Kurotsuke Club: Summer Vacation at Kurotsuke House – Bamboo Water Gun Making

Event Overview

Located in the Sayama Hills of Tokorozawa, Saitama, 'Kurotsuke House' hosts the 'Kurotsuke Club,' a program designed for families to deepen their connection with local nature near the famous 'Totoro Forest.' The theme for July 25, 2026, is 'Bamboo Water Gun Making.' Participants will harvest bamboo directly from the forest to craft their own water guns, then enjoy playing with cool well water to experience the essence of a Japanese summer.

Highlights & How to Enjoy

The biggest draw is the hands-on experience of using 'bamboo,' a natural material found nearby. Rather than using pre-made toys, you will start by actually cutting the bamboo and transforming it into a water gun. Playing with the cool well water after completion offers a refreshing, unique experience far from daily life. Through activities like forest preservation and searching for insects or flowers, you can also deepen your understanding of the natural environment.

Schedule

Date: Saturday, July 25, 2026. To prevent heatstroke, this is a morning-only event.

• 10:00: Reception at Kurotsuke House
• 10:05: Orientation
• 10:15: Bamboo cutting and water gun making (Harvesting and processing bamboo)
• 11:00: Playing with water guns (Using well water)
• 11:40: Cleanup
• 11:50: Closing session
• 12:00: Dismissal

Venue & Access

Venue: Kurotsuke House. While surrounded by nature, please note there is no on-site parking. Please use public transportation or nearby coin parking.

Take the Seibu Ikebukuro Line to 'Kotesashi Station.' From the South Exit, take a Seibu Bus and get off at the 'Dainido' bus stop. It is approximately a 5-minute walk from the stop. Please be aware that nearby coin parking lots are limited and often full on Saturdays.

Participation Tips

This program is exclusively for parents with children (elementary school age or younger). Because the process involves using tools and handling bamboo, children cannot participate alone; a guardian must be present to ensure safety. As this is a morning-only event to avoid extreme heat, the schedule may change or be canceled due to weather or heatstroke alerts. Please check for the latest updates.

What to Bring & Dress Code

As this is an outdoor activity in nature, please prepare the following:

• *Clothing**: Since you will be using saws, please wear clothes that can get dirty (long pants and long sleeves are highly recommended). Bring a change of clothes and a towel for water play.
• *Footwear**: For safety, wear comfortable athletic shoes (No sandals during the crafting process; sandals are allowed during water play).
• *Essentials**: Hat, work gloves, drinks, heatstroke prevention items, insect repellent, change of clothes, and a towel.
• *Payment**: Please check the official booking site for details. Generally, cash is expected.
• *Language Support**: English support is 'Unknown.' Instructions will be provided in Japanese.
• *Reservation**: Advance reservation is required. Limited to the first 20 participants; early booking is recommended.