Part of our Education & Childcare in Tokyo guide. Last reviewed: October 2026.
If you want a licensed daycare (hoikuen) place starting April 2027, the deadline that matters is your ward’s first-round application deadline — and in most of central Tokyo it falls between mid-November and early December 2026. April is when by far the most places open, so missing the first round makes a place much harder to get.
Below are the first-round dates published by each ward for April 2027 entry. Every ward sets its own dates, and online, postal and counter deadlines often differ, so always confirm on your ward’s official page before you submit. For how the process works overall, see our step-by-step hoikuen application guide.
April 2027 first-round deadlines by ward
Dates as published by each ward as of October 2026. “Must arrive” means the application must reach the ward by that date, not just be posted.
- Shibuya — online and postal: October 1 to November 20, 2026. Counter (reservation required): October 22 to November 27, 2026.
- Koto — postal and online: October 13 to November 19, 2026 (must arrive). Counter applications also close November 19. Additional documents and changes to preferred centers accepted until December 2.
- Shinagawa — deadline November 20, 2026 (online applications until 11:59 p.m. that day). First-round results planned for February 2, 2027.
- Minato — online and postal: October 30 to November 24, 2026 (must arrive). In person: by 5:00 p.m. on November 24.
- Setagaya — postal and online: by November 5, 2026 (postal applications count by postmark). Counter: by November 10, 2026.
- Meguro — postal and online: by November 26, 2026 (must arrive). Counter: by 5:00 p.m. on December 1, 2026. Results planned for February 1, 2027.
- Bunkyo — provisional application period November 12 to November 30, 2026; the ward says full details will be published in November. Check before relying on these dates.
- Chuo, Chiyoda and other wards — check your ward’s website. Most follow a similar October–December window.
Notice how much the dates vary: Setagaya’s postal deadline is three weeks earlier than Meguro’s counter deadline. If you’ve only just moved or are about to move, check the ward you’ll actually live in.
Second rounds and results
- First-round results are typically sent in late January or early February 2027.
- Second rounds fill places that were declined or left over, and generally close in late January to mid-February. Examples: Minato from mid-January to February 5; Setagaya by January 27 (postal/online); Meguro by February 8 (postal/online); Shinagawa by February 9; Koto from November 20 to February 12.
- Second rounds have far fewer places. Treat them as a backup, not a plan.
Important rule changes for April 2027
- Meguro and out-of-ward applicants: from April 2027 entry, Meguro will only accept applications from families living outside the ward (other than those moving in) for the 3–5-year-old classes. Applications for 0–2-year-old classes won’t be accepted, with a limited exception for siblings already enrolled at a center in the ward.
- Applying from another ward: if you live in one ward and want a center in another, you usually apply through your own ward, which forwards the application. Minato, for example, asks out-of-ward applicants to apply early enough (about eight working days before Minato’s deadline) for the paperwork to arrive in time.
The document that holds most families up: the employment certificate
Every working parent needs an employment certificate (就労証明書, shūrō shōmeisho) completed by their employer. It’s the most common reason applications are late.
- Your employer fills it in, not you. The certificate records your working hours, days, employment type and start date, and the ward uses it to calculate your points. Ward forms say plainly that the employer must complete it.
- Use your ward’s current form. Most wards publish the national standard format, and several central wards (including Minato) publish English versions to help foreign employers. Check whether your ward accepts the English version or needs the Japanese one completed.
- It has a shelf life. Some wards treat the certificate as valid for about three months from the date it’s issued, and reject undated certificates. Don’t get it too early.
- Foreign or overseas employers: if your employer is a foreign company without a Japanese HR team, ask the ward early how they want the company details, signature or seal handled. Wards differ, and it’s better to know before you submit.
- Self-employed parents and freelancers submit different evidence, often including business registration and tax documents. Ask the ward what applies.
- False information on the certificate can make the whole application invalid.
Practical tip: email HR this week with the form, a link to the ward’s instructions, and your deadline. Allow two to three weeks.
Your countdown checklist
- Now: download your ward’s April 2027 guide and forms. Confirm your resident registration is complete.
- Now: send the employment certificate to each parent’s employer.
- Next 2–3 weeks: visit centers you’re considering. Many require a booking.
- Next 2–3 weeks: estimate your points using the ward’s criteria, and decide how many centers to list. More is usually better.
- At least a week before the deadline: submit, ideally online. Keep copies of everything.
- January–February: watch for results. If you’re not offered a place, decide quickly about the second round and backup options.
If you miss the first round
Apply in the second round, put your name down for monthly vacancies, and look at alternatives: Tokyo-certified daycare (ninsho hoikusho), company-led daycare, or a yochien with after-care if your child is 3 or older. If you’re still choosing where to live, daycare competition is worth weighing alongside school commutes and space.
FAQ
Can I apply if we’re moving to Tokyo after the deadline?
Many wards accept applications from families planning to move in, with proof of the move such as a lease. Rules and documents vary, so contact the ward you’re moving to as early as possible.
Is it better to apply online?
Where it’s available, usually yes: online applications avoid counter queues, and some wards give online and postal applications a different (sometimes earlier) deadline than the counter. Check which deadline applies to your method.
How much does licensed daycare cost?
In Tokyo, the base fee at licensed daycare is free for ages 3–5 nationally and, under Tokyo’s program, for ages 0–2 as well. Meals and extras may still be charged. See our application guide for details.
Sources and official information
- Shibuya City — April 2027 first-round schedule (Japanese)
- Koto City — April 2027 application procedures (Japanese)
- Shinagawa City — Hoikuen application procedures (Japanese)
- Minato City — Enrollment in nursery schools for April 2027 (English) and 2027 guide in English
- Setagaya City — April 2027 entry (Japanese)
- Meguro City — Guide to using childcare facilities (Japanese)
- Bunkyo City — Annual schedule (Japanese)
- Minato City — Employment certificate, English version (PDF)
Deadlines can change. Always confirm with your ward before submitting. See our editorial policy.
Featured image: Tabata nursery school and childrens hall kita 2015 by Kentin, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
