Colorful 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 |
- Meeting local wildlife in the rice fields just steps from the preschool
- A famed rice-growing town surrounded by mountains, sea, and rivers
Reviews
See all 2 reviewsUnforgettable Two Weeks in Shonai: Amazing Growth for Cayden at Preschool Colorful!
The Becky family (3 years 10 months)
2nd time in the program
August 6, 2026
Our family had an incredible two-week experience with the Japan Preschool Exchan... Read more
Our family had an incredible two-week experience with the Japan Preschool Exchange at Preschool Colorful. Immersing Cayden in daily Japanese preschool routines provided him with transformative personal growth and wonderful memories. Seeing him gain confidence in outdoor exploration and bring home healthy daily habits made this program an invaluable experience for our entire family.
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you so much for taking such wonderful care of Cayden during those two weeks; I know it will be a cherished memory for him. We have noticed so many positive changes in Cayden since joining Preschool Colorful! First, his interest in nature has blossomed—he loves playing with bugs now, touching them and showing them to us with so much confidence! Second, his eating habits have improved significantly; he is much more open to eating vegetables now, whereas before he barely touched greens and would always push them away. Lastly, his independence has grown so much. Back home, he now takes off his shoes by himself and is much more willing to try getting dressed on his own. Thank you for creating such a nurturing, encouraging environment for him!
Message to Local People
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to both our JPE house manager and the Shonai town hall representative for giving our family such a warm, seamless introduction to the Shonai community.
From the moment we arrived, the town hall representative guided us through all the essentials—helping us navigate smoothly right from airport arrival and car pick-up to arriving safely at the JPE house, ensuring we never felt lost. They also arranged wonderful local sightseeing opportunities and memorable meals that made us feel so well cared for.
A special thank you for organizing the farm harvesting experience for us! It was an incredible "farm-to-table" experience for Cayden, as harvesting different vegetables firsthand helped him understand where his food comes from and truly learn to cherish it. Your thoughtful support and hospitality made our stay in Shonai comfortable, meaningful, and unforgettable!
Activities at the preschool
Activity details
- Arrival & Local Orientation: Town hall PIC helped us navigate from airport arrival and car pick-up to the JPE house.
- Farm Harvesting in Shonai: Cayden participated in harvesting different vegetables & fruits directly on local farms, teaching him the 'farm-to-table' concept and helping him cherish his food.
- Nature & Bug Play: Cayden engaged in outdoor exploration regularly at Preschool Colorful, building confidence to catch and hold bugs.
- Communal Meals & Eating Habits: Trying local meals and participating in preschool lunch routines helped Cayden become open to eating green vegetables.
- Self-Care Routines: Preschool daily routines encouraged independence, leading Cayden to practice taking off his shoes and dressing himself at home.
- Number of People
- 3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
- Children Age
- 3 years 10 months
- Period
- 2 Weeks (From Jul 19, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Colorful Preschool
- Accommodation
Review
The Yen family (6 years 9 months, 4 years 2 months)
1st time in the program
January 14, 2026
The teachers/school head master where all A++, they made us welcomed and we miss... Read more
The teachers/school head master where all A++, they made us welcomed and we miss them so much already. From start of the week to finishing the week off, everything was excellent.
Message to Preschool Teachers
They are doing a wonderful job, they made everything memorable and it was a great experience.
Message to Local People
Local community all good. The accommodation staff as great as well, fast responses and helped us out greatly to get food when we were unfamiliar with the area.
- Number of People
- 4 People (2 Adults, 2 Children)
- Children Age
- 6 years 9 months, 4 years 2 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Jan 4, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Colorful Preschool
- Accommodation
- JPE House Shonai
Access
From Shonai Airport, we will take a bus to Tsuruoka Station. At Tsuruoka Station, we will transfer to the JR Uetsu Main Line and get off at Amarume Station. From Amarume Station, we will take a taxi to our accommodation.
From Haneda Airport, we will fly to Shonai Airport. From Shonai Airport, we will take a bus to Tsuruoka Station. From Tsuruoka Station, we will take a train to Amarume Station. From Amarume Station, we will take a taxi to our accommodation.
Features of the Preschool
Nestled in the Shonai Plain, the campus features a beautifully spacious and nature-rich playground nearby lush farmlands. This vast outdoor environment invites endless discovery, providing a safe haven where children can run freely among seasonal plants and friendly local insects.
At the heart of the educational philosophy is the concept of self-directed play, which empowers young learners to choose activities at their own pace. By gently watching over them rather than intervening, educators help children build genuine self-confidence and independence.
Children experience the full cycle of food by planting, harvesting, and eating their own vegetables. The program serves nutritious meals made with freshly harvested local ingredients, allowing students to develop a profound appreciation for nature's bounty.
When winter arrives, the region transforms into a breathtaking snowy wonderland with abundant snowfall. Children can fully immerse themselves in outdoor winter activities, experiencing the pure joy of building snowmen, sledding, and diving into the deep, powdery snow.
A Day of the Children
Observing tiny frogs in the nearby rice paddies
Taking peaceful walks through the nearby rice fields
Enjoying colorful and nutritious lunches made with local rice
Engaging in creative crafts and building self-confidence
Experiencing seasonal events
Savoring fresh, locally grown vegetables during daily snack times
Accommodation
JPE House Shonai
10
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed, Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washer-Dryer
Features
Baby-Friendly, Coworking Space, Within 15-Min Drive to Preschool
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
Destination
136 OGAMA, KARIKAWA, SHONAI TOWN, HIGASHITAGAWA-GUN, YAMAGATA, YAMAGATA
Shonai Town New Industry Creation Center "Classe"
Housed in a renovated rice warehouse, this vibrant hub offers fresh local produce, a popular bakery, and authentic regional souvenirs perfect for families.
Official SiteWindome Tachikawa (Wind Turbine Village)
Located in the "Town of Wind," this facility lets kids learn about wind power through interactive exhibits. Outside, there are battery-powered cars and large playground equipment for active fun.
Official SiteMogami River Basho Line Descent
Families can enjoy a peaceful boat ride down the magnificent Mogami River, guided by singing boatmen while admiring stunning seasonal landscapes along the valley.
Official SiteSankyo Soko Rice Storehouses
Built in 1893, these iconic storehouses are framed by magnificent zelkova trees and the Mogami River. Families can enjoy scenic strolls, explore local history museums, and browse regional souvenirs.
Official SiteFarmer's Restaurant Nonoka
Run by local rice farmers, this cozy restaurant serves authentic, daily-changing regional dishes. Using homegrown vegetables and rice flour, it offers delicious, wheat-allergy-friendly meals perfect for the whole family.
Sample Itinerary
Famous as the birthplace of "Kamenoo" rice and known for its wind power, Shonai offers visits to the Klasse rice warehouse and historic Kiyokawa checkpoint. Autumn, with its golden rice fields, is the best season. Buy local sake or "Tsuyahime" rice products as souvenirs, then relax at Machino-yu hot springs.
