Komusubi Hiroba, a drop-in space with a midwife always on hand, is 3 min from Musashi-Shinjo Sta.; pregnant women and families with children aged 0–1 can use it for ¥500 with no booking

A drop-in space for families, with midwives on hand

The Kawasaki City Midwives Association (一般社団法人川崎市助産師会) opened Komusubi Hiroba (こむすびひろば), a place where parents and children can drop in, on Wednesday, Aug 12, 2026. What makes it different is that a midwife is always there.

You can spend time with your child, take a break with a cup of tea, or talk with other parents. There is space for breastfeeding and diaper changes, and an area for eating and drinking. While you chat, you can ask the midwife about breastfeeding, childcare, or small worries about your body or feelings. You do not need a reason to come.

The Town News reports that it is rare for a local midwives' association to run a space like this, and that the association calls it the first "place with a midwife always on hand" in Japan.

Pregnant women and families with children aged 0–1

Pregnant women, and children aged 0 to 1 with their families.

• Because many of the babies are very young, children aged 2 or older cannot come in.
• Men cannot come in on their own. Fathers with their child are welcome.

Weekdays 10 a.m.–4 p.m., ¥500 a visit

Komusubi Hiroba is open on weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Each visit is up to about 2 hours. It costs ¥500 per visit, including one drink. You usually do not need to book, but some events may require a booking.

Opening days, events and temporary closures are shown on the calendar on the official page. On Wednesday, Nov 4 and Tuesday, Nov 17, 2026, it is open only from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. because of equipment checks and meetings, and closes at 1 p.m.

The midwife clinic next door: reservations only

At the same location, Komusubi Midwifery Clinic (Koむすび助産院), run by the Kawasaki City Midwives Association, opened on Saturday, Oct 10, 2026. Unlike the Hiroba, it is by appointment only. Hours are weekdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (other times can be discussed).

It currently offers two types of Kawasaki City's postpartum care service: day visits and home visits. To use them, you first apply to the city and get approval. Then you apply to the association's postpartum care department (maternal and child health coordinator, phone 044-819-4635, Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., except holidays and the New Year period).

Breastfeeding support, parenting consultations, consultations on a child's growth and development, and self-paid individual consultations are still being prepared. The association says it will post fees and start dates on its website once they are decided.

3 minutes' walk from Musashi-Shinjo

The address is Daiichi Inoue Building 302, 2-11-20 Kamishinjo, Nakahara Ward, Kawasaki. It is a 3-minute walk from Musashi-Shinjo Sta. on the JR Nambu Line.

Contacts

Use the contact form on the official page. By phone, call Komusubi Midwifery Clinic at 090-4547-1416, or the Kawasaki City Midwives Association (maternal and child health coordinator) at 044-819-4635. The latest news is also posted on the official Instagram account.