JAPAN
PRESCHOOL EXCHANGE
Bucket House Preschool is the first and only preschool in Singapore to offer a group preschool immersion experience in partnership with Japan Preschool Exchange, a Japan-based company that connects international families with Japanese preschool experiences.
Through this partnership, BHP families have the opportunity to experience preschool life in Japan together, opening up new possibilities for children’s independence, friendships and cultural discovery.
Meet our partner:
Year 2026, 2-6 February
Megumi Preschool in Fukui became part of our Bucket House children’s daily lives. Japanese children welcomed us through traditional games, finding ways to connect beyond a shared spoken language. Together, we experienced Setsubun celebrations, met a ninja, observed the care of the school’s jellyfish and played in the snow before gathering to roast marshmallows. Children from different cultures, their families and educators became part of one another’s stories, creating shared memories to treasure for a lifetime.
Our final day was spent in the atelier, a space that felt familiar to our children, even so far from home. Both Bucket House and Megumi have an atelier where children explore and express ideas through art, an uncommon feature in preschools in Singapore and Japan. As children explored Kusaki-zome and Shibori, we recognised a shared belief in their curiosity and capabilities. At Bucket House, we create opportunities for children to discover the world through real relationships and experiences, with adults learning alongside them. This journey gave all of us something to carry home: new friendships, a wider perspective and the warmth of having discovered something together.
Amazing cultural exchange, appreciate what's beyond spoken language, fantastic experience living in another country and that too in winter! The programme is good and would highly recommend the family experience.
Parents of Tarun, 4 years old
Sabrina & Naufal, Parents of Nuha Sarah,
3.7 years old
The experience was truly enriching, and even 8 months later, Nuha still talks about her time in Japan! One of the things we enjoyed most was being able to experience Japan as a school community rather than travelling independently as a family. Having her principal and friends around made the experience even more meaningful and gave her a sense of familiarity while exploring a completely new environment.
We’d definitely encourage families to go! It’s so much more than a holiday - the children get to experience a different culture, build memories with their friends, and gain a little independence along the way. 🩵
Would definitely recommend JPE! 🇯🇵❤️ Such a wonderful cross-cultural school exchange experience in Fukui. Nuha had so much fun despite the language barrier. Everything was well organised, from the hotel arrangements to the daily school bus transfers for the kids. (Parents, consider this your little me-time while the kids are in sch. Hehe)
One tip: Do prepare your child with some basic Japanese words and phrases beforehand. It'll definitely help them communicate and feel more confident during the exchange.
💯 recomment JPE for the experience, cultural exposure and beautiful memories! My child still remembers JPE Fukui and keep asking to go back Japan!!
Kyesha,
Parent of Nuha Hafsa, 4 years old
Year 2027, Autumn
Our next group preschool immersion experiences with Japan Preschool Exchange are planned for autumn 2027 and late winter 2028.
More details to be shared once confirmed.