Sweet potato digging is an autumn tradition that all Japanese kindergarten and early elementary kids partake in October through December. In Japanese sweet potatoes are called “satsumaimo”. Enjoy a nice autumn day outside central Tokyo and go sweet potato digging. Below are five recommended locations to go Japanese sweet potato …
Read More »Kadokawa Culture Museum, Tokorozawa Saitama-ken – Museum, Team Lab and More
The Kadokawa Culture Museum and new TeamLab exhibit opened on August 1, 2020. The Kadokawa Culture Museum designed by Kuma Kengo is part of a new development called Tokorozawa Sakura Town in Saitama. Kadokawa is one of the largest Japanese publishers in Japan producing books, magazines, anime, and movies. Tokorozawa is located …
Read More »Tokyo Area Blueberry Picking – June to early September
Late June to early September is blueberry picking season in Japan. Here are our recommended Tokyo Area Blueberry Picking Locations for Summer 2020. We have chosen six gardens for great half-day or one-day trips; two in Chiba-ken, two in Saitama-ken and two in Kanagawa-ken. Many of these gardens run through …
Read More »Sayama Berry Picking Farm (Saitama)
Sayama Berry Land (Saitama-ken) (狭山ベリーランド) has one of the largest blueberry farms in the Tokyo area with over 50 types of berries and 2,000 bushes. The blueberry bushes are in covered mesh houses. Here are other great places to visit in Saitama with kids They have two parking areas; one …
Read More »Pocky Factory (Saitama)
If your kids love Pocky, a day trip out to the Pocky Factory is a must. The Glico Pia East Factory is where both Pocky and Pretz snacks are produced. You can sign-up for a free one hour tour online. The trip from central Tokyo takes about 2 hours, so …
Read More »10 Day Trip Outlets
If you need to stock-up for your new apartment or a new seasonal wardrobe for you or the kids, there are 10 greater Tokyo area outlet centers. Japanese outlets usually offer a 30-50% discount off of department store prices – although most of the product is made specifically for outlets …
Read More »Fly Station (Saitama) – Indoor Skydiving for 4+ ye
If you have a daredevil kid in your house, then I highly recommend the FlyStation in Saitama. FlyStation is Japan’s first indoor skydiving space. Kids ages 4 and move can enjoy with a coach. My seven and 15-year-olds both LOVED it. You can sign-up for 1-10 flights; we did two …
Read More »The Railway Museum (Omiya, Saitama) – One of Japan’s Most Popular Train Museums
The Railway Museum (鉄道博物館ミュージアム) is a great place to visit for families and railway enthusiasts rain or shine. Opened in late 2007 the museum features railway cars, train car simulators for would-be-train drivers, model dioramas, miniature trains, train rides, an outdoor playground and indoor playrail area, cafeteria, museum shop, train …
Read More »Tokyo Day Trip to “Little Edo” Kawagoe (Saitama)
If you are in the Tokyo area and have one free day, travel back in time with a Tokyo day trip to “Little Edo” Kawagoe (川越市 Kawagoe-shi). The people of Kawagoe have preserved their city for all people today to experience the old castle town of Edo period (17th to …
Read More »Trampoland (Tokyo, Chiba and Saitama)
If you have kids, and they are bouncing off the walls take them to Trampoland! Trampoland is an inside trampoline center that is safe and fun for elementary age kids and up. My son and I went the other night and had a great time for 60 mins. There are …
Read More »Tokyo Metropolitan Area Underground Flood Control Discharge Area (Kasukabe, Saitama)
Ever wonder why Tokyo does not flood as much as other typhoon struck Asian cities? It is because of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area Underground Flood Control Discharge Area in Saitama. The Flood Control area, which is north of Tokyo, controls the floodwaters from five rivers before the water dumps into the Edo …
Read More »Nagatoro River Rafting and Grape Picking (Saitama)
Looking for a great day trip this time of year? Head to Nagatoro river rafting and grape picking in Saitama! If you are looking for a fun one day get away to enjoy the crisp air and beautiful mountain and river scenery do visit Nagatoro River and surrounding area of …
Read More »Top Train and Railway Museums in Japan
Top Train and Railway Museums in Japan To help you discover and explore a few of the amazing trains Japanese engineering has produced throughout the years we`ve listed a few of our favorites. Explore the interiors of the historical train cars, view the antique collections, learn the mechanisms of the …
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