#Japan #KitchHike #Gotsu City #Gotsu #Asari Kindergarten

Introducing the Second 'Preschool Study Abroad' in Shimane's Gotsu City

Kitchhike Co., Ltd., based in Taito, Tokyo, has collaborated with Gotsu City in Shimane Prefecture to initiate its second ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ program at Asari Kindergarten starting in August 2025. This exciting opportunity allows families to immerse themselves in the local culture and community for 1-2 weeks, where children can participate in vibrant living experiences while parents maintain their work commitments.

Gotsu City first launched the ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ initiative in 2023 at the Satoyama Kodomoen Wataboshi, located in the historic Ato and Yurufu region, facilitating field activities in nature. Since then, around 150 families and over 500 individuals have participated in this unique program, which promotes sustainable community building through engagement with the local environment.

To attract more families to Gotsu City, initiatives have been unveiled, including ticket subsidies for users of Hagi-Iwami Airport, rental car services for study abroad families, and regional collaboration through the innovative ‘Study Abroad Tax’ system utilizing hometown tax donations. This holistic approach aims to foster long-term connections between families and the local community.

Understanding ‘Preschool Study Abroad’

The essence of the ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ program is to offer children an enriching environment where they can thrive while parents manage their work lives. This experiential learning model enables children to connect with nature and develop their physical and mental well-being. For families, it opens up a myriad of choices while contributing to the community’s growth. Since its inception, the program has expanded to over 60 regions and served more than 10,000 people across 3,000 families as of November 2025.

Unique Features of the Program at Asari Kindergarten

1. A Playground Transformed into a World of Play: The environment at Asari Kindergarten is surrounded by both the sea and forests, providing a vibrant playground where children can engage in fundamental activities such as climbing and exploring natural elements. The approximately 40 children enrolled benefit from an age-mixed care approach, allowing them to experience essential growth elements such as challenges, choices, physical manipulation, and risk management through play.

2. Cultural Experiences Embedded in Daily Life: Traditional local culture is seamlessly integrated into the children’s everyday activities at the kindergarten. Kids enjoy the sounds of taiko drums year-round, using makeshift instruments to celebrate local traditions like Iwami Kagura. Cultural experiences are not limited to special events but are interwoven into their daily lives, encouraging family interactions through seasonal activities like harvests and local café visits. This enriching space allows both children and adults to feel a deep connection with the community.

3. Customized Accommodation Options: Families can choose between two unique lodging facilities tailored to their needs:
- Open Home ‘Hitoppu’: This cozy, green-covered traditional house offers exclusive booking of an entire floor, equipped with a kitchen managed by chef owners. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy nearby cafes and farms while pets are also welcome.
- Rental Villa ‘Casa Mare’: Overlooking stunning beachfront views, this villa allows families to engage in outdoor activities, like barbecues and sauna sessions, and enjoy swimming and fishing in the nearby sea during summer.

4. Utilizing Hometown Tax Innovations: Gotsu City implements a system called ‘Study Abroad Tax,’ allowing families to alleviate costs through hometown tax gratitude gifts. Additionally, a corporate version funded through private sector donations facilitates the ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ initiative.

Insights from Asari Kindergarten’s Director, Yoshiyama Dai

Yoshiyama emphasizes the importance of listening to each child's voice and creating an environment that encourages them to choose, challenge themselves, and discover. Each child's journey, whether filled with joy or challenges, becomes a learning experience. In this environment of mixed ages, children learn from each other while finding their place in the community, which staff diligently support.

Program Overview for Asari Kindergarten

• - Preschool: Hanamura Social Welfare Corporation, Asari Kindergarten, 336-4 Asari-cho, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture.
• - Accommodation: 1) Open Home Hitoppu, 2401 Gochi-cho, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture. 2) Rental Villa Casa Mare, 3 Kuromatsu-cho, Gotsu City, Shimane Prefecture.
• - Target Age: 0 years and 2 months to children aged 5 years.
• - Study Abroad Fees: Starting from 233,300 yen for 2 adults and 1 child for 1 week.
• - Reservations and Details: Asari Kindergarten Enrollment.

Testimonials from Families Participating at Asari Kindergarten

Parents have expressed how the program redefined their approach to their children's needs, discussing the balance between oversight and independence during their stay. They reported engaging with the local community through activities like fishing, horseback riding, and traditional pottery experiences, making their week in Shimane enriching for both children and parents.

For more family experiences, visit Asari Kindergarten Testimonials.

About Kitchhike Co., Ltd.

Kitchhike is dedicated to enhancing regional value and connecting it to the future of our planet. The ‘Preschool Study Abroad’ experience, which focuses on family engagement, was recognized in various awards, including the 16th Parenting Award as a top child-rearing trend in Japan for 2023. For more information:

• - Headquarters: 4F, ROUTE89 BLDG, 4-13-9 Higashi Ueno, Taito, Tokyo.
• - CEO: Masaya Yamamoto, an expert on regional growth and problem-solving initiatives by the Cabinet Office.
• - Business Overview: Offering 1-2 week family stays in various communities: Kitchhike.