Introducing Irodori Hoiku

Hello! This is Asukarando, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing Irodori Hoiku, located in Sadowara, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City.
[Irodori Hoiku]

This drop-in childcare space, opened in January to support hard-working moms and dads, is what we’ll be exploring today!

First, let me introduce “Aya-sensei” of Irodori Hoiku.

Irodori Hoiku was founded by an active mom who experienced the loneliness of raising children far from family after relocating for her husband’s job. Wanting to support other moms going through the same thing, she made her dream of running a drop-in childcare service a reality with the opening of Irodori Hoiku.

It’s perfect for sudden work demands, overtime, social gatherings, or simply some well-deserved “me time” to recharge.

It also doubles as a pre-kindergarten experience! For families using the service regularly as pre-school preparation, Aya-sensei creates a customized childcare plan to suit your child.

Here’s the Irodori Hoiku menu!

◆ Sitter Rates ◆

Standard rate (9:00–18:00): 2,000 yen / hour

Late-night rate (0:00–6:00): 3,000 yen / hour

All other times: 2,500 yen / hour

※ Transportation and parking fees charged separately

◆ Drop-in Childcare Rates ◆

Standard rate, ages 1–6 (pre-school children, 9:30–16:00): 1,800 yen / hour

Standard rate, ages 6–12 (elementary school): 1,500 yen / hour (9:30–16:00)

Sibling discounts and additional options are also available.

Half price for the second sibling and beyond

Bath option: +500 yen

Day-before booking: +500 yen / Same-day booking: +1,000 yen

Lesson pickup/drop-off and shopping (transportation and shopping fees charged separately)

◆ How to Get Started ◆

You’ll first need an interview — either online (free) or in-person (paid) — before you can use the service.

The online option is recommended because it lets you book the service quickly when an emergency or unexpected need arises.

Aya-sensei also offers parenting consultations. She’s wonderfully easy to talk to, so you can feel completely at ease!

Here’s the official LINE account:

https://lin.ee/SOpcvfX

What to bring when using drop-in childcare:

・Change of clothes ・Water bottle ・Lunch (if needed) ・Snacks

After your child’s session, Aya-sensei sends a detailed report with photos showing what they did and how they spent their time.

Why We Recommend Irodori Hoiku

We tried out the tailor-made drop-in childcare experience!

Because it’s based in a real home, this drop-in space offers a genuinely warm, family-style atmosphere you can’t find anywhere else!

This room of the family home has been transformed into the dedicated childcare space.

Aya-sensei draws out each child’s individual interests and tailors the care to suit them perfectly — true made-to-order childcare.

For this visit, I brought my own daughter along, and Aya-sensei had thoughtfully prepared toys in advance. She has an enormous variety of toys and play ideas, and she patiently responded to every “I want to do that!” “Let’s get this!” “Let’s go look for that!” my daughter threw at her.

Even after pulling out heaps of toys and making a glorious mess, my daughter cleaned everything up properly thanks to Aya-sensei’s gentle guidance.

With a maximum of three children per day, every child gets nearly one-on-one attention!

Beyond playing with toys, Aya-sensei also responds to whatever your child wants to try, including arts and crafts.

There’s outdoor play in the garden too!

The property is fully fenced so children can’t wander outside, giving parents complete peace of mind.

There’s even a small vegetable patch where kids can play in the dirt!

Apparently the children love getting absorbed in digging holes — and sure enough, my daughter ended up with muddy shoes and pants, having the time of her life.

Since Irodori Hoiku is run from a private family residence, we’ve kept exterior photos and the precise address private.
If you’re interested in using the service, you can message the official Irodori Hoiku LINE account to receive detailed location information.

As part of her family-support mission, Aya-sensei also hosts events that parents and children can join together!

◆ Kosodate Marutto Project (held once a month)

For details, please check Instagram https://www.instagram.com/irodori.hoiku?igsh=d3A3cWwzZGxlaTRz

If Irodori Hoiku has caught your interest, joining one of these events is a lovely way to meet Aya-sensei in person and get a feel for “What kind of person is Aya-sensei?”

And starting in March, a new “All-You-Have-To-Do-Is-Sleep Childcare” service will launch!
Just the words alone melt away the chaos of the evening hours. The plan is to expand childcare that genuinely values each child’s curiosity and the things they want to do — and expectations are running high!

If you’d like to know more, please reach out via the official LINE account: https://lin.ee/SOpcvfX

Even when separated from their beloved mom, Aya-sensei’s warmth combined with her customized care guarantees that kids will leave saying “That was so fun!” “I don’t want to go home yet!” “I want to come back!”

In fact, my own daughter grabbed Aya-sensei’s hand and tried to take her home with us — she didn’t want to leave!

Irodori Hoiku — a place where both kids and moms walk away happier — is sure to become a wonderful pillar of support for families in the area.

Talking with Aya-sensei made me think, “I want to be a mom like that someday too.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information accurate at time of reporting. Pricing and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.