Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
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 |
- Forest-style preschool for full-on outdoor play
- Shinjuku in 90 minutes, with easy train access from Tokyo
Reviews
See all 7 reviewsThank you Nikkoniko & OOTE!
The Heng family family (5 years 9 months, 3 years 2 months)
1st time in the program
October 7, 2026
It was actually quite funny — on the first day, my daughter cried because everyt... Read more
It was actually quite funny — on the first day, my daughter cried because everything felt new and unfamiliar to her. By the end of the week, she was crying again, but this time because we had to leave! She kept saying that she wanted to go back to Nikkoniko Forest Preschool and that she already missed all her teachers and friends.
Both my children absolutely loved the experience of being in a “classroom with no walls.” They spent their days exploring the forest, jumping in muddy puddles, visiting an animal farm, going to different playgrounds, doing woodwork, and simply playing freely in nature the way children should. They had such an incredible time, and I am so grateful they had the opportunity to experience something so special and memorable.
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you so much to 若杉純子 and all the wonderful teachers for taking such good care of my two children. They truly enjoyed their time at Nikkoniko Forest Preschool.
Thank you again for such a wonderful and memorable stay. Nikkoniko Forest Preschool was truly one of the highlights of our trip, and we hope we will have the opportunity to come back again someday!
Message to Local People
Our stay at OOTE was equally lovely. The host was incredibly warm and hospitable and made sure everything went smoothly for our family throughout the week. She even took our family out for dinner and bought a yukata for my daughter to wear while they enjoyed fireworks and sparklers outside the accommodation. It was such a thoughtful and memorable gesture.
The house itself was modern and simple, but it had everything our family of four needed. The large, fully equipped kitchen was especially useful as we were able to prepare meals for the children. There was also a washing machine, which was a lifesaver after all their outdoor adventures! Although there was no dryer, there was a drying rack and our clothes dried relatively quickly.
The only small inconvenience was that Levels 1 and 2 had separate entrances, which could be slightly less convenient for families travelling with more luggage. However, the warmth and hospitality we received more than made up for it. Our family felt very comfortable throughout the entire stay, and the location was also very convenient, with supermarkets, convenience stores and cafés nearby.
Our host also helped us arrange a paid hiking and waterfall experience with some of the locals, and this turned out to be another very special memory from our trip. Although they did not speak much English, their kindness and hospitality shone through in every way.
They prepared lunch for us after the hike, and it was honestly one of the best meals I had on the entire trip. We had rice with local curry and delicious hamburg steak, all prepared with so much care and filled with wonderful local ingredients. After lunch, they brought out a ukulele and started playing English songs while we all sang along, laughed and simply enjoyed the moment together. It was such a wholesome and unforgettable experience.
Yamanashi, thank you for all the warmth, kindness and love you showed our family. We left with such wonderful memories, and we will definitely be back.
Activities at the preschool
- Number of People
- 4 People (2 Adults, 2 Children)
- Children Age
- 5 years 9 months, 3 years 2 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Sep 27, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
- Accommodation
Amazing fun for children, relaxing time for parents!
The Dy family (5 years 11 months, 3 years 6 months)
1st time in the program
July 13, 2026
We stayed in Niko Nikko forest school at Kofu, Yamanashi for one week We were a ... Read more
We stayed in Niko Nikko forest school at Kofu, Yamanashi for one week We were a bit skeptical before we joined the program, but our anxiety was relieved when we met the host and teachers who made us feel welcome immediately. The idea of a forest school was new to us and our boys. they thoroughly enjoyed their stay, and both got braver in the wild. They are more willing to climb up big trees, they are not afraid of touching small bugs like grasshopper, mentis etc.
Message to Preschool Teachers
You have been very kind and welcoming to our boys. They enjoyed their stay here thoroughly and already talking about returning another time.
Message to Local People
The Kofu city is very vibrant, with wilderness to explore, onsens to enjoy, and shopping is also easy!
- Number of People
- 4 People (2 Adults, 2 Children)
- Children Age
- 5 years 11 months, 3 years 6 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From Jul 5, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
- Accommodation
Recommend to everyone
The Michelle ng family (4 years 5 months)
1st time in the program
June 2, 2026
Very good experience Read more
Very good experience
Message to Preschool Teachers
We love them
Message to Local People
Very helpful and nice stay
- Number of People
- 3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
- Children Age
- 4 years 5 months
- Period
- 1 Week (From May 10, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
- Accommodation
Kofu 2026
The Vicentin family (4 years 5 months)
1st time in the program
May 5, 2026
It has been a very positive experience for our family. Everyone was incredibly w... Read more
It has been a very positive experience for our family. Everyone was incredibly welcoming, and our son had a great time; he was included and happy throughout the whole experience. The organization was professional, and the preparatory meeting was very helpful in setting our minds at ease. Overall, we are very happy and would highly recommend the program to everyone.
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you very much for taking care of him, well done everyone for making such a fun lovely free forest school!
Message to Local People
Thank you for making us feel so welcome! Even though we were far from Silk Garden Main buildings, we felt very included and listened!
- Number of People
- 3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
- Children Age
- 4 years 5 months
- Period
- 3 Weeks (From Apr 5, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
- Accommodation
- Yottekeshi
Domo arigato
The Guimaraes family (4 years 2 months)
1st time in the program
April 8, 2026
At first, we were a little nervous that our daughter, might struggle to stay in ... Read more
At first, we were a little nervous that our daughter, might struggle to stay in a school in a completely different language and country. The teachers and staff are so wonderfully kind and warm, and they made her feel right at home from the first few days. She absolutely loved going every single day, bouncing through the door with the biggest smile on her face! She would come back glowing with excitement, bursting with stories about all the amazing adventures she had. Being so fully immersed in the culture was such a gift; it gave her the confidence to make friends, embrace new experiences, and truly thrive in her environment!
Message to Preschool Teachers
Thank you so much for your incredible work, your warmth, and the genuine love and care you showed her. We are so grateful. I wish that we could stay, and that she could grow up in such a joyful and nurturing environment as NikoNiko; it truly feels like a magical place! Thank you also for opening up the beautiful world of Japan to her: its values, culture, food, music, and nature. She still happily sings the songs she heard on the bus... She has come home so much braver and resilient. It was a wonderful, unforgettable experience for her and for our whole family!
Message to Local People
A huge thank you to everyone at our accommodation for the wonderful experience. You were all so incredibly warm, welcoming, and attentive, we felt at home right away! Thank you so much for showing us the city and introducing us to our neighbors. And the delicious dinners and lunches shared with the community were such a joy. They made us feel truly embraced and part of something special. We are so grateful for each and every one of you. Our experience in Kofu was so much richer and more beautiful because of you!
- Number of People
- 3 People (2 Adults, 1 Child)
- Children Age
- 4 years 2 months
- Period
- 8 Weeks (From Jan 11, 2026)
- Educational Facility
- Forest Preschool Nikkoniko
- Accommodation
- Residence Ariizumi
Access
From Haneda Airport, take the Keikyu Line or Tokyo Monorail to Shinjuku Station (approximately 45–60 minutes). From Shinjuku Station, take the JR Limited Express “Azusa” or “Kaiji” to Kofu Station (approximately 1.5 hours). From Kofu Station, transfer to a rental car and drive approximately 10 minutes to reach FOREST PRESCHOOL NIKKONIKO.
From Narita Airport, take the Narita Express (N’EX) or Limousine Bus to Tokyo Station (approximately 1 hour). From Tokyo Station, take the JR Limited Express “Azusa” or “Kaiji” to Kofu Station (approximately 1 hour 45 minutes). From Kofu Station, transfer to a rental car and drive approximately 10 minutes to reach FOREST PRESCHOOL NIKKONIKO.
Features of the Preschool
NikkoNiko offers a dynamic, nature-based program that flows with the changing seasons of Yamanashi. The forests, mountains, and rice fields serve as an expansive everyday playground for boundless exploration.
To nurture autonomy, teachers maintain a 'watchful presence,' allowing children to navigate risks, resolve conflicts, and engage their five senses through forest treks and imaginative play with minimal interference.
Children cultivate a deep connection to life and gratitude through hands-on food education, from growing vegetables and rice to cooking traditional seasonal dishes over an open fire in the forest.
A Day of the Children
Starting the day with smiles and free exploration
Every day is a new adventure filled with surprises
Enjoying bento boxes or sometimes cooking together outdoors
Every day is filled with new challenges
Exploring the deep woods with boundless energy
Heading home together in preschool van
Accommodation
Residence Ariizumi
5
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
7 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed, Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Baby-Friendly, Coworking Space, Walkable to Preschool, No Car Needed
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
OOTE
6
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
5 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Shower Booth Only
Laundry
Washer-Dryer
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
Yottekeshi
14
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washing Machine
Features
Baby-Friendly, Coworking Space
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Not Available / Coworking Space Available
Innovation base Soie Guest Room
17
minAccommodation Type
Whole building rental
Capacity
6 people
Kitchen
Private Kitchen
Bedroom
Bed, Futon
Bathroom
Bathtub Available
Laundry
Washer-Dryer
Features
Coworking Space
Work Environment
Wi-Fi Available / Separate Workspace for Couples Available / Coworking Space Available
Destination
11-187 MIDORIGAOKA 2-CHOME, KOFU CITY, YAMANASHI, YAMANASHI
Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center
With exhibits on space and science, a planetarium, and hands-on activity zones, this center is fun for both children and adults. It’s also a great indoor destination for rainy days, allowing for worry-free exploration regardless of the weather.
Official SiteAtagoyama Kodomo-no-Kuni
A lively park where kids can play to their heart’s content with large playground equipment, a roller slide, and a Tarzan rope. It’s the perfect place for children to move their bodies and burn off energy.
Official SiteShosenkyo Ropeway + Valley Walk
Take the ropeway up to enjoy stunning views of the gorge, waterfalls, and surrounding nature. This scenic spot offers a wonderful nature experience for families, with seasonal highlights like autumn leaves and the soothing sounds of the river.
Official SiteSample Itinerary
Famous for Koshu Wine and Takeda Shrine, Kofu offers grape picking and hiking in Shosenkyo Gorge. Visit from September to November for harvests and autumn colors. Buy Yamanashi wine or "Hoto" noodles as souvenirs, then relax at historic Yumura Onsen hot springs.