The park was created as a national project to celebrate the wedding of the Crown Prince in 1959, officially opening six years later.
The name Kodomonokuni translates literally to 'Children's Land'.
It operates as a massive non-profit public recreation space covering nearly 100 hectares of hilly forest.
The site features an internal miniature railway line that has been a staple of the park since its inception.
A portion of the park is dedicated to a farm area where children can interact with cows, sheep, and goats.
The park's design intentionally minimizes artificial 'amusement' machinery in favor of physical, body-based play equipment.
During late March and early April, the park becomes a significant local viewing spot for cherry blossoms along its central pathways.
Kodomonokuni is a sprawling 240-acre outdoor recreational park in Yokohama originally established in 1965 to commemorate the marriage of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko. The park emphasizes physical activity through its extensive network of nature trails, wide-open grassy meadows, and thematic adventure playgrounds. Key features include a dedicated mini-steam locomotive, a small petting zoo, and a cycling track that winds through the wooded landscape. The facility provides seasonal attractions such as a summer wading pool and a winter ice skating rink. Its topography is largely hilly, requiring significant walking across paved paths and natural terrain. Families can access several large-scale climbing structures and unique play equipment designed for varying age groups. The site functions primarily as a green space focused on childhood development and outdoor exercise.
The elevated viewing points overlooking the central grassland during cherry blossom season.
Wear sturdy walking shoes as the park's hilly terrain involves significant elevation changes.
Bring a picnic blanket, as the large central lawns are designated for visitor relaxation.
Check the park's official website for temporary maintenance schedules on the outdoor play equipment before visiting.
Attempting to navigate the entire park on foot without resting, as the size and hills can be exhausting.
Closed on Wednesdays, except when a national holiday falls on that day.
No pets allowed within the main park grounds; smoking is restricted to designated areas only.
