General15 min read
Raising Children in Japan as a Foreigner: Complete Guide
Guide to raising children in Japan as a foreigner. Daycare, kindergarten, schools, child allowance, parental leave, and bilingual education options.
Published: 1/16/2026•Updated: 1/16/2026
Key Takeaways
- Hoikuen (daycare) for working parents, Yochien (kindergarten) for education focus
- Child allowance: ¥10,000-¥15,000/month until age 15
- Preschool is FREE for ages 3-5
- Japanese school year starts in April
- International schools available but expensive
Childcare Options in Japan
Types of Childcare:
1. Hoikuen (保育園) - Daycare
• Age 0-5 years
• Full-day care (7AM-7PM)
• For working parents
• Public: ¥0-¥80,000/month 2. Yochien (幼稚園) - Kindergarten
• Age 3-5 years
• Half-day (9AM-2PM)
• Educational focus
• ¥25,000-¥40,000/month 3. Nininka (認可外) - Unlicensed daycare
• More flexible hours
• Higher cost
• Easier to get into
• Age 0-5 years
• Full-day care (7AM-7PM)
• For working parents
• Public: ¥0-¥80,000/month 2. Yochien (幼稚園) - Kindergarten
• Age 3-5 years
• Half-day (9AM-2PM)
• Educational focus
• ¥25,000-¥40,000/month 3. Nininka (認可外) - Unlicensed daycare
• More flexible hours
• Higher cost
• Easier to get into
Child Benefits in Japan
児童手当 (Child Allowance):
| Age | Monthly Amount |
|-----|----------------|
| 0-3 | ¥15,000 |
| 3-12 (1st/2nd child) | ¥10,000 |
| 3-12 (3rd+ child) | ¥15,000 |
| 12-15 | ¥10,000 |
How to Apply:
1. Submit at city office after birth registration
2. Need: Residence card, My Number, bank account
3. Paid every 4 months
Free Preschool (3-5):
Since 2019, preschool is FREE for ages 3-5 at licensed facilities!
School System Overview
Education System:
• Elementary (小学校): 6 years (age 6-12)
• Junior High (中学校): 3 years (age 12-15)
• High School (高校): 3 years (age 15-18) Options for Foreign Children: 1. Japanese Public Schools - Free, Japanese medium 2. International Schools - Expensive, English medium 3. Ethnic Schools - Korean, Chinese, Brazilian, etc. Enrollment: Contact your city's Board of Education before April (school year starts April 1).
• Elementary (小学校): 6 years (age 6-12)
• Junior High (中学校): 3 years (age 12-15)
• High School (高校): 3 years (age 15-18) Options for Foreign Children: 1. Japanese Public Schools - Free, Japanese medium 2. International Schools - Expensive, English medium 3. Ethnic Schools - Korean, Chinese, Brazilian, etc. Enrollment: Contact your city's Board of Education before April (school year starts April 1).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! All children residing in Japan can attend public elementary and junior high school, regardless of visa status. It's free and compulsory.
Many schools offer Japanese language support classes. Some cities have special schools or programs for foreign children. Contact your Board of Education.
Preschool (ages 3-5) is free at licensed facilities. For ages 0-2, you pay based on income, but many cities offer subsidies.
Last updated: January 16, 2026