Nursery Schools, Certified Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care, and Kindergartens

Facilities for children before they start elementary school include nursery schools (hoikusho), Certified Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care (nintei kodomo-en), and kindergartens.

The age range you can use, the hours of use, and how to apply differ depending on the facility.

Nursery schools (hoikusho)

This is a facility used when it's difficult to provide childcare at home, such as because the parents are working.

Using one requires certification of "need for childcare" (hoiku no hitsuyosei) from your municipality.

Applications are generally made through your municipality.

Certified Centers for Early Childhood Education and Care (nintei kodomo-en)

This facility combines the roles of both a kindergarten and a nursery school.

The application process differs depending on the hours you use and your household situation.

Kindergartens

This is an educational facility mainly used by children from age 3 until before elementary school.

In many cases, you apply directly to the facility.

When do you apply?

If you want to use a facility starting in April, many municipalities begin accepting applications from the previous year.

Deadlines and required documents differ by municipality and facility.

Once you have decided when you want to start using a facility, check with your municipality as early as possible.

Are you guaranteed a spot at your preferred facility?

For nursery schools and similar, if applications exceed capacity, your municipality will coordinate usage based on things such as your need for childcare.

You are not guaranteed a spot at your preferred facility.

If it's difficult to complete procedures in Japanese

Some municipalities offer foreign-language support or interpreters.

Consult the childcare/nursery counter at your government office.

What you can check next

• If you're having trouble with child-rearing
• Japan's school system, and enrolling in elementary or junior high school
• Infant checkups, vaccinations, and the Child Allowance
• Not sure where to consult

Main places to check

• Children and Families Agency
• Your municipality
• Each facility

Last checked: August 2026