Tag: Kandu

  • Complete Guide to Kandu: One of Japan’s Best Indoor Attractions for Kids

    Complete Guide to Kandu: One of Japan’s Best Indoor Attractions for Kids

    If you’re planning a family trip to Tokyo or Tokyo Disney Resort, one attraction you shouldn’t miss is Kandu.

    Kandu is an interactive indoor theme park where children can try real-life jobs such as pilot, firefighter, police officer, flight attendant, pastry chef, and many more while wearing realistic uniforms.

    You may have heard of KidZania Tokyo, another popular job-experience park. Kandu offers a similar concept but in a more relaxed environment. The park is smaller, activity reservations can be made directly from your smartphone, and there are plenty of seats where parents can comfortably watch their children.

    Since Kandu is completely indoors and located inside AEON MALL Makuhari New City, it’s also an excellent destination on rainy days or during Japan’s extremely hot summers. After your visit, you can enjoy shopping, restaurants, and cafés without leaving the building.

    This guide explains everything international families need to know before visiting Kandu.


    What Is Kandu?

    Kandu is an indoor children’s career experience park located inside AEON MALL Makuhari New City in Chiba, just outside Tokyo.

    Children wear authentic uniforms and take on a variety of exciting professions.

    Some of the most popular jobs include:

    • Pilot
    • Flight Attendant
    • Firefighter
    • Police Officer
    • Paramedic
    • Fashion Model
    • Ice Cream Shop Staff
    • Takoyaki Chef
    • Pastry Chef
    • Professional Gamer

    Each activity is more than just role-playing.

    After completing a job, children earn Kandu’s own currency called Kacchin, which they can spend on shopping or additional experiences inside the park.

    It’s a fun way for kids to learn about work, responsibility, and money while having a great time.


    Recommended Age

    Kandu welcomes children aged 3 to 15 years old.

    The best age range is generally:

    • 4 to 10 years old

    Elementary school children especially enjoy the activities because they can better understand each profession and participate independently.


    Can Non-Japanese Speakers Enjoy Kandu?

    Yes.

    Most activities are conducted in Japanese, but many experiences are highly visual and easy to understand.

    Children can enjoy:

    • Flying an airplane
    • Driving a fire truck
    • Wearing professional uniforms
    • Making pizza or sweets

    …without speaking Japanese.

    The staff are very experienced with international visitors and often use gestures and simple instructions to help children participate.

    Another advantage is that the activity reservation system is available in English, making it easy for overseas visitors to book activities.


    Ticket Prices

    Ticket prices vary depending on the season and day of the week.

    Regular Admission

    Children (3–15 years):
    ¥3,250–¥4,500

    Adults (16+):
    ¥2,000–¥2,500

    Seniors (55+):
    ¥1,000

    Children under 3:
    Free (cannot participate in activities)

    Short Stay Pass (3:30 PM–6:00 PM)

    Perfect if you’d like to experience Kandu for just a few hours.

    Children:
    From ¥2,500

    Adults:
    From ¥1,300

    Seniors:
    From ¥800

    Children under 3 enter free.

    If you’d like to stay longer, extension fees are charged every 30 minutes:

    • Child: ¥600
    • Adult: ¥300
    • Senior: ¥100

    Ticket prices vary by date and season, so check the official Kandu ticket page for the latest prices and availability before your visit.


    Reserve Tickets in Advance

    Kandu is very popular on weekends, holidays, and during Japanese school vacations.

    Advance booking is highly recommended and often essential.

    Tickets include a designated entry time.

    If there’s a specific activity your child really wants to try, choose one of the earliest admission times to maximize your chances of getting a reservation.

    Even if you’re a little late, staff members are usually happy to help you enter after checking your ticket.


    What Happens on the Day?

    1. Enter at Your Reserved Time

    Arrive before your scheduled entry time and join the correct queue.

    Staff can help if you’re unsure where to line up.

    After checking in, you’ll receive:

    • Your admission card
    • Kacchin (the in-park currency)
    • A QR code for activity reservations

    2. Reserve Activities

    Scan the QR code using your smartphone, register your child’s name, and reserve the activities you’d like to experience.

    Because reservations are made digitally, parents don’t need to rush around the park as they often do at similar attractions.


    3. Enjoy the Job Experience

    When it’s time for your activity, head to the pavilion.

    Staff will help your child change into the appropriate uniform before the experience begins.

    Most activities last around 30–45 minutes.


    4. Earn Kacchin

    After finishing the activity, your child receives their salary in Kacchin.

    Then it’s time to reserve or head to the next adventure.

    Popular activities can fill quickly, so it’s a good idea to decide your child’s top choices before arriving.


    How Much Time Do You Need?

    Kandu operates in two separate sessions each day.

    Morning Session

    10:00 AM – 2:30 PM

    Afternoon Session

    3:30 PM – 8:00 PM

    Guests are admitted at staggered times before each session.

    The park operates on a complete turnover system, meaning all guests leave between sessions.

    If you only want a shorter visit, the Short Stay Pass allows entry from 3:30 PM to 6:00 PM.


    Food and Dining

    Outside food is generally not allowed, except for:

    • Baby food
    • Infant formula
    • Drinks in bottles or containers with lids

    Food and drinks can be ordered through your smartphone while inside Kandu.

    You’ll receive a notification when your order is ready for pickup.

    Since re-entry is not permitted, it’s best to eat inside the park between activities.

    After your visit, you’ll find plenty of dining options throughout AEON MALL Makuhari New City, including:

    • Large food courts
    • Family restaurants
    • Cafés

    What to Bring

    We recommend bringing:

    • A refillable water bottle or bottled drink
    • Comfortable clothing
    • Socks (required for some activities)
    • A portable phone charger
    • A camera or smartphone

    Children look adorable in their uniforms, so you’ll probably be taking lots of photos throughout the day.


    Great for Rainy Days and Summer

    Kandu is completely indoors, making it one of the best family attractions in the Tokyo area during:

    • Rainy days
    • Extremely hot summer days
    • Typhoon season

    Japan’s summer heat can be intense, especially for young children.

    Spending the hottest part of the day indoors makes your trip much more comfortable.

    If you’re visiting during the hottest months, see our Japan summer travel guide for families for more tips on planning around the heat.

    Another bonus is that Makuhari-Toyosuna Station is connected to the mall by covered walkways, so you can reach Kandu without getting soaked on rainy days.


    Enjoy AEON MALL Makuhari New City Too

    One of the biggest advantages of Kandu is its location inside one of Japan’s largest shopping malls.

    The mall features:

    • Huge food courts
    • Hundreds of shops
    • 100-yen stores
    • Supermarkets
    • Children’s play areas
    • Great places to buy souvenirs

    If you’re planning a relaxing day during your trip, combining Kandu with the mall is an excellent choice.


    Getting There

    Location

    Inside AEON MALL Makuhari New City

    1-5 Toyosuna, Mihama-ku, Chiba

    From Tokyo Station

    Take the JR Keiyo Line to Makuhari-Toyosuna Station.

    Travel time: approximately 35–40 minutes.

    The station is only a 1-minute walk from the mall.

    From Tokyo Disney Resort

    Take the JR Keiyo Line.

    Travel time: approximately 20–25 minutes.

    Very easy with minimal transfers.

    From Narita Airport

    Airport Limousine Bus to Kaihin-Makuhari Station (about 45–60 minutes), then a local bus or taxi (around 10 minutes) to the mall.

    From Haneda Airport

    Airport Limousine Bus to Kaihin-Makuhari Station (about 60 minutes), followed by a local bus or taxi (around 10 minutes).

    Planning to stay nearby? Compare our family-friendly hotels in Kaihin-Makuhari near Tokyo Disneyland.


    Who Should Visit Kandu?

    Kandu is especially recommended for families who:

    • Have children aged 3–10
    • Need a rainy-day activity
    • Want a unique Japanese family experience
    • Are spending several days around Tokyo Disney Resort
    • Are visiting Japan during the hot summer months

    Final Thoughts

    Kandu is much more than a playground—it’s an interactive learning experience where children can explore different careers, earn their own salary, and discover how the working world operates.

    Located about 40 minutes from Tokyo Station and easily accessible from Tokyo Disney Resort, it’s a fantastic addition to any family itinerary. Its indoor setting, English-friendly reservation system, and convenient location inside AEON MALL Makuhari New City make it one of the best attractions for international visitors traveling with children.

    If you’re looking for a fun, educational, and uniquely Japanese experience, Kandu deserves a place on your Tokyo travel itinerary.