BEST PLAYGROUNDS IN KOBE! (& SURROUNDING AREAS) – DISCOVERED BY A KIWI FAMILY IN JAPAN
A Kiwi Family’s Playground Adventures: Discovering the Best Playgrounds around Kobe
In this blog post, Amy & Rowan have been kind enough to include these Japanese park and playground details, entry fees, public transport and parking access.
This guest blog post was pulled together beautifully by Amy and Rowan from @runbabyrunstudio on Instagram. This family have relocated to Kobe, Japan, from New Zealand and have been so generous sharing their family’s favourite playgrounds around their new home. I also highly recommend checking out their Etsy storefront RunBabyRunStudio where they sell their own digital artwork, kid’s bedroom decor and custom made art pieces. They’ve even got pdf cross-stitch letter designs too! Amy and Rowan are both teachers by day, and if you’re after anything on the teaching side of things you can check out Amy’s pennyandpencils.com website or @pennyandpencils on Instagram
Relocating to a new country is always an adventure, whichever way you want to look at it, and moving to Kobe in Japan has been an exciting journey full of ups and downs and many playground adventures for our family. When we first moved to Japan our youngest was just 9 months old and we really struggled to find many parks suitable for small children – all the swings required you to hold on, and the parks around us were more sand or dirt based – not the soft grass we were used to in New Zealand.
We knew Japan’s playgrounds were known for their creativity and unique features, so we focused a lot of our weekend adventures around finding and exploring different ones around the Kobe region.
Luckily, it wasn’t long until we found some great playground spots for families.
We’ve put together a little guide to what we consider to be the best playgrounds and parks in the area, perfect for kids of (most) ages. Our kids are now 8, 4 and 2 and a lot of these locations are guaranteed to make any family’s time in Japan a little more playful!
I must mention, we explore mostly by car so many of these playgrounds are off the beaten (train) tracks.
1. ひまわりの丘公園
Sunflower Hill Park: Sunflowers and Splashes of Fun
The playground itself has four large play areas designed for different age groups. There is a three-storied sunflower themed tower with roller slides coming out of each level and smaller slides for the little ones. The inside of the tower is in the shade and has nets, swinging balls and a jumping area to keep our little ones occupied and safe from the sun. Plus, the inside area is great for adults to hide from the sun too!
The next playground is pirate themed and ironically called “Panic World”. It is two stories, has a roller slide off the top and a maze inside. There is also a drop slide off the side for any kids (or adult kids) that love a little bit of thrill seeking (our daughter is one of them!). Attached to this park is a little obstacle course which includes a range of obstacles and a flying fox. There are also small playgrounds for the little ones (0-3 years). It has plenty of age appropriate activities including slides, tunnels and swings. Next to the playgrounds is a fruit and vegetable shop, toilets and a fountain for kids to play in during those hot summer days. There’s even an ice cream vending machine right by the park and one of the toilet blocks. Across the road are the sunflower fields and they are free to explore.
The combination of vibrant sunflowers and a well-designed playground makes Ono a family favourite. Don’t make this just a summer stop either, if you’re about in another season it still should be at the top of the list!
Sunflower Hill Park
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets are large and clean. Fruit and vegetable shop. Vending machines.
Parking: Plenty and free! It can get very busy during sunflower season so we would recommend going early or late in the day.
Location: 1545-321 Kiyotanicho, Ono, Hyogo 675-1317
By car: 50 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: The closest station is Ono (Kobe Electric Railway Ao Line) or Kawainishi (JR Line)
Take Kobe Electric Railway (the Ao Line)- Sannomiya to Shinkaichi on the Kobe Kosoku/Hankyu Line. Transfer on to the Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line to Suzurandai then transfer to Ao Line BUT you may be able to catch a train straight from Shinkaichi to Ono Station.
JR Line: Sannomiya to Kakogawa Station. Transfer to Kakogawa Line to Ono.
Ironically both lines meet at Ao Station (two stops beyond Ono and two stops before Kawainishi)
2. 三木山総合公園
Mikikko Land: A Playground for All Ages
Miki City offers two playgrounds at one location that cater to both big and small kids. The larger playground is multistoried with a toy box theme. It contains multiple slides, climbing walls, viewpoints and nets. Perfect for a game of tag, and large enough to occupy bigger kids for a long time. There are even trees that line the park so you can have some shade to sit under during the long hot days. However, highlights here are the giant roller slides, which are perfect for thrill-seekers. But don’t worry, they don’t go too fast!
It is recommended to bring a little plastic sled if it is wet or too hot. One is long and drawn out, whereas the other has a large corkscrew curve to it. There’s something about roller slides, our kids are kept entertained for quite some time when a roller slide is around.
The playground for smaller children is very well done, and it is fenced too, which if you’ve got an active toddler is often a blessing! The smaller part of the park is designed for 2 and under. The smaller playground is also under a sun shade! There’s a small flying fox between the two parks and some swings (even ones that babies can go in!) There’s often some kind of food being sold at a food stall close by, toffee apples or kakigori (flavoured shaved ice) has been available on the days we have been. Plenty of vending machines as well.
Mikikko Land
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Toilets. Vending machines. Sometimes there are food stalls.
Parking: Plenty and FREE! (There is a large gymnasium next to the playground so come earlier just in case there is an event on)
2475-5 Fukui, Miki, Hyogo 673-0433
By car: 40 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a bus from Shin-Kobe Station to Uenomaru Station and then another bus to Sogokoenmae and then walk for 1 min (total trip takes 55 mins)
3. 淡路島 国営明石海峡公園
Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park
夢っこランド
Yumekko Land
Awajishima: A Coastal Adventure
Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park is a MUST for any families visiting Kobe.The park itself is immense, and you could spend a decent amount of the day walking around and looking at the beautiful grounds. The park is home to two fantastic playgrounds. The first, Yumekko Land, is huge! It is multistoried and around 100 metres long! There are too many slides to count, climbing walls, nets, a flying fox and tunnels. There is also a covered park with another four racing slides and two twisty slides.
Attached to this park is a small pirate ship with more slides and a climbing net. Then! The parks feature exciting water features that are perfect for cooling off during the warmer months (make sure to check the dates as the water park is only open for certain months of the year). It is kind of like a splash zone.
Further into the park is another playground. This one is about four stories tall, with plenty more slides and climbing nets. Our most favourite thing about Akashi Kaikyo National Park are the expansive green spaces though – big grassy fields that are ideal for family walks, picnics, or for the kids to just thoroughly stretch their little bodies! It is a wonderful place for children to run around and explore, making it a great spot for a full day of family fun – plenty of space for a picnic sheet so pack your picnic basket!
Yumekko Land
Entry fee: 450yen (15 – 64yrs). Children and retirees are free.
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, garden centre, fun train to get from one entrance to the other, an onsen attached to the park over the road AND a hotel. Vending machines are everywhere.
Parking: Yes. There is a cost but it is affordable (from memory, less than 1000¥)
Location: 8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji, Hyogo 656-2306
*Sadly we have very few photos from our days here! But trust us, it is worth the visit! Here’s the one we have which shows one tiny section of the park.
By car: 35 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: Take a special rapid train from Sannomiya Station to Akashi Station and then walk for 2 mins (total trip takes 1 hour)
4. 松江公園
Octopus Playground: Matsue Park: Beachside Fun
Entry fee: Playground and beach are free
Facilities: Toilets
Parking: There is one small paid car park and if you come during the busy summer days you may have to end up waiting for a spot.
Location: Matsue, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0036
Nearest station: 林崎松江海岸駅 Hayashisakimatsuekaigan Station
By car: 45 mins from central Kobe
By public transport:The closest station on the Sanyo Electric Railway is Hayashisakimatsuekaigan and the closest station on the JR is Nishi-Akashi. If you caught a taxi from Akashi Station it would be about 10mins or Nishi-Akashi would be about 5mins to Matsue Park
This playground is also 6o mins by car from Himeji (or 50 mins total if you take a train from Himeji to Nishi-Akashi and then a cab for 7 mins, approx 1300 yen.)
5. カエルの滑り台
Frog Slide Park & a few more…
For train enthusiasts, this is a great spot to watch trains go by! It is next to the Sanyo line and our littlest loves standing behind the fence and waving to them as they go by. Also, as you can tell by the name – there’s a frog slide! This park is hidden beneath an overpass and connects with other playgrounds. If you follow the path you will find a small playground with a few slides, a sand pit and water fountain. Across the road and continue under the toll road and you will find a pleasant walk through well manicured community gardens and eventually you will encounter 衣掛公園 Kinukake Park. This small playground contains a range of slides and obstacles for children to play on. Further on? Suma Seaside Park which contains Suma Seaworld, Suma Aquarium, Starbucks, a bread cafe, surf and street shop and playground. Adjacent to the playground/gardens is a small stream (ankle deep) that is perfect for little ones to splash around in.
Frog Slide Park
Entry fee: Free
Facilities: Drinking fountains, convenience store across the road (with toilets), Maxvalu supermarket nearby.
Parking: No parking available (but people park on the road near the frog slide)
Location: 1 Chome-5 Kitamachi, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0064
Nearest station: 月見山駅 Tsukimiyama Station
By car: 20 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a train from Sannomiya Station to Sumakaihinkoen Station and walk for 12 mins (total trip takes 25 mins OR take a train from Shin-Kobe Station to Itayado Station and then another train (on the San-you Dentetsu line) to Tsukimiyama Station and then walk for 7 mins (total trip takes 35 mins) In order to avoid transfers, you could also catch the Hankyu-Kobe Kosoku (Sanyo) line from Sannomiya directly to Tsukimiyama Station.
6. 神戸総合運動公園
Kobe Sports Park: Train Spotting and Play
There are three distinct areas within the park that contain playground equipment.
First up there are roller slides near the Hotto Motto baseball stadium. These are located within the bush and definitely worth a visit. They are long and fast! Make sure you wear appropriate clothing and footwear to get to the top as there is a confidence course as well. On the way to the roller slide is a small playground that contains a slide and swing set. Next up and neighbouring the athletic stadium is another playground. It is a bit of a trek up the hill but well worth it. It is a large single storey playground with swings, slides and tunnels. It also has views down Myodani valley to the ocean. However, if you look to the side you will see the entrance to a slide nestled into the trees. This is a long and fast slide where our children can catch some air! At the bottom of this slide is another playground, much smaller and a little bit quirky. It is called 冒険のくに Bokenno Kuni but maybe that is the name of both of these playgrounds. To get back up to the playground and top of the slide you can either take the stairs (recommended for oldies) or the net (recommended for age appropriate kids). It is VERY steep and nerve wracking but if you teach your kids to switch sides as they climb, then there are nets to catch them if anything happens. Our 8 and 4 year olds have not had any trouble.
Next to these playgrounds is a flower hill which is stunning if you time it right! Also, there is a splash zone near the basketball and tennis stadiums. It is a large area but we have not been in summer so have not made use of it yet. Finally it is a top sakura (cherry blossom) tree viewing spot so it has something for all different times of the year.
Again, photos from this playground are limited, we’ve found it is often a sign of a great park though! We do have some great videos of the roller slide on our instagram though and our daughter getting some serious air on her way down @runbabyrunstudio.
Entry: Free
Facilities: Convenience Store, vending machines, toilets near each of the playgrounds.
Parking: Plenty of different car parks but they all have a parking fee.
Location: Midoridai, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0163
Nearest station: 総合運動公園駅 Sogoundo-Koen Station
By car: 20 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a train from Shin-Kobe Station or Sannomiya Station to Sogoundo-Koen Station (total trip takes 30 mins )
A little extra note from Jo:
If you are looking for a hearty family friendly lunch near here – this restaurant is just 8 mins drive from Kobe Sports Park.
A HEARTY MEAL WITH ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAD OR RICE!
A fabulous lunch or dinner option for kids (and parents) who want a really hearty meal,I recommend Bakery & Restaurant Saint Marc.
This is a restaurant where you order your meal and also enjoy all you can eat bread (or switch bread for rice if you prefer!)
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They have a place to store your stroller while you dine.
There is also a kid’s menu that includes options like a kid’s Japanese curry, macaroni gratin or children’s doria with potato wedges, broccoli and tomatoes, mini hamburgers served with wedges and salad and also a kid’s bento plate that has a piece of chicken, a burger patty, some broccoli, tomato and corn with wedges with some small jellies. Kids meals are all under 1000 yen.
The meals for adults are mostly steaks and hamburger steaks served on sizzling hot plates or pastas or salads and main dishes can come as an all you can eat bread or rice set. You can also pay a few hundred yen extra and make use of the all-you-can-drink soft drink and juice bar.
To eat here for lunch I would budget 2000 yen per adult and 3000 yen per adult at dinner time. This restaurant is really big but on weekends might be best to make a reservation as it is popular with families. They have space for you to bring your stroller inside.
This restaurant is 8 mins drive from Kobe Sports Park or 11 mins walk from Gakuentoshi Station.
See photos of how big and lovely this restaurant is here.
An example of a kid’s meal at Bakery & Table Restaurant Saint Marc
BAKERY & RESTAURANT SAINT MARC, KOBE GAKUEN TOSHI
神戸市学園都市東町8-2-1
8-2-1 GAKUENTOSHI HIGASHI-CHO, KOBE-SHI
OPEN 11AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS AT 9PM)
7. 兵庫県立明石公園
Akashi Castle Ruins: History Meets Play
Unfortunately the castle was torn down during the Meiji Restoration but there are still two towers standing. If you time it right, and come on a Sunday, then you can actually go inside the guard towers. Sometimes one is open, whereas next time the other will be. You can only explore the small lower floors but they contain a lot of unique historical artefacts as well as beautiful views over Akashi. While the ruins themselves are a nice site to explore, the nearby park provides a great space for kids to play.
There are two playground locations. The first is near the entrance to the park from the train station. This one is small (and often under repair) but fun nonetheless. However, the one at the far end of the park has just been rebuilt and it is much more fun for kids. A range of new equipment and age appropriate activities, means this playground is great for young and old. Oh, did we also mention that there is a lake within the park that has swan boats you can hire? And also it is fringed with sakura trees and an amazing cherry blossom viewing spot. Finally there is a Cup Noodle and ice-cream vending machine (including coolish!) next to the boat hire place. Definitely worth a try! The combination of history and play ensures that a visit to Akashi Park is both educational and entertaining. There’s often been craft markets or something else on the days we have been there so it seems to be a bit of a hub for Akashi locals. Also, there’s an elevator that means the whole park is pram friendly.
Akashi Castle Ruins
Entry: Free
Facilities: Cafe within the grounds, range of vending machines throughout, tennis club, elevator, plenty of toilets, often markets or flower shows too!
Parking: Plenty of different paid car parks nearby.
Location: 1-27 Akashikoen, Akashi, Hyogo 673-0847
Nearest station:明石駅 Akashi Station (JR Line)
By car: 40 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a train from Sannomiya Station to Akashi Station and then walk across the road into the park (total trip takes 30 mins )
8. 神戸市北区しあわせの村 芝生広場
Shiawase no Mura: A Village of Happiness
Shiawase no Mura means “Village of Happiness.” We have no idea why it is called this or what the actual majority of the buildings found within the village are actually for! However, within Shiawase no Mura is a playground, Japanese garden area and access to 国営明石海峡公園 神戸地区 あいな里山公園 National Akashi-Kaikyo Park Kobe District Aina Satoyama Park (what a mouthful!).
First up though, the playground within Shiawase no Mura. This is not a “traditional” playground. It has a small multi-storey playground but nothing else in the playground bit. However, within the wider area it has a jumping bean, water play areas, a long roller slide and rafts for kids to tow themselves to little islands found within a small lake. There is also a small playground for the little ones. It is a lot of fun to explore, and instead of focusing on one area, our children would move around the playground playing on the different pieces of equipment.
Next to Shiawase no Mura is Aina Satoyama park. This place is a traditional park that has model rice fields, century old farmhouses and a small museum. It is very large but there is a small fun hop on, hop off train that can take you around the park. The museum has a range of animals that can be found in the park, as well as some that you can pick up and pet.
There are also educational areas (all in Japanese) about traditional farming methods. But! There is a hidden gem. Tucked on the hillside are a nest of roller slides. There are two longer ones, and two perfect for racing which our kids love to do. There are toilets next to it, it is on the train stop and there are little to no crowds when we have been. We even went mid winter and it started to snow as we played on the slides!
Shiawase no Mura
Entry: 500 yen for all day parking within Shiawase no mura. Aino Satoyama is 450 yen (15 – 64 years)
Facilities: Shiawase no Mura – toilets, vending machine, campground, high ropes course, athletic track. Aino Satoyama: there is a cafe and museum at the main entrance and toilets throughout.
Parking: 500 yen all day parking within Shiawase no mura. 500 yen all day parking Aino Satoyama
Location: Shiawase no mura: 〒651-1106 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita Ward, しあわせの村１丁目１番１８号
Aino Satoyama Park 〒651-1104 Hyogo, Kobe, Kita Ward, Yamadacho Aina, 字田代
Nearest station: See here for details on the free shuttles from three locations to Shiawase no Mura
By car: 25 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: There is no train station near Shiawase no mura. The best access is via the shuttle that runs from Suzurandai Station (Kobe Electric Railway Arima Line) or Myohoji Station (Kobe Subway). You can take a bus from Kobe Station to Tennis Court Mae Station and then walk for 4 mins (total trip takes 30 mins )
9. 垂水健康公園
Tarumi Wellness Park: A Green Oasis
Tarumi Wellness Park
Entry: Free
Facilities: Baseball field, tennis courts, basketball hoops, futsal field, running track, toilets and vending machines.
Parking: Weekdays: Free for the first hour then cost. Weekend: Cost all day.
Location: 〒655-0852 Hyogo, Kobe, Tarumi-ku, Myodanicho, 字丸尾
Nearest station: 垂水 Tarumi Station (JR and Sanyo are next to each other), catch the number 11 bus and get off at the Higashitamon Bus Stop
By car: 30 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a train from Shin-Kobe Station to Gakuentoshi Station and then a bus to Manabigaoka Yonchome OR take a train from Sannomiya Station to Tarumi Station and then a bus to Manabigaoka Yonchome (total trip takes 45 mins )
10. 須磨離宮公園
Suma Rikyu Park: A Floral Wonderland
Suma Rikyu Park is renowned for its stunning floral displays and large playground. It is an old imperial residence and has been turned into a botanical garden with two playgrounds.
The first playground is called the “Children’s forest” and it is nestled in the bush. It has a sprawling range of obstacles that take kids on an adventure in search of pirate treasure! There are over 20 obstacles that range from slides, rock walls and even a flying fox. Can your children uncover the hidden pirate treasure?
The other playground is tucked below the underpass and contains two very fast slides that will guarantee air so you have been warned! Moving on from this playground will take you to another part of the botanical gardens. Suma Rikyu Park itself contains a range of flower gardens, waterfalls, fountains and a cafe – it is a stunning spot!
Entry: 400 yen for adults BUT the annual pass is only double the price so if you’re a Kobe resident make sure you get the yearly pass!
Facilities: Cafe, toilets, vending machines
Parking: Suma Rikyu Park has its own paid car park. With entry fee and paid parking it does make it an expensive park to visit but if you take your time there it is worth it!
Location: 1-1 Higashisuma, Suma Ward, Kobe, Hyogo 654-0018
Nearest station: 月見山駅 Tsukimiyama Station
By car: 20 mins from central Kobe
By public transport: take a train from Sannomiya Station to Tsukimiyama Station on the Hanshin Line and then walk for 7 mins OR take a train to Shin-Kobe Station to Itayado Station and then a bus to Tsukimiyama Station and then walk for 7 mins (total trip takes 35 mins ) Alternatively, you can also switch train lines at Itayado to Tsukimiyama Station and walk from there.
This guest blog post was pulled together beautifully by Amy and Rowan from @runbabyrunstudio on instagram. This family have relocated to Kobe, Japan, from New Zealand and have been so generous sharing their family’s favourite playgrounds around their new home. I also highly recommend checking out their Etsy storefront RunBabyRunStudio where they sell their own digital artwork, kid’s bedroom decor and custom made art pieces.
See here for other activities and eateries for when in Kobe with kids.
And if you really love retro Japanese playgrounds? Check out these playground options in Tokyo too.
