Hakodate Park Children's Land, located about 10 minutes by car from JR Hakodate Station, is famous for having the oldest Ferris wheel in Japan. In addition, the playground equipment from when the park first opened is still in use, and is attracting new attention as a "trendy spot" in the midst of the Showa-era retro boom. In this issue, we will introduce the charms of Hakodate Park Children's Land.

Opened in May 1956, the amusement park "Kodomo no Kuni" in Hakodate Park currently has 16 different attractions, small rides, a game corner, etc. Admission is free. Although many of the facilities have been in operation for nearly 70 years since the park opened, their safety is guaranteed as they undergo daily inspections, regular maintenance, and annual government-designated inspections. It is also nice to know that there are almost no age- or height-restricted playground equipment, and only "gentle" attractions that look like screams but are not.

A merry-go-round that has been around since the park opened. The design has hardly changed since then.

This is the Sky Chair, which has been in operation since the park opened. It rotates at a moderate speed and can be easily enjoyed by children.

The "APOLLO 2000" attraction is one of the more stimulating rides in the park, rocking back and forth.

The Ferris wheel is 10 meters high and takes about 3 minutes and 45 seconds to complete a week. Originally installed in 1954 in Onuma National Park in the neighboring town of Nanae, it was moved to its current location in 1965, and was registered as a Tangible Cultural Property of Japan in 2019. Compared to a typical capsule-shaped gondola, it is quite open. It shakes when the wind blows and is surprisingly thrilling until you reach the top.

Attraction tickets "Kodomo no Kuni Ticket" 350 yen for 1 ticket, 2,500 yen for 8 tickets, 2,800 yen for a free pass. 1 ticket per playground equipment.

Eight bench-type gondolas, a rarity in Japan, are attached.

It pauses every time a visitor gets on and off. The overwhelming sense of openness is hard to find anywhere else!

Reaching 10m. A slight view of the Tsugaru Straits can be seen on the right.

Hakodate City has a rich history in Hokkaido. Hakodate Park, a place of recreation and relaxation for the citizens of Hakodate, has many attractions along with its history! The park itself is designated as a registered national cultural property (scenic spot), and is a valuable place that still retains its original appearance. The park itself is also designated as a registered national cultural asset (place of scenic beauty) and is known as a cherry blossom viewing spot in the spring and a foliage viewing spot in the fall.

Hakodate Park, where Kodomonokuni is located, was the first Western-style park in Hokkaido, opened in 1879 at the beginning of the Meiji era. It is spread out over approximately 4.8 hectares in Aoyanagi-cho, Hakodate, which is surprisingly slightly larger than the size of one Tokyo Dome (4.7 hectares). The park has a number of historical sites, including the Old Hakodate Museum, a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido, and the first Western-style stone bridge in Hokkaido, as well as a zoo. It is a spot where both adults and children can enjoy themselves all day long.

There is also a bamboo grove of moso bamboo, which is rare in Hokkaido. When the park first opened, there were seven of them.

Animal facilities include goats, peacocks, swans, guinea pigs, and many other animals.

Hakodate Municipal Museum opened in 1966.

The museum exhibits materials related to natural science, archaeology, history, and ethnic groups. Also recommended for Boshin Senso (Boshin War) and Shinsengumi (Shinsengumi) and other Bakumatsu (end of Edo period) enthusiasts.

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

Hakodate Park Children's Land

Location: 17-4 Aoyanagi-cho, Hakodate, Hokkaido
Hours: Weekdays: 10:30-16:00 / Weekends & Holidays: 10:00-16:00
■Fees Entrance fee: Free
Ticket: 350 yen per ticket
Value ticket (8 tickets): 2,500 yen
Free pass (1 day): 2,800 yen
One ticket is required for each playground equipment.
0- and 1-year-olds ride for free, but a ticket for the accompanying person is required.
Closed: Late November through mid-March
Click here for details and map information of Hakodate Park Children's Land.

Check also!