How can you arrange childcare while traveling in Japan?
- Published on : 12/08/2026
- by : Phoebe
- Youtube
Babysitting
@alaina.buzas on Flickr, CC BY 2.0
Traveling to Japan with young children doesn’t necessarily mean you have to give up a romantic dinner or an outing that isn’t suitable for toddlers. Babysitting services now offer solutions for international families, with English-speaking babysitters who can pick up your children right at the hotel. A practical guide from Japan Experience.
Arrange for childcare right at the hotel
This is probably the most convenient solution for a family on vacation.
Some agencies that specialize in serving travelers offer to send a babysitter directly to the hotel room or the family’s accommodations. This is particularly true of Babysitters & Company, which offers services in English in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka.
The process is simple: the parent provides the child’s age, the desired dates and times, and the location for childcare. The babysitter then comes to the location.
Some agencies also offer flexible hours, including overnight services. However, it’s important to book early, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Babysitting in hotel rooms
@World Kids Resort Babysitter Service (worldkids-okinawa.com)
Travel Nannies
The service isn't necessarily limited to the hotel room.Some agencies offer travel nannies who can accompany a family for a day or part of their itinerary. For example, the babysitter can stay with the child while the parents visit a place that’s hard to access with a stroller or accompany the children during an activity.
This option can be appealing for families who want to maintain a relatively ambitious itinerary without forcing the youngest children to participate in every activity.
However, you must specify at the time of booking that you’d like childcare with an outside caregiver.
Travel Nannies
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Babysitting Platforms
Families who prefer to choose their own babysitter can turn to a matching platform.
Among the options available to international families, CareFinder is a bilingual platform that allows users to search for babysitters in several regions of Japan. The profiles provide details on each babysitter’s experience, languages spoken, rates, and reviews.
Many profiles list English as a language spoken. Babysitters also undergo a screening process, and insurance is included with services booked through the platform.
Another option is SAIGROWTH. The agency offers multilingual babysitters—including English speakers—who can provide services directly at your hotel or vacation rental in Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, Kyoto, and Osaka. Children ages 0 to 15 can be looked after with activities inspired by Japanese culture, such as origami or traditional games. It’s a convenient way to treat yourself to a few hours of freedom while allowing your children to enjoy a local experience of their own.
Babysitters can do activities with the children while you're away
@iStock
How much does a babysitter cost in Japan?
Rates vary widely depending on the provider, the city, the schedule, the number of children to be cared for, and the type of service.
As a general guide, some platforms list babysitting rates starting at 1,500 yen per hour, while experienced babysitters in major cities may charge more than 2,500 yen.
Additional fees may apply for night shifts, travel, or special requests.
What about daycare centers?
Japan has an extensive network of daycare centers. However, some are intended for residents and may require documents or enrollment procedures that aren’t practical for a stay of just a few days.
For a traveler, a babysitting agency that explicitly accepts international visitors will generally be more convenient than a traditional daycare center, especially for a few hours of childcare.
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Can hotels help?
They’re often the first place to turn to! Before booking an outside service, ask your hotel if it offers babysitting, a daycare center, or a partnership with an agency.
Major international hotels are used to this type of request and can tell you which service providers are approved by the hotel. In any case, let the hotel know in advance: some hotels may have specific rules regarding outside babysitters’ access to guest rooms.
- Looking for more freedom and privacy? Discover our vacation rentals throughout Japan.
Kids Club (Marriott Hotel)
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How do I make a reservation?
To avoid any unpleasant surprises, it’s best to start the processbefore you leave.
Have the following information ready:
- ages and number of children to be cared for;
- desired dates and times;
- exact address of the hotel or lodging;
- preferred language;
- allergies and dietary restrictions;
- sleep habits;
- the child’s special needs;
- whether you need to accompany the child outside;
- a phone number where you can be reached during the childcare session.
For a first-time booking, it may be helpful to have a conversation with the babysitter. This allows the child and the parents to get to know each other before the day of care.
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