Japan Childcare Cost Calculator
Estimate daycare, school, and cram school costs for your children in Japan. Compare public, private, and international school options. Includes the Child Allowance (児童手当) offset — Japan's monthly government payment to families with children.
Free Childcare for Ages 3-5
Since October 2019, Japan's Cashless Childcare policy (幼児教育・保育の無償化) makes kindergarten and daycare free for all children aged 3-5 at licensed public and private facilities. Ages 0-2 are income-based, with low-income households also qualifying for free care. Child Allowance (児童手当) provides additional monthly support.
Children
Government-run, lowest cost
Childcare costs can vary by municipality, especially for income-based daycare fees.
Estimated Monthly Childcare Cost
Cost Breakdown by Child
Free for ages 3-5 under the 2019 Cashless Childcare policy (幼児教育・保育の無償化)
Child Allowance (児童手当)
The Japanese government provides monthly child allowance to all resident families with children under 18. Apply at your ward office (区役所) within 15 days of birth registration or moving.
| Category | Monthly |
|---|---|
| Under 3 years old | ¥15,000 |
| Ages 3 to 18 | ¥10,000 |
| 3rd child onward (any age) | ¥30,000 |
Typical Monthly Costs by School Type
| Stage | Public | Private | International |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daycare (0-2) | ~20,000 | ~70,000 | ~200,000 |
| Kindergarten (3-5) | FREE | FREE | ~180,000 |
| Elementary (6-11) | ~8,000 | ~100,000 | ~200,000 |
| Junior High (12-14) | ~13,000 | ~100,000 | ~250,000 |
| High School (15-17) | ~15,000 | ~50,000 | ~300,000 |
All amounts in JPY/month. Public kindergarten is free for ages 3-5 since the 2019 reform. Public school costs include meals and supplies only (tuition is free).
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does childcare cost in Japan for foreigners?
Childcare costs in Japan depend on the child's age and school type. Since October 2019, public and private kindergarten/daycare is FREE for all children aged 3-5. For ages 0-2, public daycare costs ¥0-¥37,000/month based on household income. Private daycare costs ¥50,000-¥120,000/month. International schools cost ¥150,000-¥400,000/month and are not subsidized. These rates apply equally to foreigners with a valid residence status.
Is public school free in Japan for foreign children?
Yes, public elementary and junior high schools are free for all children in Japan, including foreigners. You only pay for school lunch (¥4,000-¥5,000/month), supplies, and activities. Public high school tuition is also heavily subsidized — the High School Tuition Support Fund (高等学校等就学支援金) covers ¥9,900/month for most families. Foreign children are not required to attend Japanese public schools, but they have the right to enroll.
What is the Child Allowance (児童手当) in Japan?
Child Allowance (児童手当) is a monthly payment from the Japanese government to all resident families with children. As of the 2024 reform: ¥15,000/month for children under 3, ¥10,000/month for ages 3-18, and ¥30,000/month for the third child onward. There is no income limit. Foreign residents with valid status receive the same allowance. Apply at your ward office within 15 days of birth or moving in.
How much do international schools cost in Japan?
International schools in Japan cost ¥150,000-¥400,000 per month (¥1.8M-¥4.8M per year), plus enrollment fees of ¥200,000-¥500,000. They are not subsidized by the Japanese government. Major schools include ASIJ (American School in Japan), BST (British School in Tokyo), and various IB (International Baccalaureate) schools. Costs vary by location — Tokyo schools tend to be the most expensive.
What is juku (塾) and how much does it cost?
Juku (塾) are private cram schools that supplement regular education. They are extremely common in Japan — over 60% of junior high students attend juku. Costs range from ¥10,000-¥30,000/month for elementary students, ¥20,000-¥50,000/month for junior high, and ¥20,000-¥50,000/month for high school students. Juku is especially important for students preparing for junior high, high school, or university entrance exams.
Do foreigners qualify for free daycare in Japan?
Yes, foreign residents with a valid visa qualify for the same childcare benefits as Japanese citizens. The 2019 Cashless Childcare policy (幼児教育・保育の無償化) provides free daycare/kindergarten for all children aged 3-5 at licensed facilities. For ages 0-2, income-based daycare is available at public hoikuen. Low-income families may qualify for free or reduced rates. You need to apply through your local ward office (区役所).