Lost in Translation at Kushiro?

Question

So, my niece is starting at Kushiro Kodomoen Niruen-sha next month. It's a bit of a trek from where we live, but her mum insists it's the best kindergarten in the whole of Tokyo. I've been trying to get directions, but the whole thing is in Japanese. Google translate helps a little, but I'm worried I'll still end up lost. Anyone ever navigate to this specific building? Any tips for a clueless uncle?

florine · Answer

honestly just google maps the place in japanese characters, it'll take u right there. tokyo kindergartens are usually near a station so look for the closest one on the map too

cora · Answer

ngl if you're taking the train, just get off at shin-koiwa and walk east past the family mart, you'll see a low tan building with a tiny roof playground. the entrance is on the side street not the main road, easy to miss if you're not looking. if you're driving, there's a coin parking lot two blocks south that's usually 300 yen an hour, cheaper than most spots in edogawa

kyra · Answer

tbh the easiest way is to just grab a screenshot of the address in japanese and show it to a taxi driver if you're really stuck. but if you're walking from shin-koiwa, pay attention to the family mart on the corner, not the one further down. the building blends in with the houses around it so it's easy to walk past. also, drop-off time is chaos around 8:30 so maybe avoid that if you're just scouting the route first

irena · Answer

Oof, yeah, navigating Tokyo can be a nightmare even for seasoned residents. Kushiro Kodomoen Niruen-sha... that's a mouthful! Google Maps should be your best friend here, use the Japanese address if you can find it, even if you don't understand it. Try typing the name into the search bar in katakana (if possible). Street view might also help you get your bearings before you go.

If all else fails, consider using a ride-hailing app like Uber or the local equivalent. Show the driver the address written in Japanese, and hopefully, you'll arrive without too much drama. Good luck to your niece, and good luck to you! It'll probably be an adventure in itself.

jeanettefigge · Answer

The nursery is in Edogawa, which is pretty flat and bike-friendly if you're close enough. A lot of parents around there walk or cycle with kids, so you might see them if you go during drop-off time. The building itself is a low-rise tan thing with a small play area on the roof, not hard to spot once you're on the right street. If you're taking the train, Shin-Koiwa Station on the Sobu Line is the closest, then it's about a ten-minute walk east past a FamilyMart.

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