Tokyo ▸ Daycare & preschool ▸ Tokyo Metropolitan Government Burden Reduction Program for Households Using Daycare Centers (free daycare for the first child in the 0–2-year-old classes)
● DAYCARE & PRESCHOOL

Licensed daycare fees are now ¥0 for the first child aged 0–2 as well

Tokyo Metropolitan Government Burden Reduction Program for Households Using Daycare Centers (free daycare for the first child in the 0–2-year-old classes) / Tokyo Metropolitan Government (carried out by the municipality)
Tokyo Metropolitan Government Burden Reduction Program for Households Using Daycare Centers (free daycare for the first child in the 0–2-year-old classes)TokyoLicensed daycare, etc.No income limit
Daycare fees are ¥0 for the first child aged 0–2 as well
Basic daycare fee for the 0–2-year-old classes¥0For everyone, including the first child
  • No new procedure at licensed daycare and similar facilities
  • Extended-hours fees and actual-cost charges still apply
From September 1, 2025Kosodate Tokyo

The 3–5-year-old classes had already become free under the national free early childhood education and care program. From September 1, 2025, the remaining first children in the 0–2-year-old classes also became free. TMG carries this out by giving financial support to municipalities.

All households using licensed daycare (ninka hoikuen) and similar facilities are covered, regardless of age or income. There is no income limit. Municipalities state that at licensed daycare and similar facilities, no new procedure is needed for the free daycare (example: Nerima City).

What becomes free is the basic daycare fee. Extended-hours fees and actual-cost charges are paid separately. Handling at Tokyo-certified daycare (ninshō hoikusho) and unlicensed childcare facilities differs by municipality, so check the page of the municipality where you live.

Nationality and residence status

The official page (checked in October 2026) sets no condition on nationality or residence status that we found. Eligibility follows the official conditions, not the language of this page; many programs require resident registration in the municipality.

Who is eligible

Households in the 0–2-year-old classes using licensed daycare and similar facilities (everyone, including the first child)

Notes

Started September 1, 2025. All households using licensed daycare and similar facilities are covered, regardless of age or income. No income limit. At licensed daycare and similar facilities, no new procedure is needed for the free daycare (Nerima City notice https://www.city.nerima.tokyo.jp/kosodatekyoiku/kodomo/hoiku/dai1shimusyouka.html ). Extended-hours fees and similar are not covered.Handling at Tokyo-certified daycare and unlicensed childcare facilities differs by municipality.For child development support for children with disabilities, Tokyo also has its own free program for the first child aged 0–2 (separate page).

Official sources

Open the official page (Japanese)

By municipality

23 wards

Tama

← All programs in Tokyo