Central Plaza Water Play Area at Kobayashi General Sports Park (小林総合運動公園 中央広場 水遊び場)

Flow of the course

About this spot

The Central Plaza Water Play Area at Kobayashi General Sports Park is a free water-play spot in Kobayashi City. Water flowing from the fountain forms a shallow stream, and the absence of fixed play equipment actually sparks children's imagination — they can follow the current, or try damming it up with stones. It operates from April to November with long hours, 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, which is this spot's strength: you can stop by not only in midsummer but on warm spring and autumn days too. The same plaza has combination play equipment renovated in fiscal year 2022 and a 6,480-square-meter lawn, so you can move back and forth between the water and the equipment for a long visit. With five gazebos and vending machines available, it's also well suited to a long family stay.

Season & hours

Tips

It is closed from December to March due to the risk of freezing. Kobayashi City's official page only gives a facility overview of the 'Central Plaza' and doesn't specify the water play area's operating period; this information comes from Hiiragi Arena, the designated manager, so check the day's operating status before visiting. In spring and autumn the water can feel cold, so it's reassuring to bring extra changes of clothes and towels. The bottom of the stream can be slippery, so wear sandals with good grip. Since it closes at 5:30 PM, starting to wrap up early, allowing time to change clothes, will give you more breathing room.

Best time to visit

About 3 hours 10 minutes. The afternoon, when the sunlight softens, is especially comfortable.

Access & map

小林市・小林総合運動公園 中央広場