1. What is Kurunto?

Kurunto is a facility that combines a children’s play area and a library.

The cocoon-shaped building is distinctive and serves as a symbol of the city center.

The concept is “a place to learn, grow, play, and meet new people.”

It is a multi-functional community facility with an indoor play area, a park, a child-rearing support facility, a library, and a café.

There is an indoor play facility on the north side and a library on the south side, and you can move between them using the common areas.

*Quoted from the official website of Curunto

Let’s start with the indoor play facility “Asobiba” on the north side of the building!

2. Asobiba (Nagai City Childrearing Generation Activity Support Center)

So, here’s the view that greets you when you enter the play area!

At this point, you’re sure to have captured the children’s sense of fun!

Please be careful, as your child will undoubtedly run off if it is their first time (and maybe even after the second time?).

And… that big blue thing in the back…

① Curunto Lagoon/Digital Wall/Adventure Island

It’s called “Kurunt Lagoon”!

This is Kujira-kun, a popular character and symbol of “Kurutto”.

By the way, my kids were so engrossed in the ball pool that I only noticed it when we were about to leave lol

Curunto Lagoon is not just big!

It’s packed with lots of fun gimmicks.

First of all, the ball pool that spreads out below is amazing.

The number is an astounding 300,000, the largest in the Tohoku region!

You can roll and throw it as much as you want.

Then there’s the lagoon, which has a trampoline that the kids love.

And and!

This was the first time I saw this toy.

When you put a ball into the suction port, it flies straight up to the basket above your head.

Gradually, the balls pile up in the basket.

The Naruto basket tips over at a certain amount, causing balls to rain down on the ground.

I visited on a relatively quiet weekday, but there was always someone sucking the balls into the playground equipment.

Of course, there is also the classic slide.

Slides of various lengths and sizes are available for children of all ages to enjoy.

The play equipment here is also highly original!

Collect the balls in the plate-like area below and press the switch to send the balls flying with force!

Perhaps it appeals to the male instinct, but there were some dads who seemed to be working harder than their kids.

This digital wall is also not to be missed!

There are three sensors on the top of the wall, and when the ball hits them, a change occurs on the screen.

At the time of the visit, lots of soap bubbles were being projected, and they would pop when hit by a ball.

There is also quiz-style content like this, so you can enjoy a variety of different games.
*This is what it was like when I visited on a different day.

It seems like you can enjoy something different every time you visit.

② Baby Park

Baby park near the entrance.

There is also a fence installed, so even small babies can have fun playing there.

There are diaper changing and nursing rooms nearby, so both moms and dads can rest assured.

③ Image Square

The “Ideography Plaza” is located between the entrance and the lagoon.

There are rails, vehicle toys, blocks, and more, and as the name suggests, you can play while expanding your imagination.

Children’s imaginations are limitless!

The children’s eyes were full of seriousness as they created their masterpieces.

④ Smoky Town

At Mokumoku Town, children can enjoy pretend play to their heart’s content.

Lots of wooden toys that kids will love!

Here you can become anything you want, from a cake shop to a sushi restaurant, and more.

I was touched by the adorable way the store staff posed as customers.

⑤ Naughty Gym

Next to the Curunto Lagoon is the Wanpaku Gym.

The toys are replaced regularly, and at the time of our visit there were a number of kids’ cars lined up.

On another day, there will also be box vaulting and ball toss.

You can move your body freely and play.

⑥ Honnomori

When you go up to the mezzanine floor, you’ll find a fairytale-like atmosphere.

You can read your books at your own leisure in your favorite place.

Please enjoy your time surrounded by your favorite picture books.

3. Reservation and visit procedure

The play area is relatively relaxed on weekdays, but it gets crowded on weekends, so we recommend making a reservation.

Click here to see how to make a reservation.

4. Nagai City Public Library

Next, we will introduce the Nagai City Public Library.

Nagai City Public Library, which was originally located within the city’s Shiratsutsuji Park, was also relocated to coincide with the opening of “Kuruunto.”

Here is what the inside of the building looks like.

The high ceilings and depth give it a very open feel!

With a wide selection of books, there is also a children’s book corner, a co-working corner, an IT corner, and more, making it easy to use for people of all ages and purposes.

In the back, there is a relaxing space that makes you wonder if it’s really a café.

Another nice feature is that the browsing area and desk seats come with Drinks that come with lids.

① Story Corner

From here, we will introduce some of the main spots in the library.

To the left of the entrance is the Story Corner.

The dome at the back is a special reading space.

It’s exciting to read a picture book in a different place than usual.

There is also a raised area where you can take off your shoes and relax while choosing a picture book.

3) Teens Corner

There is also a section that introduces books recommended for teenagers.

Nowadays, anything you want to know can be found instantly on the Internet.

Time spent in the library offers value in terms of the quality and depth of information and improved literacy skills that cannot be obtained through internet searches alone.

④ Coworking corner

If you want to study or work in a private space, we recommend a coworking space.

If you apply at the counter on the day, you can use the facility for free for up to three hours per person.

Studying in an environment different from home or school can help you gain new perspectives.

⑤ Browsing/IT corner, local materials

There is also a browsing corner where you can read newspapers, magazines, and Iwanami Shinsho books.

There is an IT corner in the building where you can watch DVDs/CDs and use the internet.

There was also a local materials corner that collected materials published in Yamagata Prefecture and Nagai City, as well as books written by people from Nagai City.

Many people may imagine libraries as quiet places to read or study.

Another great thing about Nagai City Library is that you can access information from a variety of perspectives, including magazines, newspapers, movies, music, online databases, and more.

5. Doutor Coffee Shop Nagai Curunto Branch

The building also houses the “Doutor Coffee Shop Nagai Curunt Branch.”

Why not come here to refresh yourself after a day of fun or after studying or working hard?

There is also a raised area, so even those with small children can use the facility with peace of mind.

6. There's lots to see outside the facility!

The appeal of “Kuruunto” isn’t just indoors!

There are also three outdoor plazas designed to evoke the image of “long stretches of water, greenery, and flowers.”

No reservation is required for either service, so you can use them freely.

① Green Space

A green space equipped with large playground equipment.
*This photo was taken in November, but the area is filled with greenery in summer!

Large combination play equipment,

A long and wide slide,

There are bucket and hammock swings that even small children can enjoy.

This park also has a wide range of play equipment, including Tarzan ropes and see-saws!

If you time it right, you might even be able to see a train running on the Flower Nagai Line.

This is a must-see spot for train lovers.

*For safety reasons, all outdoor play equipment will be unavailable during the winter season from Monday, December 4th.

② Water Square

The “Water Plaza” welcomes you at the entrance to “Kuruunto.”

In summer, the sound of happy children’s laughter echoes through the air.

Previously, my kids were having so much fun at the water park that it took us an hour to get in.

Please be aware that you may find it difficult to enter the facility!

3. Flower Square

The Flower Plaza is located across the corridor from the Water Plaza.

Decorated with seasonal flowers, it is a recommended spot for a short walk.

7. Message

Finally, Mr. Takiguchi, head of the Kurunto Facility, gave a message to everyone watching VISIT YAMAGATA.

“There is a playground, library and café inside, and three plazas outside.

This is a facility that the whole family can enjoy, from children to adults and even grandparents, both inside and outside.

We are also planning various seasonal events in the future, so please look forward to them.

I think many people will be visiting Nagai City for the first time because of Kurunto.

Have fun at Kurunto, come visit the town of Nagai, and have fun at Kurunto.

8. Basic information about Kurunto

<Opening hours and closing days>
🎈Play area
Opening hours : 10:00-18:00
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, January 1st
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📖Nagai City Public Library
Opening hours : Weekdays, Sundays, and holidays 10:00-19:00
*Open until 20:00 on Sundays before public holidays
Saturday 10:00～20:00
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, January 1st, and special sorting period
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💕Childcare Support Center
Opening hours : 10:00-12:30
13:30～16:00
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, December 29th to January 3rd
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👶 Temporary care room
Opening hours : 8:30-16:30
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, December 29th to January 3rd
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♬ Family Support Center
Telephone reception hours : 9:00-17:00
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, December 29th to January 3rd
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☕ Doutor
Hours : 10:00-18:00
Closed : 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, January 1st