Tokyo with Kids? Go Wild at This Unique Living Things Park

When you think of Tokyo, the mind often goes to famous theme parks and well-known attractions. But I want to let you in on a secret: there's a truly amazing and unique place that offers a different kind of magic, especially for families with kids. I'm talking about the Adachi Park of Living Things (足立生物園), a hidden gem that goes far beyond a typical zoo.

My daughter and I have had some of the most memorable experiences here.
Unlike a standard zoo, this park is designed to foster a deep connection with nature and its creatures. It’s an intimate space where you can get up close and personal with life itself.

Unique and Hands-On Experiences

One of the park’s greatest strengths is its focus on unique, hands-on experiences. We’ve been lucky enough to participate in special events like a cicada emergence observation and a magical firefly viewing event. These moments are unforgettable and offer a glimpse into the wonders of the natural world.

The event starts at 3:42.

Inside the park, you’ll discover an extraordinary butterfly area. They have beautiful, vibrant butterflies flying free, and they are incredibly tame—so tame that you can approach them without them flying away. It’s a truly precious experience to be surrounded by these delicate creatures, and it’s something you won't find anywhere else.

The park also features a unique aquarium and hands-on animal encounters that are perfect for children. We love the guinea pig petting experience and the chance to feed the goats. These interactions help children feel a sense of warmth and connection with animals, which is a rare opportunity in a big city like Tokyo.

More Than Just a Visit

The Adachi Park of Living Things is a place where you can learn about the value of life and nurture affection through interaction with approximately 500 species of animals, including insects, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. The facility offers creative exhibits and various programs led by experts. The goal is for visitors to feel the preciousness and wonder of life and to think about the importance of the natural environment.

When you need a break, the park's rest area offers a delightful surprise: delicious bread shaped like the creatures that live in the park! It's a fun and tasty way to remember your visit.

Practical Information for Your Trip

The park's opening hours are from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm (February-October) and 9:30 am to 4:30 pm (November-January), with last entry 30 minutes before closing.

Admission is very affordable at just 300 yen for adults and 150 yen for children. The admission fee would be approximately $2.04 for adults and $1.02 for children, based on the exchange rate as of 2025. (Please note that exchange rates fluctuate, so the exact amount in USD may vary. )

It’s easily accessible by bus or a pleasant 20-minute walk from Takenotsuka Station.

 

If you are looking for an experience that is both educational and heartwarming for your children in Tokyo, the Adachi Park of Living Things is a must-visit. It's a quiet, beautiful escape from the city hustle and a perfect way to create lasting memories.

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A New Way to Get to Tokyo: From Narita Airport via Tsukuba

Tired of crowded trains in Tokyo? Do you wish for a more relaxed and comfortable way to travel?

The journey from Narita Airport to the heart of Tokyo can be stressful, especially after a long flight. Navigating through the crowds with luggage is no fun. But don't worry, we're here to introduce a unique and comfortable alternative route just for you.

This route's main player is a bus. You'll first take a bus from Narita Airport to Tsukuba. Those buses, are jointly operated by Kanto Railway, Chiba Kotsu, and Narita Kuko Kotsu.

When my family and I took it, there was only one other passenger besides us, so it felt like we had the whole bus to ourselves. It was surprisingly uncrowded.

You can relax in your seat without worrying about your luggage.

From the window, you'll see a different side of Japan—peaceful rural landscapes instead of the urban jungle.

Why You Should Choose This Route

• Incredibly Comfortable Unlike crowded trains, the bus is usually quiet and spacious. You can comfortably sit and enjoy the ride, which is perfect if you have a lot of luggage.
  
  

• Enjoy Unique Scenery The bus offers views of Japan's suburbs and countryside that you wouldn't see on a direct train to Tokyo. It's a great opportunity to discover a new side of the country during your trip.
  
  

• A Chance to Visit Tsukuba This route gives you a perfect excuse to stop by Tsukuba, known as "Science City." You can visit unique places like the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center or various research facilities.
  
  

How to Get There - The Time Table

Step 1: Buy Your Bus Ticket at Narita Airport Head to the bus ticket counter in the arrival lobby of Narita Airport. The staff will direct you to a ticket vending machine to make your purchase. Don't worry if you don't speak Japanese; the vending machines have an English option.

• Travel Time: Approximately 1 hour

• Fare: 2,400 JPY (one-way)

• Bus Schedule: You can check the latest timetable in this PDF.

The time table

Step 2: Transfer to the Tsukuba Express at Tsukuba Center Once your bus arrives at Tsukuba Center, head to the underground Tsukuba Express station. It's just a short walk from the bus stop.

The Tsukuba Express is a very convenient line for heading into central Tokyo.

It stops at major stations such as Kita-Senju, Asakusa, and Akihabara, from where you can easily transfer to the Tokyo Metro or JR lines to access anywhere in the city.

Tsukuba Express Route map & Station information

It offers a comfortable and unique travel experience. And it's a great choice for travelers who wants to avoid crowds, or are interested in exploring Tsukuba.

Starting Your Tax Service Business? Here's My Journey.

Introduction: Embarking on a New Career Journey from Japan

When I moved from Japan to Southern California in 2014 for marriage, I knew that my 10+ years of accounting experience at a Japanese law firm might not immediately transfer here. From the beginning, I was deeply interested in web design, so I took several courses and decided to start my journey as a web designer and entrepreneur.

First Web Design Project: A Wedding Photography Company

In 2016, I took on my first project, redesigning a website for a wedding photography and videography company. The client had been struggling to attract new clients, so I rebuilt the site from the ground up, adding essential features like a portfolio, testimonials, an FAQ section, and a blog—features that were missing from the old site. Shortly after the launch, the client was thrilled to see a significant increase in customer inquiries.

Broadening My Skills Through New Projects

Since then, I’ve worked on various projects, including transforming non-responsive websites into fully responsive ones, each experience building my skills and shaping my journey as a web designer.

Witnessing the immediate impact of my work was incredibly rewarding. However, I often struggled with client acquisition and price competition.

Becoming a Mother and Reassessing My Career

After my daughter was born, I cherished the time I spent watching her grow. However, when she started preschool, I began to contemplate my next career move. Feeling that my accounting knowledge could be useful, I started considering certifications in the U.S. accounting field.

Discovering the World of Tax

To become a CPA, I learned that I needed a few more accounting credits on top of the credits I already had, so I enrolled in a local college. My first class was “Accounting 101,” where I re-learned the basics of the U.S. accounting system. Later, I took a tax course.

Exploring CTEC Certification

Today, tax returns are commonly prepared with software, but this class included assignments where we had to complete Form 1040 by hand. Like my classmates, I found this quite challenging.

That’s when I discovered the college’s tutoring center and decided to seek help for the first time. Thanks to the tutor’s support, I was able to complete my project. The tutor also recommended a class offered through the IRS’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, and encouraged me to contact the professor running it.

Beginning My Journey at H&R Block

VITA is an IRS-sponsored volunteer program that offers free tax return services to community members. After reaching out to the professor, I was invited to the VITA class orientation. When I mentioned my goal of becoming an Enrolled Agent (EA), the professor suggested starting with the CTEC (California Registered Tax Preparer) certification. I found out that by taking H&R Block's Income Tax Course and passing the exam, I could obtain my CTEC license. And as a mother of a young child, H&R Block’s evening classes were ideal for me.

During class, all participants received a survey asking if we were interested in working at H&R Block or taking an interview, so I tentatively checked “yes” and decided to go for the interview.

Having no prior experience working for an American company, I didn’t expect much, but I was offered the job.

In the interview, I was mainly asked about my past work experience. One question that stood out was about what I appreciated in a former boss. A condition of employment was that I had to pass the CTEC certification exam at the end of the course.

After passing the exam and completing a background check, my training began. The training involved completing specific online courses provided by H&R Block within a set deadline.

H&R Block’s Comprehensive Training and Support

H&R Block’s employee training courses covered countless topics in detail and were exceptionally comprehensive. Even today, I think there’s nothing that compares to them. In addition to the online training, I participated in role-playing exercises with other new team members at the office. Since I had never worked for an American company before and wasn’t fluent in English, I was filled with anxiety about preparing tax returns directly for clients.

My anxiety only grew because H&R Block accepts walk-in clients, meaning I had to be ready to prepare returns in front of clients on the spot. While H&R Block’s courses included simulation videos, I also found the following video helpful. This video taught me practical questioning techniques.

Overcoming Challenges and Gaining Confidence

I almost quit several times before actually starting to work. However, thanks to excellent support, I managed to get through tax season.

I was assigned a dedicated mentor. Whenever I was unsure of something during client interactions, I could call them over, and they would assist me. Additionally, H&R Block has an internal resource called the Tax Institute, where you can submit any question, no matter how difficult, and receive a researched response. This provided immense reassurance.

H&R Block uses its own tax software, which is incredibly user-friendly and meticulously designed to prevent errors. I have experience with other tax software but think nothing compares to it. This opinion is shared by many former colleagues who also started at H&R Block.

Furthermore, the training courses offered a search function, allowing me to look up specific topics and find relevant sections for self-study.

The following video explains how H&R Block provides an excellent environment for new tax preparers to gain experience. This video inspired me to commit myself to succeed at H&R Block.

Gaining Experience Through the VITA Program

I also participated in the previously mentioned VITA program to further gain experience.

Through a college course, I was able to join the VITA program, which required passing a qualification test that wasn’t too difficult.

The program involved scheduled days during tax season when community members would come to the college campus for free tax return services. We prepared their returns in turn, and if we needed assistance, professors were on hand to help, providing reassurance.

Community members waited in a separate area until their returns were completed, so I didn’t feel excessive pressure.

I received deep gratitude from the community members, and the camaraderie among everyone, along with snacks from the professors, made for an enjoyable experience.

This marked the beginning of my journey as a tax preparer.

Reflection and Future Goals

While developing my skills as a tax preparer, I maintained my desire to help others through creative work. This led me to establish SoCal Creative Works, a web design studio.

After experiencing the hectic tax season, I now offer specialized website templates for tax preparers and accountants to improve efficiency during tax season. Feel free to explore the templates at Our Template Shop.

STREAM - Squarespace Website Template for tax preparers and accountants.