Yatomi- Kainan Kodomo no Kuni

A Joyful Day at Children’s Country (Kodomo no kuni) in Yatomi City: Classic Fun for Kids and Families

If you’re searching for a charming, spacious playground where kids can be kids—and parents can relax—look no further than Children’s Country (Kodomo no kuni) in Yatomi City, Aichi Prefecture. Opened way back in 1975, this nostalgic spot has been a favorite for generations, offering about 100,000 square meters of pure joy and adventure for little explorers.

What Makes Children’s Country So Special?

This delightful playground is full of exciting toys and activities that invite children to run, jump, pedal, and laugh to their heart’s content. Here are some of the highlights that made our visit unforgettable:

• Wave-shaped rubber block toys — soft and fun structures perfect for climbing, balancing, and bouncing around 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

• Pedal cars and pedal boats — zoom along for just 50 yen per ride! The pedal car track stretches a fun 500 meters, giving kids plenty of room to race 

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Mini fire engines and swings — timeless favorites that spark imaginative play 

• Two big slides and a winding maze — thrill and challenge rolled into one 

  
  
  
  
  
  

• Playground equipment made from natural logs — combining fun with a touch of the outdoors 

  
  
  

• Summer swimming pool — cool off and splash around during the warm months 

Affordable Family Fun with Free Entry and Parking

One of the best things about Children’s Country is how budget-friendly it is. Admission is completely free, and parking won’t cost you a yen, making it a perfect choice for families looking for a fun day out without the stress of extra expenses. Most rides and attractions are free or just 50 yen, so you can spend hours enjoying everything this park has to offer.

Essential Information for Your Visit

• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

• Admission: Free

• Parking: Free and convenient

• Pedal Cart: 50 yen per ride (500-meter track)

• Pedal Boat: 50 yen for 10 minutes of fun on the water

• Swimming Pool: Junior High School students and below 200 Yen

  Adult 450 Yen

                                       (available only during the summer season) 

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Why We Loved It

Children’s Country offers a wonderful mix of classic playground fun and a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a warm hug from childhood. It’s the perfect spot to let kids burn off energy, discover new adventures, and create happy memories with family. If you’re nearby or planning a day trip from Nagoya, this nostalgic gem in Yatomi is definitely worth a visit! 

Nabana no Sato

 Nabana no Sato Illumination: A Magical Flower Park Experience in Mie Prefecture

If you’re looking for a stunning nature escape with breathtaking floral displays and one of Japan’s most famous winter illumination events, Nabana no Sato in Mie Prefecture should be on your must-visit list. This spacious flower park offers a year-round paradise for flower lovers, families, couples, and anyone who appreciates beautiful scenery and peaceful walks.

What is Nabana no Sato?

Nabana no Sato is a large botanical garden and flower park that attracts visitors all year long. It’s well-known for its vast variety of flowers, traditional Japanese gardens, and a range of relaxing facilities such as outdoor hot spring foot baths that are free to use.

One of the highlights is the Fuji Island observatory, where you can climb 45 meters up for a panoramic 360-degree view of the park and its surroundings. Around the central lake, you’ll find restaurants serving French, Italian, Chinese, and Japanese dishes, plus charming traditional shops — perfect for a leisurely afternoon.

Floral Attractions

The park’s grounds are divided into different themed sections, each showcasing unique plants and flowers that change with the seasons:

Begonia Garden: Home to over 12,000 varieties of begonias, blooming all year round inside a giant greenhouse. 

Andes Flower Garden: Located inside the greenhouse, featuring exotic flowers from the Andes.

• Traditional Japanese Garden: A peaceful area with classic landscaping, perfect for photos and quiet strolls.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring: Cherry blossoms and a variety of spring flowers brighten the park, providing a perfect way to welcome warmer weather.

• Summer: Hydrangeas take center stage, with tulips and dahlias adding bursts of color. The Beer Garden and Beer Hall also open up, serving local brews like Nagashima Beer.

• Autumn: The park transforms into a warm, vibrant landscape with colorful autumn leaves and late-blooming flowers.

• Winter: This is when Nabana no Sato becomes famous nationwide for its spectacular Illumination Event — millions of LED lights create mesmerizing scenes that draw crowds from across Japan.

Nabana no Sato Illumination

 

The illumination event usually runs from late autumn to early spring, turning the park into a magical wonderland with light tunnels, flower-shaped light sculptures, and themed displays that change yearly. It’s a favorite date spot for couples and a fantastic family outing. Weekends get crowded, so visiting on a weekday can make for a more relaxed experience.

Admission Fee and Value

Entrance costs 1,500 yen during most of the year and rises to 2,000 yen in the winter illumination season. But here’s a great tip — your ticket includes a 1,000-yen voucher that you can spend at restaurants or many other facilities inside the park. This means your effective admission fee is much lower, making it a great value for a full day of activities.

How to Get There

• From Tsu Station: About 50 minutes by JR or Kintetsu Line.

• From Nagoya Station: Around 30 minutes by train.

• From Nagashima Station: Shuttle buses run during the illumination event for 220 yen, or taxis are available for about 970-yen one way.

Tips for Visiting

• Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds, especially during the illumination season.

• Bring a camera — the park is incredibly photogenic year-round.

• If visiting in summer, plan to relax at the Beer Garden after your walk.

• Use the included voucher wisely by trying some local food or buying souvenirs.

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Nabana no Sato offers a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and seasonal spectacle. Whether you visit for the flowers or the dazzling lights, it’s an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of Mie Prefecture’s natural beauty and hospitality.

Anpanman Museum in Kuwana

🍞 A Fun Family Day at the Anpanman Museum & Park in Kuwana, Nagashima

If you’re traveling with young kids near Nagoya or the Kansai area, the Anpanman Museum & Park in Kuwana, Nagashima is a perfect spot for a fun and memorable family outing. This charming museum brings the beloved Japanese character Anpanman to life with interactive play areas, shows, and plenty of photo ops. Here’s everything you need to know before you go!

📍 Where is it?

The museum is located inside the popular Nagashima Resort in Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture. It’s an ideal day trip destination if you want to combine fun with other nearby attractions, such as Nagashima Spa Land or the Outlet Mall.

Address:

108-4 Urayasu, Nagashima-cho, Kuwana-shi, Mie Prefecture

🎟️ Admission Fees

• Adults and children (1 year and older): About 2,200 yen

• Infants under 1 year: Free

💡Tip: Tickets can usually be purchased at the entrance or online in advance to avoid lines, especially on weekends and holidays.

🎉 What to Expect Inside

• Interactive Play Areas: Kids can explore Anpanman’s bakery, Baikinman’s lab, and many themed zones designed for toddlers and preschoolers to play safely.

• Live Shows: Short and fun live performances with Anpanman and his friends are held regularly throughout the day.

• Character Meet & Greet: Depending on the schedule, your kids might get the chance to meet and take photos with Anpanman characters!

• Photo Spots: Tons of colorful and life-sized displays perfect for memorable photos.

• Restaurants & Cafés: Enjoy Anpanman-themed snacks, character-shaped bread, and kid-friendly meals.

• Gift Shops: Find unique Anpanman merchandise, from toys to stationery and clothes.

🕙 Opening Hours

• Usually open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last admission around 4:00 PM)

• Hours may vary by season or special events, so check the official website before your visit.

🚗 How to Get There

• By Train and Bus:

• From Nagoya or Kuwana Station, take a bus heading to Nagashima Resort and get off at the Nagashima Onsen stop. The museum is about a 10-minute walk from there.

• By Car:

• There is parking available at Nagashima Resort. It’s an easy drive from Nagoya (around 30-40 minutes)

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Is It Worth Visiting?

Definitely yes, especially if you have toddlers or preschoolers who love Anpanman! The museum offers a safe, colorful, and fun environment for young children to explore and enjoy. Plus, it’s a great chance to immerse yourself in a unique part of Japanese pop culture.

🧡 Tips for Your Visit

• Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure seats for the live shows.
• Bring a change of clothes for kids who love to climb and get active.
• Check the official website for show times and special events.
• Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Nagashima Spa Land or the Outlet Mall for a full day of fun.

If you’re planning a trip to the Nagashima area with kids, the Anpanman Museum & Park is a delightful stop that will create lasting memories for your family. Feel free to ask if you want any more tips or details!

Nagashima Spa Land

 Explore Nagashima Resort: A Perfect Day Trip from Nagoya

If you're looking for a fun and exciting getaway just outside Nagoya, Nagashima Resort is the place to be! This large resort offers a variety of attractions all in one spot, perfect for families, thrill-seekers, and shoppers alike.

What is Nagashima Resort?

Nagashima Resort is a sprawling leisure complex on a long island surrounded by rivers and the sea, hence the name Nagashima (which means “long island”). It features five main facilities:

Main Attractions

Nagashima Spaland

The resort's highlight is Nagashima Spaland, known as one of western Japan’s best amusement parks for roller coasters. With over 40 rides ranging from gentle kids’ attractions to thrilling roller coasters like the massive Steel Dragon 2000, there’s something for everyone.

Joyful Waterpark

Open only in summer, this water park has numerous water slides, swimming pools, and a wave pool, offering a refreshing break during the hot months.

Nagashima Spa Yuami no Shima

Relax in beautifully designed indoor and outdoor hot springs with themes inspired by natural Japanese landscapes like Kurobe Gorge and Oirase Stream. The spa also offers jacuzzis, saunas, massages, and dining options.

Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima

Shop at over 300 stores including international brands, sports shops, and boutiques. It’s right next to Nagashima Spaland, making it easy to combine shopping with fun.

Nabana no Sato Flower Park

Located about 15 minutes by bus from the main resort area, this park is famous for its stunning flower festivals in spring and summer, and incredible winter illuminations from October to May. Don’t miss the Island Fuji observation deck for great views.

Getting There

• From Nagoya:

  Take a Meitetsu bus from Nagoya Station’s Meitetsu Bus Center to either Nabana no Sato (1000 yen, 35 minutes) or Nagashima Onsen (1200 yen, 50 minutes). Buses run about once per hour.

• From Kuwana Station:

  Frequent buses run to Nagashima Spaland (600 yen, 20 minutes) and Nabana no Sato (300 yen, 10 minutes).

Opening Hours & Admission Fees

• Nagashima Spaland

  Hours: Usually 9:30–17:00 (low season) / 9:30–19:00 (peak season)
  Admission: From 1600 yen (entry only) to 6800 yen (all rides + waterpark)

• Nagashima Spa Yuami no Shima

  Hours: 9:30–21:00 (weekends until 23:00)
  Admission: 2100 yen (includes Spaland entry)

• Mitsui Outlet Park Jazz Dream Nagashima

  Hours: 10:00–20:00 (restaurants open later)

• Joyful Waterpark

  Open only in the summer months

Tips for Visitors

• Check the official website for updated opening hours and special closing days, especially in winter and early summer.
• If visiting Nabana no Sato for the illuminations, buses run from Nagashima Station during the season (Oct–June).
• Plan your visit according to your interests—roller coasters, shopping, or relaxing hot springs—and try to allocate a full day for the best experience!

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Nagashima Resort offers a unique combination of thrills, relaxation, shopping, and nature. Whether you want a fun-filled amusement park day or a peaceful flower viewing and spa experience, it’s an easy and rewarding trip from Nagoya!

“Applying for Permanent Residency in Japan? Here’s What I Did (and What You’ll Need)”

🌸 “Checklist, Delays & Success: My Japan PR Application Journey”

My Journey, Checklist, and All the Papers I Had to Chase 😅

Hello blog!

Today, I’m writing this with a sigh of relief and a big smile on my face — guess what?

🎉 I finally got my Permanent Residency in Japan! 🎉

Well… actually, it’s been 10 months since I received the good news — my daughter and I were granted Permanent Residency! I’ve just been too busy (and maybe still in disbelief?) to sit down and write about it until now.

It took about three months to get approved after I submitted my application.
But honestly, the hardest part wasn’t the waiting — it was gathering all the documents before I could even apply 😅 (yep, I totally delayed it because I just couldn’t find the time to deal with everything… hehehe).

So if you’re married to a Permanent Resident and your visa status is “Spouse or Child of Permanent Resident”, and planning to apply soon, I’ve got you covered.
Here’s the checklist I used, with some personal notes to make things easier to understand.

📝 PERMANENT RESIDENCY APPLICATION: COMPLETE CHECKLIST

(Spouse or Child of a Permanent Resident)

1. 📄 Application Form

Available at the immigration office or online. Fill it out neatly!

2. 📸 Photo (4cm × 3cm) (taken within the last six months)

Not needed if you’re under 16 years old. Otherwise, get a nice, clear one!

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3. 🏠  住民票 (Jūminhyō) (Resident Certificate)

Get it from City Hall. Make sure:

• ✅ My Number is omitted

• ✅ Includes all family members

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4. 🧾 Documents Proving Identity

• ✅ Birth Certificate (photocopy) – if the child of a Permanent Resident

• ✅ Marriage Certificate (photocopy) – if spouse

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5. ✍️ Riyuusho (Letter of Reason)

This one’s a bit personal. I wrote mine on bond paper and shared:

• Why I love living in Japan

• My connection with my family and community here

• Future plans (raising kids, working, contributing to society)

Just be real and heartfelt!

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6. 💼 Proof of Work (Applicant or Guarantor)

• ✅ 在職証明書 Zaisyoku Shoumeisho (Employment Certificate) – Ask from your employer.

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7. 💰 Proof of Income & Taxes

"This part was a little tricky because they required documents covering the past five years —and it also cost quite a bit.”

• ✅ Juminzei (Residence Tax Certificate)

• ✅ Nouzei Shoumeisho (Tax Payment Certificate)
  👉 Got mine from city hall, and some papers from the tax office (Zeimusho) in Tsushima.

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8. 👵 Proof of Pension (Nenkin)

“Just go to the Nenkin Office and let them know it’s for your Permanent Residency application — they’ll help you right away!”

• ✅ Nenkin Teikibin (Pension Annual Notice)

• ✅ Nenkin Net Printout (Monthly record)

• ✅ Copy of National Pension Payment Receipts

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9. 🏥 Health Insurance

• ✅ Photocopy of blue Hoken card

• ✅ Include My Number card copy too

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10. 🏦 Proof of Assets

• ✅ Copy of Bank Book (front page is enough)
  Bonus Tip: I added

• ✅ 3 months’ pay slips (mine and my husband’s) to show financial stability. Better safe than sorry!

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11. 🛂 Passport (with a validity of at least six months)

• Original and photocopy of your passport.

12. 🪪 Residence Card (在留カード)

Don’t forget the actual card and a copy.

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13. 🤝 Guarantor Documents

My husband was my guarantor, so we prepared:

• ✅ Mimoto Hoshousho (Guarantee Letter)

• ✅ Photocopy of his passport

• ✅ Residence card

• ✅ Insurance card

• ✅ My Number card

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Additional thoughts:

For some people applying for Permanent Residency, the immigration office may review your records thoroughly while your application is being processed. Sometimes, they will send you a letter requesting additional documents.

In our case, they asked for the Certificate of Enrollment (在学証明書, zaigaku shoumeisho) for my two daughters. Since my eldest daughter was included in my application for Permanent Residency, they wanted to confirm that she is actually attending school here in Japan.

If you receive a similar request, don’t worry! You can simply go to your children’s school and request the certificate. Schools usually provide this document immediately, so it’s an easy way to respond quickly and keep your application moving.

When your Permanent Residency is approved, they will send you a postcard (hagaki) in the mail. This postcard lets you know that your application was successful, and it will also show how much you need to pay for the revenue stamp.

Before, the fee was only 8,000 yen, but starting April 2025, the price changed — now it’s 10,000 yen. We were lucky because when we got our approval last year, the fee was still 8,000 yen!

💬 Final Thoughts:

Honestly? I could’ve applied way earlier if I had the time to prepare everything. But mom life + work + errands = delays. 😅 Still, I’m grateful it all worked out in the end!

I submitted everything at the Nagoya Immigration Office, and exactly 3 months later, I received the beautiful result:

✅ Approved for Permanent Residency!

If you’re planning to apply, start collecting little by little. Trust me, the bulk of the stress is just in preparing documents. Once submitted, it’s just a matter of waiting (and hoping for good news!).

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If you're about to start your application or are currently waiting for results, good luck! I hope everything goes smoothly for you. Just take it step by step, and don’t stress too much. You’ve got this!

Waiting for good news can be nerve-wracking — that mix of hope, anxiety, and impatience is real! But hang in there. Sometimes, the best things take time, and when that positive news finally arrives, it makes all the waiting worth it. Keep your fingers crossed and stay hopeful — your moment is coming!