A traditional house standing in a nature-rich area of Soja City. Inside, there is a special space filled with the joyful voices and smiles of children and their parents.
Opened in April 2024, Asobito Omocha no Kenkyujo A-to A-to is a play area where children can play with toys carefully selected by the director to foster creativity.
We interviewed about the thoughts behind its establishment.
The information provided is based on the article published in September 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
A Gathering Place Born from Thoughts for Children
A-to A-to is a learning and play facility established by the director, Ruupin, who is a mother of two.
Ruupin commuted from Soja City to Okayama City as a public servant, and from morning until evening, her children were at daycare. During her commute, she began to feel the desire to spend more time with her children.
Additionally, she decided to open the facility with the thought that "there are few children of the same age around my home, and it would be nice to gather together for child-rearing."
By resigning from the city hall where she worked and starting her own business, she increased the time spent with her children, and it seems that the children sometimes play with friends and other users at A-to A-to.
What You Can Do at "A-to A-to"
From such thoughts, A-to A-to offers the following services.
- Play Area A-to A-to
- Cafe Menu with a Focus on Health
- Toy Rental and Sales
- Learning Space for Adults and Children "A-to College"
Many users learned about the facility through Instagram, and it seems that about 70% come from Okayama City and Kurashiki City.
The age range of users is broad, from 0 years old to preschoolers, with mainly children aged 0 to 2 during weekdays. On weekends, kindergarten and nursery school children join, creating a lively atmosphere.
Play Area A-to A-to
The biggest feature of A-to A-to is that it offers carefully selected wooden toys made overseas.
It includes toys that have obtained the "Spiel Gut" certification mark from Germany and those that meet Spiel Gut standards.
With toys that allow children to create their own play while using their imagination, there seem to be new discoveries and learning every time they visit.
The director's recommended toy is the "7Moons," a doll-shaped toy from Grapat (Spain).
The head part can be removed, allowing for play such as grasping and inserting.
As children grow older, they can pretend it is a cup for play cooking, use it as an instrument or building block, and even play bowling, making it a versatile toy that can be enjoyed in various ways as they develop.
Cafe Menu with a Focus on Health
A cafe menu is also available, and there is an environment where you can enjoy the cafe menu outdoors.
The snack set is selected based on the criteria of "enjoying the taste of the ingredients themselves and being nutritious," making it a body-friendly snack set.
The snack set includes shiitake chips, gluten-free cookies made from rice bran, and bonito chips that even children who dislike fish can eat, all prepared with health in mind.
It was said that "even children who dislike shiitake mushrooms will happily eat shiitake chips."
Toy Rental and Sales
At A-to A-to, not only is a play area provided, but toy rentals are also available.
This service is perfect for those who want to try out a toy or want to use a toy that is popular on social media.
You can choose your favorite toy from those available at the facility and rent it on a weekly basis.
Additionally, popular toys such as "Grapat" and "Bauspiel" are available for purchase. You can choose them in person, and orders can also be made for those living far away.
If you purchase at A-to A-to, you can take it home on the same day and start playing with the toy immediately.
Learning Space for Adults and Children "A-to College"
"A-to College," which started in response to requests from users, is a place where parents with specialized skills share their knowledge as instructors.
Various programs are offered, including English cafe, postpartum body make, children's play environment lectures, and picture book reading sessions.
For parent-oriented courses, childcare services are also provided, creating an environment where adults can relax and spend time together after a long time.
We spoke with the director, Ruupin, about A-to A-to, which focuses not only on play but also on learning.
Data on Asobito Omocha no Kenkyujo A-to A-to
| Name | Asobito Omocha no Kenkyujo A-to A-to |
|---|---|
| Location | 2145 Yamada, Soja City |
| Contact | 090-1273-6150 |
| Parking | Available First parking lot: 4 cars Second parking lot: 4-5 cars |
| Opening Hours | Weekdays: 9:30 AM - 12:00 PM Saturday, Sunday, Holidays: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM |
| Closed | Thursdays, irregular holidays Detailed business days can be checked on Instagram. |
| Admission Fee (tax included) | 1,000 yen per group (includes 1 drink) |
| Payment Methods |
|
| Reservation | Available Reservation required |
| Smoking | Completely non-smoking |
| Toilet | Western-style toilet |
| Child-rearing | Nursing room, diaper changing sheet Diapers, changing table, and nursing room available |
| Website | Asobito Omocha no Kenkyujo A-to A-to |
