Hakodate Park Children's Land (函館公園)

Flow of the course

About this spot

This is a small, old-fashioned amusement park inside Hakodate Park. Its greatest attraction is the Ferris wheel, said to be the oldest in Japan. Its simple, slow rotation is nothing like the rides at today's large amusement parks, which is exactly why children find it fresh. A merry-go-round and other small rides line up alongside it, and the system of buying tickets and riding them one at a time is a Showa-era amusement park exactly as it was. Surrounded by old trees, there is plenty of shade, so it stays relatively comfortable even on hot days. The Central Fountain you will head to next is right nearby, so when they tire out from playing, moving on to water play feels completely natural.

Tips

Check the operating season, hours and prices in advance. Rides often work on a ticket system, so having small change makes things go smoothly. Most rides are aimed at younger children, so upper elementary school students may find it lacking. The grounds are uneven, so wear comfortable walking shoes.

Best time to visit

About 1 hour 15 minutes. The bright early afternoon is when it is at its liveliest

Access & map

17-4 Aoyagicho, Hakodate, Hokkaido 040-0044