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Navigating Childcare in Tokyo: Top English-Speaking Babysitting and Nanny Services for Busy Moms

Updated: Jun 24, 2023

Being a mother in a bustling city like Tokyo is quite a journey. Balancing work, personal life, and raising your kiddos can sometimes feel like spinning plates. And as any seasoned mom knows, finding quality childcare is often the most critical part of that balancing act.


Luckily, Tokyo offers a multitude of options when it comes to babysitting and nanny services. I’ve poured over my research, consulted with fellow mothers, and compiled a list of the best English-speaking babysitting services and nanny companies in Tokyo. Let’s delve in, shall we?


Quality English-Speaking Babysitting Services

A babysitter can be a lifesaver when you need to head out for the evening or tackle some unexpected work. Here are some exceptional services I’ve come across:


1. Babysitters

Babysitters boasts a diverse team of sitters who are always ready to watch over your little ones. They offer various services, including event childcare and overnight babysitting. Their website is a breeze to navigate and is available in both English and Japanese. Check them out here.


2. Carefinder

Carefinder is an intuitive matching site that connects parents and babysitters. They've successfully connected hundreds of families and sitters in both the expat and Japanese communities. Visit them here.


3. Chez Vous

Chez Vous is like a supermom in service form. From housekeeping and childcare to handyman services, they’ve got you covered. Visit here.


4. Mamy Tokyo

Mamy Tokyo offers professional babysitting services, whether for regular childcare, overnight care, or emergency care. You can find them here.


5. Poppins

For the high-end nanny service, Poppins is the go-to. Big-name hotels and companies frequently use their services. They provide in-home babysitting, daycare, and elderly care. You can visit them here.


6. Little Hug

Little Hug offers English-speaking Nannies round the clock, all year round. They screen and train all their babysitters to provide top-notch care. Check them out here.


The Japanese Speaking Nannies

If you want your kids to pick up Japanese, these services offer Japanese speaking nannies:


1. Japan Babysitter Service

Japan Babysitter Service matches families with suitable babysitters based on their specific needs. You can find them here.


2. Honey Clover

Honey Clover provides services all over Japan and lets you request a sitter to be sent to your home. Find them here.


3. Alpha Kids Club

Alpha Corporation provides babysitting services alongside its daycare centers. Check them out here.


4. Kids Line

Kids Line is an online platform that connects families to nannies and housekeepers. Find them here.


5. Michel Club

Michel Club is perfect for parents with sick children, offering flexibility and an in-hospital care option. Find them here.


Government Support for Smaller Aged Children

Certain cities offer child-rearing support. For instance, Minato-ku provides helpers or babysitters for young children at an amazing rate. More information for Minato City can be found here.


After School Care for School-Aged Children

If your children attend Japanese public school, there are after-school care options known as Gakudo/Jidokans for working parents. These government-owned child centers provide places for kids to work on their homework and enjoy sports or activities until it's time to go home.


Domestic Help Facebook Groups:

Facebook groups can be a great resource for finding helpers in Tokyo. You can connect with individuals who offer their services directly, bypassing large corporations. If you are looking to hire a full-time helper, keep in mind that if they are non-Japanese, you will need to sponsor their visa since they will be working solely for you. Alternatively, if you cannot sponsor a visa, you can ask if anyone's helper has a few hours to spare and would be willing to work for you once a week. Be sure to thoroughly vet any potential helpers before hiring them, and always prioritize safety and transparency in your interactions.


Wrapping it Up

Raising a family takes a village, but with the right support, it can be a more enjoyable and manageable experience. Each of these babysitting and nanny services brings something unique to the table, so I encourage you to explore and see which ones resonate with you and your family's needs. Remember, motherhood isn't a solo act, and it's okay to ask for help.


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