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Nienhuis MontessoriAMI Approved3-⁠6 years according to the maker

Puzzle MapJapan

€178.90incl. VAT, free delivery

  • In Stock. Delivery in 5 to 9 working days.
  • 30 days to return
1
The original

Why it costs €178.90

Behind the price of the original are things you can check yourself.

AMI approval

The material is approved by the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). Nienhuis has made Montessori materials since 1929.

A verifiable original

The EAN 8719924011802 is on the box. It is the maker's number, not ours.

What the child does

Puzzle Map in a child's hands

Puzzle Map: Japan gives a child aged three to six a laser cut, silk screened wooden map with a knob on every piece set exactly where the country's capital lies, so lifting and replacing each piece quietly teaches its location before the name is ever read. Painted or lacquered wood and the precise knob grip build the pincer hold that indirectly prepares the hand for later pencil work, while the whole activity lays a first sensorial layer of world geography. The matching control map later checks the same knowledge once names are introduced.

Geographic Awareness

Children develop understanding of Japan's political divisions and spatial relationships between prefectures through concrete manipulation.

Fine Motor Control

Grasping and fitting puzzle pieces strengthens pincer grip and hand-⁠eye coordination essential for later writing.

Visual Discrimination

Matching shapes and recognizing prefecture boundaries develops visual perception and pattern recognition skills.

Cultural Studies

Introduces Japanese geography as foundation for broader cultural and social studies in the Montessori curriculum.

Activity Guide

How to present it

Place the puzzle map on a work mat at the child's table. Have a cloth nearby for handling pieces. Ensure all 47 prefecture pieces are present in the puzzle frame.

  1. 1Invite the child to remove all pieces, starting with Hokkaido
  2. 2Mix the pieces on the mat, then select one to examine its shape
  3. 3Find where the piece fits by comparing its shape to spaces in the frame
  4. 4Continue until all 47 prefectures are correctly placed
  5. 5Point to capital city markers and name several capitals
3 tips for parents
  • Support interest by locating Japan on a globe and discussing its island nature
  • Share photos or stories from different Japanese prefectures when your child shows interest
  • Practice prefecture names during everyday conversations about geography or current events
Size and material

What it is made of

Overall Size
61.6 × 49.6 × 2.6 cm
Base Thickness
Approx. 1.5 cm
Base & Pieces
Solid wood
Finish
Paint or lacquer
Why buy here

What you get at Faborino

  • Free delivery€178.90 is the final price incl. VAT, with no delivery charge. Delivery in 5 to 9 working days.
  • 30 days to return, and we pay for the returnInstead of the statutory 14 days, you have 30 days to try it at home.
  • Advice before and after you buyQuestions about age, space or assembly? A person answers, personally. Write to us
  • Invoices for companies tooWe also invoice companies, nurseries and kindergartens.
In short

Puzzle Map for your child

  • Recommended Age: 3-⁠6 years
  • Base & Pieces: Solid wood
  • Overall Size: 61.6 × 49.6 × 2.6 cm
  • Free delivery, delivery in 5 to 9 working days
  • 30 days to return

€178.90incl. VAT, free delivery

Not sure it suits your child? Write to us, we answer personally.

Inv. no. NIE-024100

Maker
Nienhuis Montessori, since 1929
Approval
AMI
Overall Size
61.6 × 49.6 × 2.6 cm
Base Thickness
Approx. 1.5 cm
Base & Pieces
Solid wood
Finish
Paint or lacquer
EAN
8719924011802
Why it is in our selection
Norbert Kovalčín

If you are not sure it suits your child, we answer in person.

Norbert Kovalčín, founder of Faborino · write to him

There is no review here yet. We will ask you for one after you buy. Write the first review

Details
What's in the Box
  • Wooden puzzle base: With recessed areas for each prefecture
  • 47 prefecture pieces: Each painted in distinct colors
  • Capital city markers: Indicated on each prefecture piece
Size and material
Overall Size61.6 × 49.6 × 2.6 cm
Base ThicknessApprox. 1.5 cm
Base & PiecesSolid wood
FinishPaint or lacquer
Recommended Age3-⁠6 years
Activity Duration15-⁠30 minutes
Care

Wipe with slightly damp cloth, dry immediately

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Japan puzzle map suitable for ages 3-⁠6?

The puzzle features large, easy-⁠to-⁠grasp wooden pieces sized appropriately for small hands. Each prefecture is painted in distinct colors for visual discrimination, and the smooth wooden construction ensures safe handling. The map introduces geography concepts through concrete, hands-⁠on manipulation aligned with Montessori principles for this age group.

How does this puzzle support Montessori geography learning?

This puzzle follows Montessori's concrete-⁠to-⁠abstract learning progression, allowing children to physically handle and place each prefecture while building spatial awareness. The tactile experience of fitting pieces together creates muscle memory of Japan's geography, and the capital city markers introduce early map-⁠reading skills through sensorial exploration.

What educational concepts can children learn from this puzzle?

Children develop spatial reasoning, fine motor skills, and hand-⁠eye coordination while learning Japan's 47 prefectures and their locations. They gain cultural awareness, understand geographical relationships between regions, and build vocabulary through prefecture names. The puzzle also introduces concepts of boundaries, water bodies, and the distinction between islands like Hokkaido.

Is any prior knowledge of Japanese geography required?

No prior knowledge is needed. The puzzle is designed as an introduction to Japanese geography, with each piece's shape naturally guiding placement. Children learn through repetition and self-⁠correction, discovering prefecture locations through trial and error. Parents or teachers can gradually introduce prefecture names and capitals as children become familiar with the physical puzzle.

How durable is this wooden puzzle for classroom use?

This premium wooden puzzle is crafted for heavy classroom use with smooth, splinter-⁠free pieces and non-⁠toxic paint finishes. The thick wooden pieces resist warping and breaking, while the sturdy base keeps its shape. With proper care, including storage in a dry environment and gentle cleaning with a damp cloth, this puzzle will last for many years of daily use.

Product safety

Manufacturer: Nienhuis Montessori, Anders Celsiusstraat 15, 7442 PB Nijverdal, Netherlands