National Children's Castle: Omotesando
Hachiko and its surrounding environs may be the hot spot for the teen-to-college crowd, but not far away is a place designed specifically for the younger set. Located between Shibuya and Omotesando stations, the National Children's Castle offers fun for kids of all ages.

Don't look for spires and drawbridges, though. The Children's Castle looks like any other building on the outside. The inside, however, is another story. Here you'll find a swimming pool, gymnasium and playrooms for every age bracket. Most tykes migrate to the play hall on the third floor. Slides, rope bridges and plastic tunnels cross the expanse of the room. Large plots of floor space have been set aside for Duplo blocks and "pretend" play, with both house and "yatai" set-ups. And next to the mini-snooker tables (4th grade and above only), there's even an area designated for paper airplanes, complete with folding instructions, targets and netting to keep the fun contained.

And that's just one room. The third floor also has a computer room and a craft studio with instructors on hand to help you and your child complete that day's project (think cloth scraps and glue). One floor up you'll find a nursing/diaper-changing station, a video library and frequent puppet shows (check the day's schedule). There's also a percussion-heavy music room.

On sunny days, an outdoor play area opens on the fifth floor. Kids can dive into thousands of plastic balls, or race tricycles on the roof's track (don't worry, it's fenced in). There's also a child wellness clinic offering health consultations by appointment.

Food is available near the entrance, but its sub-standard "family restaurant" fare doesn't come recommended. I suggest bringing your own, or leaving for lunch (same-day re-entry is permitted with ticket). There are several places to eat a sack lunch, including two lounge areas and a pool observation deck.

You could easily spend the day here, but with its reasonable ticket price, the National Children's Castle is worth even an hour or two of your time. Either way, the kids will surely ask when they're coming back.

by Jason Jenkins



National Children's
Castle

5-53-1 Jingumae, Shibuya-ku
03-3797-5666

Admission:
Adults 18 and over: 500yen
Children 3-17: 400yen
Children under 3: free
(Group tickets, discount tickets and special passes available.)

Access:
From Shibuya Station (Yamanote, Ginza and Hanzomon Lines):
Walk out of the Miyamasuzaka exit and walk up the hill on the left side. Walk past the Shibuya Post Office, going towards Aoyama-dori (Rt 246) and Aoyama Gakuin University. The Castle will be on your left, near a large multi-faced sculpture.

From Omotesando Station (Ginza, Hanzomon and Chyoda lines):
Take the B2 Exit, walk past the OVAL Building, towards Shibuya along Aoyama Dori (Rt 246). The Castle will be on your RIGHT, near the overhead crossing.
Buses from Shibuya Station for Shinbashi Station Kitaguchi stop across from Aoyama Gakuin University.

Hours:
Open 10am to 5:30pm weekends and national holidays, 12:30pm to 5:30pm weekdays. The Castle is closed on Mondays; however, when a national holiday falls on a Monday the Castle is open but closed the following day.

http://www.kodomono-shiro.or.jp/english/index.html