Located about a 10-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Park Children's World (Kodomo no Kuni) is famous for having Japan's oldest Ferris wheel. Amidst the Showa retro boom, it's gaining new attention as a "photogenic spot" with many of its original attractions still in operation. This article will introduce the charms of Hakodate Park Children's World.

The "Kodomo no Kuni" amusement park, which opened within Hakodate Park in May 1956, currently features 16 types of attractions, small rides, and a game corner, with free admission. Many of the facilities have been operating for nearly 70 years since its opening, but their safety is guaranteed through daily inspections, regular maintenance, and an annual nationally designated inspection. Another great point is that most rides have no age or height restrictions, and even the ones that look like thrill rides are actually quite gentle.

The merry-go-round, which has been here since the park opened. Its design has remained almost unchanged.

The Sky Chairs, also in operation since the opening. It rotates at a moderate speed, making it enjoyable even for children.

The "APOLLO2000" attraction is one of the more thrilling rides in the park, swinging back and forth significantly.

This super-compact Ferris wheel is 10 meters high and completes one rotation in about 3 minutes and 45 seconds. It was originally installed in 1954 in Onuma Quasi-National Park in the neighboring town of Nanae and was moved to its current location in 1965. In 2019, it was registered as a National Tangible Cultural Property and is known as the oldest existing Ferris wheel in Japan. Compared to the typical capsule-style gondolas, it has a very open design. It sways when the wind blows, and the ride to the top is surprisingly thrilling.

Attraction tickets "Kodomo no Kuni Kippu": 1 ticket for 350 yen, 8 tickets for 2,500 yen, and a free pass for 2,800 yen. One ticket is required per ride.

It has eight bench-style gondolas, which are rare in Japan.

The wheel pauses each time passengers get on and off. The incredible sense of openness is an experience you won't find anywhere else.

Reaching the 10-meter peak. You can catch a slight glimpse of the Tsugaru Strait to your right.

The city of Hakodate has a particularly deep history within Hokkaido. Hakodate Park, which has served as a place of relaxation for its citizens alongside this history, is full of attractions! As a precious place that still retains its original appearance, the park itself has been designated as a Registered Monument (Place of Scenic Beauty) and a National Registered Cultural Property. It is also known as a spot for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in fall, so why not stop by when you visit Hakodate?

Hakodate Park, where Kodomo no Kuni is located, is Hokkaido's first Western-style park, opened in 1879 at the beginning of the Meiji era. It spans about 4.8 hectares in Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate, which is surprisingly slightly larger than the Tokyo Dome (4.7 hectares). The park is home to historical sites such as the Old Hakodate Museum, a Tangible Cultural Property of Hokkaido, and Hokkaido's first Western-style stone bridge, as well as a zoo. It's a spot where both adults and children can have fun all day long.

A grove of Moso bamboo, which is rare in Hokkaido. It is said that there were only seven stalks when the park first opened.

The animal facilities house various animals such as goats, peacocks, swans, and guinea pigs.

The Hakodate City Museum, opened in 1966.

Materials related to natural sciences, archaeology, history, and ethnology are on display. Recommended for fans of the Bakumatsu period, including the Boshin War and the Shinsengumi.

The view from the observatory is excellent, and the gentle sea breeze is pleasant.

Hakodate Park Children's World (Kodomo no Kuni)

■Location: 17-4 Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
■Hours: Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 4:30 PM / Spring break, summer break, Golden Week, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
■Fees Admission: Free
1 ticket: 350 yen
Value pack (8 tickets): 2,500 yen
1-day free pass: 2,800 yen
*One ticket is required per ride.
*Children aged 0 and 1 are free, but an accompanying person must have a ticket.
■Closed: During rain and from late November to mid-March
*Business hours may change depending on weather conditions. Please check the official website for details.
Click here for details and map information for Hakodate Park Children's World

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