The metal sculpture outside with the colorful faces marks the place where National Children’s Castle in Shibuya is. The building and its entrance are very unspectacular—as goes for the interior. I almost miss the entrance and when inside I feel like I’m entering a department store selling toys. When going up, each floor reminds me of an office with white ceiling lights and concrete walls. Perhaps I had expected to enter an impressive castle-modeled theme park like the Walt Disney store in Shibuya. But I should keep in mind that the Castle wasn’t built for me but obviously for kids. Changing that perspective, I already feel different about the place.
Watching the kids play around, they seem to love the Castle which seems in every aspect catered to the entertainment needs of children starting a few months old until those even going to high school. The 5th floor for instance has a roof garden which includes a bicycle/play area for kids as well as a pool (open in summer months only, but closed on rainy days). Moms can also visit the child clinic located here by appointment. The 4th floor houses the music room and a special room for smaller children (0-3 years). The music room has mini instruments spread out everywhere for kids to try out and play on. When the live music performance on stage starts, I see a crowd of kids bang away on their drums, shake their maracas, sing out loud and clap away enthusiastically. It looks like great fun!
In the room for younger kids it’s not necessarily quieter. With heaps of toys, building blocks and soft mats covering the wooden floor, mothers sit and chat away while their children play, run or crawl around. Staff is very friendly and helpful; they play with the children or help you watch and hold them while you need to quickly organize yourself. An audio/video room is also located on this floor which offers many small booths where kids can enjoy a private cinema watching their favorite videos.
The third floor is for the older kids: there is a play tower (WakuWaku land), a pc room, a theater and art room and an area with billiards and fuss ball tables. One floor down houses a gallery and a resting area. The ground floor, B1 and B2 floors include the restaurant, gym and pool facilities. There you go—a few floors of sheer entertainment, perfect for a rainy day with restless kids.
The Castle was built in commemoration of the International Year of the Child, and officially opened in 1985. Its aim is to offer a place and opportunities for children to develop both their physical and creative capabilities, in a fun way. It is reported that the Castle will close in the near future, but it is not expected for another year or so as mums are still allowed to purchase the 1 year subscription allowing for a discount price to enter the Castle.
