Kids & Education
How to Enroll Your Child in Nursery or Kindergarten in Japan
Japan has nursery schools (hoikuen) and kindergartens (yochien) for early childhood care.
① Differences
| Nursery (Hoikuen) | Kindergarten (Yochien) | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 0–5 years | 3–5 years |
| Hours | 8am–7pm (extendable) | 9am–2pm (standard) |
| Purpose | Childcare while parents work | Pre-school education |
② Application Process (Nursery)
- Apply for childcare certification at your city office
- Submit enrollment application with preferred facilities
- Wait for results (October–February each year)
③ Free Early Education
Since October 2019, childcare for ages 3–5 is free. Foreigners with resident registration are also eligible.
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