Nakamura Shirayuri Kindergarten
Updated July 2026
Languages
EnglishNakamura Shirayuri Kindergarten is a certified center for early childhood education and care located in Tsuchiura, Ibaraki. It provides a comprehensive educational environment for children aged 1 to 5, featuring an English immersion program and a wide array of extracurricular activities.
Curriculum
Teaching approach
The school views kindergarten as the child's first experience in a group setting, emphasizing the importance of sharing joy and excitement with peers. It aims to foster international awareness from a young age while providing guidance that respects and nurtures each child's unique personality.
Programmes
The school provides a structured curriculum for children aged 1 to 5, incorporating an English immersion program introduced in 2004. Daily activities include physical education, music, and creative arts, supported by on-site facilities such as a heated pool and a farm for nature-based learning. Programming classes using tablets are also available for older children.
Student support
Learning support
The school provides support for children with allergies regarding school lunches, and families are encouraged to consult with the staff regarding individual needs. Additionally, the school offers specialized childcare for children not yet enrolled through its 'Kids Club' and 'Hiyoko Club' programs.
Tuition & fees
Annual tuition by grade
2026-2027| Grade | Ages | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| 1歳児 | 1–1 | — |
| 2歳児 | 2–2 | — |
| 年少 | 3–3 | ¥0 |
| 年中 | 4–4 | ¥0 |
| 年長 | 5–5 | ¥0 |
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Other fees(18)
| Application fee· 入園検定料 (Application screening fee) | ¥4K |
|---|---|
| Registration fee· 教育充実費 (Education enhancement fee) for 年少 (3-year-old) entry | ¥30K |
| Registration fee· 教育充実費 (Education enhancement fee) for 年中 (4-year-old) entry | ¥20K |
| Registration fee· 教育充実費 (Education enhancement fee) for 年長 (5-year-old) entry | ¥10K |
| Registration feemonth· 施設維持費 (Facility maintenance fee) for 年少/年中/年長 | ¥2K |
| Registration feemonth· 施設維持費 (Facility maintenance fee) for 1歳児/2歳児 | ¥2.5K |
| Materials· 保育用品代 (Classroom materials) for 年少 entry | ¥9K |
| Materials· 保育用品代 (Classroom materials) for 年中 entry (includes keyboard harmonica) | ¥17K |
| Materials· 保育用品代 (Classroom materials) for 年長 entry (includes keyboard harmonica and paints) | ¥19K |
| Materialsmonth· 教材費 (Monthly materials fee) for 年少 | ¥800 |
| Materialsmonth· 教材費 (Monthly materials fee) for 年中 | ¥1K |
| Materialsmonth· 教材費 (Monthly materials fee) for 年長 | ¥1.2K |
| Uniform· 体操服・スモック・水着・上履き代等 (Uniforms, swimwear, indoor shoes) for 年少 entry | ¥38K |
| Uniform· 体操服・スモック・水着・上履き代等 (Uniforms, swimwear, indoor shoes) for 年中/年長 entry | ¥19K |
| Insuranceyear· 災害共済給付制度 (Disaster mutual aid insurance) | ¥300 |
| Bus / transportmonth· バス代 (Round trip bus fee). One-way is 2,500 JPY/month. | ¥4.5K |
| Mealsmonth· 給食費 (Lunch fee) for 1号児 (1-go). Includes staple food (1,900 JPY) and side dishes (4,900 JPY). | ¥6.8K |
| Mealsmonth· 給食費 (Lunch fee) for 2号児 (2-go). Includes staple food (2,400 JPY) and side dishes (4,900 JPY). | ¥7.3K |
Admissions
The school offers enrollment for children aged 1 to 5 years, categorized into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd certification levels. Prospective families are required to attend an information session, with applications for these sessions typically opening in the summer or autumn preceding the academic year. The school provides a bus service covering areas in Tsuchiura, Tsukuba, and Ushiku cities for eligible children.
Calendar
The school operates on a standard academic year, with daily childcare provided from Monday to Friday. Regular hours are 9:30 to 14:00, with extended childcare (after-school care) available until 18:30. The school is closed on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays, though extended care is available during long school vacations.
Facilities
About the campus
The campus features a main building, a large hall with a stage for events, and a dedicated pool building with an indoor heated pool. It also includes a kitchen-equipped lunchroom where meals are prepared on-site. Additionally, the school maintains a 300-tsubo (approx. 990 sqm) farm located 200 meters from the main grounds, used for nature activities and seasonal harvesting.
Co-curriculars
A wide range of extracurricular activities is available after school, led by specialized instructors. Offerings include English, swimming, music (rhythmic and piano), arts and crafts, gymnastics, dance, programming, and soccer. The school staff escorts children to these activities, and many programs remain available to students after they graduate to elementary school.
