2026 Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children's Land Lion Pond: A Full Day Out

This is a course for spending a full day playing close by, starring the Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children's Land Lion Pond on Atagoyama in Kofu City. The Lion Pond is a shallow pond about 20 cm deep at the top of the Free Play Plaza, so even small children can dip their feet in with confidence. According to the official website, it opens on weekends and public holidays in July and August, from 9:30 to 16:30, and use is free. The specific 2026 opening dates have not been announced, so be sure to check the official website for the latest information before you set out. The grounds also include the Fuwafuwa Dome, a novelty bicycle plaza that runs on weekends and public holidays, a lawn plaza, a traditional play experience area, and even a campground, so there is no shortage of places to play beyond the water. In the morning, walk the stone walls at Maizuru Castle Park (舞鶴城公園), the Kofu Castle Ruins (甲府城跡) in front of Kofu Station, then look up at the great main hall of Kai Zenkoji Temple (甲斐善光寺) and take in the history of Kofu. In the afternoon, cool off and play at the Yamanashi Prefectural Science Center (山梨県立科学館) on the same Atagoyama, then walk straight over to the Lion Pond. Travel distances are short, and the whole outing stays within Kofu City, easy to cover by car or by train and bus.