WONDERLAND FOR PLAY—WITH ANIMALS, RICE FIELDS, CLIFFS, AND TARZAN ROPES

Hajimenoippo Preschool

NODA CITY, CHIBA
School lunch: Provided
8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Acceptable age range

Start date Date of birth
Apr 2026 – Mar 2027 2020/4/2〜2025/4/1
Apr 2027 – Mar 2028 2021/4/2〜2026/4/1
Planner's Recommended Highlights
  • Forest-style preschool in rich nature surrounded by rice fields
  • Easy access to nature, just over an hour from Narita Airport

Reviews

See all 3 reviews
R.M

Amazing, my daughter’s react was the most surprising.

The Lyn family (4 years 11 months)

2nd time in the program

June 1, 2026

My daugther participated in the Japan Preschool Exchange Program and attended Ha... Read more

My daugther participated in the Japan Preschool Exchange Program and attended Hajimenoippo Preschool for 3 weeks in May this year. She was very warmly welcomed, and the teachers were incredibly kind and gentle with her.

Even though she stayed for a short time, she quickly felt included and cared for. One of the most memorable moments was when she would leave school and the other children would shout together, “Bye Jen-chan, See you” It was such a touching and unforgettable experience for our family.

I also loved that the children participated in hands-on exploration. It was wonderful to see them learning emphasizes independence, self-paced learning from such a young age.

We are very grateful for the warmth and openness shown by the teachers and students. It was a beautiful cultural and emotional experience for our daugther.

Message to Preschool Teachers

The teachers were wonderful and truly dedicated, always playing and interacting with the children. My daugther absolutely loved it! I also loved receiving daily photos and messages from the school and learning about the activities they did each day.

The school environment is very calm, located in a beautiful natural area where children enjoy japanese traditional play without the use of technology or screens.

Message to Local People

What make this trip even more special is mommy's community, We were also deeply touched by the kindness of them. Special thanks to Yumiko-san. Saori-san, Eriko-san, Yuka-san, Yuki-san, Sayaka-san, Chie-san

Number of People
2 People (1 Adult, 1 Child)
Children Age
4 years 11 months
Period
3 Weeks (From May 10, 2026)
Educational Facility
Hajimenoippo Preschool
Accommodation
慧.O

Highly Recommended Preschool

The Lim family (4 years 9 months)

1st time in the program

April 26, 2026

We are very glad to have chosen this preschool for her. The teachers took such g... Read more

We are very glad to have chosen this preschool for her. The teachers took such great care of her, and we truly felt how warm and nurturing the environment was.
What stood out most was the strong emphasis on outdoor play and nature. In just three weeks, she experienced things she would never have the chance to do back in Singapore—climbing trees, planting vegetables, and participating in many hands-on activities.
Every day, she came home excited, sharing stories about the new friends she made and what they did together. She even told us how delicious the school lunches were, which says a lot!
One of the most memorable moments for our family was being invited to take part in the school’s entrance ceremony. It was simple yet incredibly heartwarming.
Not only did she build meaningful friendships, we as parents also connected with the Japanese parents, which made the experience even more special.
This was truly a memorable and wonderful experience for our entire family, and we are so grateful for it.

Message to Preschool Teachers

Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of her during her time at your school. We are truly grateful for the love, patience, and dedication you have shown her every day.
In just three short weeks, she has grown so much—becoming more confident, curious, and independent. She came home every day excited to share about her friends, her activities, and all the little moments that clearly meant so much to her.
We especially appreciate the emphasis on outdoor play and learning through nature. These are experiences she would not have had back home, and we will always treasure them.
Thank you also for welcoming us so warmly as a family. Being part of the school, even for a short time, was very meaningful to us.
We will always remember this experience with great fondness. Thank you for everything you have done for her.

Number of People
3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
Children Age
4 years 9 months
Period
3 Weeks (From Apr 5, 2026)
Educational Facility
Hajimenoippo Preschool
Accommodation
.

Meaningful learning experience

The Tze en family (5 years 4 months)

1st time in the program

January 25, 2026

As a parent, I am very satisfied with the Japan Preschool Exchange program. It h... Read more

As a parent, I am very satisfied with the Japan Preschool Exchange program. It has been a meaningful and enriching experience for my child. Through this program, my child was able to experience a different culture, learning environment, and daily routine, which helped broaden their perspective at a young age.

One particularly memorable moment was seeing my child confidently participate in cultural activities such as making and flying a kite. After the program, my child shared stories about school life in Japan with excitement and curiosity. I could see positive changes in confidence, independence, and willingness to try new things. Overall, this program has provided valuable learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Message to Preschool Teachers

Thank you to all the preschool teachers for your dedication, patience, and care throughout the program. Your guidance and encouragement made the learning experience enjoyable and meaningful for the children. We truly appreciate the effort put into creating a safe, supportive, and enriching environment that allowed the children to learn and grow confidently.

Number of People
2 People (1 Adult, 1 Child)
Children Age
5 years 4 months
Period
1 Week (From Jan 18, 2026)
Educational Facility
Hajimenoippo Preschool
Accommodation

Access

Tokyo(Haneda Airport) → Preschool

From Haneda Airport, rent a car and drive for approximately 2 hours to reach your destination in Noda City.

Tokyo(Narita Airport) → Preschool

From Narita Airport, rent a car and drive for approximately 1 hour to reach your destination in Noda City.

Features of the Preschool

Feature 1

Located just an hour and a half from the heart of Tokyo, this facility offers an ideal balance of urban accessibility and peaceful countryside living. Families can easily reach the lush surroundings, providing a tranquil escape while remaining connected to modern conveniences.

Feature 2

Children actively participate in authentic agricultural experiences, from cultivating seasonal vegetables to caring for resident goats and chickens. These daily interactions with farm life teach profound lessons about responsibility, nurturing a genuine appreciation for the delicate cycle of life.

Feature 3

As a dedicated forest school, the program immerses young learners in a rich, natural environment that encourages deep outdoor connections. Children spend their days climbing trees, swinging on ropes, and exploring the expansive woodland, fostering boundless curiosity through hands-on discovery.

Feature 4

Mindful care is taken to accommodate the dietary needs of children from abroad, opening up the possibility for every child to share the same dining experience. While dependent on individual requirements, tailored options—including the omission of certain ingredients—are often achievable through the preschool’s home-style kitchen. Families are invited to reach out to the planning team as a first step to see what might be possible.

A Day of the Children

A day of the children 1

Arriving with bright smiles ready for a new day

A day of the children 2

Free play time upon arrival

A day of the children 3

Kicking off the day's activities

A day of the children 4

Feeding the friendly goats and clucking chickens together

A day of the children 5

Today’s adventure: rice harvesting!

A day of the children 6

Enjoying a wholesome, warm lunch with happy classmates

A day of the children 7

Taking a peaceful stroll to the nearby riverbanks

A day of the children 8

Enjoying grass sledding in the open field

View All Preschool Information

Destination

NODA CITY, CHIBA

Shimizu Park
Activities & Workshops

Shimizu Park

With vast grounds that include a field athletic area and a pony ranch, Shimizu Park is a popular destination for families. It’s also one of Japan’s “Top 100 Cherry Blossom Spots,” offering beautiful flowers to enjoy throughout the seasons.

Official Site
Glicopia CHIBA
Activities & Workshops

Glicopia CHIBA

This Glico ice cream factory offers guided tours where visitors can see the Papico production line, take part in hands-on experiences, and sample fresh treats (reservation required). The fun, interactive setting makes it especially popular with children.

Official Site
Sakuragi Shrine
History & Heritage

Sakuragi Shrine

This is the oldest shrine in Noda, famous for its beautiful cherry blossom motifs. It is known for having incredibly clean restroom facilities (even hosting a "Restroom Deity"). The grounds feature playful stone paths for kids to hop on and many unique fortune slips (omikuji).

Sample Itinerary

Model Course 1

Famous for Kikkoman Soy Sauce and Shimizu Park, Noda offers brewery tours and one of Japan's largest obstacle courses. Late March for cherry blossoms is the best season. Buy exclusive soy sauce or Moromi-flavored sweets as souvenirs, then relax at Nanakodai Onsen natural hot springs.

View All Destination Information

316,200 JPY~

2 adults · 1 child · 1 week