Please note that Grinpa closed down for the year in October 2023 and will reopen for Spring in 2024
Next blue-skied sunny day – run run run towards Mt. Fuji to Grinpa Amusement Park.
It’s not a short trip (2 hours each way by car) – but we all had the most beautiful day out.
It is a few minutes drive away from the Fuji Safari Park and, if you’re coming by car, we have done both these spots in the same day.
WARNING: If you are in a car or on a bus …. I recommend arriving early and avoid being on the road on a Sunday afternoon or National Holiday after 3pm. Traffic is crazy – especially if it has been a beautiful day.
The kids loved all the rides and the play options while I just couldn’t stop taking photos of the kiddies playing with that amazing Mt. Fuji backdrop. It was truly breathtaking. And in Spring ? It’s so pretty for the flowers to (although Fuji does look even more pretty in Winter.)
Grinpa is a bit of a relic these days (just by checking out their old, sad, rundown “Grandpa” of a website you’ll see what I mean…) Most people seem to head here for the same initial reason we did – the Sylvanian Family Village. But I get the feeling that this place used to be “where its’ at” but now only two thirds of the restaurants are in operation and some of the sights and playhouses are missing a bit of love. Nevertheless, my kids were completely oblivious and my daughter even claimed that it was as fun as Disneyland at one point! (and that’s why were ended up back there in Spring.)
We had such a lovely time and would go again in a heartbeat. I just loved the view and there was just SOOOOO much for kids to do!!!
My kids love the rides so it was cheaper for us to do a ‘one day pass’ so we didn’t have to buy separate tickets for every single thing.
The Sylvanian Family Village is the main reason we first visited (Am I the only person in the world who, until recently, didn’t realize that Sylvanian Family is a Japanese brand?).
The first section of the park is dotted with life-size replicas of the Sylvanian Family houses and each house has different activities for children. Things to touch, buttons to push, stairs to climb….they are like little mini playhouses.
There is also, of course, a gift shop and Sylvanian “Museum” room. There is also a play area within the store where kids can play with lots of the Sylvianian Toys.
There is also a big diorama and kids can climb underneath and pop up in the middle (My little boy didn’t want to ever get out!)
There were also some small rides in the Sylvannian Family section.
I don’t think Grinpa is just for little kids though. Other options in Grinpa include a full iceskating rink ( in winter), several massive obstacle courses, rides (varying in age ranges and height restrictions), a grass sledding hill, dodgem cars, arcade games.
My kids, as always, love the carousel.
There is also a ferris wheel with a fantastic Fuji view.
One of my highlights was the racing cars. It was so cute and, although my kids couldn’t care less, I loved staring at Fuji as we raced around the track.
If the weather changes, there is also a large indoor play area called ‘Kids Fuji Q” which is also very well equipped. Even for little babies.
This place also has the best jumping castle area we have ever been to!
We used our all day pass to enter for free. Groups of 70 people are allowed in for 15 minutes at a time.
There was an ‘Under the Sea, ‘ ‘Jungle’, plain old bouncing spot and a ‘Pirate’ castle… all right next to one another.
I can’t wait until my kids are bigger so that they can take part in those cool obstacle courses.
Apart from the Sylvanian Family gift store , all of the park is cash only – so make sure you visit the ATM before travelling here.
Easy shoes
Lots of the play areas requires shoes coming on an off a lot. You’ll start to hate your tricky laces and buckles.
Sunscreen & Hats
This whole park is very exposed.
Jackets
Even on a hot day, this area is usually 5-10 degrees colder than the centre of Tokyo.
Lunch
I’m going to be blunt. Worst meals ever! Soooo disappointed. The first time I went I brought our own and the second time I was silly enough to wing it. Mistake! Bad quality. Nothing healthy. Nothing cheap. We did get some hot fries from a food truck – but not much more. There are drink vending machines but I recommend bringing your own picnic mat and your own food. The view allows for THE MOST spectacular picnic.
GRINPA AMUSEMENT PARK
静岡県裾野市 須山字藤原2427
2427 FUJIWARA, SUYAMA AZA, SUSUNO, SHIZUOKA
SEE HERE FOR OPERATIONAL HOURS AND DAYS (GREY = CLOSED, ALL OTHER COLOURS = OPEN)
ENTRY: ADULTS 1200 YEN, CHILDREN 800 YEN (CHILDREN UNDER 3 ARE FREE)
“ALL YOU CAN RIDE” PASSES: ADULTS 3500 YEN, CHILDREN 2,600 YEN
WEBSITE
If you wanted to pair this place with a day trip to the Fuji Safari Park, the details are here.
If you like cool retro Japanese parks, I think you will love my post here.
Or if you just like parks with pretty flowers and those big bouncy domes here.
