Silver Week has become firmly established in recent years. This year will not be as long as Golden Week, but for those who have wasted during the summer vacation, it will only be honest to change clothes.

Even so, children are urged to take me somewhere ... I recommend the "Ground Self-Defense Force Public Information Center" in Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture, commonly known as "Rick-kun Land". By the way, I have no children, but I was personally interested in it, so I decided to go there.

The correct answer is to go by car

Rikkun Land is located in the Asaka Camp, and has a parking lot where more than 100 cars can be parked. The nearest station is Asaka Station or Wako City Station on the Tobu-Tojo Line, but it takes 20 minutes to walk from the station (there are undulations), so if you have small children, it's easier to go by car.

Powerful actual machine exhibition

In addition to learning about the history and missions of the Ground Self-Defense Force, disaster dispatch activities, etc., actual machines such as the "Type 90 tank" (prototype) and the anti-tank helicopter "AH-1S" are on display, so you can take a closer look. .. You can also wear a backpack or helmet that is actually used by the members.





Many equipment such as Type 10 tanks are on display in the event plaza outside, and when you stand surrounded by them, you can feel a little nervous.

Experience corner is enriched

In addition to just looking at the equipment, there is also a flight simulator, a shooting simulator, a maneuvering experience, and a clothing experience corner. It's like a game, so children can enjoy it without getting bored.



Furthermore, in the 3D theater, you can watch the equipment of the Self-Defense Forces and training videos that you rarely see in 3D images.

Souvenirs are also fun

There was a souvenir shop "SAKURA" near the exit, where SDF goods such as towels and T-shirts and sweets were sold.


While wondering about the most popular product, "Camouflage Pound Cake," I bought the Self-Defense Forces Curry Ramen (and camouflage towel), which was recently released and sales are skyrocketing. It was developed by Ogasawara Seifun, which is famous for that "Kirin Ramen", for SDF personnel.


The spicy curry soup is entwined with the smooth and chewy noodles that you can't think of as an instant, and it's so delicious that you'll be absorbed in it. The charred green onions are a nice accent, and I drank up the soup. It's about 1,000 yen in 6 bags, and it's also recommended to give to people.

Various events during Silver Week

On September 18th, the Type 90 tank commander's seat will be opened, and on September 19th, an event will be held to drive in the camp on a high mobility vehicle. Numbered tickets will be distributed and accepted on the day of each event, so if you are interested, check out the official website.

I visited on a weekend afternoon, but it wasn't so crowded and there were a few lines in the experience corner. Most of the visitors were parents and children, and I saw some people like me who came alone.

There are no restaurants in the building, only vending machines for light meals and beverages. You can bring your own food and eat in the designated space.


The location is 4-6 Sakaecho, Asaka City, Saitama Prefecture. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 17:00. Admission is free. If you are interested in the world of the Self-Defense Forces, which seems to be known but not surprisingly, please do.