Childcare in Akashi, Japan: A Complete Guide for International Families

Introduction

If you’re raising young children in Japan, understanding the childcare system can feel overwhelming at first. Unlike in many countries, Japan has several different types of childcare facilities, each with its own purpose, admission process, and eligibility requirements. Terms like hoikuen (daycare), yochien (kindergarten), and kodomoen (certified childcare center) can be confusing, especially for international families who are new to the country.

Fortunately, Akashi City is known not only for its generous family support programs but also for its strong commitment to helping parents balance work and family life. From affordable childcare to practical support for young families, the city has created an environment where raising children is a little easier.

As a parent living in Akashi, I’ve experienced the childcare system firsthand. While there was a lot to learn in the beginning, I found that the teachers, city staff, and local community were incredibly supportive. Over time, our daycare and kindergarten became places where my children could grow, learn, and make wonderful memories.

In this guide, I’ll explain how childcare works in Akashi, the differences between each type of childcare facility, how to apply, what daily life is like, and practical tips that I hope will make the process easier for other international families.

1. Types of Childcares in Japan

One of the first things that surprises many international families is that Japan has three main types of childcare facilities. Although they all care for young children, they serve different purposes and have different admission requirements.

Here’s a simple comparison:

Type	Japanese Name	Age	Main Purpose	Typical Hours
Daycare	Hoikuen (保育園)	0–5 years	Childcare for working parents	About 7:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (varies)
Kindergarten	Yochien (幼稚園)	3–5 years	Early childhood education	About 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Certified Center	Kodomoen (認定こども園)	0–5 years	Combines daycare and kindergarten	Flexible depending on enrollment type

Daycare (Hoikuen)

Daycare centers are designed for families where parents work or have other reasons that require childcare during the day. Children can usually attend from infancy until they enter elementary school, and many facilities provide care for long hours to support working families.

Kindergarten (Yochien)

Kindergartens focus primarily on early childhood education rather than childcare. Children usually attend for shorter hours, and parents may need to arrange care before or after school if they work full-time. Many kindergartens also offer extracurricular activities and seasonal events.

Certified Centers (Kodomoen)

Certified Centers combine the benefits of both daycare and kindergarten. They provide education as well as extended childcare, making them a popular choice for many families. Depending on a family’s circumstances, children may attend either an education program or a childcare program.

Tip 💡
Many childcare facilities in Akashi are Certified Centers (Kodomoen), giving families greater flexibility as their childcare needs change.

2. How to Apply for Daycare in Akashi

Applying for daycare in Japan may seem complicated at first, but once you understand the process, it’s quite manageable. In Akashi City, applications are handled by Akashi City Hall, not by individual daycare centers.

Step 1: Apply at Akashi City Hall

Parents who need daycare because they work, study, or have other approved reasons must submit an application to the city’s Childcare Division. City staff will explain the application process and help you prepare the necessary documents.

Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents

The exact documents may vary depending on your family’s situation, but they typically include:

• A daycare application form
• Proof of residence in Akashi City
• Identification documents
• A Certificate of Employment for each working parent
• Additional documents if you are studying, seeking employment, or have medical reasons requiring childcare

If you’re unsure which documents you need, City Hall staff can provide guidance.

Step 3: Submit a Certificate of Employment

One of the most important documents is the Certificate of Employment. This form, completed by your employer, confirms your working hours and employment status. It helps the city determine whether your family qualifies for daycare and is also used in the admission process.

Step 4: Admission Timing

Most children begin daycare in April, which is the start of Japan’s school year. Applications for April admission are usually accepted several months in advance.

If spaces are available, children may also be admitted during other months of the year, although availability depends on each daycare center.

Step 5: How the Selection System Works

If there are more applicants than available places, Akashi City uses a priority point system to decide admissions.

Points are awarded based on factors such as parents’ working hours, family circumstances, and childcare needs. Families with higher priority receive available places first.

3. My Experience Applying for Childcare

When we first started looking for childcare in Akashi, I wasn’t sure where to begin. My first step was to visit Akashi City Hall, where the staff patiently explained the application process and answered all of my questions. Their kindness immediately made me feel more confident.

I was told that childcare is in high demand in Akashi, so competition for places can be strong, especially for younger children. To improve our chances, we listed seven childcare facilities in our application, ranking them in order of preference.

Before submitting the application, we visited every facility on our list. Each one had its own unique atmosphere and educational approach. Some focused on outdoor activities, while others emphasized creative play or early learning. Touring the facilities helped us decide which environment would be the best fit for our child.

The application required quite a few documents, including a Certificate of Employment and several official forms. At first, it seemed overwhelming, but the application guide included clear instructions and sample forms. By following them carefully, I was able to prepare everything without too much difficulty.

Looking back, the process was much smoother than I had expected. Although it required some time and preparation, the helpful staff and clear guidance made everything much less stressful.

My biggest piece of advice for international families is to start early, visit several childcare facilities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The more information you have, the more confident you’ll feel when choosing the right childcare environment for your child.

4. Daily Life at Daycare in Akashi

One of the questions international parents often ask is, “What is a typical day like at a Japanese daycare?” Although schedules vary from one facility to another, most daycares in Akashi follow a similar daily routine that provides children with a safe, structured, and enjoyable environment.

Arrival and Pick-Up

Most children arrive between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m., depending on their parents’ work schedules. At the entrance, parents briefly speak with the teachers about their child’s health or anything important that happened at home.

Pick-up is usually between 4:00 and 6:00 p.m., although extended childcare is available at many facilities for working parents.

Lunch and Nap Time

Children enjoy a freshly prepared, nutritious lunch every day, followed by a nap in the afternoon. Meals are carefully planned to support healthy growth, and teachers encourage children to try a variety of foods. After lunch, younger children usually sleep for one to two hours before afternoon playtime.

Diapers and Daily Care

For babies and toddlers, teachers regularly change diapers and keep parents informed throughout the day. As children grow older, daycare staff also help with toilet training, working together with families to support each child’s development.

Communication Notebook

Many daycare centers use a communication notebook (renrakucho) or a digital app to share daily updates with parents. Teachers record information such as meals, nap times, diaper changes, and the child’s activities, while parents can write about their child’s condition at home or ask questions. This daily communication helps build a strong partnership between families and teachers.

Seasonal Events

Japanese daycares celebrate many seasonal events throughout the year, including Sports Day, Tanabata, Halloween, Christmas, and Setsubun. Children also enjoy activities such as water play in summer, sweet potato digging in autumn, and traditional events that introduce them to Japanese culture.

My Experience

One of the things I appreciate most about our daycare is how warmly the teachers communicate with parents. At pick-up time, they always take a few minutes to tell me about my children’s day. They share what activities they enjoyed with their friends, how much of their lunch they ate, and even small moments that made them proud, such as showing kindness or trying something new.

Every teacher has been incredibly kind, patient, and supportive. Knowing that my children are cared for by people who truly understand and encourage them gives me great peace of mind.

I also love the seasonal events. Watching my children take part in traditional Japanese celebrations, perform in seasonal activities, and bring home the crafts they made at daycare has created many special memories for our family. Seeing their excitement as they proudly showed us their handmade artwork or talked about the day’s event always brought a smile to our faces.

These everyday experiences have helped my children grow with confidence while making daycare a place they genuinely look forward to each day. It’s reassuring to know not only that they are safe, but also that they are happy, learning, and growing every day.

5. What to Bring to Daycare in Akashi

One thing that often surprises international families is how many personal items children bring to daycare in Japan. While the exact requirements vary by facility, most daycare centers in Akashi provide parents with a list before their child starts.

Here are some of the most common items:

Item	Purpose
🎒 Daycare Bag	To carry your child’s daily belongings.
💧 Water Bottle	For drinking throughout the day.
🧺 Hand Towel	Used before meals and after washing hands.
👒 Hat	Worn during outdoor play, especially in warmer months.
👕 Change of Clothes	Children often need extra clothes after outdoor play, meals, or accidents.
👟 Indoor Shoes	Required by some facilities, especially for older children.
🍴 Lunch Set (if required)	Some facilities may ask children to bring chopsticks, a spoon, or a fork, although meals are usually provided.
💤 Blanket or Bedding	Many daycare centers ask families to provide bedding for nap time.
🧷 Diapers & Wipes (if needed)	Required for babies and toddlers who are not yet toilet trained.

Don’t Forget to Label Everything

One thing you’ll quickly notice is that almost everything needs your child’s name on it. Clothes, towels, water bottles, shoes, hats, diapers, and even individual crayons or pencils may need to be labeled.

This helps teachers return items to the correct child and prevents belongings from getting mixed up.

Tip 💡
Many parents in Japan use name stamps or name labels because every item needs to be labeled. They save a lot of time, especially when preparing for a new school year.

One item I highly recommend is no-iron name stickers. They’re easy to apply, stay on even after repeated washing, and make labeling daycare items much faster than writing each name by hand.

My Experience

Before my children started daycare, I was surprised by how many things needed to be prepared and labeled. It took some time at first, but once everything was organized, our daily routine became much easier.

Each daycare has slightly different requirements, so I found it helpful to carefully read the information provided by the school. Preparing everything in advance made our first day much less stressful.

Tip 💡
Every daycare center is a little different, so always check the list provided by your child’s facility before buying supplies.

6. Childcare Costs in Akashi

The cost of childcare in Japan depends on a family’s circumstances, the type of childcare facility, and the child’s age. However, there is good news for parents.

Since October 2019, childcare fees have been free nationwide for children aged 3 to 5 attending eligible kindergartens (yochien), daycare centers (hoikuen), and certified childcare centers (kodomoen). This national policy helps reduce the financial burden on families during their children’s preschool years.

Akashi City goes even further. One of its best-known family support programs is free daycare for second and subsequent children, with no income limit. This means many families can receive financial support even before their children become eligible for Japan’s nationwide free preschool program.

In addition to childcare support, Akashi also provides free medical care for children, free school lunches, and free access to designated public facilities. Together, these programs make Akashi one of Japan’s most family-friendly cities.

My Experience

When our second child started daycare, we were incredibly grateful that we didn’t have to pay daycare fees. Raising two young children comes with many unexpected expenses, so having one major monthly cost removed made a real difference to our family budget. It allowed us to spend more on family experiences instead of monthly childcare fees.

Learn More

Want to learn more about Akashi’s family support programs?

👉 Read next: 7 Free Programs That Make Akashi Stand Out.

In that article, I explain Akashi’s Seven Free Programs, including free medical care, free daycare for second and subsequent children, free school lunches, and many other benefits that make raising children in Akashi more affordable.

7. Tips for International Families

Moving to a new country and navigating a different childcare system can feel challenging, but don’t let that discourage you. Many international families successfully enroll their children in daycare or kindergarten in Akashi, and with a little preparation, the process becomes much easier.

Don’t Worry About Your Japanese

You don’t need to speak perfect Japanese to apply for childcare. While most forms and notices are in Japanese, the staff at Akashi City Hall and childcare facilities are generally kind and willing to help. Translation apps can also be very useful during conversations.

Ask Questions

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask teachers or City Hall staff. Whether it’s about daily routines, what to bring, or your child’s development, they are usually happy to explain and support parents.

Use Translation Apps

Translation apps can be a lifesaver, especially during your first few months. They make it much easier to understand documents, communicate with teachers, and read important notices from the daycare.

My Advice

Every family’s experience is different, but my advice is simple: start early, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to seek help. The childcare system may seem unfamiliar at first, but once your child settles in, you’ll likely find it to be a warm, supportive environment where they can learn, make friends, and grow with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions parents make, especially when living in a new country. Although Japan’s childcare system may seem complicated at first, I found that the process in Akashi was much smoother than I expected thanks to the helpful staff, caring teachers, and clear guidance.

More importantly, I’ve seen how much my own children have grown through their daycare experiences. They’ve made friends, learned new skills, enjoyed seasonal events, and become more confident each year. As a parent, knowing they’re spending their days in a safe, supportive environment gives me great peace of mind.

If you’re planning to raise a family in Japan, I hope this guide has helped you better understand how childcare works in Akashi. With its welcoming community and excellent family support, I truly believe Akashi is a wonderful place for children to learn, play, and grow.

👉 Read next

• 7 Free Programs That Make Akashi Stand Out.
• Why Akashi Is Japan’s Most Family-Friendly City