IwateLeisure

WADO Park Hanamaki

About this spot

This is a playground with a wide variety of equipment inside the same WADO Park Hanamaki (Iwate Prefectural Hanamaki Regional Park) as the Jabujabu Pond. Slides, climbing nets and swaying equipment stand side by side, so siblings of different ages can each find their own way to play. It is surrounded by trees with plenty of shade, making it just the right setting to spread out a picnic sheet and eat a packed lunch. Kanaya Pond (金矢池) is nearby, and small children can be captivated simply by watching the carp and crucian carp swim. Sculptures based on Miyazawa Kenji's (宮沢賢治) children's stories are scattered through the park, so hunting for them on a post-meal walk is another enjoyable way to spend the time.

Tips

The park is open from 9:00 to 17:00. There may not be dining facilities inside, so preparing a packed lunch and drinks in advance and bringing them in is the sure approach. As a rule, take your rubbish home. Avoid entering the water right after eating; waiting about 30 minutes before heading to the Jabujabu Pond is safer. At Kanaya Pond (金矢池), keep your eyes on children at the water's edge so they do not slip while getting too close to the fish.