Tochigi Wanpaku Park: A Playground for All Ages

Tochigi Wanpaku Park, officially named Tochigi Prefectural Wanpaku Park, is a 37.2-hectare urban park located in Mibu, Shimotsuga District, Tochigi Prefecture. Opened as a city park in 2001, it was built as part of a plan to create distinctive parks, and it even served as the Tochigi venue for the 17th National Urban Greening Fair in 2000. The park is designed with various themed zones that function almost like a small-scale theme park. Visitors can explore the park's symbol, the Dream Flower Garden, which features different flowers each season. Indoor facilities include Kodomo-no-shiro (the Kids' Castle), offering attractions like a dinosaur slide, ball pool, and indoor sandpit. Fushigi-no-fune (Mysterious Ship) has trick art and a mirror room, while Pana Pana no Machi provides opportunities for role-playing and souvenir shopping. A large pond allows visitors to enjoy canoeing, and there is also a large open field. Other attractions include the large Tanuki Maze, the Adventure Lake, and the Wanpaku Train that runs on weekends and holidays. The park is designed to be enjoyable year-round, with seasonal events and natural scenery. Admission to the park is free, though some facilities charge a fee. The park is adjacent to the Mibu Highway Park, accessible directly from the highway parking area.