Living in Japan

Complete Guide to the Differences Between Japanese Daycare and Kindergarten: For Foreign Parents Living in Japan

Navigating the Japanese childcare system can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re a foreign parent raising a child in Japan. Whether you’re deciding between daycare (Hoikuen) or kindergarten (Yochien), understanding how each system works is key to making the best choice for your child and your family’s lifestyle.

This comprehensive guide breaks down the legal, practical, and educational differences between Japanese daycare and kindergarten, with clear explanations tailored for foreign families living in Japan.


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Legal Framework and Government Oversight

Daycares and kindergartens in Japan operate under different legal systems and are supervised by separate government agencies.

CategoryDaycare (Hoikuen)Kindergarten (Yochien)
Legal BasisChild Welfare Act (Article 39)School Education Act
Government BodyChildren and Families Agency (formerly Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT)
ClassificationChild welfare facilityEducational institution

This division reflects the core difference in purpose: daycares are welfare-based, while kindergartens are education-focused.


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Mission and Philosophy

CategoryDaycareKindergarten
Main PurposeCare for children whose guardians are unavailable due to work, illness, etc.Educate young children before elementary school
Core FocusNurturing, daily routines, basic life skillsEarly childhood education and development
Educational GoalSubstitute home care and support family lifePrepare for structured academic learning

Daycares serve working families with practical childcare needs, while kindergartens emphasize developmental education.


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Age Eligibility and Admission Requirements

CategoryDaycareKindergarten
Age Range0 months to 6 years (until elementary school)Ages 3 to 6
Admission CriteriaParents must meet specific “childcare need” reasons (e.g., full-time work, illness, postpartum recovery)Open to any child aged 3+, regardless of family situation
Documentation“Ninshou” certificate from local government, proof of employment, residency, etc.Application form, medical checkups, sometimes interviews

Foreign parents should consult with their local city hall (市役所, shiyakusho) early, as some forms and procedures can differ by municipality.


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Daily Hours and School Year Schedules

CategoryDaycareKindergarten
Daily HoursTypically 8–11 hours (standard care + extended care)Usually 4–5 hours
CalendarOperates almost year-round, including holidaysOperates 39+ weeks/year with summer, winter, and spring breaks

Daycares are designed to support working parents with longer, more flexible hours, while kindergartens provide a shorter, more school-like routine.


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Staff Qualifications and Curriculum

CategoryDaycareKindergarten
Staff TitleHoikushi (Licensed childcare worker)Yochien Kyōyu (Licensed kindergarten teacher)
QualificationNational certification from vocational school or examTeacher’s license issued by MEXT
Curriculum FrameworkBased on national daycare guidelines (Hoiku Shishin)Based on national kindergarten curriculum (Yochien Kyoiku Yoryo)

Both systems cover key developmental domains — health, communication, expression, and environment — but daycare emphasizes care and play, especially for infants and toddlers, while kindergarten focuses on structured learning.


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“Nintei Kodomoen”: The Hybrid Option

Japan also offers Certified Childcare and Education Centers, or Nintei Kodomoen, which combine daycare and kindergarten functions. This system was introduced in 2006 and is growing in popularity due to its flexibility.

TypeDescription
Integrated TypeFully merges daycare and kindergarten services in one facility
Kindergarten-BasedExisting kindergarten with added childcare services
Daycare-BasedExisting daycare with educational elements added
Municipal-TypeGovernment-run centers that do not require traditional licensing

Nintei Kodomoen is especially helpful for families with changing work situations, as children can continue attending even if the parents’ employment status changes.


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Japanese vs. International Childcare Comparison

FeatureJapanese DaycareInternational Daycare (typical)Japanese KindergartenInternational Preschool (typical)
Admission CriteriaBased on family needOpen to allOpen to all (age 3+)Open to all
Daily Hours8–11 hours6–9 hours4–5 hours3–5 hours
CurriculumCare and social skillsPlay-based, varies by countryAcademic prep and developmental focusAcademic prep and developmental focus
School CalendarYear-round with minimal breaksYear-round or semester-basedOperates on a school calendarTypically semester-based
LanguageJapaneseVaries by countryJapaneseOften bilingual or local language

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What is the age difference between Japanese daycare and kindergarten?
A: Daycare accepts children from birth, while kindergarten starts from age 3.

Q. Can foreign parents enroll their children in daycare or kindergarten in Japan?
A: Yes. As long as you have proper residence status and meet the conditions (especially for daycare), your child is eligible.

Q. How much does Japanese kindergarten cost?
A: Public kindergartens are low-cost. Private kindergartens range from ¥100,000 to ¥300,000+ per year.

Q. What’s a typical daycare routine like?
A: Free play, structured activities, lunch, nap time, and outdoor play — all adapted to the child’s age.

Q. Do these institutions help with preparing for Japanese elementary school?
A: Kindergartens usually align more closely with the education system and provide prep, while daycares focus more on routines and social behavior.


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Conclusion: Choosing the Right Facility for Your Family

  • Need full-time care? → Go for daycare (Hoikuen).
  • Focus on early education? → Consider kindergarten (Yochien).
  • Want both care and education with flexibility? → Look into Certified Kodomoen.

Each system offers unique strengths, and the best choice depends on your family’s needs, work schedule, and your child’s development.

As a foreign parent in Japan, it’s important to start early, research your local options, and prepare documents in advance. Local ward offices and international parenting communities can be a great source of support.

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We share a variety of practical tips and insights gained from firsthand experience living in Japan, as well as realistic advice learned through trial and error, and essential information for daily life in Japan, all presented in an easy-to-understand and approachable manner. The Tomoni Japan editorial team serves as a reliable information partner for anyone looking to settle in Japan, those already living there, and anyone curious about the true everyday life in Japan.

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