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.
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:
Basically there are 3 types: Stay care, Day care, and Visit care. Here we focus on “Visit care” options: Midwife Home Visit and Home-help Support by Care Worker.
| Program | Who Visits | Who Can Use | Type of Support | 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 condition • Explain health checkups & vaccinations |
Free | Standard nationwide |
|
Midwife Home Visit 訪問型産後ケア |
Midwife | Families with babies under 1 year |
• Support mother’s recovery • Help with baby care • Listen to concerns / give advice |
Around ¥300-3,000 / visit | Fee depends on household municipal tax level |
|
Home-Help Support 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 |
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)
This is a community-based mutual support system where registered members help each other with childcare or simple daily tasks.
| Age Range | Type of Support | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Late pregnancy to 1 year old |
Simple housework Baby care Support for siblings |
¥700-800 / hour |
| 2 months to 6th grade |
Childcare Pick-ups & drop-offs Short overnight care (age 2+) |
¥700-800 / hour |
Notes:
• Registration and orientation are required.
• Care is usually provided at the supporter’s home, not the child’s home.
2) Home-Start Japan
A nationwide volunteer program providing emotional and practical support at home.
They support simple childcare or tasks and talking/listening to reduce isolation. Cost is free and it is available in 120+ areas across in Japan.
3. Other In-Home Support Options
1) Private Babysitters
Useful for families who need flexible schedules or English-speaking support.
Check with insurance, emergency procedures, infant experience, language ability. It costs ¥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.
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 & Next Step
Choosing the right option depends on your:
- health and postpartum recovery
- schedule flexibility
- budget
- need for language support
- urgency or specialization of care
A full checklist, cost comparison, and registration steps are in Guide below!
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
