements.

Finally, dismissal (下校) occurs. If the school day had only 4 periods (common in lower grades), dismissal is ~12:30pm. With 5 periods, it's ~14:30; with 6 periods, ~15:30. Children then go home or to after-school activities. Many schools organize group walking (集団下校) for safety.

Example: "In many schools, a student in 1st–3rd grade finishes at lunchtime or after 5th period (~2:30), while 4th–6th graders often stay until 6th period (~3:30)." Always check the specific schedule on the first day or calendar, since exact times vary by institution and grade.

Extracurricular Clubs (Bukatsu)

Starting around 4th grade, some elementary schools introduce optional after-school clubs and committees. For example, club activities (クラブ活動) like music or sports begin in 4th grade, and student committees (児童会や委員会) in 5th grade, usually meeting immediately after class. Participation is voluntary and the schedule is typically once or twice a week. Common clubs include choir, brass band, basketball, or radio club – similar to small-scale versions of older students' "bukatsu" activities.

Pro tip: Check if the educational institution offers any free or low-cost after-school clubs your child might enjoy. Even if your child doesn't join a formal club, Japanese students often play with classmates after class or walk home in groups (especially in lower grades). For working parents, these club activities do not replace formal after-school childcare (see below).

After-School Childcare (放課後児童クラブ)

If both parents (or a single parent) work, elementary children often attend a municipal after-school club (放課後児童クラブ) from dismissal until around 6:00–6:30pm. These clubs are mandated by law for children who need care during the day (児童福祉法第6条の3). Children get supervised play, help with homework, and a snack. The before/after-school care hours are generous: for weekdays, care starts after the last bell until 6:30pm; they also operate during holidays and some weekends (except major holidays).

You must apply in advance – typically each fall for the following April intake. Applications are filed at the city/ward office or the children's club itself. Enrollment is limited: working-parent status or other needs are required, and if applications exceed capacity, priority goes to younger grades and those with the greatest need. For example, Miyakonojo City (in Kagoshima) notes that even if you apply, "必ず入会できるとは限りません" (admission is not guaranteed). Always check local deadlines – many cities advertise the application window around October–December.

Costs: Public after-school clubs have a nominal fee. In many wards it's around ¥4,000–¥6,000 per month (Miyakonojo specifies ¥4,000) and often includes a small snack or drink fee (~¥2,000). Fee waivers or reductions are common for low-income families.

Alternative options: If you can't secure a spot, consider privately-run after-school programs or community centers (some use English), or arrange a part-time caregiver. Certain wards have volunteer "hoiku-mama" networks or babysitting vouchers (e.g. Itabashi's Sukusuku Card) that can help cover after-school care when club spots are full.

Best Practices

Follow institutional rules precisely: Children must arrive on time and wear indoor shoes (上履き) in class. A common challenge is forgetting the indoor shoe change; pack a separate small bag with uwabaki and apron for lunch.
Mitigation: Establish a nightly checklist (bag, shoes, apron) and label all items with your child's name.

Don't miss deadlines: Applications for schooling (if coming mid-year) and after-school care have strict windows. For afterschool clubs, mark the city office's November–December deadline.
Mitigation: Follow your ward's child-care bulletin board or website, or ask at the City Hall's child section. Foreign parents should get on local mailing lists or use a bilingual community liaison if available.

Communication challenges: Notices are usually in Japanese. Missing announcements (for fees, field trips, or events) is common among non-Japanese speakers.
Mitigation: Join the parent association (PTA) or use translation apps. Make a friend who speaks Japanese, or ask the institution if they provide translated materials.

Health & attendance: Not calling when your child is sick can cause panic.
Mitigation: Always notify the institution in the morning if your child is absent or late. For late arrivals, accompany your child to the office (遅刻届) to sign in.

Allergies/dietary needs: Some schools may not automatically know about allergies.
Mitigation: Provide a medical note or allergy action plan to the teacher/lunch staff, and pack alternative food items if needed. Ensure the staff knows your child isn't eating forbidden items.

Risk/Challenge	Impact	How to Avoid
Forgetting to apply on time	No after-school care spot; stress	Note deadlines in calendar; apply early
Missing notices (Japanese-only)	Missed fees or events; confusion	Use translation tools; buddy with local parent
Unprepared lunch (no fee/payment)	Child goes hungry or embarrassed	Pre-pay lunch fee; send bento/back-up snack
Incomplete supplies/uniform	Child unable to participate in class	Prepare night before; check supply list

Checklist

• Confirm enrollment: Contact your local Board of Education or institution by late winter to verify your child's elementary school and submit the enrollment form. Note that the Japanese school year starts in April.
• Gather documents: Prepare required paperwork (child's residence card, passport, birth certificate, health check forms, and any transfer documents if coming from overseas).
• Attend orientation: Participate in any newcomer or parent orientation at the institution. Collect the handbook and calendar of events.
• Arrange lunch: Decide on school lunch or homemade bento. If using kyūshoku, sign up and pay the fees to the office. If bringing lunch, pack an apron and utensils, and understand the exchange of plates/bottles routine.
• Apply for after-school care: If needed, submit an application for the 放課後児童クラブ during the official window (often early Nov–Dec for April next year). Ensure you meet the eligibility (working/studying status) and prepare to show proof if required.
• Prepare daily gear: Buy and label all daily items: indoor shoes (上履き), PE clothes, hat, stationery, and a hand towel (hibacchi). Many schools require supplies like pencils and notebooks, often available as kits at stationery stores.
• Learn the schedule: Review the typical day with your child. For example, know that morning assembly starts around 8:25 and lunch at 12:15. Set alarms so the family leaves home with time to spare.
• Plan after-school pickup: Decide who will pick up your child or which route they take home. If in after-school care, familiarize yourself with the pick-up policy (some clubs require ID). For high school students, discuss meeting points or phone check-ins.
• Stay updated: Keep the calendar posted at home (holidays, parent-teacher meetings, sports day). Check your child's "communication notebook" (連絡帳) daily for notes. Consider joining parent groups or online forums for local parents.
• Notify absences: If your child is sick or will be late, call by 8:30am. Many schools have an answering machine or fax for this purpose. Unreported absences make teachers worry, so always give advance notice.

FAQ

Q: What time do Japanese kids eat lunch and break?
Lunch (給食) usually starts around 12:15pm after fourth period. Children eat for ~45 minutes, then enjoy a 20-minute recess (often outdoors) before class resumes. Cleaning time follows recess around 13:20.

Q: What do children do after regular classes end?
In elementary school, children often go home or to after-school care once classes are done (typically by 3:00pm). From 4th grade, many schools also offer optional clubs (sports, music, etc.) after class. Junior high and high school students usually participate in daily bukatsu (部活) club activities into the late afternoon.

Q: How do I apply for after-school childcare?
Apply at your city or ward office in the fall (around Nov–Dec) before the next school year. You must meet eligibility (e.g. both parents working) and supply proof (employment certificate). Acceptance isn't guaranteed if programs are full.

Q: Is school lunch mandatory and how much is it?
Nearly all public school students take school lunch, though it's not legally required. Lunch costs about ¥4,500 per month on average (paid monthly or seasonally). Parents who don't use kyūshoku must send a packed lunch (bento) daily. Allergies or dietary restrictions should be communicated in advance.

Q: What if my child will be late or absent?
You should call or notify the institution before morning homeroom (8:25–8:35am). Japanese schools take attendance very seriously, and teachers will call home if a child misses class without notice. A written note (欠席届) on return may also be required.

Conclusion

In summary, familiarizing yourself with Japan's school day — from morning assembly to lunch routines to after-school care — will greatly ease your family's transition. Planning ahead (for uniforms, lunches, and childcare slots) and learning the schedule ensures your child can thrive in the Japanese educational system and gives you peace of mind as parents. All these steps help your child fit in comfortably and parents stay informed and prepared.