Moving
Moving to Japan with Children: Practical Checklist (2026)
A practical checklist for families relocating to Japan: admin, childcare, healthcare, and school planning.
The Standard Japan · Family
Family Life in Japan
Childcare, healthcare, moving checklists, and practical guides for parents in Japan
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Moving
Hoikuen vs Yochien in Japan: Daycare vs Kindergarten (2026)
A parent-friendly comparison: hours, purpose, costs, and how families choose childcare in Japan.
Moving
Pediatric Clinics in Japan: How Families Use Healthcare (2026)
How pediatric clinics work in Japan: what to bring, after-hours options, and what to verify locally.
City Guide
Where to Live in Tokyo for International School: Neighborhoods and Commute Guide
Minato, Setagaya, Chofu, Yokohama — how Tokyo families choose neighborhoods based on international school commutes and daily logistics.
All family guides
City Guide
International Education in Ashiya and Nishinomiya: Schools and Preschools
Why families in Ashiya and Nishinomiya commute to Kobe international schools — and preschool options worth comparing.
Preschool
Best International Preschools in Kobe: What Parents Should Know
Peter Pan at age 2, CA PreK from age 3, Marist Early Years in Suma, and Kinder Kids campuses in Suma and Nishinomiya.
Preschool
Childcare and Schools for Doctors' Families in Kobe
For families with one or two doctors: childcare that fits hospital hours, English preschool or daycare, and international or Japanese school.
Moving
Moving to Kobe on a Sports Contract: Schools for Your Kids
For players and coaches joining Kansai clubs: when to contact schools, how mid-year entry works, and where families with young children usually start.
Preschool
International School Summer Programs in Japan: A Parent's Guide
Summer camps at ASIJ, Canadian Academy, BST, and Kobe preschools — what to book, when, and how families use summers strategically.
School Selection
Japan International School Tuition 2026: What Parents Pay
Published 2026–27 fees at Canadian Academy, ASIJ and St. Mary's, what a first year really costs, and the charges that never appear in the tuition line.
School Selection
Where International School Graduates in Japan Go to University
US, UK, Japanese, and global university destinations from ASIJ, Canadian Academy, BST, and other Japan international schools.
School Selection
Japanese Language Support at International Schools in Japan: What Parents Need to Know
How ASIJ, Canadian Academy, BST, and other schools structure Japanese (JSL / native tracks) — and what to ask before enrolling.
Moving
Moving to Kansai with Children: Schools and Where to Live
International schools in Kobe and Osaka, the neighborhoods families pick, preschool at two and three, and what to do before and after you arrive.
Preschool
Peter Pan vs Kinder Kids vs Shukugawa: Comparing International Preschools in Kobe and Hanshin
Peter Pan (age 2, from one day a week), named Kinder Kids campuses in Suma and Nishinomiya, and Shukugawa-area rooms.
Moving
Moving to Kobe with Children: International School and Preschool Guide
Best family areas, schools, preschools, and commute considerations for relocating to Kobe.
Moving
Moving to Osaka with Children: The Family Relocation Guide
Where to live, which schools to research, and how Kansai families combine Osaka and Kobe — a practical relocation guide.
City Guide
Where to Live in Osaka for International School: Neighborhoods and Commute Guide
Toyonaka, Suita, central Osaka, and Kyoto-side areas — how families choose neighborhoods for OYIS, OISKG, and Senri commutes.
City Guide
Osaka vs Kobe International Schools: How Families Choose
Canadian Academy and Marist in Kobe vs Osaka YMCA and OIS — curriculum, commute, community, and how Kansai families choose.
Preschool
Peter Pan International Preschool Kobe: Our Visit Report
Our visit to Peter Pan on Rokko Island: the head teacher, the feel of the school, how attendance works and the CA link.
Preschool
Preschool Before Canadian Academy: What Parents Should Know
CA PreK starts at age 3 on 1 October. For two-year-olds, CA points to Peter Pan. Neither path guarantees a later seat.
Moving
Returnee Children in Tokyo: School Options for Kikokushijo Families
International, Japanese, and bilingual paths for returnee (kikokushijo) children settling in Tokyo — language, grade placement, and school selection.
School Selection
Tokyo International School Admissions: Timeline, Documents, and What to Expect
When to apply to ASIJ, BST, Nishimachi, and other Tokyo international schools — documents, assessments, waitlists, and planning timeline.
School Selection
IB vs American vs British Curriculum at Tokyo International Schools
How IB, American, and British curricula differ at Tokyo schools — ASIJ, BST, Nishimachi, TIS — and university pathway implications.
City Guide
Where to Live in Tokyo for International School: Neighborhoods and Commute Guide
Minato, Setagaya, Chofu, Yokohama — how Tokyo families choose neighborhoods based on international school commutes and daily logistics.
City Guide
Tokyo vs Kansai International Schools: Where Should Your Family Choose?
Comparing Tokyo and Kansai for international school families — school choice, cost, commute, lifestyle, and relocation decisions.
School Selection
US Student Visa Rules 2026: What Parents Need to Know
The F-1 visa steps from Japan and what changed in 2025–26: public social media, interviews for all, the $250 fee.
Preschool
When to Start English Preschool in Japan: Is Age 2 Too Late?
Best age for English immersion in Japan — daily preschool vs eikaiwa, and what Kobe and Tokyo families do in practice.
Preschool
Kobe Preschools We Visited: Peter Pan, Kinder Kids and More
We visited Peter Pan, Kinder Kids and two Shukugawa and Nishinomiya schools, and compared them in person.
School Selection
Canadian Academy Admissions Timeline (Kobe): When to Start (2026)
A parent-friendly planning guide: when to contact admissions, tours, documents, and decision points (always verify with CA).
Moving
Child Allowance in Japan (Kodomo Teate): What Families Should Know (2026)
Orientation to Japan’s child allowance: eligibility basics, when to apply, and what to confirm locally.
Preschool
English Preschool vs English Conversation School
Daily English exposure vs weekly lessons — what matters for young children.
Moving
Hoikuen vs Yochien in Japan: Daycare vs Kindergarten (2026)
A parent-friendly comparison: hours, purpose, costs, and how families choose childcare in Japan.
School Selection
How to Choose an International School in Japan
Age, curriculum, commute, language needs, and questions to ask before you apply.
School Selection
International School vs Japanese School in Japan
Language, curriculum, cost, culture, and university pathways — a balanced comparison for parents.
School Selection
IB vs American Curriculum at Kobe International Schools: What Parents Should Know
How IB, American, and other curricula differ at Kobe schools — and what it means for university pathways.
City Guide
Education for Medical and Professional Families in Kobe
How dual-career medical and professional households in Kansai approach international school, Japanese school, and English preschool decisions.
Moving
Moving to Japan with Children: Practical Checklist (2026)
A practical checklist for families relocating to Japan: admin, childcare, healthcare, and school planning.
Moving
Pediatric Clinics in Japan: How Families Use Healthcare (2026)
How pediatric clinics work in Japan: what to bring, after-hours options, and what to verify locally.
Moving
Returnee Children in Kansai: Choosing Schools in Kobe and Osaka
School options for kikokushijo families settling in Kobe, Ashiya, or Osaka — international, Japanese, and hybrid paths.
City Guide
Rokko Island Family Guide: Schools, Preschools, and Living
Why international families choose Rokko Island — schools, preschools, parks, and daily life.
Moving
Vaccination Schedule for Children in Japan: Family Guide (2026)
Routine vaccines, boshi techo records, and what to confirm with your pediatric clinic.
FAQ
Where should families start?
Use a moving checklist first, then decide your childcare path (daycare vs kindergarten) and confirm pediatric clinics near your home. Verify details with your city office and official providers.
Can I trust AI answers about childcare?
AI is useful for orientation, but rules vary by municipality and change over time. Always confirm the latest requirements with your local city/ward office.