Shin-Yamaguchi Korogaru Bebibebi 2026: Hours & Ages
Korogaru Bebibebi in Shin-Yamaguchi Station is a temporary, free play area for children aged three and under, accompanied by their guardians. The announced opening period is October 3-November 29, 2026, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. September 10 is the press-announcement date, rather than the opening date.
Information checked on October 11, 2026: The details below come from JR West's September 10 press page and its attached announcement. The cover is an illustrative station play-area image, not a photograph of the installed venue. Confirm current opening and admission arrangements with station or venue staff before making a special trip.
Dates, hours, location and admission
| Item | Announced arrangement |
|---|---|
| Period | October 3-November 29, 2026 |
| Open days | Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays within that period |
| Hours | 10:00-15:00, closed 12:00-13:00 |
| Location | First floor of Shin-Yamaguchi Station's south entrance, also called the Shinkansen entrance |
| Admission | Free |
| Children's age limit | Three years old and under |
| Accompanying adult | A guardian must accompany the child and keep watching them |
The area is unavailable outside the announced dates and opening hours. It is not a daily, permanent station amenity, and the midday closure matters when planning a stop between trains. Crowding may lead to admission restrictions.
What is Korogaru Bebibebi?
The project adapts the Korogaru Park series developed by the Yamaguchi Center for Arts and Media (YCAM) for children aged three and under and their guardians. It is intended as an environment in which children create their own play. The announcement also describes a media installation called the Baby Time Machine, which uses images captured by a 3D camera.
Yamaguchi City, the Yamaguchi City Foundation for Cultural Promotion and JR West are organizing the station installation during the Yamaguchi Destination Campaign. The announcement's description does not promise a particular layout matching this article's illustrative cover.
Guardian responsibility: staff support is not childcare
A guardian must stay with the child and must not take their eyes off them. The official notice assigns responsibility for the child's safety to the guardian. Venue staff support play, but do not provide childcare or daycare.
Do not leave a child at the area while shopping, buying tickets or meeting another train. An adult's presence is part of the participation conditions, rather than an optional recommendation. The stated age limit also means that families should not assume older siblings can use the play setting.
Plan a visit around your train journey
- Check the date. Choose a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday between October 3 and November 29, 2026.
- Allow for the lunch closure. The announced sessions are 10:00-12:00 and 13:00-15:00. The venue is closed between noon and 13:00.
- Go to the south/Shinkansen entrance on the first floor. Follow venue signs or ask station staff if you need help finding the installation.
- Stay with your child. Follow staff guidance and allow for possible crowding limits. Free admission does not guarantee immediate entry.
- Keep enough time for boarding. The play area does not change your train's departure time or ticket requirements. Leave time to collect belongings and reach the platform.
Free venue admission is separate from the cost of reaching Shin-Yamaguchi. The source does not offer free rail travel, a guaranteed play slot or a childcare booking service.
Official sources
This is Japan Train's English summary of the September 10, 2026 JR West press page and its attached Shin-Yamaguchi play-area announcement. The attachment provides the opening period, hours, location, fee, age limit and supervision rules. JR West is an information source, rather than the author of this article. Browse our rail news listing for other dated station announcements.
Frequently asked questions
When does Korogaru Bebibebi at Shin-Yamaguchi Station open?
The announced opening period is October 3-November 29, 2026, on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. September 10, 2026 is the announcement date, rather than the opening date. The play area is unavailable outside the stated dates and hours.
Where exactly in Shin-Yamaguchi Station is the play area located?
The official announcement places the play area on the first floor of Shin-Yamaguchi Station’s south entrance, also called the Shinkansen entrance. Follow the venue signs or ask station staff for directions.
Is there a fee to use the play area?
Admission is free under the announced arrangements. Transport costs remain separate, and crowding may lead to admission restrictions.
What are the operating hours?
The announced hours are 10:00-15:00, with the area closed from 12:00 to 13:00. It opens only on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between October 3 and November 29, 2026.
Is the play area suitable for all ages of children?
No. The announced target age is three years old and under. The play setting is designed for these young children and their accompanying guardians; do not assume older children can use it.
Is parental supervision required in the play area?
Yes. A guardian must accompany the child and keep watching them. Guardians are responsible for their child’s safety. Staff support play but do not provide childcare or daycare.