JACOP Jido-kan
One of JACOP’s main activities, focused on fostering connections, is the weekly JACOP Jido-kan held at our Ontmoeting facility.
The club offers a space where children from infants to preschoolers can freely play with Japanese picture books and toys. No reservation is required, making it easy for families to drop in. It not only encourages natural interactions among children but also provides a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with each other. Since its launch in 2022, over 2,000 parents and children have participated.
For families with preschool-aged children, opportunities for kids to interact with peers can be limited, and connections with the local community are an important support for parents. The Jido-kan serves as a place to nurture these encounters and connections.
About once a month, Jido-kan also holds events tied to Japanese and Dutch seasonal traditions, such as Tanabata and Sinterklaas. These events allow families to enjoy cultural experiences together, and parents often describe the club as a “safe and enjoyable place for both parents and children.”
| Opening hours | Every Wednesday, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (no reservation required, free entry and exit) |
| Location | Ontmoeting Lokaal, 1st floor of Sabo Amstelveen |
| Fee | €2 per family per visit (up to 3 children per accompanying adult) |
| Closed | During summer vacation and year-end/New Year holidays. For details, please check JACOP’s Facebook and Instagram. |
| Notes | ・Jido-kan is not a daycare; children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. ・For safety reasons, entry may be limited when the space is crowded. ・Please line up strollers along the fence by the riverside in front of the café. ・Parking on Ouderkerkerlaan in front of the building is partially blue-zone; up to 3 hours allowed. ・The Jido-kan may close temporarily due to bad weather or staff reasons. In such cases, notice will be posted on JACOP’s SNS by around 7 PM on the preceding Tuesday. |
| Guideline(Japanese only) | ・About using Jido-kan ・Borrowing books |
| Menbership registration | Optional. Visitors who wish to use the facility are encouraged to register [here]. |