2026 Urakoji Park Mist Fountain: A Full-Day Course

A one-day course around Iwatsuki, the town of dolls, centered on the Urakoji Park Mist Fountain in Urakoji Park in Iwatsuki Ward, Saitama City. The mist fountain usually operates from mid-July to late September (in 2026, roughly from Wednesday, July 15 to Wednesday, September 30) between 9:00 and 17:10. Mist is released for ten minutes starting on the hour, so even the waiting time becomes fun for children (it may be unavailable due to cleaning or other reasons). Use is free, and because the mist fountain is integrated into the plaza, you can cool off in the mist without wearing a swimsuit. Iwatsuki once flourished as the castle town of Iwatsuki Castle and is still known nationwide as a doll-making town. In the morning, view the red Yatsuhashi Bridge and the black gate at Iwatsuki Castle Ruins Park (岩槻城址公園) and walk among the traces of the castle town. Then visit the Saitama City Iwatsuki Doll Museum to explore the depth of Japan's doll culture. Take a midday rest at the Iwatsuki Nigiwai Exchange Hall, and in the afternoon cool down at the mist fountain in Urakoji Park. It is a course you can only take in Iwatsuki, offering both history and water.