Temporary daycare in Japan (called ichiji-azukari / ichiji-hoiku) is a short-term childcare service you can use when care at home becomes difficult.
This article explains what temporary daycare is and how it differs from regular daycare, who can use it, and how to register.
1. What Is Temporary Daycare?
Temporary daycare is a municipal childcare service based on the Child Welfare Act.
It allows families to leave their child at a licensed childcare facility for a few hours, half a day, or a full day when temporary care is needed.
When you can use it
Common reasons include:
- childbirth or medical appointments
- parental illness
- caring for another family member
- work or job interviews
- needing a short mental break
Where it is provided
Most municipalities provide temporary daycare through:
| Type (JP / EN) | Ages | Capacity / Setting | Typical Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hoikuen (保育園) / Daycare | 0–5 | Facility-based | Full-day childcare. Often used for municipal temporary daycare (ichiji-azukari). |
| Yochien (幼稚園) / Kindergarten | 3–5 | Facility-based | Shorter hours, more “school-style” early childhood education. Availability for temporary daycare depends on the city. |
| Kodomoen (こども園) / Certified Center | 0–5 | Facility-based | Combines hoikuen + yochien functions (childcare + early education) in one system. |
| Small-scale Childcare (小規模保育) | Usually 0–2 | 6–19 children / dedicated small facility | Very small groups and home-like environment. Children typically move to hoikuen/kodomoen at age 3. |
| Family Daycare / Hoiku Mama (家庭的保育) | Usually 0–2 | 3–5 children / home-based setting | Licensed home-based childcare with a trained caregiver. Smaller and more “home feel”; availability varies by city. |
Some cities also partner with:
- Non-licensed daycare centers
- Family Support Centers
- Childcare rooms in department stores, hospitals, or community centers
Local governments may use “ichiji-azukari” or “ichiji-hoiku”, but they generally refer to the same system.
2. How It Differs from Normal Daycare
Temporary daycare takes place inside the same facilities as regular daycare, but the usage pattern and schedule are different.
Similarities
- Licensed childcare staff
- Safe environment meeting national childcare standard
- Meals, snacks, naps
- Indoor/outdoor activities
Main differences
| Point | Temporary Daycare | Normal Daycare |
|---|---|---|
| Enrollment | No long-term enrollment | Annual enrollment |
| Schedule | A few hours / half-day / one-day | Full-day, fixed schedule |
| Child group | Mixed ages / daily variation | Same classmates |
| Events | Seasonal events usually not included | Included |
| Availability | Limited capacity / advance booking needed | Guaranteed care |
A Typical Day in Temporary Daycare
| Time / Activity | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Arrival & Check-in | Temperature check, greetings, confirming today’s condition. |
| Morning Activities | Free play, indoor activities, or outdoor walks. |
| Lunch & Nap | Lunch, clean-up, nap time. |
| Afternoon Activities | Indoor/outdoor play, crafts, snack time. |
| Pickup | Daily report from staff. |
3. Who Can Use Temporary Daycare?
Most municipalities allow use regardless of the parent’s specific situation, as long as the family meets basic eligibility requirements. Requirements differ by city, but commonly include:
- The child is not enrolled in regular licensed daycare.
- The child meets the age requirements of the facility.
- The family resides in the municipality.
4. Costs & Hours
Costs vary widely by municipality and facility, but the overall range is similar across Japan.
General Price Range in Japan
- Licensed daycare: ¥500-600 per hour / ¥2,000-5,000 per day
- Private / unlicensed daycare: ¥1,500-3,000 per hour / ¥6,000-15,000 per day
*Additional fees may apply for a meal, snacks, and bedding rental.
Possible Fee Reductions:
- low-income households
- single-parent households
- households on public assistance
Temporary daycare may be covered under Japan’s free preschool and childcare program (幼児教育・保育の無償化), depending on the child’s age and household situation.
5. How to Register
Step 1: Registration & Short Interview
Before your first use, you’ll need to register at the facility. Staff may ask about:
- allergies
- medical history
- nap schedule
- toilet training
- personality
- emergency contacts
You may need:
- My number card / Health insurance card
- Child medical certificate (乳幼児医療証)
- Maternal and Child Health Handbook (母子健康手帳)
Step 2: Booking
After registration, you need to call the facility, book online or visit in person. Popular facilities may fill quickly – early booking is recommended.
Check your city’s website for detailed conditions and documentation needed.
6. Useful Links & Next Step
If you want to feel more prepared, download our full Guide (printable) from below!
Useful Links (Official & Trusted)
- Your City’s Temporary Daycare Page
Search: “一時預かり XX市” - 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