If you’re looking for a great playground that will keep both young and old kids occupied for hours, then head north to Kyoto’s brilliant Kodomo-no-Rakuen Playground.
Located on the east side of Takara-ga-Ike Park in northeast Kyoto, this playground is well worth the bus or taxi journey out of central Kyoto. It’s one of the best playgrounds we’ve seen anywhere and our kids love the place. Best of all – it’s free! You just have to get there.
There are all kinds of fantastic things for kids here, including a small “mountain” with slides down each side, a great maze, a huge rope climbing “tree,” wading pools, swings, monkey bars, small climbing walls and much more. There are also picnic areas, vending machines and wide, open grassy areas for all kinds of other play. All in all, it’s one of the best family-friendly attractions in the city.
English name:
Kodomo-no-rakuen
Japanese name:
宝が池公園 子どもの楽園
English address:
8 Kamitakano-nagareda-cho, Sakyo-ku
Japanese address:
左京区上高野流田町8
Opening hours:
9am-4:30pm
Admission: free
Non-smoking area: Yes
Nearest Transport:
5 min walk from Takaragaike Station, Eizan line
15 min walk from Kokusaikaikan Station Exit 5, Karasuma subway line
Nearest Hotels:
:: Check availability and pricing for hotels near to Kodomo-no-Rakuen Playground on Booking.com or Agoda.com.
Telephone: 781-3010
Website:
Official Website (Japanese)
Kyoto Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Kyoto guide
- Check Kyoto accommodation availability on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto, Kyoto to Osaka and Kyoto to Tokyo
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Kyoto
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- Compare Japan flight prices and timings to find the best deals
- If you're making frequent train journeys during your visit, you might save money with Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Kyoto easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
