Tag Archives: kidfriendly

Tenraiken

Posted on February 26, 2020 by | Leave a comment

For starters if you are looking for something fancy, this is not the place, but delicious it is. My family recently took a trip into Tokyo to get our kids their passports. We found ourselves in a neighborhood near the Kamiyacho station ( the closest station to the United States Embassy) around lunch time and we were starving. After googling “Ramen near me” we found this place about a block from the station and decided to give it a try.

Upon arrival we were a little bit nervous because the machine outside, on which you order, was all in Japanese. We arrived a few minutes earlier than it opened at 11am. Thankfully we had a few minutes to use google translate and order before a long line formed behind us. Inside there was about 5 tables that seated up to 4 people. We have a very active toddler and we felt comfortable with the seating.

My husband and daughters had the miso ramen. It was good but also very different than miso ramens we have had in the past. It almost has a smoky flavor to it. I ordered the Taiwanese soba dish and it exceeded my expectations. It was truly delicious. I would recommend this place if you find yourself in this area and are hungry. -February 2020, Deena Brunson.

https://goo.gl/maps/xiruJKhawMPvUQZD8

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Posted in Daytrips, Fall, Spring, Summer, TOKYO, Uncategorized, Winter

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Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest

Posted on January 12, 2020 by | Leave a comment

In the winter Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest has a Christmas light walk and rides with Paddington bear theme. The illumination runs from November to April.

If you drive tolls are ¥1700 each way. It is 45 min from the Supply gate. If you take the no toll route it is 75 min from the supply gate. We left at 5:30 pm on Friday. It may be faster at a different time,

The gondola ride is ¥700, infants and pets are free. Admission was ¥1800 each adult for the park. Children 2 and younger are free. Bring extra yen for rides and food. Rides vary from ¥100 – ¥800. Lots of food vendors, vending machines and lockers available. Park is wheelchair/stroller friendly. Restaurant, gift shops and tons of clean restrooms (a few with kid-size toilets and urinals) babies changing facilities also.
 The park is also pet-friendly! Time may be better on a different day. Park opens at 4 pm, closes at 9 pm. December 2019, Sylvia.

https://www.sagamiko-resort.jp/events/illumillion.html

Lake Sagami Pleasure Forest address is 1634 Wakayanagi, Midori Ward, Sagamihara, Kanagawa 252-0175, Japan


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Posted in Daytrips, Kid Stuff, Theme Parks, Uncategorized, Winter

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Delta East

Posted on November 15, 2019 by | Leave a comment

I am from Portland Oregon, the land of food truck villages, and I could not have been more excited when I saw Delta East. The atmosphere is very relaxed and the food was great. My husband and I chose Delta East for a date night as it is very close to the base and we didn’t want to be out too late. We parked at the bank near the Fussa gate on base and walked about half a mile to the area also called The Little Hotel.

There are currently five carts with hopes for more in the future. The Must Chicken, Delta Brewing Company, Dosukoi Pizza, Sunrise Coffee Forest, and Buy Buy Banh Mi fill the spots now. There is plenty of outdoor seating and a small skate bowl in the center of the carts. We had the chicken, a couple mixed drinks from The Must Chicken and a beer from Delta Brewing Company. It was all very good and reasonably priced. Delta East is a great date spot and family-friendly as well. I look forward to returning with my girls to try the coffee in the near future. ~Deena Brunson, November 2019.

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Posted in Brewery, Date Night, FUSSA & HAMURA, Fussa Sightseeing, Hamura Sightseeing, Kid Stuff, Uncategorized

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Sayama Berryland

Posted on June 26, 2019 by | Leave a comment

Blueberries, strawberries and mushrooms galore can all be found to harvest at Sayama Berryland. The farm is about a forty five minute drive from base and is fairly easy. The location itself does have parking. There are two parking lots, one on each side of the main road, equaling about 50 spots with plenty of room to maneuver around. This is always something I am curious about because I am still mastering the skill of backing into parking spots and being comfortable in small lots.The parking we used was located across the street from the office at which you pay.

It was requested that we all pay together so I recommend bringing the exact amount needed. Cards are not accepted so make sure you have yen. Adults are 1500 yen. Children and seniors are 1000. Children under 3 are free. The farm is opened from 10:00am to 2:00pm for picking. Sadly if it rains they will close and you can find out if they decide to close by checking the website posted below. We visited the farm with a semi large group so we emailed ahead of time and made a noon reservation. When we arrived at noon on a Tuesday afternoon there was only our group roaming around and picking blueberries. The weekends may be a different story

Harvesting is not all Sayama has to offer A cute little store that sells original produces such as drinks and ice cream is also located on the farm. Outside the store you will find seating to enjoy your treats and a perfect spot next to the sign to take a picture. Once you have paid you will be instructed to cross the street and walk to meet your guide. Your guide will start your time as soon as everyone enters the picking area.

You are allowed 30 minutes to fill your container and munch on as may blueberries as you can. Our children were full of life running from bush to bush eating blueberries and enjoying the outside. There is something that makes food taste so much better when it comes straight from the source. We had no trouble filling our containers as the bushes had a plethora of berries. It was a bit hot the day we visited so we found that 30 minutes was the perfect amount of time. We had a wonderful experience and look forward to going back during the mushroom and strawberry seasons. – Deena Brunson, 2019.

ブルーベリー狩り

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Posted in Daytrips, Garden, Grocery, Kid Stuff, Produce Markets, Saitama, Seasons, Uncategorized

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Baseball Batting and Pitching Cages – Hamura Dome and Murayama Sportsland

Posted on January 12, 2018 by | Leave a comment

Taking my sons to the batting cages in Japan bring back great memories of going to batting cages with my dad.   I wish I had discovered the batting and pitching cages at the Hamura Dome sooner.  They are only a few minutes from the base and are a great place to blow some yen on a school night (it’s not super cheap). All the cages are operated by a ticket purchased from the machine and everything is really easy to figure out.  You have to buy pitching and batting tickets separately.  The workers at the desk can give you a kids bat, but other bats and helmets are inside the cages.  Choose your speed and hit away.  Though most of the customers are adults, I found it to be OK – the slowest pitch is 70 kph – for about ages seven and up.  My younger son likes the miniature golf hole.  There are lots of great family places to eat down the street when you make this a weeknight boys night out.

Parking: 200 Yen

Batting cages and pitching cages about 300Yen per session or cheaper if you buy a bundled ticket.  

Hamura Dome Batting Cage

Hamura Dome Mini Golf

Hamura Dome Pitching practice

On the East Side, check out the old-school batting cages at Murayama Sports Land just a few blocks east of Aeon Mall.  There are also cages that spit out soccer balls, ping pong balls, tennis balls and basketball.

Free parking. Most of the cages are 200 Yen.  Zeke Lyons – January 2018

Sportsland Soccer Cage

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Posted in FUSSA & HAMURA, Kid Stuff, Sports & Outdoors

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Mike’s Tex-Mex Restaurant

Posted on August 13, 2013 by | 4 Comments

Tex Mex3Mike’s Tex-Mex is a Tex-Mex joint just north of the Seiyu, serving burritos, chimichangas, tacos, enchiladas, margarita specials, and more. Many entrees come with rice and refried beans. Appetizers include chips and salsa, nachos, taquitos, or a cheese quesadilla with guacamole. Lunch and dinner menus are both in Japanese and English. The Margarita of the day is written on chalk board near the bar. My favorite was the peach margarita, delicious! ! The
restaurant also serves a variety of Mexican beer. Most entrees range from ¥900 to ¥1500. Children are welcome as well. In fact, there’s a shelf in the seating area full of toys to help keep the little ones occupied.

Tex Mex1There is parking at the hospital across the street. My friend and I recently parked there for approximately an hour and paid ¥100. The restaurant is open every day 11:30-14:30  and 17:30 to 22:00, unless otherwise posted. The last order is at 21:45. They ask that you call in advance during a Japanese holiday to make sure they are open. Telephone: 042-513-5210. If you search for Mike’s website through Google, click on “translate this page” and the page will appear in English. They also have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/yokotaTEXMEX. GPS 35.746357, 139.326014. Michelle Nexon, August 2013.


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Posted in FUSSA & HAMURA, North of Seiyu, Restaurants near here

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Outdoor Pools open during Summer

Posted on July 13, 2013 by | Leave a comment

Here is a list of local outdoor pools open during the summer months – culled in 2012 by Shelby Hansen and passed along to Emily Parks who graciously shared it with us!  It would be wonderful to have full posts for each one of these.  If you go to one we haven’t already covered, please consider sending us a trip report.  Thank you!

Fussa Pool (first week July – first of Sept)  Open Daily. 9am-6pm. ¥200 for HS age and up, ¥100 for MS age and younger (2 hrs).  Free parking available.  Features: kid’s splash pool, simple water slides.

Hamura Pool (Mid July- first of Sept) Open Daily. 10am-6pm. ¥300 for HS+, ¥100 for MS – (2 hrs) (double for full day).  Parking available.  Features: kid’s splash pool, water slide, lazy river.  -For more information: Hamura Community Water Park

Rainbow Pool (Showa Park) (Mid July – first of Sept) Open Daily.  9:30am-6:30pm (only ’til 5:30pm weekdays in July, only ’til 6pm daily from 8/20 on). ¥2,200 for HS+, ¥1,200 for ES/MS, ¥300 yen ages 4-5, 3- free (¥500 maternity price) (full day price).  Parking available (¥800/day) (A free Park bus can take you to the pool from the Sunagawa or Tachikawa Park entrances). Features: multiple kid’s splash pools, lazy river, wave pool, water slides (for 120cm+; yellow one is for smaller kids), concessions.  Discounts on admission for paying by SUICA/PASMO (minus ¥400 for HS+), or smaller discount just for showing SUICA/PASMO (minus ¥200 for HS+).  For more information: Showa Kinen Park: Rainbow Pools.

Higashi Yamato Pool (Mid July – August 31). Open Daily 10am-6pm (only 1:30pm-6pm 7/17-20) ¥300 for HS+, ¥100 for MS, ¥50 for ES, free for 5 and under (2 hrs). No parking (though the Ito Yokado store next door has a free parking garage…and a Baskin Robins).  Features: kid’s splash pool, lazy river, water slides.

Driving directions to Higashi Yamato Pool: Go right out the east gate, turn LEFT on the 7 and go 6 km, at Imokubo Hwy turn LEFT (the large blue sign points to Imokubo, the street name is Sunagawa Nana-something), go through the tunnel under the train station and turn RIGHT at the light, come to a T intersection and turn LEFT. The pool will be on your right and they do have free parking!

Fuchuu Miyoshi Mizuasobi Hiroba (Splash Pad near Tama Hills) (late July – August 31) Open for three blocks each day 10am-12pm, 1pm-3pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm (some closures during open season) ¥160 for adults, ¥100 for HS, ¥40 for MS- (they may charge half this if they don’t ask if you’re a city resident). No parking.  Features: splash pool, simple water slides. Swim Diapers OK.

Fuchuu Kyodo no Mori Pool (near Tama Hills) (late July – August 31). Open Daily 10am-5pm. ¥300 for adults, ¥200 for HS, ¥100 for MS- (2 hrs) Parking available.  Features: kid’s splash pool with slides, lazy river, water slide (for older kids).

Inagi Pool (near Tama Hills) (mid July – August 31) Open Daily. 9:30am-5pm. ¥200 for adults, ¥50 yen for kids (2 hrs). No parking. Features: kid’s splash pool, simple water slides, lazy river.

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Posted in FUSSA & HAMURA, Fussa Sightseeing, Hamura Sightseeing, Kid Stuff, Summer, Tama Hills

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Fussa Playground

Posted on June 20, 2013 by | Leave a comment

New in 2013, there is a playground that can be seen from Route 16 before leaving Fussa.  It is a bit convoluted to get to, but it is very close to the base and well worth the trip.  There are tall, enclosed climbing structures that have imagination games written all over it. There is a zip line and a great tire swing.  Put kids in clothes that they can get dirty because the ground underneath is just hard packed dirt.  There are bathrooms and a water fountain where kids can clean up if needed.  Playground GPS Coordinates: 35.72393, 139.342065.  Parking lot GPS 35.722589, 139.343171.
Fussa Park Alex WinklerDIRECTIONS: Leaving Fussa Gate, turn left onto Route 16.  At the end of the Yokota fence line, where Route 16 curves right, exit toward Route 7 but don’t turn left onto Route 7.  Instead go straight through the first light toward Haijima Station.  There is a paid parking lot straight ahead.  Park and this metal barrier will raise to trap your car.  Pay at the kiosk to get out.  From this parking lot it is an easy walk under Route 16 to the playground. – Alexandra Winkler & Sarah Straus, June 2013.  Interested in another Fussa Playground?  Try the Fussa Roller Slide Park or the playground on the Tama River Trail.

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Posted in FUSSA & HAMURA, Kid Stuff

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Fussa Roller Slide Park

Posted on October 14, 2012 by | 4 Comments

This is a small roller slide park, great for an hour of play just outside the supply gate.  There is a play structure leading up to two roller slides.  Tall cherry trees provide shade.  Above the slides there is a nice place to sit and eat a snack. There are bathrooms.  GPS 35.73433, 139.33611.
Directions: One option is to park on base at the supply gate and walk.  The park is just 600 meters from the gate with sidewalks on either side of the street.  Head straight out the Supply gate onto 7.  Continue across the train tracks and turn right just after the blue pedestrian bridge.  The park will be on your right.  If you drive, follow the same directions as above.  I’ve seen people park along the street in front of the park, however, for parking information see the comments below. -Sarah Straus, October 2012, updated Dec 2013.  Looking for another playground in Fussa?  Try Fussa Playground.

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Posted in FUSSA & HAMURA, Fussa Sightseeing, Kid Stuff

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