NationalChildren & family
Free Early Childhood Education and Care
幼児教育・保育の無償化
In short: Free fees at kindergartens, daycare and certified centers for ages 3–5, and for ages 0–2 in resident-tax-exempt households.All children in the 3–5 age classes using kindergartens, daycare, certified centers etc.; ages 0–2 only for resident-tax-exempt households.(Source: www.cfa.go.jp, verified on 2026-10-15)
Validity: Current as of 2026-10-15 (FY2026 / Reiwa 8); source page live on that date. Verified on 2026-10-15. Official source: https://www.cfa.go.jp/policies/kokoseido/mushouka
- How to apply (municipal)
Who qualifies
- All children in the 3–5 age classes using kindergartens, daycare, certified centers etc.; ages 0–2 only for resident-tax-exempt households. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Conditions by topic
| Age | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
|---|---|
| Income | Ages 0–2: resident-tax-exempt households only. Ages 3–5: no income condition stated. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Household | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Child age | 3–5 age classes (all); 0–2 only in resident-tax-exempt households. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15] |
| Residence in Japan | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Residence in Tokyo / municipality | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Work / insurance type | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
| Disability | Not stated in the sources we checked — confirm with the office. |
Residence status
Not stated in the official sources we checked — unknown.
Where to apply
Not yet verified from an official source.
Find addresses in the office finder.
Deadlines
Not yet verified from an official source.
Documents
Not yet verified from an official source.
Key details
- Unlicensed facilities: up to ¥37,000/month for ages 3–5 and ¥42,000/month for tax-exempt ages 0–2, with a municipal "need for childcare" certification. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
- Kindergarten extended care: up to ¥11,300/month (¥16,300 for some tax-exempt 3-year-olds) with certification. [official source · verified on 2026-10-15]
Phone / counter phrases
すみません、幼児教育・保育の無償化について伺いたいのですが、対象になるか、何を持っていけばよいか教えていただけますか。
Sumimasen, yōji kyōiku hoiku no mushōka ni tsuite ukagaitai no desu ga, taishō ni naru ka, nani o motte ikeba yoi ka oshiete itadakemasu ka.
Hello. I would like to ask about free preschool and daycare. Am I eligible, and what should I bring?
すみません、もう少しゆっくり話していただけますか。
Sumimasen, mō sukoshi yukkuri hanashite itadakemasu ka.
Sorry, could you please speak a little more slowly?
Generic phrases for practical help, not official wording.