Childcare in Tokyo for visiting families

Ward drop-in care is for residents

Tokyo describes drop-in care (一時預かり) as usable for any reason, even a break. That is about why you use it, not who may. Chuo, Shinjuku, Kita and Minato wards all require you to live in the ward, register in advance, and usually attend an interview at the nursery first.

The same is true of the new drop-in scheme for under-3s (こども誰でも通園制度) and of the Family Support Center (ファミサポ) neighborhood scheme: you apply through the ward you live in.

Hotel childcare

Some large Tokyo hotels arrange a sitter in your room or run a childcare room. It is usually for staying guests only, needs two to four days' notice, often has a minimum of a couple of hours, and is not always in English. One major hotel lists its service as Japanese only. Ask your hotel before you arrive.

Private nurseries and international schools

Private nurseries (認可外保育施設) set their own rules, and some accept visiting children for a day or a few. Some international preschools also run summer, winter and spring programs open to visiting families, usually from age 2. They run only in those seasons.

Babysitters

Every babysitting business in Tokyo, even one person on their own, must register with the Tokyo government or, in some wards, with the ward. Tokyo publishes the list. Being on it shows the sitter registered; it is not a recommendation. Before you book any sitter, check:

• Meet the sitter before the booking, and hand your child only to that same person.
• Check the company name, the sitter's name and contact details, and a photo ID.
• Ask to see any qualification they mention, such as a 保育士 (licensed childcare worker) card.
• Confirm the sitter or the company is insured.
• If care happens anywhere other than your room, see the place first.
• Agree how you will stay in touch during the booking, and what happens in an emergency.
• Ask for a short report on how it went when you pick up.

Babies

Group settings usually start at a few months old, and many start at 6 months or later. For a young baby, a sitter or a provider that says it takes infants is the realistic choice.

If your child is unwell

Public sick-child care is for residents. Call 119 in an emergency. The Japan Visitor Hotline (050-3816-2787, 24 hours) can help you find a clinic.

Where TabiTots fits

TabiTots lists local schools, nurseries, activity studios and babysitters that take visiting children. We check every provider's registration before they can take a booking. You see the ages, times and what to bring up front, and book in English or Japanese. You do not need to live in Japan.