2026 Nishi Park Jabu-Jabu Pond (西公園 じゃぶじゃぶ池) Full-Day Course

This is a course for a full day of play close to home, starring Nishi Park Jabu-Jabu Pond (西公園 じゃぶじゃぶ池) in Nishi Park, the Forest of Play (西公園(遊びの森)) in Yamagata City. In fiscal 2026 it is open from Saturday, April 25 until late September, from 8:30 to 16:30. However, it is open only on the days specified in the city's official PDF schedule for the fiscal 2026 Jabu-Jabu Pond, so be sure to check the schedule before you go. Use is free, and you can also enjoy the large wooden play structure with water features and the wide lawn plaza. The Nobinobi Garden (のびのびガーデン) footbath and handbath, fed by free-flowing hot spring water, is a treat unique to hot-spring country like Yamagata. There is also an imoni (taro stew) plaza with 21 stoves and a park center, so a whole day here never gets dull. In the morning, stop by Kajo Park (霞城公園) to take in the region's nature and history at the Yamagata Prefectural Museum (山形県立博物館), then walk the stone walls and gate of the Yamagata Castle ruins. Have a relaxed lunch at Kajo Central (霞城セントラル) by the west exit of JR Yamagata Station, then move on to Nishi Park in the afternoon and send the water flying. It is only a short drive from the city center, so the whole outing moves at an easy pace.