About Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza

Hi everyone! This is Asukarando, writer for Sarukuma.

Today I’m introducing Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza, a wonderful family spot located in Kanokogi-machi, Kita Ward, Kumamoto City
【Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza】

This parenting support center is attached to Hokubu Children’s Garden, with its own dedicated entrance separate from the enrolled children’s entrance.
If you’re using GPS navigation, please search for Hokubu Yochien (Hokubu Kindergarten).
Just press the intercom and the staff will let you in.

The parking lot is clearly signposted, so it’s easy to find!

You’ll need to cross a small road from the parking lot to the building, so please watch out for cars on your way in.

《How to Use Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza》

Hours: Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM

Reservation required — 5 groups per day (capacity may expand in the future)

Reservation method: Phone reservations accepted

※The first visit each year requires a 300 yen insurance fee.

《What to Bring》

Water bottle, change of clothes, hat

《Please take phone calls in the hallway.
Please refrain from taking photos while the kindergarten children are playing in the yard.
Photos may be featured on the kindergarten’s website or school newsletters.》

Why We Recommend Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza

Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza is located all the way at the back of the entrance!
There’s also a shoe rack at the door.

Step inside and you’ll find a wide, airy room with high ceilings (^-^)v
Sign in at the table just inside the entrance and write your child’s name on a piece of tape to use as a name badge!
※First-time visitors only: a 300 yen insurance fee is required

There’s also a sink right inside the support room — handy!

The picture book corner is packed with stories kids will love (^-^)v

The play kitchen (omamagoto) corner was a huge hit!

This adorable play kitchen set was actually handmade by the parents of currently enrolled children☆ There are also coloring books and shape-sorting toys.
Lots of beautiful wooden toys you wouldn’t usually have at home (^-^)v

There’s also a story time session led by the teachers!
Time with books is so precious for little ones (^^)

There’s a tatami-mat corner too, which doubles as a diaper-changing area and nursing space — so reassuring for parents (^^)

Because it’s located inside Hokubu Children’s Garden, the outdoor playground is filled with fun equipment!

A safety barrier made of tires surrounds the swings to keep little ones safe (^^)

This play structure is packed with adventure too~(^-^)v

And just behind the play equipment — a real giraffe munching on leaves!!!
The kids absolutely loved it (*^.^*)

In the center of the playground there’s a small hill — another favorite kid hangout (^-^)v
There’s also a sandbox and monkey bars.

So much greenery! What a peaceful, nature-filled spot (^3^)/

Each class is growing different vegetables in their own garden plots~(*^.^*)
The children themselves help decide what to plant, then cook with the harvest — food education is clearly a big focus here (^3^)/

(On a previous visit) we got to water the vegetables we’d planted at the support center (^-^)v

And we even got to harvest some vegetables from the older kids’ garden plots~(^3^)/
We took home some beautiful, fresh cucumbers~And meet the goat that the kindergarten children adore (o^O^o)

Back in the support room, after a quick water break, it was time for water play~(*^.^*)

With chances for kids to play with peers their age and for moms to chat and connect — all in a beautifully natural setting — Pokka Poka Childcare Plaza is a truly wonderful gathering spot for families. Highly recommended!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information was current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.