With limited local family support, many expat families face the challenge of finding childcare help. Luckily, in addition to babysitting services, Tokyo has a wide variety of flexible and affordable options available.

Shortly before my daughter’s first birthday, I was set to return to part-time work. Most people with young children in Japan would be well aware of the challenges associated with finding childcare services.  Facilities are in great demand and low supply, private ones are expensive (and in some cases unregulated) and public services have a strict entrance process. 

It’s hard enough for family members working full-time jobs on a regular schedule, but as a part-time worker with an irregular schedule, I knew that I’d be considered low priority for a coveted spot in a public daycare. Given the demand, I also wasn’t sure whether I’d be able to find a private center where I could pick and choose hours to suit my schedule. 

And then a friend brought to light the existence of “temporary daycare” (ichiji hoiku, ichiji atsukari or tokutei hoiku). 

1. Ichiji Hoiku (Temporary Daycare) 
2. Private and International Daycare Centers 
3. Babysitting Apps and Matching Platforms 
4. Community Solutions 
5. Tips for Success 

Ichiji Hoiku (Temporary Daycare)  A more flexible system

For part-timers, freelancers and stay-at-home parents, it would be a good idea to get acquainted with temporary daycares. 

What Is It? 

Ichiji hoiku (一時保育) is temporary or short-term daycare, meaning daycare provided on an hourly or daily basis. Flexibility ranges from same-day bookings for the specific hours you choose to a fixed schedule of full, specific days each week.

The “Childcare for All Children Scheme” (New!)

Launched in April 2026, the kodomo daredemo tsuuen seido program (こども誰でも通園制度) is a type of ichiji hoiku that accommodates families with varied employment situations. Children aged six months to three years who are not enrolled in another childcare facility are eligible for this “Childcare for All Children” initiative. Children can stay for up to 10 hours a month at a hoikuen (daycare), youchien (preschool) or other government-certified childcare center. 

Pros and Cons 

Families using ichiji hoiku do not need both parents to work full-time. It is a flexible system that can be used for last-minute bookings, emergencies or a planned block of time weeks in advance.

But prices may vary slightly depending on the center. For example, under the Childcare for All Children plan, the government recommends that locations set prices at about ¥300/hour. However, pricing is ultimately set by the childcare provider. Also, you can quickly reach the 10-hour-per-month limit, depending on your needs. 

How To Apply 

Visit your local municipal office or check out their website for more information. Often, there will be an interview with the childcare provider before joining. Depending on the site, reservations can be made online. 

Pricing

Prices can start from ¥300. Depending on the provider, there may be extra charges for same-day reservations. Also, fees may be reduced for families who are receiving government financial assistance. 

Private and International Daycare Centers  A more specialized approach that tailors to your needs

Private and international daycare facilities can offer specialized support tailored to your specific needs. 

Ninkagai

Ninkagai are private childcare facilities that are not licensed by the Japanese government. These are not necessarily bad or illegal. For a variety of reasons, these places do not meet the strict licensing criteria. For example, Ninkagai may hire individuals who have not completed hoikushi training programs (a requirement for certification), operate outside of the typical set hours of a licensed daycare (such as late evenings or weekends and holidays) or accept new clients throughout the year (as opposed to the usual April admission). Also, it’s possible to find ninkagai that cater to international families, such as providing multilingual support.  

International School Programs

In general, international preschools are aimed at parents seeking a more globalized education than that of a typical Japanese preschool. Many offer non-Japanese-language immersion education, usually in English, up to age 6. Depending on the school, some may offer daycare services starting in the afternoon and on weekends. As a bonus, they might also operate in English or Japanese. 

Pros and Cons

Private and international school daycare programs can be attractive options for parents seeking English-language daycare services. However, despite offering high-quality services, they may not be officially licensed by the government. Also, the cost can vary because facilities set their own prices and they tend to be expensive.  

How to Apply

Parents need to apply directly to the facility. Usually, there will be a meeting and a site tour. 

Babysitting Apps and Matching Platforms  It might be harder to gauge if its a good fit

Another useful resource is a digital app that helps you find certified or experienced sitters for your children. Some services come with insurance and only include sitters with registered childcare certification, like hoikushi (daycare workers), while others match you with like-minded sitters in your area.

Pros and Cons 

A major pro of using online babysitting apps and matching platforms is the ease of searching and communication. You can also find a sitter at the last minute this way and can personally choose which service to use and which sitter is best suited for your child. 

However, online profiles can be deceptive and it can be hard to gauge the fit between caregiver and child, even over video chat. The premium services usually allow for an initial meeting before the first booking to bypass this. 

Kidsline 

Kidsline matches babysitters and housework helpers with families. It can be accessed on your smartphone at any time and you can quickly find a sitter even at the last minute. If you want an English-speaking sitter, their English-speaking filter is very useful. 

CareFinder 

Carefinder is a great resource for families in Japan looking for bilingual sitters, whether English/Japanese or other languages. Sitters are personally interviewed and vetted before being placed on the site. Each sitter is also registered with the Japanese government and covered by liability insurance. 

Poppins Sitter 

Founded in 1987, this premium Nanny service is backed by an agency. All of the nannies are trained in accordance with the prestigious UK Norland College’s curriculum for early childhood education and can be booked online or on the same day. Poppins nannies are also trained to care for children when they are sick.

Rainbow Kids Care 

This English childcare service is aimed at tourists, but is also a great resource for families who need high-level English. The babysitters available here are all fluent in English, are insured and have CPR training as well as childcare experience. 

Check out department store playrooms around the city

Many municipalities also offer temporary services to support childcare, especially during the postpartum period. Certain private companies, such as department stores, can also have drop-in childcare services to encourage caregivers to use their facilities. 

Silver Human Resource Centers 

Japan’s Silver Human Resource Centers are aimed at seniors aged 60 and over who want to engage in light work, stay active and participate in community life. Families can register and offer their children a “Japanese grandma” experience for very competitive rates. Older women from the Silver Center can pick up kids from school and support postpartum mothers, among other services. 

Family Support Centers 

You can also register for the nearest Family Support Center at your local ward office. They provide helpers who can transport your children to and from school, take care of them when the primary caregiver is ill or has to work as well as providing extended childcare hours before or after daycare closes. While exact prices can vary, the usual fees are less than ¥1,000. 

Department Store Playrooms 

Department store playrooms are a great quick childcare hack for when you need a moment alone or have errands to run. The Mitsukoshi in Ginza has a Kids’ Square on the 9th floor, where you can leave your child for as little as 1 hour and as long as 4 hours with advance reservation. Meanwhile, the Takashimaya in Nihonbashi also offers nursery services for children ages 6 months to 6 years, provided you reserve in advance. 

Tips for Success  Prepare everything well in advance

When leaving your child in temporary childcare, there are several factors that can help to make the experience a success for the parents, children and childcare provider(s). Most of this comes down to preparation, whether that means reserving or contacting in advance, packing an effective childcare bag, or practicing useful Japanese vocabulary to use with sitters, nannies or daycare workers. 

Packing for Temporary Daycare

Just like when your little one goes off to their first day of daycare, preschool or elementary school, flexible care providers for your kids in Japan will expect certain items to be organized. While there is variability, such as if babysitters or nannies are contracted to also make food for children. 

Here is a partial list, but be sure to consult with your provider for a specific list:

• diapers (if necessary)
• formula or pumped breastmilk or baby food  (if using)
• change of clothes
• towel and/or handkerchief
• water bottle
• plastic bag(s) for soiled items
• appropriate items for the weather if going outside (rain boots, poncho, etc.) 
• everything should be labeled with your child’s full name

Communicating Needs  

While some of the services above can accommodate English speakers, many require Japanese. It’s a good idea to study the vocabulary necessary to communicate with your child’s caregiver. 

Here are a few useful terms to get you started:

When you need flexible childcare support, there are a surprising number of resources to turn to in Japan. Whether you use an ichiji hoiku for a few hours a week or reserve a spot in a department store nursery so that you can run some errands on a weekday, it’s nice to know that there is a support system in place for when you need a little extra help with your little one. 

Do you use any of these childcare options in Tokyo? Let us know your experiences below.

This post was originally written by Rosie Blakely in 2017 and updated by Elizabeth Sok in 2026.

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