How to Enroll Your Child in Nursery School (保育園) in Japan
Finding childcare in Japan can be one of the most important — and challenging — tasks for foreign parents. The nursery school system (hoikuen / 保育園) serves working parents by providing daytime care for children from a few months old through age 5. This guide explains the types of nursery schools, application process and timeline, point system, costs, and practical tips for foreign families.
Types of Nursery Schools in Japan
| Type | Japanese Name | Regulation | Fees | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authorized (Ninka) | 認可保育園 | National standards, municipal oversight | Income-based (free for 3-5) | Most common, highest standards, hardest to get into in urban areas |
| Certified (Ninsho) | 認証保育園 | Prefectural/metropolitan standards (e.g., Tokyo) | Set by facility (partially subsidized) | Smaller, more flexible hours, Tokyo-specific |
| Unauthorized (Ninka-gai) | 認可外保育施設 | Basic standards, self-reported to prefecture | Set by facility | Flexible, often bilingual options available |
| Corporate-led (Kigyou-shudou) | 企業主導型保育事業 | National subsidy, company-managed | Varies, often competitive | Employee priority, community spots available |
| Kindergarten (Youchien) | 幼稚園 | Ministry of Education standards | Free for 3-5 | Education-focused, shorter hours (typically until 2 PM) |
| Certified Center (Nintei Kodomo-en) | 認定こども園 | Combined nursery + kindergarten standards | Income-based/free for 3-5 | Combines care and education, flexible |
Application Timeline
The Japanese school and childcare year begins in April. This is the primary enrollment period with the most available spots.
| When | What to Do |
|---|---|
| June - September | Research nursery schools in your area. Visit open days (見学会). Obtain application guides from your municipal office. |
| October - November | Application period opens in most municipalities. Submit your application to the municipal office (not to individual schools). |
| December - January | Application deadline in many areas. Some municipalities accept until January or even February. |
| February | Results announced. If accepted, complete enrollment paperwork. If waitlisted, consider secondary options. |
| March | Orientation sessions, health checks, prepare supplies. |
| April | Enrollment begins. "慣らし保育" (adjustment period) — shortened hours for the first 1-2 weeks. |
The Point System (Index Scoring)
For authorized nursery schools (認可保育園), municipalities use a point system to determine admission priority. Points are assigned based on the family's circumstances. Higher points = higher priority.
Factors That Typically Earn Points
| Factor | Impact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Both parents working full-time (40+ hrs/week) | High points (base score) | This is the primary criterion |
| Single parent | High additional points | Significant boost in most municipalities |
| Sibling already enrolled at the same school | Additional points | Varies by municipality |
| Currently using unauthorized nursery | Additional points | Shows existing childcare need |
| Parent illness or disability | Points based on severity | Medical documentation required |
| Caring for a family member (nursing care) | Additional points | Documentation required |
| Job seeking (not yet employed) | Lower points than employed | Less competitive category |
| Part-time work (less than 40 hrs/week) | Moderate points | Pro-rated by hours |
Note: Each municipality has its own point table and criteria. Check with your local municipal office for the specific scoring system in your area.
Required Documents
- Application Form (入園申込書): Obtained from your municipal office
- Employment Certificate (就労証明書): For both parents, completed by each employer
- Tax Certificate (課税証明書): To determine fee level
- Residence Certificate (住民票): Showing your household
- Child's Health Insurance Card
- Mother-Child Health Handbook (母子手帳): Record of vaccinations and health checks
- My Number (Individual Number) documentation
- Additional documents depending on your circumstances (medical certificates, self-employment proof, etc.)
Costs: How Much Does Nursery School Cost?
| Age | Authorized (Ninka) | Unauthorized (Ninka-gai) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-2 years | ¥0 - ¥80,000+/month (income-based) | ¥50,000 - ¥150,000+/month (up to ¥42,000 subsidized if on waitlist for ninka) |
| 3-5 years | Free (meals may cost extra, ~¥5,000-7,000/month) | Up to ¥37,000/month subsidized |
Tips to Increase Your Chances
- Apply early and to multiple schools: List several choices in order of preference on your application
- Visit schools (見学): While not required, it shows commitment and helps you understand each school's environment
- Consider less popular schools: Schools farther from train stations or in less central areas tend to have more availability
- Ensure both parents have employment documentation: Full-time employment for both parents yields the highest base score
- Use an unauthorized nursery while waiting: This can earn additional points for your next application
- Check for mid-year openings: Contact your municipal office monthly for updated availability
The Interview and Orientation
After acceptance, you will typically attend:
- Health check (健康診断): Basic medical check for your child
- Interview/orientation (面談): Discussion about your child's needs, allergies, daily routine, and pick-up arrangements
- Supply list: You will receive a list of items to prepare (futon, change of clothes, towels, etc.)
Waitlist Reality (待機児童)
The taikijidou (待機児童) — children waiting for nursery school placement — has been a long-standing issue in Japan, particularly in urban areas. While the numbers have been decreasing nationally, certain areas remain competitive:
- Tokyo central wards (Setagaya, Suginami, Meguro) tend to have longer waits
- 0-1 year old spots are the most competitive
- Suburban areas generally have better availability
- The national waitlist has dropped significantly in recent years, but remains a factor in major cities
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply for nursery school in Japan?
For April enrollment (the main intake), applications are typically accepted between October and January, depending on the municipality. Some municipalities accept applications as early as September. Check with your local city or ward office for exact dates.
How does the nursery school point system work?
Municipalities assign points (index score) based on factors like both parents' work status, work hours, single-parent status, siblings already enrolled, and special circumstances. Higher points mean higher priority. Each municipality has its own scoring criteria.
How much does nursery school cost in Japan?
For authorized nursery schools (認可保育園), fees are based on household income and determined by the municipality. Since October 2019, childcare is free for all children aged 3 to 5. For children aged 0-2, low-income households may also receive free childcare.
What is the waitlist situation for nursery schools?
Waitlists (待機児童) remain a challenge in many urban areas, though the situation has been improving in recent years. Tokyo's central wards, parts of Osaka, and other major cities tend to have the longest waits. Applying to multiple schools and considering less popular areas can improve your chances.
Can I apply for nursery school if I do not speak Japanese?
Yes. The application must be submitted to your municipal office. Some offices have multilingual support or can arrange interpreters. You may also ask a Japanese-speaking friend or community volunteer to assist. The forms are typically in Japanese only.
※ The information on this site is for reference only. Nursery school policies, fees, and application procedures vary by municipality and may change. Please confirm details with your local municipal office (市区町村役場).
