Daycare Application in Japan 2025

One of the biggest challenges for working parents in Japan is navigating the hoikuen (daycare) application process. Whether you wish to enroll your child in daycare starting April 2025 or need childcare earlier, understanding the procedure and planning in advance will significantly increase your chances of success.

Key Takeaway

1. Main application window: October–November for April start (most cities).

2. Points cut-off in Tokyo 23 Wards: ~200–240 points depending on the number of applicants.

3. Nationwide wait-listed children (April 2024): 2,567 (historic low).

4. Monthly childcare fees (0–2 yrs, high-income households in Tokyo): up to ¥60,000 per child.

5. Required documents: daycare application form, proof of employment or schooling, MyNumber copies, child’s health check, residence certificate.

---

Types of Daycare Facilities in Japan (2025 Guideline)

Japan offers multiple types of early childhood education and care services to meet different family needs. These include:

Type of Facility	Typical Hours	Teacher-Child Ratio	Best For
Licensed Hoikuen (認可保育園)	7:30–18:30 (standard)	Infants 1:3; 1–2 yrs: 1:6; 3 yrs: 1:15	Working families needing full-time childcare
Unlicensed Daycare (認可外保育園)	Varies by center	No national standard (guidelines vary)	Those needing private daycare or flexible hours
Kodomo-en (認定こども園)	8:00–19:00	Same as licensed hoikuen	Combined kindergarten and daycare for education and care
Small-Scale Nursery (地域型保育)	7:30–18:30	1:3 ratio for infants	Easier entry for children aged 0 to 2, transition to hoikuen later

Licensed facilities are regulated and subsidized by the municipal government. Unlicensed nurseries (including international schools and some private daycare centers) are not bound by the same national standards but may qualify for Tokyo Metropolitan Government certification.

---

Eligibility to Apply for Childcare in Japan (2025)

To enroll your child in daycare, you must prove you "need childcare" (保育を必要とする事由). Typical criteria:

• Both parents working at least 64 hours/month
• Job-seeking or planning to start employment
• Enrolled in school or vocational training
• Pregnancy or postpartum recovery
• Disability or illness preventing child care at home
• Care responsibilities for other family members
• Recovering from disaster
• Returning from childcare leave

Required Documents:

• Proof of employment (就労証明書)
• MyNumber cards for child and guardians
• Health check report for the child
• Residence certificate (住民票)
• Other supporting documents depending on your reason for needing care

You may also be asked to submit a consent form to access your municipal tax information and documentation showing your current living address. These documents are essential when you apply.

---

Application Timeline: Enroll Your Child in Daycare by April 2025

April 2025 Enrollment – First Round (Main Intake)

• Application period: October to November 2024 (exact deadline varies by city)
• Results will be announced: Late January 2025
• Start date: April 1, 2025

Monthly Admissions (Rolling Intake)

• Application deadline: Day of the month, usually by the 10th of the previous month
• Example: To start in June, submit application by April 10

Reserved Daycare Entry Post-Maternity/Childcare Leave

• Eligibility: Returning to work after childcare leave
• Child must be: 57 days old or older
• Apply: About 2–3 months before your planned return

Planning to enroll your child in daycare in Japan requires tracking these deadlines carefully. Mark your municipal application period in your calendar to avoid missing the opportunity.

---

Step-by-Step Procedure: How to Apply for Daycare in Japan

1. Research daycare centers: Start 3–6 months before the deadline. Attend municipal briefings and tour facilities.
2. Collect documents: Daycare application, proof of employment, child’s health report, MyNumber, residence records.
3. Complete the application: List your daycare preferences in rank order. Use all available slots to increase chances.
4. Submit to your municipal office: Submit in person or via mail. Some cities now allow online submission.
5. Admission process begins: City officials rank applications using a point-based criterion.
6. Receive results: Results of the first round are announced in late January. Second round or monthly results follow depending on the schedule.
7. Orientation and final forms: Meet teachers, submit final forms, and prepare supplies before April.
8. Start daycare: Your child begins the new school year starting April 1. Initial weeks may include gradual transition.

---

How Admission Is Decided: Understanding the Daycare Point System (2025)

Municipal governments use a point system to evaluate who needs daycare the most:

Base Points (Per Guardian):

• 160+ hours/month: 100 points
• 120 hrs/month: 90 points
• 80 hrs/month: 80 points
• 64 hrs (minimum): 70 points
• Job offer secured: 50 points
• Studying: 60 points
• Job hunting: 30 points
• Not working: 0 points

Adjustments:

• Single parent: +20 points
• Sibling already enrolled: +10
• Twins/multiples: +10
• Using interim care or nursery: +5
• Family support unavailable: +3
• Grandparent lives at home (and available): –5

In competitive cities like Tokyo, you typically need 200–240 points to secure admission for your child in a daycare facility.

Ways to Increase Your Admission Chances:

• Both parents should be working or studying
• Apply to more daycare centers (some allow up to 10 choices)
• Enroll one child first to get sibling priority later
• Use interim childcare services while waiting

---

Childcare Fees and Financial Support in Japan

How Childcare Fees Are Calculated:

Fees are based on your municipal resident tax and the child’s age. The higher your income, the higher the monthly fee.

• Ages 0–2: ¥0–¥60,000/month (varies by ward and tax level)
• Ages 3–5: Free under national early childhood education subsidy (up to ¥37,000/month paid by government)
• Second/Third children: Often half price or free (especially in Tokyo from October 2023)

Even if childcare is free, parents may still be required to pay for:

• Meals/snacks
• Bedding or laundry
• Diapers or hygiene supplies
• Extended hours (after 18:30 or Saturdays)

Subsidies for Unlicensed Childcare

• ¥42,000/month for tax-exempt households with children aged 0–2
• ¥37,000/month for certified private daycare for children aged 3–5

To receive these subsidies, submit proof of payment and a declaration that you need childcare (just like licensed hoikuen applicants).

---

Alternatives If Your Child Is Not Accepted into a Daycare Facility

If your child is wait-listed or no space is available:

• Use private daycare (認可外保育施設): Often more flexible but may cost more per month
• Company-sponsored daycare: Usually not tied to hoikuen point system
• Kindergarten + extended care: For children aged 3 and up
• Family support services: Babysitters or certified caregivers through the municipal network
• Temporary daycare (一時保育): Offered daily or hourly at select centers

Keep reapplying every month or in the second round. Vacancies open regularly.

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: When can my child start daycare in Japan?

A: From 57 days old (just under 2 months). Daycares typically admit children aged 0 to 5.

Q: What if I want to move before April 2025?

A: Applications do not transfer across municipalities. You must reapply and your score will be recalculated.

Q: Is daycare in Japan free?

A: Free from age 3 to 5. For ages 0–2, families pay monthly based on income unless exempt.

Q: Can freelancers or self-employed parents apply?

A: Yes. Submit a self-employment declaration and recent tax return or proof of work.

Q: What documents do I need to submit?

A: Application form, proof of employment or education, residence certificate, MyNumber IDs, child’s health report, and any special care forms.

Q: Can I use a nursery or babysitter temporarily?

A: Yes. Many municipalities offer support or subsidies if you’re wait-listed for a licensed childcare facility.

Q: What happens after I apply?

A: Your application is reviewed by the municipal government, scored, and matched to available facilities. Results will be announced by mail in January (first round), or monthly.

Q: Can I list multiple facilities on my application?

A: Yes. Listing more options improves your odds. You can include your first choice and others with higher vacancy likelihood.

---

Conclusion: Secure a Childcare Spot in Japan for 2025

The daycare application process in Japan is complex, but with preparation, you can find a safe, supportive childcare environment that fits your family’s needs. From understanding the point-based admission system and fee brackets to planning around key deadlines like October–November 2024, this guide gives you everything you need to successfully enroll your child in a daycare center.

If you're moving to Japan or relocating within Tokyo, e-housing.jp can help you find housing in areas with higher daycare availability. We also assist with navigating your municipal application and finding alternatives when licensed facilities are full.