The Bureau of Transportation, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is pleased to announce that “Children’s Smile Spot,” an area designed to provide support for parents getting around the city with babies and little children, which opened on Friday, July 7, 2023, in Ueno-okachimachi Station on the Toei Subway Oedo Line.
Ueno-okachimachi station already provides several amenities for those going out with babies and toddlers. In February of this year, a nursing room was installed inside the station. In April, it became the first subway station in Japan to offer a stroller rental service. Children’s Smile Spot willinclude both of these services, plus a newly installed vending machine, from which parents canpurchase childcare products, such as liquid baby formula and disposable diapers. The area will also feature a distinctive design to make it easier to find.
Through initiatives like this, which provides parents and care-givers of young children with peace of mind when they travel, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation hopes to contribute to the fostering of a society that supports and encourages childrearing.
Name: Children’s Smile Spot (trademark registration pending)
Opening Date: Friday, July 7, 2023 (operating hours are listed below)
Location: Ueno-okachimachi Station of the Toei Subway Oedo Line (in the concourse outside the ticket gates)
Available Services:
- Nursing room
– Open from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m.
– The room is equipped with a nursing sofa, shelf, ventilation fan, barrier-free floors, etc.
The room can be locked from the inside.
- Stroller rental service (Babycal)
– Installed and operated by JRE babycal buggy rental service
– Available from 8:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m.
– Fee (including tax): ¥250 for the first hour; ¥100 for each additional 30 minutes
¥1,500 for up to 12 hours; ¥100 for each additional 30 minutes after
12 hours
– Available strollers: Combi SC51 designed for childcare facilities, for children up to 4 years
old (maximum weight: 18 kg)
- Vending machines for childcare products
– Installed and operated by Kirin Beverage Co., Ltd.
– Service hours: during the operating hours of the station (from the first train to the last one)
– Goods available: disposable diapers (M size and L size, in packs of 2), baby-wipes.
beverages (liquid infant formula, green tea, brown tea, water, sports
drinks, fruit/vegetable juice, etc.)
