Atago Kindergarten
Acceptable age range
| Start date | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| Apr 2026 – Mar 2027 | 2020/4/2〜2024/4/1 |
| Apr 2027 – Mar 2028 | 2021/4/2〜2025/4/1 |
- Fun-filled preschool building with art, a giant slide, and an aquarium
- Art-rich town known for its festival, with multiple ski areas nearby
Reviews
See all 2 reviewsChildhood every kids dream of
The Chantal family (5 years 9 months, 4 years, 2 years 3 months)
1st time in the program
May 24, 2026
My kids are convinced everyone speaks English, because body language and express... Read more
My kids are convinced everyone speaks English, because body language and expression made them understood. They love everyday always wanted to go back every morning, good sign. Discovering the program make us realize what our kids should be living in North America
Thank you
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you for your patience smile and kindness. It takes so much effort to welcome new kids in a group settings, your extra energy for our family is a gift to us
Message to Local People
Loved the house, loved the staff. Beautiful renovated Japanese accommodation. Very spacious. Great service that comes with it, very helpful for us. Thank you
- Number of People
- 5 People (2 Adults, 3 Children)
- Children Age
- 5 years 9 months, 4 years, 2 years 3 months
- Period
- 2 Weeks (From May 10, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Atago Kindergarten
- Accommodation
Wonderful Experience
The Wills family (5 years 3 months, 3 years 9 months, 6 years 3 months)
1st time in the program
March 12, 2026
This program exceeded our expectations and we're so glad we tried it. Special t... Read more
This program exceeded our expectations and we're so glad we tried it. Special thank you to Kiri for her patience discussing possible destinations with me for weeks and answering all my questions to try to find a good fit for our family. Special experiences for the kids included the snow house and sledding down the snow hill at school, participating in the local festival for good luck, getting to see a karate demonstration, and a field trip to the Tokamachi museum. It was really cool to hear the girls start to use some Japanese words and participate in songs & handing out lunch by the end of the week. Most of all it was gratifying to hear from the kids how much they enjoyed school!
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you for taking such good care of Maya, Kayla, and Evan! The kids were shy at first, but Mr. Kobayashi, Ms. Mizuki, Ms. Yui, and Ms. Miyu all made it such a happy and special experience for them. All of kids were sad when they had to leave. Maya and Kayla especially said they missed the friends they made in Japan and want to go back. Maya loves the drawings Ms. Mizuki drew for her and wants to put them on her wall.
Message to Local People
We love Tokamachi! Beautiful natural scenery, delicious foods, interesting art and culture, and a truly unique experience for our family. It was nice to enjoy the peaceful and relaxed surroundings.
- Number of People
- 5 People (2 Adults, 3 Children)
- Children Age
- 5 years 3 months, 3 years 9 months, 6 years 3 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Mar 1, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Atago Kindergarten
- Accommodation
Access
By Train: Take the Airport Limousine Bus to Niigata Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then transfer to the Hokuhoku Line for Tokamachi Station (approximately 120 minutes total).
By Car: Drive via Expressways, exit at the Echigo-Kawaguchi IC, and follow local routes to Tokamachi (approximately 90 minutes).
Note: The Kindergarten is a 3-minute drive or 12-minute walk from Tokamachi Station.
ake the Keikyu Line or Airport Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station, transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then change to the Hokuhoku Line for Tokamachi Station (approximately 3.5 hours total). The Kindergarten is a 3-minute drive or 12-minute walk from the station.
Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, transfer to the Joetsu Shinkansen to Echigo-Yuzawa Station, then change to the Hokuhoku Line for Tokamachi Station (approximately 3.5 hours total). The Kindergarten is a 3-minute drive or 12-minute walk from the station.
Features of the Preschool
Nestled in the breathtaking, art-filled landscape of Tokamachi, this facility provides an unparalleled connection to Japan's natural wonders. Children experience the transforming beauty of the four seasons, from vibrant green summers to magical snowy winters.
The beautifully redesigned building offers a striking blend of safety, creativity, and sensory stimulation. Children thrive within award-winning spaces that feature indoor sandboxes with smooth Australian sand, a giant saltwater aquarium, a water play area, and a cozy wood-burning stove for winter days.
Enriching weekly programs invite students to develop both physical strength and creative confidence through diverse cultural activities. Professional instructors guide older children through traditional karate, expressive dance, and open-ended art sessions within a dedicated studio atelier.
A thoughtful farm-to-table program instills a lifelong gratitude for nature's blessings and healthy living. Children actively participate in cultivating vegetables from the school garden and cooking their own harvest in a specialized kitchen, enjoying freshly prepared meals made with premium local Koshihikari rice.
A Day of the Children
Being welcomed by colorful sea life in the indoor aquarium
Cheerfully greeting friends in the wide hallway
Enjoying free play before class activities begin
Creating freely in the mortar-floor atelier with various materials
Playing in the smooth indoor Australian sandbox
Washing and slicing vegetables together in the Kids Kitchen
Savoring fresh meals featuring locally grown Uonuma Koshihikari rice
Relaxing with picture books on cozy beanbag sofas
Staying warm by the cozy wood-burning stove in winter
Accommodation
Kome Home
12
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
12 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Pet-Friendly, Coworking Space, Pick-up Service Available, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Not Available / Coworking Space Available
Yukinoya
12
minNo floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
12 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed, Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
-
Features
Meals Included, Coworking Space, Pick-up Service Available
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
Sakura House
No floor plan available
Accommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Shower Booth Only
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool, No Car Needed
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Not Available
Destination
TOKAMACHI CITY, NIIGATA
Echigo-Tsumari Art Field
As a vast open-air museum, this world-renowned art destination integrates contemporary masterpieces directly into rural villages and terraced rice fields. Families can embark on an inspiring treasure hunt through nature, discovering whimsical outdoor sculptures.
Official SiteMatsunoyama Onsen
Recognized as one of Japan's three major medicinal hot springs, this peaceful mountain retreat offers therapeutic, skin-soothing waters surrounded by pristine forests. It provides a perfect, relaxing escape for families to unwind together after a day of outdoor exploration.
Official SiteMatsudai Family Ski Resort
Designed with a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere, this resort features gentle, north-facing slopes that preserve smooth powder snow. It serves as an exceptional spot for beginners and young children to experience skiing, sledding, and snow play safely without long queues.
Official SiteActivities in Tokamachi
The Tokamachi area offers a wealth of unique local activities, from convenient access to multiple scenic ski resorts to exclusive seasonal tours curated by Yukinoya and Kome Home. More details and special plans can be explored through the link below.
Official SiteTokamachi City Museum
Home to spectacular National Treasure "Flame-Style Pottery," this modern, family-friendly museum brings ancient Jomon history to life. Through interactive displays and hands-on exhibits, families can easily explore the unique winter traditions and rich textile heritage of Japan's snow country.
Official SiteSample Itinerary
Experience Tokamachi’s winter wonderland, famous for its incredible snowfall. It is a premier destination where you can enjoy thrilling skiing, snowboarding, and breathtaking snow festivals in a beautiful, silver landscape.
Beyond winter, immerse yourself in Tokamachi’s rich heritage of traditional kimono culture. Explore historic textile workshops, experience silk dyeing, or wear a beautiful kimono while strolling through the scenic green rice terraces.