Asari Preschool
Acceptable age range
| Start date | Date of birth |
|---|---|
| Apr 2026 – Mar 2027 | 2020/4/2〜2026/4/1 |
| Apr 2027 – Mar 2028 | 2021/4/2〜2027/4/1 |
*If you were born between [April 2, 2026 and April 1, 2027], you must be at least [2 months] old at the time of your study abroad.
- A secret-base–like playground where children can play freely
- A calm, refined countryside life embraced by nature and the sea
Reviews
See all 2 reviewsSecond time with Japan Preschool Exchange
The Dom family (5 years 2 months, 2 years 1 month)
2nd time in the program
July 8, 2026
This is our second time joining this program. The school exchange part was simil... Read more
This is our second time joining this program. The school exchange part was similar to our previous experience. The most amazing part this time is the people around Gotsu Town. We were grateful to have Erica to organise various cultural activities for us to experience. The list of places that she recommended was so comprehensive. We went to most of the places in the list and found some really nice surprise, eg. Farm to table restaurants, cute cafes, local craft workshops, temple for meditation, etc. Erica even arranged us to have takeaway dinner prepared by a neighbour senior facility. We were able to immerse in the community much deeper than when we were just travelling on our own.
Message to Preschool Teachers
The teachers were all so nice and kind. They always greeted us with big smiles and tried to talk to us even when we didn’t speak Japanese. We received daily photos and description of what the kids did in the school. My younger kid was very anxious when separating with us. To our surprise, the one teacher that he found peace with was a male teacher. It was reassuring that my boy could build up bonding so soon with a stranger in the preschool. The outdoor activity with Wataboushi preschool was another highlight. It was wonderful to see two schools can collaborate with each other. We were also fortunate to pay a visit to Wataboushi Preschool.
Message to Local People
We stayed in Casa Mare. The owner was so nice and he made sure we had enough supply at the accommodation. He introduce his family to us and came to pick us up when we checked out. The father of the owner, who was the designer of the house, even gifted us a handcrafted wooden butter knife on the day when we were leaving.
We feel that Gotsu is a very close knit community. People in different facilities seem to know each other. All the places feel like intertwined. Bit by bit, we found that the places where children in Asari Preschool regularly went were indeed the places we actually visited. It is this intricate relationship in the neighbourhood made us feel like we belonged to this community in the mere short week that we stayed.
- Number of People
- 4 People (2 Adults, 2 Children)
- Children Age
- 5 years 2 months, 2 years 1 month
- Period
- 1 Week (From Jun 28, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Asari Preschool
- Accommodation
So Glad We Came
The Hung family (2 years 3 months, 10 months)
1st time in the program
February 19, 2026
It was adorable to see our child listening to Japanese nursery songs and even re... Read more
It was adorable to see our child listening to Japanese nursery songs and even responding to them again after returning home.
It was also amusing to see our child’s reaction when the teachers spoke in a language that was unfamiliar to them — they seemed to sense that something was different, and their puzzled expressions were delightful.
Message to Preschool Teachers
The teachers were always so thoughtful and gentle. They carefully maintained an appropriate distance while consistently watching over the children’s safety.
Message to Local People
The local support and accommodation staff were frequently present at the nursery and the accommodation, which gave us an additional sense of reassurance and security,especially thanks to Ito san of Iwamino chikara!they helped us a lot not only the travel advices,but also the local culture experiences, careful thoughts, we are happy that we can have new local friends in Gotsu.
- Number of People
- 6 People (4 Adults, 2 Children)
- Children Age
- 2 years 3 months, 10 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Oct 18, 2025)
- Educational Facility
- Asari Preschool
- Accommodation
- Hitokkaze
Access
Take the Narita Express to Tokyo Station, then transfer to the Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 5 hours total). From Hiroshima, it is a 2-hour drive to the preschool.
Take a train to Shinagawa Station, then transfer to the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen to Hiroshima Station (approx. 4.5 hours). From Hiroshima, it is a 2-hour drive to the preschool. Alternatively, flying directly from Haneda Airport to Hagi-Iwami Airport is also convenient.
The preschool is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from the airport.
Features of the Preschool
Surrounded by mountains, rivers, and the sea, the preschool feels like a secret base for children. From summer water play to winter bonfires, every experience sparks curiosity. Through free play, children naturally learn to make choices and take action.
Each day begins with children thinking, “What do I want to do today?” The environment is carefully designed to support independence and encourage decision-making. Small daily choices build confidence and nurture a strong sense of self.
Children interact not only with different age groups, but also with people and culture in the community. They explore local traditions like Iwami Kagura and connect with local high school students. These experiences enrich their hearts and help them grow into kind, open-minded individuals.
The preschool is designed to be a special place where children can sharpen their ability to choose through daily play. The yard feels like a mini theme park, filled with activities that spark movement and imagination—climbing, digging, running, relaxing.
A Day of the Children
Arrival and beginning the day with exploration
Independent play that sparks the power of choice
Active outdoor play in the sun-drenched nature yard
Enjoying a nutritious, locally-inspired lunch with friends
Deepening connections through community culture and traditional arts
Summer splashes: Refreshing water play in the sun
Heading home, eager for tomorrow’s new choices
Accommodation
Casa Mare
10
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Coworking Space, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
daikichinoie murokamian
1
min4
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
4 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Baby-Friendly, Coworking Space, Walkable to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
Additional information
Nestled in Gotsu amid the soothing sea breeze, Murokamian is a beautifully renovated private home restored by local craftsmen. Featuring pristine, updated interiors, it offers a serene space to unwind and step away from the everyday rush. Perfectly situated for a seamless car-free stay, you can stroll to a lush garden in 5 minutes or a sandy beach in 10, with cozy organic cafes nearby. It is a quiet coastal sanctuary to savor timeless moments with your loved ones at your own rhythm.
Destination
336-4 ASARI-CHO, GOTSU CITY, SHIMANE
Arifuku Onsen Town
Arifuku Onsen, a historic hot spring town with over 1,350 years of heritage. Stroll its charming cobblestone slopes and narrow paths, enveloped in a warm, nostalgic glow. Stay in authentic wooden inns crafted by local artisans, where gentle light through shoji screens and natural wood textures bring deep comfort.
Official SiteHashi Town
It is a coastal village where the essence of traditional Japanese life is preserved. Families can stroll through quiet streets lined with historic buildings, including a local sake brewery that serves as a cornerstone of the community's culture. Exploring this area offers a rare glimpse into the authentic daily rhythms and craftsmanship of the Shimane region, making it an enriching cultural walk for all ages.
Official SiteShimane Aquarium AQUAS
As one of the largest aquariums in the Chugoku and Shikoku regions, AQUAS exhibits around 10,000 marine animals across 400 species. It is the only place in Western Japan where you can see adorable beluga whales, and it offers a variety of fun events, including dolphin performances.
Official SiteGozenyu (Hot Spring)
Located within the Arifuku Onsen town, this is one of the local hot spring facilities open for day-trip bathing. With water temperatures ranging from 42 to 44°C (107 to 111°F), it perfectly warms your body right to the core. It is also famous as a "hot spring for beautiful skin.
Official SiteSample Itinerary
In the Arifuku Onsen town, there is a traditional theater where you can experience the vibrant world of Iwami Kagura. You'll find spots that celebrate organic living and natural wellness, offering a truly refreshing and grounding experience for both body and mind. Here, a local Kagura troupe gives live performances of this captivating cultural heritage, offering visitors an unforgettable glimpse into the region’s rich folklore and artistry.
