Complete Guide to Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!)

Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!) is a hands-on event where parents and children can enjoy art and music together. Admission is free, and many activities are available to join on the day, although advance reservations are required for some of the more popular programs. In this article, we explain the event details, available programs, how to make a reservation through the official LINE account, and what to wear and bring on the day. Make the necessary preparations in advance so you and your children can enjoy the event comfortably.

What Is Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!)?

Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!) is an interactive event for children organized by Kofu City in Yamanashi Prefecture. It is designed to give children the opportunity to experience the joy of creative expression and making things while nurturing their creativity and sensitivity.

Event Overview and Admission Fee

The venue features a wide variety of activities, including painting, crafts, music concerts, and digital experiences. Admission is free, and most activities at the individual booths are also available free of charge. The main event details are shown in the table below.

Item	Details
Event Name	Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!)
Date and Time	Saturday, September 26, 2026, 10:00–16:00
Organizer	Kofu City Hall, Children and Future Department, Child Support Division
Admission	Free (participation in hands-on programs is also generally free)
Main Venue	Rich Diamond Civic Hall (Kofu Civic Hall)
Activities	Craft and art activities, music concerts, programming experiences, educational activity booths, and more

For the detailed program schedule, please visit the official Kofu City website.

Recommended Ages and Participants

The event is mainly intended for children from infancy through elementary school age and their parents or guardians. Recommended ages vary by activity, allowing children of different ages to find experiences suited to them.

Handprint art and simple crafts are easy for younger children to enjoy, while more advanced art projects and programming activities can spark the curiosity of elementary school students and older children. The event is ideal for families who want to enjoy creative activities together on a day off or discover new interests for their children.

Hands-On Programs at Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!)

The event offers a wide range of experiences designed to stimulate children’s creativity and curiosity. Activities range from workshops that require advance registration to booths that visitors can casually join on the day.

Programs That Require Advance Reservations

Specialized workshops and hands-on classes with limited capacity have advance reservation slots available. Participants can enjoy creating and learning in a more relaxed environment while avoiding overcrowding.

Program	Eligibility	Capacity	Details
Exciting Concert	Parents and children (children may also participate on their own)	100 parent-child groups (same-day participation also available)	A concert where parents and children can enjoy the fun of music through singing and dancing.
Arts and Culture Event: Flower Design Workshop for Parents and Children	Elementary school students (parent-child participation required)	18 parent-child groups	A workshop where parents and children can enjoy creating arrangements using seasonal flowers.
Humanoid Robot Pepper Programming Experience	Grade 3 and above (participants must be able to create Pepper’s dialogue and enter it on a PC)	16 participants	An activity where participants create dialogue for the humanoid robot Pepper and enter it into a computer.
Let’s Enjoy Board Games in English!	Grades 1–4	8 participants per session at 11:00, 13:00, 14:00, and 15:00	A booth where children can have fun playing board games while using English.
Let’s Make a Braided Bracelet!	Grades 4–6	15 participants	Children can try making their own original bracelet.
Workshop by Paper-Cutting Artist Hyakkimaru: T-Shirt Making and Storytelling with an Original Kamishibai	Grades 4–6 (parent-child participation required)	10 parent-child groups	A workshop where participants can enjoy both T-shirt making and a storytelling session using kamishibai picture cards.

Detailed capacity limits and schedules can be found on the official Kofu City website.

Activities You Can Join Freely on the Day

Even without a reservation, there are many booths throughout the venue that visitors can freely stop by. Activities include flying paper airplanes, origami, slime making, and creating art using handprints and footprints, offering plenty of fun even for younger children. Experiences that combine play and learning are also popular, including coloring activities that teach children important safety rules.

Program
Animal Welfare Day (Held Simultaneously)
Mobile Library “Nadeshiko-go”
Paper Cup Balloon Play
Let’s Make and Play
Slime-Making Experience
Make Easy Accessories with Tissue Paper Flowers!
Let’s Make a Halloween Mask!
Make Cute Animal Art with Handprints and Footprints!
Dementia Mini-Lecture and Shrink Plastic Craft for Parents and Children
Let’s Read Picture Books and Practice Writing!
Try Playing the Koto
Children’s Reporter Experience
Children’s Samurai Armor Fitting Experience
Tea Ceremony Experience for Parents and Children
Learn About Your Hometown and Experience Mochi Pounding
Take the Bean-Picking Challenge! Learn About Japanese Food Culture and How to Hold Chopsticks Correctly
Let’s Play with Kendama!
Play with the Humanoid Robot Pepper and Computers (Afternoon Only)
Pop! Float! Big Adventure: Let’s Play with Plastic Bags
Stamp, Draw, and Create a Picture Scroll!
Learn “Ika no Osushi,” the Rules for Protecting Your Precious Life, Through Real and Digital Art!
Design the Future of Kofu! Let’s Vote Together!
Fun for Parents and Children! Health Check and Kitpas Drawing♪
Grow Colorful Vegetables: VegeCheck® Experience

How to Make an Advance Reservation for Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!)

Here we explain the reservation period, capacity limits, and application process for participating in activities that require advance reservations.

Reservation Period and Capacity

Applications for programs requiring advance reservations must be completed during the designated reservation period. Each program has a limited number of participants.

Item	Details
Reservation Period	Monday, August 24, 2026 at 12:00 – Thursday, September 24, 2026 at 17:00
Capacity	Varies by program (approximately 10 participants to 100 groups)
Eligibility	Mainly elementary school students and their parents or guardians (requirements vary by program)
Participation Fee	Free

Registration closes once a program reaches capacity. If there is an activity you would like to join, it is recommended to apply as early as possible after reservations open.

How to Apply Through the Official LINE Account

Advance reservations are made through Kofu City’s official LINE account. Follow the steps below to apply.

Add the official Kofu City LINE account as a friend in the LINE app. Open the menu on the chat screen and select “Various Reservations.” Next, tap “Reservations for Other Events, etc.” and select “Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!).”

Select your preferred program and time slot, enter the participant information, and submit the form to complete your reservation.

Up to three children can be registered for one program in a single application. If you would like to participate in multiple programs, repeat the same reservation process for each program. For detailed event information, please check the official Kofu City website.

What to Prepare and Bring for a Comfortable Day at the Event

Here we explain what to wear and bring, as well as how to access the venue, so you can enjoy the event smoothly on the day.

What to Bring and What to Wear

Many activities at the venue involve paint and craft materials. It is recommended to wear comfortable clothes that are easy to wash and that you do not mind getting dirty.

Here is a list of useful items to bring for a comfortable visit.

Item	Purpose / Details
Clothes That Can Get Dirty / Apron	Helps protect clothing during craft and painting activities.
Bag for Taking Artwork Home	It is a good idea to bring a larger bag for carrying home the artwork you create.
Water Bottle / Drinks	Bringing drinks is recommended for staying hydrated at the venue. Vending machines are also available.
Hand Towel / Wet Wipes	Useful when hands get dirty or during meals.

Some workshops may require specific items. For example, participants in the T-shirt-making workshop need to bring a cotton T-shirt. Please check the precautions for your reserved program on the official Kofu City website.

How to Access the Venue and Parking Information

Here is information on transportation and parking for Rich Diamond Civic Hall, where the event will be held.

Transportation	Route / Information
Public Transportation (Bus)	Take a bus from JR Kofu Station and get off at the “Sogo Shimin Kaikan” bus stop.
By Car	Approximately 15 minutes from Kofu-Minami IC on the Chuo Expressway.

Parking is available at the facility. However, the venue is expected to be crowded on the day of the event. As parking spaces are limited, using public transportation whenever possible can help you avoid waiting for a parking space. If you plan to come by car, it is recommended to allow plenty of extra travel time.

Top 3 Recommended Places for Kids to Play in Kofu

After enjoying plenty of art at Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!), why not let the kids get active and play? Kofu has many great places where children can have fun and burn off some energy. Here are three recommended spots for families with children.

Ventforet Oshiro Land

“Ventforet Oshiro Land” is an indoor play facility for children in Kofu City. Naming rights are held by J.League soccer club Ventforet Kofu. The facility was produced by Bornelund Co., Ltd., a company known for providing high-quality play equipment from around the world, and is designed so children can build physical strength while becoming completely absorbed in play.

Facility Overview and Access

Item	Details
Address	1-10-7 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Age Range	Children aged 0–12 (through elementary school) and their parents or guardians
Usage Time	90-minute rotating sessions
Fees	Children: ¥300 per session, Parents/Guardians: ¥200 per day ※Free for children under 1 year old
Access	Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Kofu Station. There is no dedicated parking lot, so visitors should use nearby affiliated parking facilities (discounts available).
Official Website	Official Kofu City Website

Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children’s World

This spacious park makes full use of the lush natural terrain of Mt. Atago. Located in a scenic area overlooking the Kofu Basin, it offers plenty of space for children to play freely. There are many activities that children can become absorbed in, including athletic playground equipment and unusual bicycles.

Facility Overview and Access

Item	Information
Location	358-1 Atagocho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Access	【Train/Bus】Approximately 20 minutes from the north exit of JR Kofu Station by Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for the Prefectural Science Center (operates only on weekends, public holidays, and during summer vacation) 【Car】Approximately 30 minutes from Ichinomiya-Misaka IC or Kofu-Showa IC on the Chuo Expressway
Parking	Available (free, approximately 200 spaces)
Official Website	Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children’s World

Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center

“Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center” is located on the naturally beautiful Mt. Atago and features a distinctive ship-shaped building. It is located next to Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children’s World. The center has many exhibits where visitors can learn about the wonders of science in a fun way by seeing, touching, and experiencing them firsthand.

Facility Overview and Access

Item	Details
Address	358-1 Atagocho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture
Opening Hours	9:30–17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Closed	Mondays (or the following day when Monday is a public holiday), New Year holidays, etc.
Admission	Permanent Exhibition: Adults and university students ¥520, elementary, junior high, and high school students ¥220, preschool children free ※Additional fees apply for the Space Theater
Access	Approximately a 25-minute walk from the north exit of JR Kofu Station. Local buses also operate on weekends and public holidays. Free parking is available.
Official Website	Official Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center Website

After Playing, Enjoy a Family Food Walk at Koedo Kofu Hanakoji!

After enjoying plenty of art and play, how about treating the family to something delicious? Koedo Kofu Hanakoji, where you can experience the atmosphere of Kofu’s historic castle town, is home to a variety of restaurants and shops that are perfect for lunch or sampling food while strolling around. Why not explore the streets with your family and discover something tasty along the way?

Crepe to Espresso to Hanakoji

At “Crepe to Espresso to Hanakoji,” parents and children can enjoy freshly baked crepes with a wonderfully crisp texture. The menu also features colorful options made with Yamanashi fruits. The combination of crispy crepe batter, sweet cream, and fruit is delicious for both children and adults. While exploring Koedo Kofu Hanakoji, why not stop by and enjoy your favorite crepe together as a family?

Shunkando

“Shunkando” offers a wide selection of sweets that parents and children can enjoy together. The menu includes juice and soft-serve ice cream made with fresh fruit, as well as visually charming desserts such as “Mizutama Cream Anmitsu,” topped with shiratama rice dumplings, sweet red bean paste, and fruit. One highlight is the “Hanakoji Soft Serve,” whose toppings change with the seasons, giving visitors something different to enjoy each time. Why not share a treat with your children and casually enjoy the flavors of Yamanashi fruit?

BRAND NEW DAY COFFEE Kofu Hanakoji

This stylish tiled café is a great place for parents and children to take a break together. Children can enjoy freshly baked croissants while adults relax with carefully selected specialty coffee. Why not spend a leisurely café break together while taking in the charming streetscape?

Conclusion

Children’s Support Festa (Let’s Play with Art!) is an event where parents and children can fully enjoy art and music together.

Some popular programs require advance reservations, so it is recommended to first check the reservation period and capacity through the official LINE account. By preparing clothes that can get dirty and the necessary items in advance, you can relax and enjoy the event to the fullest on the day.

If there is a program that interests you, be sure to apply through the official account as early as possible.