Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2014

There’s a new kid in town over in Makuhari. Newly opened in Aeon Mall is Kandu (Tel: 0570-085-117; www.kandu.co.jp), a family “edu-tainment” center where kids can role play at real-world jobs including nurses, detectives or cops (who solve “crimes” with the investigators). The three-hour time slots allow kids to explore without their parents growing whiny, irritable and wanting to go home. Better yet, all activity areas can be seen from the central restaurant, where parents and guardians can relax while watching their kids grow up right before their eyes into radio DJs, fashion models and more. The jobs allow kids to earn “kaching,” a virtual currency they can use to purchase goodies in the facility. Visitors can try making pizza—and eat the results—or order food from the cafeteria. Just don’t tell your little ones that it’s actually educational.

Admission starts at ¥1,575 (adults), ¥2,575 (kids) and is higher on peak days.