Children's World

Imagine a place where history comes alive and the heartfelt joy of the past reigns supreme. Kodomo no Kuni (Children's World) in Hakodate Park is a unique miniature amusement park in Japan that transports its guests back to the mid-20th century.

Children's World. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Founded in 1956, this park is famous for having the oldest Ferris wheel in the country, which holds the status of a national cultural asset. Standing at just 10 meters tall, its retro design and open cabins make the ride unforgettable for both children and adults.

In addition to the legendary wheel, there are 16 classic attractions and a cozy petting zoo. Free admission to the park itself makes Kodomo no Kuni an accessible spot for a stroll, where you only pay for tickets to specific rides while enjoying the authentic charm of the Showa era.

To plan your visit to this wonderful park in Hakodate, it is worth saving the contact information in advance. Below are the current details for getting in touch and finding the location on a map.

The main highlight here is, of course, the chance to experience 16 classic attractions. Be sure to ride the famous retro Ferris wheel: its open gondolas offer panoramic views of the green park and provide a light, pleasant thrill. For older children and adults, there are bumper cars, while little ones will be delighted by the vintage carousels.

Make sure to stop by the zoo corner, where you can observe animals in a calm, almost home-like atmosphere. It is the perfect place to foster a love for nature in children. If you plan to spend a lot of time here, purchasing a day pass (around 2,800 yen) for unlimited rides is a great value.

The surrounding Hakodate Park area is a wonderful spot for a family picnic. After enjoying the rides, you can relax in the shade of the trees or walk among the park's historical sites. The combination of active fun and peaceful nature makes a visit here truly harmonious.

You can reach Kodomo no Kuni, located at 17-4 Aoyagichō, quite quickly from any part of Hakodate. The most convenient and popular method for tourists is the city tram. The journey from Hakodate Station to the stop nearest the park takes only 10–15 minutes, followed by a pleasant short walk.

If you value time and comfort, you can take a taxi directly from the city center. For those who prefer to travel by their own or a rental car, parking is available on-site, which significantly simplifies logistics.

Hakodate is a key cultural hub of southern Hokkaido, so the transportation infrastructure here is intuitive. The route to the park passes through scenic areas of the Oshima Peninsula, making even a simple trip part of your travel adventure.

The history of Kodomo no Kuni in Hakodate Park began in 1956. At that time, it was envisioned as a small space for family recreation, becoming an important symbol of post-war recovery and the desire to give the children of Japan bright emotions and joy.

The park's crown historical jewel is its Ferris wheel. It is officially recognized as the oldest in Japan and is listed as a national tangible cultural property. The fact that this 10-meter-high mechanism still functions perfectly and delights guests speaks to the incredible care the local community takes of its heritage.

Over six decades, the park has remained virtually unchanged, preserving its 16 original rides. This has turned it into a kind of open-air living museum of the 1950s, where every element is steeped in nostalgia and authenticity.

To leisurely explore Kodomo no Kuni, ride a few attractions, and visit the zoo corner, you will typically need about 1–2 hours. It is a compact and cozy place where everything is within walking distance.

However, if you plan a full walk through the entire Hakodate Park, including seeing historical monuments and relaxing in nature, it’s better to set aside 2–3 hours. This will allow you to soak in the atmosphere without rushing, which is especially important when visiting such nostalgic locations.

The park's operating schedule depends on the day of the week. From Monday to Friday, the rides are open from 10:30 AM to 4:00 PM. On weekends and holidays, the hours are slightly extended, with the park welcoming guests from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Please note that Kodomo no Kuni closes for the winter season. It usually does not accept visitors from late November to mid-March, so plan your trip for the spring, summer, or autumn months.

A visit to Kodomo no Kuni can easily be combined with exploring other interesting sites in the area. Discovering the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the history and culture of Hakodate, revealing the city from many different perspectives.