Takanawa Children’s Hall, Minato-ku
I think most Japanese moms just go to the jidoukan in their neighborhood, whichever is closest to their home. They meet other mom friends there and chit-chat while the kids play. But it just so happens, my friends and I all live so far away from each other. So now we are trying to find the perfect jidoukan for our weekly get-together – one that is in the middle and close to a train line we can all easily get on. The Takanawa Children’s Hall is in an old building, but clean and bright and there is a separate infant room with toys where younger kids can play even when the older kids arrive. It’s nice that it’s close to Shinagawa station which is easily accessible from many train lines. The staff here is very friendly and accommodating. The only minor complaint is that it’s a walk up 3 flights of stairs.
To get to Takanawa jidokan take the JR lines or Keikyu lines to Shinagawa station. Exit at Takanawa side and from there it’s about a 10-minute walk. When you pass Tully’s Coffee you will come to a overpass walkway. At that corner make a left and walk straight about 2 blocks. It’s a bit of an upward slope up to the jidokan and Takanawa Park right next door. (When you exit any train station there is always a map of the area right outside the ticket machines. These maps are usually also written in English and all the government buildings, including children’s halls are indicated there.)