We are largely an outdoor family, but there are times of the year that we relish indoor play. By and large, summer is spent indoors, first to avoid the rain, then to escape the heat. As my eldest son (7) and daughter (6) get older it gets harder and harder to find a play center that engages them as much as their younger siblings. Kid’s US Land is one of the few play centers that we can still go to for an extended period as a family. The other is Spocha in Ageo. And like Spocha it has something for everyone in the family. However, I will say that Spocha has more for parents, is much better value for money and five times the size.
Kid’s US Land is part of a franchise with over 120 stores throughout Japan. This branch is Seiyu Higashimatsuyama branch, located on the 2nd floor of Seiyu shopping center. Once you become member of one, you can use any branch with the same membership card. The membership card costs 300 yen *each*, but it is an once off payment. You do not have to pay an annual renewal fee like so many other play centers. It is also quick and easy to make the card; they do not require you to fill out any form. You simply have to sign your name to the back of the card you are given. However, each family member must make a card and if you forget a card on a day that you visit, it costs 100 yen to receive a temporary membership card. If you can’t read Japanese, they have information in English at the reception desk.
The first and best known branch of Kid’s US land opened in Koshigaya in February 2013. It was the one of the first of this type of play center to open in Saitama, but many have popped up since. It became particularly well known only months after opening as it was featured on NHK television. It has enjoyed great success since. I remember hearing about it and wishing we could visit, but it would take us two hours one way and so we never did. Now we have not just one, but THREE Kid’s US Land in the West area of Saitama. This branch in Higashimatsuyama opened mid-September 2016.
Kid’s US Land is not as suave or charming as nearby Sole or Omiya’s Kid-o-kid or Kidzooona, which have wooden and educational toys. Kid’s US Land is for the most part plastic and so it looks ‘cheaper’, for want of a better word. But it is great fun for kids of all ages and relaxing for parents. The branch in Higashimatsuyama is not as big as the flagship branch in Koshigaya, but it has plenty for this family of six. It is split into three areas. One large area with most of the play equipment, video arcade games and massage chairs. There is a medium sized area beside the reception counter and a small area beside Seiyu’s branch of Libro Store. Here’s what the areas combined have to offer for children (click on the photo for description):
And for older children (or indeed younger children and parents) there is a good choice of video arcade and coin operated games, which you don’t actually need a coin for as they are included in the price! There is also air hockey and a small billiard table (the latter is not pictured):
For adults:
There are also lots of chairs and tables and you are allowed bring food and drink in from outside. They have convenience food in the Seiyu store downstairs, as well as a couple of take aways in the food court, also on the first floor. Kid’s US Land has a couple of highchairs for babies and toddlers. They also have a buggy that can be used to put a sleeping child. The play area is beside Seiyu’s nursery with changing mats and a nursing room. It is also beside toilets. There is an event space in the medium sized area that has the trampolines and push along rides. Their events are listed on the branch’s blog. Currently, they have a pin ball event as well as a colouring events where kids can get a sweet in exchange for colouring a picture. The pictures are displayed on one of the walls.
Although the Seiyu Higashimatsuyama Branch of Kid’s US Land might not look as impressive as other play centers and is lacking in “educational” toys, it is tons of fun for kids. I have rated it high as it is suited to children of all ages and has some nice add on’s for parents too. It is suited to families or a group of friends or a Mother (or Father) and child date. The equipment is clean and for the most part well kept (there was one coin operated machine that wasn’t working). I was also very impressed by the staff member on reception today, she was about the nicest and most helpful staff member I have ever met in any play center ever! (**I have no affiliation to Kid’s US Land and /or Seiyu, I do not get anything in exchange for my endorsements, all opinions expressed are my own honest observations, the information provided was true {to the best of my knowledge} at the time of publishing).
Cost and other information
Everything listed and / or mentioned above is included in the price. It costs 100 yen (before tax) for 15 minutes of play. That is 100 yen for a child older than two (children under two are FREE) and another 100 yen for an adult. If you are planning to stay longer than an hour and 45 minutes on a weekday, it works out cheaper to get the “one day passport”. It is 800 yen per child and 480 yen per adult. On the weekend they don’t have an one day passport for children, just a three hour pack for 980 yen. With all packages and fees you are given a neck strap to wear to identify you have paid in. With the basic price system you pay as you leave the premises and give back the neck strap then. With the day passport, you pay in advance and you are free to go and come as you please. You can even go home and come back if you like! If you are planning to leave Seiyu though, you can give in your neck strap and hold onto your receipt. The receipt allows you to come back at any time during the same day.
Hours: They are open from 9 am to 8 pm, seven days a week.
URL:
Official US Land website: http://www.kidsusland.com/store/view/65
Official blog: http://ameblo.jp/usland-higashimatsuyama
Access
Parking: In the Seiyu car park and is free.
By train: the nearest train station is Higashimatsuyama Station on the Tobu Tojo Line. Unfortunately, it is a bit far taking at least 20 minutes. You can take a My Town Meguri 「マイタウン巡回」 bus from the station or a bus bound for Kumagaya 「熊谷」and alight at Kaminuma 「上沼」bus stop. It is about a 3 minute walk from the bus stop.
Another Kid’s US Land opened recently in Kawagoe:
Kid’s US Land opens in Modi | KAWAGOE
Concealed in the back corner of the third floor of Cocoon 2 is a veritable preschooler’s paradise. Bornelund’s Kid-o-kid recently celebrated its one year anniversary. It still looks like it was only opened in the last few weeks. The equipment is very well kept, pristine, bright, colourful and educational to boot. It isn’t particularly large, but it is very well laid out. There is a wonderful selection of fun and clever play areas to challenge a growing mind and body. Great entertainment for children younger than school going age guaranteed!
