Solving Daycare Shortages in Tokyo with Family-Friendly Shuttle Bus Service
In Tokyo, the demand for daycare facilities has been rising sharply due to a significant increase in population. To tackle this pressing issue, Sakura Sakumirai, a prominent daycare operator in the region, is launching a groundbreaking initiative: a family-friendly shuttle bus service starting in April 2026. This service will connect the Harumi area, which is experiencing rapid population growth and consequently high daycare demand, with the Tsukishima area, which has relatively available daycare slots.
This innovative approach aims not only to ease the challenges of daycare shortages but also to enhance the overall child-rearing environment by providing a practical transportation solution for families. The introduction of the shuttle bus addresses two critical issues that have arisen due to the swift growth of the city: the inadequacy of childcare infrastructure and inconvenient transportation access.
As reported by the Chuo City government, the population within the ward is expected to increase by over 30,000 in the coming decade. Meanwhile, the number of infants (aged 0) continues to soar, contributing to the rising number of applications for daycare enrollment. Specifically, 50 additional applicants for child care for one-year-olds have been reported for April 2026 compared to the previous year.
Amid the booming construction of large residential complexes, such as the upcoming HARUMI FLAG SKY DUO, which will offer 1,455 new homes, the demand for daycare services is anticipated to outpace the existing capacity, even as efforts to expand and create new facilities are underway.
Additionally, the Harumi area lacks a nearby train station. The nearest subway station, Kachidoki on the Toei Oedo Line, requires a more than 15-minute walk to reach the main areas of Harumi Flag. Transportation is expected to improve by 2040 with plans for a new subway line, but until then, accessibility issues remain a burden for families raising children in the area.
The shuttle service will cover crucial routes between the Harumi area (serving four designated stops) and the Tsukishima area, ensuring convenient access to daycare facilities. It will operate during peak drop-off and pick-up times, providing four buses in each direction.
Sakura Sakumirai's president, Yoshitaka Nishio, expressed strong commitment to enhancing family experiences in Tokyo. "We aim to redefine access to daycare services, considering the rapid urbanization and inherent challenges that families are facing, especially in Harumi. Our shuttle bus service is just the first step towards empowering families and enhancing their choices," he states.
Following the launch of the shuttle service, there are plans to explore additional routes and time slots in response to the evolving needs of families. This initiative is more than merely a transportation solution; it symbolizes the company's broader commitment to supporting families, ensuring that Tokyo remains a conducive environment for child-rearing.
Sakura Sakumirai operates an array of daycare centers across Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Osaka, with a total of 88 facilities. Established in August 2009 and based in the Yurakucho area of Tokyo, the company is dedicated to fostering a society where parenting is manageable and enjoyable. As part of the Sakura Sakumirai Plus Group (Stock Number: 7097), the company engages with various initiatives aimed at supporting working families and promoting education and childhood care.
In conclusion, the new shuttle bus service is a pioneering step towards alleviating daycare shortages in Tokyo, demonstrating a commitment to creating a nurturing and family-friendly urban environment that encourages children to grow and thrive.
This innovative approach aims not only to ease the challenges of daycare shortages but also to enhance the overall child-rearing environment by providing a practical transportation solution for families. The introduction of the shuttle bus addresses two critical issues that have arisen due to the swift growth of the city: the inadequacy of childcare infrastructure and inconvenient transportation access.
Background of the Initiative
As reported by the Chuo City government, the population within the ward is expected to increase by over 30,000 in the coming decade. Meanwhile, the number of infants (aged 0) continues to soar, contributing to the rising number of applications for daycare enrollment. Specifically, 50 additional applicants for child care for one-year-olds have been reported for April 2026 compared to the previous year.
Amid the booming construction of large residential complexes, such as the upcoming HARUMI FLAG SKY DUO, which will offer 1,455 new homes, the demand for daycare services is anticipated to outpace the existing capacity, even as efforts to expand and create new facilities are underway.
Additionally, the Harumi area lacks a nearby train station. The nearest subway station, Kachidoki on the Toei Oedo Line, requires a more than 15-minute walk to reach the main areas of Harumi Flag. Transportation is expected to improve by 2040 with plans for a new subway line, but until then, accessibility issues remain a burden for families raising children in the area.
Shuttle Bus Service Details
The shuttle service will cover crucial routes between the Harumi area (serving four designated stops) and the Tsukishima area, ensuring convenient access to daycare facilities. It will operate during peak drop-off and pick-up times, providing four buses in each direction.
- - Eligibility: The service is exclusively for families utilizing Sakura Sakumirai daycare centers with children aged 1 to 2 years.
- - Cost: The service will be provided free of charge.
- - Safety Measures: The buses will be equipped with child seats and will include a safety device, 'icucoeyes,' to prevent leaving children behind.
- - Features: A location-based notification system, 'bus waCoCo,' is also included, ensuring parents can track the bus in real-time.
Vision for the Future
Sakura Sakumirai's president, Yoshitaka Nishio, expressed strong commitment to enhancing family experiences in Tokyo. "We aim to redefine access to daycare services, considering the rapid urbanization and inherent challenges that families are facing, especially in Harumi. Our shuttle bus service is just the first step towards empowering families and enhancing their choices," he states.
Following the launch of the shuttle service, there are plans to explore additional routes and time slots in response to the evolving needs of families. This initiative is more than merely a transportation solution; it symbolizes the company's broader commitment to supporting families, ensuring that Tokyo remains a conducive environment for child-rearing.
Company Background
Sakura Sakumirai operates an array of daycare centers across Tokyo, Chiba, Saitama, and Osaka, with a total of 88 facilities. Established in August 2009 and based in the Yurakucho area of Tokyo, the company is dedicated to fostering a society where parenting is manageable and enjoyable. As part of the Sakura Sakumirai Plus Group (Stock Number: 7097), the company engages with various initiatives aimed at supporting working families and promoting education and childhood care.
In conclusion, the new shuttle bus service is a pioneering step towards alleviating daycare shortages in Tokyo, demonstrating a commitment to creating a nurturing and family-friendly urban environment that encourages children to grow and thrive.
Topics People & Culture）
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