Navigating Tokyo’s daycare system can feel like solving a complex puzzle. If you’re a parent trying to secure a spot for your little one in a hoikuen (licensed daycare center), you’ve probably heard about the infamous points system.
Don’t worry—you’re not alone in feeling overwhelmed. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the Tokyo daycare points system in 2026, helping you maximize your chances of getting that coveted spot.
Understanding Tokyo’s Hoikuen System
What is Hoikuen?
Before we dive into the points system, let’s clarify what hoikuen actually is. Hoikuen (保育園) are licensed daycare facilities in Japan designed for children whose parents are working or unable to care for them during the day. Unlike yochien (kindergarten), which focuses on early education, hoikuen provides full-day childcare for children from infancy up to elementary school age.
These facilities are regulated by the government and subsidized based on family income, making them significantly more affordable than private options. However, this affordability comes with a catch—demand far exceeds supply, especially in Tokyo’s 23 wards.
Why the Points System Exists
Tokyo’s population density creates fierce competition for limited hoikuen spaces. The points system was designed to fairly allocate these spots to families with the greatest need. Think of it as a priority queue where families are ranked based on their circumstances. The higher your points, the better your chances of securing a spot.
The system aims to prioritize working parents who have no alternative childcare options. It’s not perfect, but it’s the framework you’ll need to work within. Understanding how points are calculated is your first step toward success.
How the Tokyo Daycare Points System Works
The Basics of Point Allocation
Here’s the fundamental concept: each family receives points based on their situation. These points determine your ranking against other applicants. When spaces become available, they’re offered to families with the highest points first.
The system operates at the ward level, meaning each of Tokyo’s 23 wards administers its own version of the points system. While the general framework is similar across wards, specific criteria and point allocations can vary. This is crucial—what works in Setagaya might differ from Shibuya or Edogawa.
Points are calculated by adding together scores from various categories: employment status, working hours, household composition, and special circumstances. The more “need” your family demonstrates, the more points you accumulate.
Maximum Points You Can Earn
Most Tokyo wards operate on a scale where you can earn between 40 to 50 points maximum. However, this varies by ward. Some wards use different scales, so you’ll need to check your specific ward’s guidelines.
Generally speaking, a dual-income household where both parents work full-time can expect to earn around 40 points as a baseline. Additional points come from special circumstances we’ll discuss shortly. In competitive areas, you often need close to maximum points to secure a spot, especially for infants.
Factors That Earn You Points
Employment Status and Working Hours
Your employment status is the heavyweight champion of the points system. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
Full-time employment (both parents): This is your foundation, usually earning you the maximum employment points. Most wards award around 20 points per parent working full-time (120+ hours per month). That’s 40 points right there for a dual-income household.
Part-time employment: Working fewer hours means fewer points. If you work 64-120 hours monthly, you might receive 18-19 points per parent. Below 64 hours drops you further down the scale.
Self-employment: Being self-employed can be tricky. You’ll need to prove your working hours through tax documents, client contracts, or business registration papers. The points awarded are usually equivalent to full-time employment if you can demonstrate sufficient hours.
Job seeking status: Actively looking for work typically earns minimal points (around 10-15 points per parent). This rarely results in successful applications in competitive wards.
Household Income Considerations
Here’s where it gets interesting—and sometimes counterintuitive. While you might think lower income earns more points, the system primarily focuses on employment status, not salary. However, income does matter for two things:
First, it determines your monthly fee once you secure a spot. Lower-income families pay less in monthly fees, while higher earners pay more (though still subsidized compared to private daycare).
Second, some wards provide small point adjustments for lower-income families or families on welfare, though these adjustments are typically minor (1-3 points).
Special Circumstances That Add Points
This is where you can potentially boost your score and edge ahead of the competition.
Single Parent Households
Single parents typically receive significant point bonuses, often ranging from 5-10 additional points. The system recognizes that single parents have no backup childcare option when they’re working. You’ll need to provide documentation proving your single-parent status.
Families with Multiple Children
Already have a child in the same hoikuen you’re applying to? Congratulations—you’ll usually receive priority points (around 2-5 points). Wards prefer to keep siblings together when possible, as it’s more convenient for families and facilities.
Having multiple young children at home while working can also earn you additional points in some wards, as this demonstrates greater childcare need.
Health and Disability Considerations
If you or a family member has health issues or disabilities requiring care, you may qualify for additional points. This includes:
- Parent with disability requiring support
- Child with special needs
- Family member requiring long-term care
You’ll need medical documentation from a certified physician. These circumstances can add anywhere from 3-10 points depending on the severity and your ward’s policies.
Other special circumstances that might earn points include:
- Operating a home-based business where children cannot be present
- Working irregular hours or night shifts
- Being a foster parent
- Experiencing domestic violence situations
- Living in your ward for an extended period (some wards award points for residency length)
The Application Process Step-by-Step
When to Apply
Timing is everything. Most Tokyo wards have two main intake periods:
April intake: This is the big one. April marks the start of Japan’s school year, and it’s when most hoikuen spots open up. Applications typically open in October or November of the preceding year. For example, for April 2026 admission, you’d apply in late 2025.
Mid-year intake: Some spots open throughout the year as children age out or families relocate. However, these are far fewer in number. You can apply anytime, but your chances are significantly lower than the April intake.
Pro tip: Apply for the April intake even if your child isn’t born yet (as long as the due date is before April). Most wards allow applications for expected births.
Required Documentation
Get your paperwork ready early. Missing documents can disqualify your application or reduce your points. Here’s what you’ll typically need:
For employment verification:
- Employment certificate (就労証明書) from your employer—this is mandatory
- For self-employed: tax returns, business registration, client contracts
- Pay stubs or income verification
- Work schedule documentation
For household verification:
- Residence certificate (住民票)
- Family registry (戸籍謄本) if applying for single-parent points
- My Number Card or notification
For special circumstances:
- Medical certificates for health-related points
- Documentation proving care responsibilities
- Proof of ongoing education/training
Your employer must complete the employment certificate. Give them plenty of notice—some companies take weeks to process these requests.
Choosing Your Preferred Facilities
You’ll rank your preferred hoikuen facilities, typically choosing 3-10 options depending on your ward. Here’s strategy: don’t just pick the closest ones.
Research each facility’s acceptance rates and competition levels. Some newer or less conveniently located facilities have higher acceptance rates. Casting a wider net increases your chances, even if it means a slightly longer commute.
Visit facilities if possible. You’ll want to know you’re comfortable with the place where your child might spend their days. Plus, showing up demonstrates serious interest, though this won’t directly affect your points.
Strategies to Maximize Your Points
Understanding Your Ward’s Priorities
Each ward publishes its point allocation criteria, usually on their website or at the ward office. Request the previous year’s acceptance statistics. This data reveals the minimum points needed for acceptance in different age groups.
Infant spots (0-1 years old) are most competitive, often requiring maximum or near-maximum points. As children get older, competition eases slightly—though not by much in central Tokyo wards.
Some wards have unique priorities. For example, certain wards give preference to families where both parents work in essential services (medical, education, etc.). Others prioritize long-term residents. Know your ward’s quirks.
Timing Your Application
If possible, plan your child’s birth timing around the system. Children born in early spring (April-June) have advantages because they can enter hoikuen the following April at a more competitive age.
Children born in late winter (January-March) face tougher odds—they’re often too young for the current April intake but will be nearly a year old for the next one, competing in a different age bracket.
I know suggesting birth timing sounds absurd—babies arrive when they arrive. But if you have flexibility in family planning, it’s worth considering.
Documentation That Makes a Difference
Don’t just submit the minimum required documents. If you have special circumstances, over-document rather than under-document. Clear, comprehensive evidence of your situation strengthens your application.
For self-employed parents, submit multiple forms of proof: tax documents, client contracts, business plans, website screenshots, appointment calendars. Paint a complete picture of your work commitment.
If claiming care responsibilities for elderly family members, include medical documentation, care schedules, and statements from healthcare providers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Let me save you from pitfalls I’ve seen countless families encounter:
Mistake #1: Applying too late. Missing the October/November deadline for April intake means waiting another year or competing for rare mid-year openings.
Mistake #2: Incomplete employment certificates. If your employer’s certificate is vague about hours or job stability, you might lose points. Ensure it explicitly states your working hours per month.
Mistake #3: Only choosing popular facilities. Ranking five highly competitive facilities in Shibuya without including any alternatives basically guarantees rejection. Diversify your choices.
Mistake #4: Not updating your application. If your circumstances change after applying (new job, additional child, etc.), inform your ward office immediately. Updates might increase your points.
Mistake #5: Assuming you’ll get in with “good enough” points. In competitive wards, “good enough” often isn’t. Aim for maximum points whenever possible.
Mistake #6: Not having a backup plan. Hope for the best, but plan for rejection. Research alternative childcare options beforehand so you’re not scrambling if you don’t get a spot.
What to Do If You Don’t Get In
Waiting Lists and Reapplication
Rejection stings, but it’s not game over. You’re automatically placed on a waiting list ranked by your points. If spots open during the year, they’re offered to waiting list families.
Your position on the waiting list matters. Some wards provide this information; others don’t. Politely request your ranking—it helps you understand your realistic chances.
You can reapply for subsequent intakes. Some families apply multiple times over several years before succeeding. Each year, reassess your points and strategies.
Alternative Childcare Options
While you wait or reapply, consider these alternatives:
Ninka-gai hoikuen (unlicensed daycare): These facilities operate outside the points system. They’re more expensive but readily available. Some even offer excellent programs despite being “unlicensed.”
Family daycare providers: Home-based childcare can be intimate and flexible, though availability varies.
Corporate daycare: Some companies operate their own facilities or partner with daycare centers. Check if your employer offers this benefit.
Babysitting services: More expensive for full-time care, but viable for part-time needs or as a stopgap solution.
Grandparents or relatives: If family can help, that’s wonderful—though it might affect your points for future applications if you’re seen as having alternative care options.
Extended parental leave: Japan offers parental leave options. While financially challenging for some families, it’s worth considering if daycare isn’t immediately available.
2026 Updates and Changes
Tokyo continues refining its hoikuen system. For 2026, several trends are worth noting:
Several wards are expanding hoikuen capacity, adding new facilities or expanding existing ones. However, demand continues outpacing supply, especially in central wards.
Digital application systems are becoming more common. Some wards now offer online application portals, making the process more streamlined. Check if your ward has adopted digital applications—they’re generally easier and provide instant confirmation.
There’s growing focus on maternal/paternal mental health. Some wards are piloting programs that award points for families where a parent is managing postpartum depression or anxiety, recognizing that childcare access impacts mental health.
Certain wards are testing flexible point systems that better accommodate modern work arrangements like remote work or flexible hours. The traditional 120+ hours per month threshold doesn’t perfectly capture today’s employment reality.
Conclusion
Navigating Tokyo’s hoikuen points system in 2026 requires strategy, preparation, and realistic expectations. While the system can feel impersonal and competitive, remember that it exists to fairly distribute limited resources among families who genuinely need childcare support.
Start early, maximize your points through legitimate means, cast a wide net with your facility preferences, and have backup plans in place. Document everything thoroughly, understand your ward’s specific criteria, and don’t hesitate to ask ward office staff for clarification when needed.
Yes, the system is challenging. Yes, many families face disappointment. But thousands of families successfully navigate it every year. With the information in this guide, you’re now equipped to maximize your chances. Your preparation and persistence will pay off—whether in your first application or subsequent attempts. Good luck, and remember: you’ve got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I apply to hoikuen in multiple Tokyo wards simultaneously?
No, you can only apply in the ward where your family is officially registered (where your juminhyo shows residence). However, you can move to a different ward before applying if you believe it offers better chances, though this requires actually relocating and updating your residence registration.
2. What happens if I get a hoikuen spot but my employment situation changes?
You’re required to report significant changes in employment status to your hoikuen within a specified period (usually 14 days). If both parents stop working or reduce hours substantially, you may lose your spot since the points system prioritizes working families. However, temporary situations like parental leave are usually protected.
3. Do international families or non-Japanese citizens face disadvantages in the points system?
No, the points system doesn’t discriminate based on nationality or citizenship status. As long as you’re legally residing in Tokyo with proper residence registration, you’re evaluated using the same criteria as Japanese citizens. The key requirement is having a valid juminhyo (residence certificate) in the ward where you’re applying.
4. How much does hoikuen actually cost once you get in?
Monthly fees are calculated on a sliding scale based on household income and the child’s age. Low-income families might pay as little as ¥0-¥5,000 monthly, while higher-income families can pay ¥50,000-¥100,000+ per month. However, this is still typically cheaper than unlicensed daycare. Each ward publishes fee tables showing costs by income bracket.
5. If I’m currently pregnant and applying for April admission, what documents do I need?
You’ll need a maternity certificate (母子手帳交付証明書) or proof of pregnancy from your doctor showing your due date is before the April admission date. Your employment certificate should indicate you’ll return to work after maternity leave, along with expected return dates. The ward will allow your application even though your child isn’t born yet, evaluating it based on your projected circumstances post-birth.