1.
children's center; children's hall; community center for children
A public facility for children (typically ages 0-18) providing a safe space for play, learning activities, and after-school care. Run by local governments across Japan.
A public facility established under the Child Welfare Act (児童福祉法). Provides free or low-cost activities for children including play space, arts and crafts, sports, and seasonal events. An important part of Japan's child welfare infrastructure, especially for working parents.
Common collocations
- 児童館に行く: to go to the children's center
- 児童館で遊ぶ: to play at the children's center
- 児童館の行事: children's center events
- 児童館の職員: children's center staff
Similar words
- 学童クラブ / 学童保育: after-school care program — specifically for elementary school children whose parents work. 児童館 is open to all children, not just those needing after-school care.
- 公民館: community center — for all ages, not specifically for children
- 保育園: nursery school; daycare — for preschool-age children during working hours