After-School Care (Gakudo Clubs) in Shinjuku City
In Shinjuku City, after-school care services provide safe places for elementary school children after classes finish. There are two main programs: "After-School Children's Hiroba" (free, registration required) and "Gakudo Club" (regular after-school care for children whose guardians are away from home because of work or similar reasons).
やさしい日本語
- 新宿区には、小学校が終わった後に子どもが安全にすごせる居場所があります。
- 無料で使える「放課後子どもひろば」(登録が必要です)と、仕事などで保護者がいないときの「学童クラブ」があります。

Who it is for
After-School Children's Hiroba: Elementary school children who live in Shinjuku City or attend a Shinjuku City public elementary school (grades 1–6). Registration is required.
- Gakudo Club (After-School Care): Elementary school children who live in Shinjuku City, and whose guardian is away from home for 4 hours or more (including commuting time) between noon and 6:00 p.m., at least 3 days a week from Monday to Saturday, because of work or similar reasons. Children in grades 1–3 (up to grade 6 for children with disabilities) can use it even if the club is full. Children in grade 4 or above can join only if there is space.
やさしい日本語
- <b>放課後子どもひろば</b>:新宿区に住んでいる、または区立の小学校に通っている小学生(1〜6年生)。登録が必要です。
- <b>学童クラブ</b>:新宿区に住んでいて、保護者が仕事などで、月曜日から土曜日のうち週3日以上、昼12時から夕方6時までに、通勤の時間もふくめて4時間以上家にいない小学生(1〜3年生。しょうがいのある子は6年生まで。いっぱいのときも使えます)。4年生以上は、あきがあるときだけです。
What to do

| Program Types & Fees | - After-School Children's Hiroba: Free of charge (registration required). - Gakudo Club: Basic monthly fee is 6,000 yen (4,000 yen per month for the second child onwards in the same household). Fee exemption is available by application every year for households receiving public assistance, households receiving support for Japanese people left behind in China, and households exempt from resident tax this year. - Hiroba Plus: A Hiroba service for children who meet the Gakudo requirements. It is free, and offers attendance checks and extended hours until 7:00 p.m. A snack is optional (2,000 yen per month). |
|---|---|
| Hours | After school until 6:00 p.m. (extended care until 7:00 p.m., 200 yen per time or 2,000 yen per month). On Saturdays and during school holidays, the basic hours are 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (morning extension from 8:00 a.m.). |
| When to Apply | Applications for the next school year are accepted around November to early December each year. If you apply because of work, you need an employment certificate (就労証明書) and the application form. Apply at the Gakudo Club you want to use (you can also apply online). |
| Where to Apply & Inquire | - Shinjuku Children's General Center, Child-Rearing Support Division, Children's Hall Operations Subsection (03-5273-4544): general questions about Gakudo Clubs and Hiroba - The Gakudo Club you want to use: applications and questions about each club - For Hiroba registration: the Hiroba of your school, or Shinjuku Future Creation Foundation, Children Support Division (03-3232-5122) *(Children's Hall Operations Subsection: Mon–Fri 8:30 a.m.–5:15 p.m.)* |
やさしい日本語
- <b>プログラムと料金</b>:
- 放課後子どもひろば:無料(0円)。登録が必要です。
- 学童クラブ:月額6,000円(2人目から月4,000円)。生活保護を受けている家庭、中国残留邦人等の支援を受けている家庭、その年度の住民税がかからない家庭は、毎年申請すると免除になります。
- ひろばプラス:学童クラブと同じ条件の子が使えます。無料です。出欠の確認と、7時までの延長があります。おやつは希望する人だけで、月2,000円です。
- <b>時間</b>:学校の後から夕方6:00まで(延長は7:00まで。1回200円、または月2,000円)。土曜日や夏休みなどは朝9:00から(朝8:00からの延長もあります)。
- <b>いつ申し込むか</b>:毎年11月ごろから12月のはじめまでに、次の年の申し込みをします。仕事で申し込むときは、仕事の証明書(就労証明書)と申込書が必要です。使いたい学童クラブで申し込みます(インターネットでもできます)。
- <b>どこへ</b>:新宿区子ども総合センター 子育て支援課 児童館運営係(03-5273-4544)、または行きたい学童クラブ。平日 8:30〜17:15。ひろばの登録は、学校のひろば、または新宿未来創造財団 子ども支援課(03-3232-5122)です。
Phrases to show at the counter
Show this card at the counter, or read it aloud.
学童クラブの申し込みをしたいです。
I would like to apply for the Gakudo Club (after-school care).
就労証明書を持ってきました。
I have brought my employment certificate.
放課後子どもひろばに登録したいです。
I would like to register for the After-School Children's Hiroba.
利用料の免除の申請はできますか?
Can I apply for a fee exemption?
Japanese words at the counter
| Japanese | Reading | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 学童クラブ | がくどうくらぶ | Gakudo Club (after-school care) |
| 放課後子どもひろば | ほうかごこどもひろば | After-School Children's Hiroba |
| 就労証明書 | しゅうろうしょうめいしょ | Employment certificate |
| 児童館 | じどうかん | Children's Hall |
| 利用料 | りようりょう | Usage fee |
Source
Shinjuku City, Gakudo Club / After-School Children's Hiroba (official website), fiscal 2026 information. Last checked: 2026-10-29.
Official page (Japanese): https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/kodomo/kodomos01_000002.html