Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture, aiming to promote relocation and enhance child-rearing support, has expanded the eligibility for its "temporary childcare service" operated at local child-rearing support centers.
As a result, individuals visiting Tomi City for purposes such as using the city's relocation experience facilities, participating in relocation consultation tours, or viewing vacant houses can now use the temporary childcare service within available capacity, provided they make a prior reservation.
This initiative was launched in response to feedback from relocation consultations, where families expressed, "It would be reassuring to be able to leave our children somewhere during relocation tours or vacant house viewings, so we can focus on the visit."
Rather than requiring new facility construction or additional budget allocations, the city has achieved this expansion by reviewing the operation of its existing temporary childcare program, thereby creating a more supportive environment for young families considering life in Tomi City.
About the Temporary Childcare Service
The "temporary childcare service" is designed for situations where parents temporarily cannot care for their children at home due to illness, weddings, funerals, employment, education, childbirth, or nursing care. It also supports parents who need relief from child-rearing stress or a chance to recharge. The service allows child-rearing support centers to care for children during these times.
Previously, the service was available only to infants and preschool children under three years old who reside in Tomi City and do not attend daycare. Now, the eligibility has been expanded to include prospective movers visiting the city for relocation experience facilities, relocation consultation tours, or vacant house viewings.
For more details on the temporary childcare service, visit: https://tomi-sukusuku.jp/business/1764/
About the Relocation Consultation Tour
Tomi City's relocation consultation tour is a personalized, one-on-one tour guided by staff from the relocation consultation desk, tailored to each prospective mover's interests and inquiries.
Participants can directly discuss and confirm practical concerns about daily life, such as shopping access, medical facilities, schools, local community atmosphere, and winter living conditions.
Additionally, the tour itinerary can be customized upon request, including viewings of vacant properties listed in the city's vacant house bank, or visits related to child-rearing, employment, or rural lifestyles.
In fiscal year 2025 (Reiwa 7), Tomi City conducted 30 such personalized relocation consultation tours based on applicants' interests.
For more information on the relocation consultation tour, visit: https://tomi-sukusuku.jp/business/1764/
Eligible Scenarios for Use
Parents considering relocation with young children can use Tomi City's temporary childcare service (by prior reservation, fee applies) in the following situations:
- Visitors using Tomi City's "Relocation Experience Facility 102" - Participants in relocation consultation tours organized or affiliated with Tomi City - During vacant house viewings, or visits to schools and daycare centers arranged as part of relocation consultations
The Initiative Began with a Simple Wish from a Relocation Advisor
Tomi City welcomes many relocation seekers every day.
Among them are numerous young families with small children.
"When viewing vacant houses, we can't take our eyes off our children in potentially hazardous areas."
"During relocation tours, we want to listen carefully to local residents, but our children get bored and fussy."
Witnessing these situations firsthand, a relocation advisor voiced a simple but powerful idea:
"If we could just leave our children somewhere during consultation tours or house viewings, families could feel more at ease and better imagine life in Tomi City..."
Responding to this on-the-ground feedback, the city reviewed the eligibility and operation of its existing temporary childcare service, leading to this expansion.
This creates a reassuring environment for both parties: children get to experience Tomi City's child-rearing facilities early, while parents can focus on relocation preparations and site visits with peace of mind.
Overview of Temporary Childcare Service at Child-Rearing Support Centers
Eligible Facilities:
- Eastern Tomi Child-Rearing Support Center (282-2 Ken, Tomi City) - Kita-Mikama Child-Rearing Support Center (338-1 Ohinata, Tomi City)
Eligible Age:
- Children from 3 months after birth up to under 3 years old
Service Fee:
- 400 JPY per hour
Service Hours:
- Morning: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM - Afternoon: 1:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Additional Information:
- Services are not available on weekends or holidays. - Operating days vary by center; please contact the relevant department for details.
Various events are held at the child-rearing support centers.
About Tomi City, Nagano Prefecture
Located in eastern Nagano Prefecture, Tomi City is known for its long hours of sunshine and warm climate, which support the production of premium "Kyoho" grapes, walnuts, and its designation as a wine special zone.
With convenient access—about 20 minutes by car from Ueda Station and Sakudaira Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen—it has become a popular destination for young families seeking to relocate.
For Inquiries:
Regarding the Temporary Childcare Service Child and Family Support Section, Children and Family Support Division, Tomi City
Phone: 0268-71-0450 Email: kodomokatei@city.tomi.nagano.jp
Regarding Relocation Consultations Settlement and City Promotion Section, Planning and Promotion Division, Tomi City
Phone: 0268-71-6790 Email: iju@city.tomi.nagano.jp
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: キャンペーン