In Japan, childcare support is not limited to daycare or preschool. Many municipalities provide home-visit programs, postpartum care, and NPO-based services that can support families directly at home.
This article summarizes the main types of in-home support, how they differ, and how families can choose the option that fits their needs.
1. Government Home-Visit Support
Government services are reliable, low-cost, and available in every municipality. Details differ by city, but most follow a similar structure.
1) Newborn Home Visit (乳児家庭全戸訪問)
A public health nurse or midwife visits all families with babies up to 4 months old. They:
- check your baby’s growth and general health
- check the mother’s physical and emotional condition
- explain health checkups & vaccination schedules
- answer early parenting questions
Cost: Free nationwide.
2) Postpartum Care Services (産後ケア)
For families with babies under 1 year who need help with postpartum recovery or childcare. Typical support includes:
- baby care & bathing
- checking the mother’s recovery
- listening to concerns
- simple household tasks
Example: Uji City (Kyoto) offers 3 types: Stay, Day, and Visit. Here we focus on in-home (Visit) options:
Midwife Home Visits
- Support: baby care, breastfeeding issues, mother’s health
- Usage: up to 2 visits (90-120 minutes each)
- Cost: ¥300-3,000 / visit (income-based)
Home-help Support by Care Worker
- Support: household tasks, childcare, help with siblings
- Usage: up to 12 visits (60-120 minutes each)
- Cost: ¥700-1,500 / hour (income-based)
Search your area with: “産後ケア 〇〇市” / “訪問型産後ケア 〇〇市”
| Program | Who Visits | Who Can Use It | What They Do | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Newborn Home Visit 乳児家庭全戸訪問 |
Public health nurse / midwife | Families with babies 0–4 months |
• Check baby’s growth and health • Check mother’s physical & emotional condition • Explain health checkups & vaccinations • Answer early parenting questions |
Free | Standard nationwide |
|
Postpartum Care – Midwife Visit 訪問型産後ケア |
Midwife | Families with babies under 1 year |
• Support mother’s recovery • Help with baby care & bathing • Listen to concerns / give advice |
Around ¥300–3,000 / visit | Fee depends on household municipal tax level |
|
Postpartum Care – Home-Help Visit 家事支援ヘルパー |
Care worker / helper | Families with babies under 1 year |
• Light cleaning & laundry • Simple meal prep • Helping with siblings • Simple childcare |
Around ¥700–1,500 / hour | Often available up to around 12 visits (varies by city) |
2. City-Commissioned NPO Support
Municipalities also work with NPOs to offer flexible, affordable, community-based support.
1) Family Support Center (ファミサポ)
A system where community members help each other with childcare or simple tasks. Registration/orientation is required.
Example: Uji City (Kyoto)
Late pregnancy to children age 1
- Support: simple housework, baby care, sibling support
- Cost: ¥700-800 / hour
Children age 2 months to 6th grade
- Support: childcare, pick-ups, drop-offs, short overnight care (age 2+)
- Cost: ¥700-800 / hour
Care is usually at the supporter’s home, not the child’s home.
- check your baby’s growth and general health
- check the mother’s physical and emotional condition
- explain health checkups & vaccination schedules
- answer early parenting questions
Cost: Free nationwide.
2) Home-Start Japan
A nationwide volunteer program providing emotional and practical support at home.
- Support: talking and listening, simple childcare or tasks, reducing isolation
- Usage: weekly (about 120 min)
- Cost: Free
- Available in 120+ areas across Japan
3. Other In-Home Support Options
1) Private Babysitters
Useful for families who need flexible schedules or English-speaking support.
- Check: insurance, emergency procedures, infant experience, language ability
- Cost: ¥1,500-3,000 / hour
2) Local NPO Support
Some regions offer unique programs operated by local NPOs. Search with: “〇〇市 NPO 子育て支援”.
3) Online / Multilingual Support
Mother’s Tree Japan offers multilingual support through its official LINE account. Families can consult pediatricians and midwives directly in 13 languages, not only English.
Once you register (free), you can:
- receive helpful childcare updates through push notifications
- send questions directly in your own language
- get guidance from midwives, pediatricians, or trained supporters
Registration link
Also, many local governments offer childcare consultations by phone, email, or online video/chat.
If you prefer not to go in person, these options are convenient. Availability varies, so check your city’s website for details.
4. How to Choose the Right Service
Choosing the right option depends on your:
- health and postpartum recovery
- available support network
- schedule flexibility
- budget
- need for language support
- urgency or specialization of care
Key Questions to Consider:
- Do you prefer professional care or community-based support?
- Do you need flexible hours or scheduled programs?
- Do you need multilingual assistance?
- How many visits are realistic for your schedule?
Useful Links (Official & Trusted)
- Home-Start Japan
Home-Start Japan is affiliated by Home-Start Worldwide and now has morethan 80 local schemes all over Japan. Available in EN / JP. - Maternal & Child Health Interpreter Consultation (SHARE)
Multilingual support for communicating at clinics and hospitals. - AMDA Medical Information Center
Helps you find clinics and hospitals with foreign-language support