Need a night out in Japan without the kids? Babysitters & Company sends background-checked, English-speaking sitters to your hotel or Airbnb in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kyoto and Osaka. It’s been running since 2010, with rates from JPY 3,500 an hour (about US$22).

The team is small (18 sitters right now, hired from fewer than 10% of applicants), and they handle dinner, bath and bedtime so you can enjoy that kaiseki dinner in peace. Sitters also tag along as travel nannies to Tokyo Disneyland, USJ or the ski slopes, giving you an extra pair of hands.

Check Sitter Availability At Babysitters & Company

The Scoop On Babysitters & Company

  • English Guaranteed: Every sitter speaks fluent English, and some also speak Japanese, French, Spanish, Italian, German or Chinese.
  • Checked And Insured: Sitters pass police and reference checks, and liability insurance is included in every booking.
  • All Ages Welcome: Newborns through teenagers, at the same hourly rate.
  • Simple Pricing: JPY 3,500 an hour plus 10% tax, with a 3-hour minimum and no sign-up fee.
  • Day Or Night: Early mornings, late nights and overnight care are all available, plus same-day requests when someone’s free.
  • Travel Nanny Option: Sitters can join you on day trips, theme park days, ski holidays or business trips anywhere in Japan.
  • Extra Kids, Extra Fees: Each additional child adds 25%, and weekends, holidays and 10pm-8am cost more.

Little Steps Insider Tips:

  • Book as early as you can, especially for the December 19-January 11 peak, because with only 18 sitters they do sell out.
  • Carry yen for the end of the night, since the sitter’s train fare (and taxi, if they miss the last train) is paid in cash.
  • Pack a few books and toys too, as sitters don’t bring their own.