Hakodate Park Children's World, located about a 10-minute drive from JR Hakodate Station, is famous for having Japan's oldest Ferris wheel. Furthermore, as the playground equipment from when the park first opened is still there, it has been newly gaining attention as a photogenic spot amid the Showa retro boom. This time, we will introduce the charms of Hakodate Park Children's World.

Kodomo no Kuni, an amusement park that opened in Hakodate Park in May 1956, currently has 16 types of attractions, small rides, a game corner, and more, and admission is free. Many of the facilities have been in operation for nearly 70 years since the park opened, but safety is guaranteed as they undergo daily inspections, regular maintenance, and annual government inspections. Another nice thing about the park is that there are almost no play equipment with age or height restrictions, and even if some attractions may seem like they're scary at first glance, they're actually all "easy" attractions.

The merry-go-round has been there since the park first opened, and its design has remained almost unchanged since then.

The Sky Chair has also been in operation since the park first opened. It rotates at a moderate speed, so even children can enjoy it casually.

The attraction "APOLLO2000" is one of the more intense rides in the park, as it sways back and forth.

This super compact Ferris wheel is 10m tall and takes about 3 minutes and 45 seconds to complete one revolution. It was originally installed in Onuma Quasi-National Park in the neighboring town of Nanae in 1954, and moved to its current location in 1965. It was registered as a national tangible cultural property in 2019, and is known as the oldest Ferris wheel still standing in Japan. Compared to a typical capsule-type gondola, it has a much more open design. It sways when the wind blows, and it's surprisingly thrilling to get to the top.

The "Kodomo no Kuni Ticket" attraction ticket is 350 yen per ticket, 2,500 yen for 8 tickets, and 2,800 yen for a free pass. You can ride one attraction with one ticket.

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

The train stops temporarily every time a passenger gets on or off. The overwhelming sense of freedom is something you can't experience anywhere else.

Reaching 10m. The Tsugaru Straits are visible on the right.

Hakodate City has an especially long history in Hokkaido. Hakodate Park, a place of relaxation for the city's residents, has a lot to offer! As a precious place that still retains its original appearance, the park itself has been designated as a nationally registered cultural property and a registered monument (place of scenic beauty). It is also known as a spot to see cherry blossoms in the spring and autumn leaves in the 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, which opened in 1879 at the beginning of the Meiji era. It spreads across an area of about 4.8 hectares in Aoyagi-cho, Hakodate City, and is surprisingly slightly larger than one Tokyo Dome (4.7 hectares). Within the park, you can feel the history of the area through the Old Hakodate Museum, a tangible cultural property of Hokkaido, Hokkaido's first Western-style stone bridge, and there is also a zoo. It is a spot that both adults and children can enjoy all day long.

There is also a bamboo forest of Moso bamboo, which is rare in Hokkaido. When the garden first opened, there were only seven trees.

The animal facility is home to a variety of animals, including goats, peacocks, swans, and guinea pigs.

Hakodate City Museum opened in 1966

Materials related to natural science, archaeology, history, and ethnic groups are on display. Recommended for fans of the end of the Edo period, such as the Boshin War and the Shinsengumi.

The view from the observation deck is great, and the gentle sea breeze is pleasant.

Hakodate Park Children's Land

■Address: 17-4 Aoyagicho, Hakodate City, Hokkaido ■Business hours: Weekdays: 10:30-16:00 / Saturdays, Sundays and holidays: 10:00-16:00 ■ Fees Admission: Free 1 ticket: 350 yen Great value ticket (8 tickets): 2,500 yen Free pass (1 day): 2,800 yen *One ticket will be required for each ride. *Free for children aged 0 and 1, but a ticket will be charged for accompanying persons. ■Closed: Late November to mid-March Click here for details and maps of "Hakodate Park Children's Land"

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