Horai Chuo Park Wading Pool (宝来中央公園 遊水池)

About this spot

The Horai Chuo Park Wading Pool (宝来中央公園 遊水池) is a free water-play spot in Horai Chuo Park (宝来中央公園) in Otofuke Town (音更町). Because it is a shallow wading pool, even a small child who has only just started walking can step into the water on their own two feet and play while testing the feel of it. The usual season runs from Friday, May 1 to Wednesday, September 30, open from 9:00 to 17:00, and the town of Otofuke introduces the period as early May to late September. As a park within a residential district, it is used mainly by local families, so the appeal is being able to spend time in a relaxed atmosphere. Children stay absorbed for a surprisingly long time in simple play such as scooping water, pouring it out and splashing with their feet. Spread a mat on the lawn and pass the time slowly until evening while watching them play.

Season & hours

Tips

Whether the wading pool is open depends on the weather and temperature, so check the town of Otofuke's guide for the day's conditions before you set out (source: https://www.town.otofuke.hokkaido.jp/kurashi/toshi/koen/mizuasobi.html). It closes at 17:00, so work backwards to allow time for changing and packing up before you finish. Water-play sandals will keep small feet from slipping on the bottom. Shade fills up quickly, so secure a spot under the trees as soon as you arrive.

Best time to visit

Arrive a little after 13:00 and you can play at a leisurely pace for three hours until the 17:00 close.

Access & map

Horai Chuo Park (宝来中央公園), Otofuke-cho