Shopping: Geoland

In addition to its various department stores, Kichijoji also has lots of great independent kids' stores dotted around the area. Some are somewhat out of the way and hard to stumble across, so over the next few weeks I'm going to profile some of our (ok, my!) favourites.

First up is Geoland (http://geofix.jp/), a small but bright and inviting shop offering a variety of domestic and imported educational toys, baby/children's clothes, housewares and stationery. A short walk from the north exit of the station in the Honcho shopping area, the eye-catching primary colours make it easy to spot.

There's a great range of wooden toys by Japanese maker Ed. Inter that test my willpower every time I go in, including this wire beads puzzle that is now a firm favourite in our house:

If you're looking for a gift that's that little bit different, there is a large selection of inventive and unusual toys and sweet baby goods to choose from. Imported products are a little on the expensive side, but definitely worth it (or you could hang on for one of their sales where there are great bargains to be had!).For grown-ups who like a bit of cute in their lives, stationery and house wares from designer Shinzi Katoh and Swedish brand Little Pink and brokiga are also on offer. Be prepared to be parted from your money if you step inside!

When/Where? Open 11am-7.30pm, Kichijoji Honcho 2-12-5.

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Eating Out: Amrita Shokudo

Located in Kichijoji's bustling Honcho area, Amrita is a well-established Thai restaurant popular with families and couples alike. We visited for lunch on a Saturday afternoon without reservations, and were pleasantly surprised to find that our wait for a table was only around 10 minutes.  Luckily we managed to bag a spot on the coveted outdoor terrace area which was perfect on a sunny June afternoon like today.

We were offered the option of a high chair for our daughter which we took, and were pleased to find that there was actually a safety harness for her which is so often lacking on the chairs here!  While we perused the menu (with English translations of dish names) she had fun looking at the fun kids' menu, but in the end we decided to share our dishes with her as she's not up to managing a full meal yet. All the children's meals are less spicy (but, our server assured us, still very flavourful!) and have major allergens listed for those concerned. Child-sized bowls and cutlery are also available.

Vegetarian options are limited (I counted only 2 or 3 on the menu but other dishes could be adapted), but I enjoyed a tofu and vegetable salad with jasmine rice. My husband opted for the green papaya salad lunch set which came with grilled chicken, sticky rice and a coconut milk pudding that was quickly snaffled by the youngest member of our party. 

Family Friendly? Yep. In addition to high chairs there are booster cushions for older children to use on adult chairs. The children's menu is well thought out and reasonably priced. It's a little crowded so they prefer you to leave pushchairs/strollers folded at the entrance but we did see younger babies at the table in them.

How much? Our food and a non-alcoholic drink for me (lime and mint soda, delicious but perhaps not worth the 600 yen price tag) came to around 3000 yen.

When/Where? Open for lunch and dinner 7 days a week, from 11.45 on weekdays and 12 on weekends. They are sometimes closed for private bookings so it may be advisable to call in advance. Visit http://www.cafeamrita.jp/data/access.html for exact opening times.

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Entertainment: Inokashira Park Zoo

Now with 14% fewer squirrels!

Uhoh - the recent typhoon #4 left its mark in Kichijoji too - a tree came down and took out part of the roof of one of the Japanese squirrel exhibits and at least 30 of the population of around 120 made a bid for freedom. At the time of writing, 13 18 have so far been captured but that leaves several still on the run. Hopefully they will turn up soon, or live a long and happy life on the lam... Update! Seems they have now caught more than they originally thought they lost...

Not the biggest or most glamorous of zoos, Inokashira Park Zoo's main appeal comes from its setting - as its name suggests, it is located in and just to the west of Inokashira Koen. The main section boasts gloriously leafy grounds offering plenty of shade on even the hottest of days, and there is a children's playground and small amusement park to keep things interesting for all the family. Nappy changing facilities are on offer in every bathroom and there is a feeding room near the main entrance making the zoo baby-friendly too.

Children will be more than satisfied with the animals - ranging from cute capybara to some very stinky monkeys via a tropical bird house and Hanako, the oldest (and possibly saddest) Asian elephant in Japan. Many native species are on display and the park contributes to the conservation of several including the aforementioned newly liberated Japanese squirrels. Guinea pig petting is also on offer throughout the day (10am-12noon, 1-3pm). A short walk away, in Inokashira Koen proper there is the smaller "Lakeside Park" which has an aquatic life house and several bird displays.

In addition to the zoo the main park houses a sculpture park and museum, making the ticket price (400 yen for adults, 200 for seniors, 150 for junior high school students and free - yes, free! for children under 12) well worth the money. An annual pass (年間パスポート, nenkan pasupo-to) is available for 1600yen which offers considerable savings if you intend to visit regularly

If you can, visit during the week to avoid the crowds at the weekend. We recommend arriving early, checking out the main zoo in the morning and having a picnic lunch or trying out the standard Japanese fare in one of the two outdoor cafes (on offer is a cute elephant-themed bento for kids, pictured below) then making your way across to the Lakeside park before enjoying an ice cream in Inokashira Koen on your way home.

My one niggle with the zoo is that despite all the enclosures being well maintained, some seem a little on the small side and several of the animals exhibit some repetitive behaviour (mostly pacing in one area), and Hanako the elephant in particular seems to have a bit of a raw deal when it comes to living arrangements. They are however upgrading and replacing exhibits all the time and I am hopeful that this area will improve in the future.

You can walk to the zoo in about 10-15 minutes from Kichijoji station, or any of the buses on the south side of the station will take you there (get off at the second stop, "Bunkaen Mae") Open from 9.30am-4.45pm. Closed Tuesdays. The zoo has a comprehensive English website here.

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Baby Facilities in Kichijoji

Since my daughter was born last March, I have frequented every feeding room and changing facility in Kichijoji several times over! I love that in Japan it's possible to breastfeed in public without any trouble, but do appreciate the choice to go somewhere a little quieter, change baby and relax a little in one of the many excellent baby facilities on offer.

In Japan, you will often find that department stores and shopping malls have a dedicated Baby Room. Usually called 赤ちゃん休憩室 (akachan kyuukeishitsu), ベビー休憩室 (baby kyuukeishitsu) or ベビールーム (baby room), these areas will ordinarily offer changing facilities, hot water to make up formula, and curtained areas called 授乳室 (jyunyuushitsu) for privacy while breastfeeding (no men allowed). These vary in size and quality from place to place but all are usually clean and a nice place for a break!

North of Kichijoji station there are 5 main locations to choose from. Atre, Parco, Tokyu, Coppice and Seiyu. Each has a range of facilities on offer, so read on for a rundown of what you can expect and where to find them.

1. Atre (http://www.atre.co.jp/shiten/index.php?scd=14)

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Located in Kichijoji station itself, Atre has two dedicated areas available for feeding and changing your baby.

The first is on the 1st floor of the main building (directly connected to the JR/Keio station), and the second is in the basement the east section, accessible by turning right out of the north exit of the station and crossing the road beneath the train tracks.

Main building:

Changing facilities: 1 changing table in the open area, 1 in each of the curtained areas.

Breastfeeding area: 2 private curtained areas, each with a reasonably comfortable chair, changing table, full-length mirror and enough room to fit a pushchair/stroller with ease.

Other facilities: Temperature-controlled water for formula, sink.

Comments: Always immaculately clean and easy to use. Can get busy at weekends and wait for the feeding rooms can be long. Changing facilities also available in bathrooms on all floors.

East Building:

Changing facilities: 1 changing table

Breastfeeding area: 1 small lockable room with chair. 

Other facilities: None

Comments: Not as well known as other facilities so often free. No elevator so inconvenient if you have a stroller.

2. Parco (http://www.parco-kichijoji.com)

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Changing facilities: 2 changing tables

Breastfeeding area: 2 roomy curtained areas

Other facilities: Weighing scale, sinks

Comments: A little bit old but clean and spacious. Supposedly has a play space next to it but it's just a small area of cushioned flooring with no toys at the moment, unfortunately!

3. Tokyu (http://www.tokyu-dept.co.jp/kichijouji/)

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Located on the 6th (Children's clothes and toys) floor, Tokyu provides a large, pleasant space for parents and babies.  

Changing facilities: Lots of changing tables in the main room

Breastfeeding area: 4 private curtained areas with plenty of room for pushchairs. 

Other facilities: Hot water for formula, lots of seating, vending machines

Comments: Has seen better days but is always clean and welcoming. Plenty of space and quieter than Atre or Coppice. Free play space on the same floor.

4. Coppice (http://www.coppice.jp/)

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Behind the soft-play area on the 3rd floor of the "A" building of coppice.

Changing facilities: 3 tables, kiddy-sized toilets for potty trained little ones

Breastfeeding area: 4 private curtained areas, each with a seat and room to put a bag. 2 have small tables. Can fit a pushchair in at a pinch, but most people leave them in the designated area outside.

Other facilities: Nappy/Diaper vending machine, drinks vending machine, sinks, bench area

Comments: Always packed at the weekend - don't leave it until your little one is starving! Can feel a bit cramped as the curtained areas are rather small. Free play space on the same floor.

5. Seiyu (http://www.seiyu.co.jp/shops/detail/00000122/)

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Can be found on the 4th floor of the Seiyu shopping centre, a 5-minute walk from the station.

Changing facilities: 4 changing tables

Breastfeeding area: 1 private curtained area with a comfortable bench-type seat. Can fit a pushchair easily. 

Other facilities: Sink, lots of benches

Comments: A little bit older than some other facilities but good to know about as it's often completely empty, even at weekends. 

(Dis)honourable mention: Loft

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I hesitate to even include this here but if you are ever caught short and in desperate need of somewhere private to feed your little one there is a room next to the toilets on the 3rd floor that is marked as a feeding room but is basically a stool in a strangely large cubicle. Shame as they could make a lot more of the space! There is also a changing table in the multi-purpose toilet.

South of the station the only option I've found is on the 3rd floor of Marui, the large department store on the way to Inokashira Park.

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Changing facilities: 2 tables

Breastfeeding area: 3 seats in private curtained areas.

Other facilities: None

Comments: Small but usually quite quiet, this is a good option if you don't want to wait at the weekend.

Please add your comments if you have any other info to share! 

Eating Out: Organic House Deli & Cafe

Located on the 3rd floor of Coppice's A building, this healthy cafe is incredibly child friendly and has a wide range of food to appeal to everyone. Grab a table (bumbo-type booster chairs and normal Japanese high chairs will be offered by staff if you have younger children) and head up to the deli bar where you will find a wide variety of salads, vegetable, tofu, fish and meat dishes, all with ingredients and allergens listed (in Japanese but staff will answer any questions if you don't understand). Most come in at around 2-300yen per 100g and it's very easy to get carried away with so many choices in front of you! Rice (brown and white) and miso soup are also available. At the entrance to the shop you will find bento boxes and pre-made calzone pizza pockets (400-500yen) which are also highly recommended. There is a decent children's menu which offers a slightly healthier take on the usual omelet rice/wiener/potato fries offerings in other restaurants, and a gelato counter is also on hand to tempt you as you wait to pay for your meal. Vegetarian options available.

Family Friendly? Very! Can't fault the service for children and babies, and with all the other family facilities on offer in Coppice, Organic House is a popular destination for people with young children. Be prepared to wait at peak times. Completely non-smoking.
How much? That's down to your self-restraint in the deli! A calzone and drink will come in at around 8-900 yen, helping yourself to a bit of everything could take your total (per person) up to around 1500 yen.
When/Where? Open from 10am-9pm (last order 8.30pm). Coppice's A building is a short walk north of Kichijoji station via the covered shopping area, Sun Road.



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Yu Kids Carnival @ Coppice

Yu Kids have come to Kichijoji!  The popular soft play/indoor play system located around Tokyo will be in Coppice until Monday July 16th.

What: Soft play and toys for kids from 0-8. There's a bouncy castle, a balloon room, ride-ons and an area for younger kids with soft toys, books, trains and colouring. 

Where: 2nd floor of Coppice's A building, a short walk from Kichijoji station (see below map)

When: Open from 10am-7pm (last entry at 6pm) - get there early to avoid the crowds, especially at weekends.

Who: Advertised as suitable for children from 0-8, but definitely better suited to walkers, otherwise it just feels a little expensive!

How much: Children: 500 yen for the first 60 minutes and 100 yen each additional 15 minutes thereafter. Adults are free (must stay with kids, it's not a drop-off play place).
Verdict: Lots of fun for kids from around 2 and up but perhaps not quite as good value for younger kids - Little S (14 months) loves the balloon room but is still a little young to appreciate the rides and bouncy castle.  The toys and picture books in the sectioned-off area are nice but you could find similar at your local jidokan/play hall for free. Great indoor fun for the upcoming rainy season though!

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Welcome to Kichijoji

Looking around this part of Tokyo, you'd be hard-pressed to believe that the Japanese population is shrinking year on year.  Everywhere you look there are young families taking over Inokashira park, mamas and babies enjoying lunch in healthy cafes and restaurants and doting grandparents treating the kids to something fun from one of the many specialty children's stores dotted across the area.  As Kichijoji grows in popularity it is asserting itself as a must-visit destination for families with children.

Join me and my daughter as we see what Kichijoji and the surrounding areas have to offer as she grows from baby to toddler and beyond!