KANO Park

KANO Park is a unique themed space in the eastern district of Chiayi, dedicated to the golden age of baseball in this region's history. Opened in August 2017, the park has become a true symbol of sporting pride and an important part of the cultural landscape, offering residents and visitors of Taiwan a harmonious blend of outdoor recreation and historical discovery.

KANO Park. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

The main architectural landmark of the park is an impressive baseball made of aluminum alloy. This 4-ton giant, with a diameter of 5 meters, is decorated with artistic carvings and is beautifully illuminated after dark. Walking through the grounds, you will find yourself on the wide "Baseball Avenue," which leads visitors through the history of the legendary KANO team that rose to fame in the 1930s.

The park is infused with an atmosphere of inspiration: famous quotes from the movie "KANO" are engraved on the stone slabs underfoot, telling stories of hard work and belief in success. This place is perfect for those seeking inspiring walks and wanting to see how modern art objects can bring a city's historical memory to life.

To plan your visit to KANO Park, you can use the contact details provided below. Since the park is a public space, it does not have a dedicated inquiry phone number, but an active social media community helps visitors stay updated on events.

At KANO Park, every visitor will find something to enjoy, whether it’s an active walk or a contemplative break. A must-see on the itinerary is the giant baseball—this is the park's main photo zone, where you can capture impressive shots. In the evening, when the illumination comes on, the installation looks particularly magical.

History buffs should walk along the 180-meter "Baseball Avenue" and carefully examine the Star Wall. Here, the names of the players who brought fame to the city are immortalized, and wise sayings reminding visitors of the importance of hard training and dreams can be found on the pavement slabs. This turns an ordinary walk into a sort of quest for meaning and historical facts.

For those traveling with family, the park offers spacious green areas, ideal for picnics and outdoor games. You can watch locals who often come here to practice baseball or simply enjoy the peace in the heart of the city. Since the park is accessible 24/7, it’s a pleasant place to drop by for relaxation after a busy day of excursions.

KANO Park is conveniently located in the eastern part of the city at: 山仔頂249-1號 (East District). Getting there from the central Chiayi Station is easy. A taxi ride takes about 10–15 minutes, which is the most comfortable option for tourists with luggage or families.

For those who prefer public transport, local bus routes run from the station. If you enjoy walking, the journey from the city center to the park takes approximately 20–30 minutes, allowing you to admire the urban architecture of Taiwan along the way.

Travelers on rented scooters or cars should follow Wenhua Road. Parking areas are provided near the park grounds. Precise GPS coordinates will help you quickly find the entrance to this "baseball oasis."

The history of KANO Park is inextricably linked to the legendary Kagi Agriculture and Forestry School (KANO) baseball team, which performed a true sporting miracle in 1931. During the period of Japanese rule, this multi-ethnic team—bringing together Taiwanese, Japanese, and indigenous players—managed to reach the finals of the prestigious Koshien championship in Japan, taking second place.

This triumph became a symbol of the unyielding will and perseverance of the people of Chiayi. Decades later, the team's story became the basis for the popular feature film "KANO" (2014), which reignited interest in the city's baseball heritage and inspired the authorities to create this themed space.

The park itself was officially opened in August 2017. Every detail here is carefully considered: for example, the 40-meter-wide avenue exactly reproduces the path the players took to the field, and a special Star Wall immortalizes the names of the 16 heroes from the 1931 roster. Stone slabs with quotes from the film remind visitors that even "a desperate papaya tree eventually bears fruit" if it is properly cared for.

To take a leisurely stroll through KANO Park, admire all the art objects, and take commemorative photos by the giant ball, most visitors need about 30 to 60 minutes. This is a compact area filled with interesting details, making it convenient to include in a busy day of sightseeing.

If you want to fully soak in the atmosphere of the place, read all the inspiring quotes on the slabs, and perhaps enjoy a small break on the grass, you should plan for a visit of about 1–2 hours. The park is especially good as a spot for a short pause between visiting the city's larger museums or temples.

KANO Park is an open public space and is therefore accessible 24 hours a day. You can come here at any convenient time, whether it's early morning for a quiet walk or late evening to see the artistic lighting of the objects.

The opening hours remain the same throughout the week: from Monday to Sunday, the park is open 24 hours a day. This makes it one of the most flexible attractions on any tourist's itinerary.

Exploring the surroundings of KANO Park can significantly enrich your trip to Chiayi. Located in the East District, the park serves as an excellent starting point for a route that combines history, culture, and modern city entertainment.

After strolling through the themed alleys, you can head to ancient temples or visit the famous Hinoki Village, known for its Japanese-style architecture. Below are the nearby attractions that are easily accessible from the park.