Hokkaido Children’s Country Complete Guide｜Family Fun and Experiences in Vast Nature Park in Sunagawa City
“Hokkaido Children’s Country,” located in Sunagawa City, Hokkaido, is a prefectural urban park covering 232.5 hectares of vast grounds. Since its establishment in 1976 as a place to nurture children’s dreams and hopes while fostering familiarity with nature, it has become a popular destination visited by many families from throughout Hokkaido and beyond.
This article comprehensively introduces information you should know before visiting Hokkaido Children’s Country, including its charm, facilities, access methods, and seasonal activities.
About Hokkaido Children’s Country
Hokkaido Children’s Country is a prefectural urban park in Sunagawa City, located roughly midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa. It was completed as an urban park in Showa 49 (1974) and officially opened in Showa 51 (1976).
Vast Natural Environment
The expansive grounds of 232.5 hectares (approximately 700,000 tsubo) are home to approximately 80 plant families and 255 species of trees and wild grass. Wild small animals such as Hokkaido squirrels, rabbits, raccoon dogs, and foxes also inhabit the area, preserving a rich natural environment despite proximity to urban areas.
The environment allows children to play freely while interacting with nature, and visitors can enjoy nature in various ways such as walking, picnicking, and bird watching.
Facility Characteristics
The greatest characteristic of Hokkaido Children’s Country is its comprehensive facility composition capable of accommodating play, learning, and overnight experiences. The park features a play equipment area recreating the Seven Wonders of the World, universally designed play equipment, camping grounds, and lodging/training facilities.
Additionally, it is adjacent to the “Sunagawa Highway Oasis,” Japan’s first location where U-turns are possible on expressways, and offers excellent convenience with direct access from Sunagawa Service Area on the Doo-Oh Expressway.
Detailed Introduction of Main Facilities
Fushigi no Mori (Mystery Forest)
“Fushigi no Mori” is the main area of Hokkaido Children’s Country, a paid zone featuring play equipment inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World.
Pyramid
The gigantic pyramid-shaped play equipment, a symbol of the Children’s Country, incorporates 15 types of play equipment. It features trampolines, dome slides, spiral slides, and many other features that captivate children. The interior is multi-layered, structured to feel like an exploration adventure.
Leaning Tower of Pisa
The Leaning Tower of Pisa, a scaled-down recreation of the famous Italian architectural landmark, features a distinctly tilted structure. The tower’s interior contains stairs and slides, allowing visitors to experience the unique inclination while playing.
Great Wall of China
A long play equipment piece inspired by China’s Great Wall is a strongly athletic-oriented facility featuring an undulating course with ups and downs. It is popular with elementary school-age and older children because it allows for physical exertion while having fun.
Other Play Equipment
Fushigi no Mori features numerous play equipment pieces that spark children’s sense of adventure, including the Saurus Wave Climb—an athletic apparatus modeled after a dinosaur—and large mountain-shaped trampolines.
Admission Fee: Adults and high school students 500 yen, junior high school students and younger free
Yahoo no Mori (Yahoo Forest)
Yahoo no Mori is a free zone where nature and play equipment harmonize. It features universally designed play equipment that allows anyone to play regardless of disability status.
It contains unique original play equipment found nowhere else, offering different charm than Fushigi no Mori. Since it is free to use, visitors can drop by and play in nature without worry.
Camping Ground
A full-fledged camping ground is maintained within Hokkaido Children’s Country, with tent sites and bungalows available. Camping experiences in this nature-rich environment create precious memories for children.
Access from the campground to various park facilities is excellent, allowing for stay-type use such as playing with equipment during the day and enjoying campfires at night.
Hokkaido Prefectural Youth Experience Activity Support Facility Naipal Sunagawa
Within the park is the lodging/training facility “Naipal Sunagawa,” where various experience activities are possible through overnight stays or day visits.
Experience programs include a diverse menu of activities such as nature observation, craft experiences, outdoor cooking, and sports activities, available not only for school and group use but also for families. With instructor support, participants can feel assured even when participating in experience activities for the first time.
Adventure Plaza and Trim Course
The Adventure Plaza features wooden athletic equipment laid out on a trim course, allowing for full-scale athletic experiences using natural terrain. This area is ideal for physical fitness building and parent-child challenges.
Ishiyama Observation Deck
From the observation deck on the elevated area within the park, visitors can overlook the Sunagawa cityscape and surrounding farmland scenery. On clear days, distant mountains are visible, allowing one to feel Hokkaido’s majestic natural beauty.
Rest House
A rest house within the park offers light food and beverages for purchase. It can also serve as a break space when bringing packed lunches, and provides the valuable service of allowing meals regardless of weather conditions.
Seasonal Enjoyment
Spring (April–June)
After the snow melts, spring is a season when trees throughout the park leaf out simultaneously and new green leaves are beautiful. Bird singing becomes active, making this the ideal season for bird watching.
Spring flowers bloom one after another, allowing visitors to enjoy nature observation while strolling. The Golden Week period is particularly busy with family visitors.
Summer (July–August)
Summer is the season when Hokkaido Children’s Country is most vibrant. All play equipment becomes available, and the camping ground enters its full season.
Hokkaido’s summers are relatively cool, rarely reaching the intense heat of mainland Japan, making it ideal for outdoor activities. From morning through afternoon, visitors can enjoy playing on equipment and nature walks to their heart’s content.
Special events are sometimes held during summer vacation, so checking official information in advance is recommended.
Autumn (September–October)
Autumn is a beautiful season of fall foliage. Approximately 80 plant families and 255 tree species change color, and the park becomes tinted in reds and yellows. Walking while viewing autumn leaves is particularly special and is also popular as a photo spot.
The temperature is comfortable, making it suitable for both active play and nature observation. You can sometimes observe small animals like Hokkaido squirrels preparing for winter.
Winter (November–March)
During winter, some facility use is restricted due to snowfall, but visitors can enjoy winter-specific activities like snow play and sledding. The vast grounds completely covered in white snow offer scenery entirely different from summer.
However, winter facility hours and available areas may change, so confirming the latest information before visiting is important.
Access Methods
Access by Car
Via Doo-Oh Expressway
- From Sapporo: Direct entry to the park via Sunagawa Highway Oasis from the Sunagawa Service Area on the Doo-Oh Expressway (U-turns on expressways are possible)
- From Asahikawa: Similarly accessible directly from Sunagawa Service Area
- From general roads: Via National Route 12, approximately 15 minutes from Sunagawa City
Parking: Free parking available (many spaces)
Access by Public Transportation
Express Bus
Take an express bus from Sapporo or Asahikawa and get off at the “Sunagawa Ishiyama” bus stop. The Children’s Country is approximately 15 minutes on foot.
JR/Local Bus
- Get off at “Sunagawa Station” or “Takikawa Station” on the JR Hakodate Main Line
- Transfer to the Chuo Bus
- Get off at the “Industrial Park” or “Children’s Country Entrance” bus stop
- Approximately 20 minutes on foot
Access by public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, so using a personal vehicle or rental car is recommended.
Admission Fees and Hours
Admission
Park admission is basically free. However, the “Fushigi no Mori” area is paid.
Fushigi no Mori Usage Fee:
- Adults and high school students: 500 yen
- Junior high school students and younger: Free
Operating Hours
Operating hours may change seasonally. Typical hours are as follows:
- Summer season (April–October): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Winter season (November–March): Varies by facility (confirmation required)
Closed Days: Varies by facility; confirm the latest information on the official website.
Parking
Free parking is available at multiple locations with sufficient capacity. Even during busy periods like Golden Week or summer vacation, parking is almost always available.
Event Information
Hokkaido Children’s Country hosts various events seasonally. Events include nature observation sessions, craft experiences, sports events, and more, with diverse content.
Event details and dates may change, so checking the official website or Facebook page for the latest information before visiting is recommended.
Precautions and Advice for Visiting
Clothing and Belongings
- Comfortable clothing: Essential for playing on equipment and nature walks
- Comfortable shoes: Sneakers and other easy-to-walk-in shoes recommended for traversing the vast grounds
- Hat and sunscreen: Summer sun is strong, making UV protection important
- Insect repellent spray: Natural environment, especially in summer, calls for insect protection
- Beverages: The park is vast, so bringing drinks for hydration is convenient
- Picnic blanket: Recommended if planning to enjoy a picnic
Target Age Groups
Hokkaido Children’s Country’s equipment accommodates a wide age range from young children to elementary school students.
- Young children (ages 3–5): Yahoo no Mori’s universal equipment and some Fushigi no Mori equipment are suitable
- Early elementary school (ages 6–8): Most Fushigi no Mori equipment can be enjoyed
- Upper elementary school and above (age 9+): Trim courses and Great Wall of China and other challenging equipment are recommended
Adults can also thoroughly enjoy walking, nature observation, views from observation decks, and more.
Dining
Light food can be purchased at the rest house, though menu options are limited. Bringing a packed lunch allows you to enjoy meals picnic-style at your preferred location.
Multiple rest areas and benches are set throughout the park, allowing outdoor dining on nice days and indoor dining at the rest house during rain.
Estimated Time Required
- Equipment-focused visit: 2–3 hours
- Including park walks: 3–4 hours
- Camping/lodging: 1 night, 2 days or more
Given the vast grounds, a full day is needed to see everything. Plan time allocation according to your visit purpose.
Nearby Attractions
Sunagawa Highway Oasis
The Sunagawa Highway Oasis, adjacent to Hokkaido Children’s Country, is Japan’s first location where U-turns are possible on expressways. Accessible from both the Sunagawa Service Area on the Doo-Oh Expressway and general roads, it features restaurants, shops, and local specialty sales counters.
Sunagawa City
Sunagawa City is known as “Sweet Road,” a confectionery town. Numerous candy shops line the city streets, each offering unique sweets. Stopping by on the way back from Hokkaido Children’s Country to purchase souvenirs is also recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can we enjoy the park on rainy days?
A1: Since outdoor equipment is the main focus, rainy days limit enjoyment. However, rest house breaks and indoor programs at Naipal Sunagawa (reservation required) are available. Checking the weather forecast before visiting is recommended.
Q2: Can we bring pets?
A2: Pet suitability should be confirmed in advance through the official website or phone. Generally, pets are often allowed if on a leash and with consideration for other visitors, though facility rules may vary. Check ahead.
Q3: Can wheelchairs be used?
A3: Yahoo no Mori features universally designed equipment with wheelchair-accessible areas. However, since the park is vast with elevation changes, not all areas are wheelchair-accessible. Detailed inquiry in advance is recommended.
Q4: Are nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities available?
A4: Nursing rooms and diaper-changing facilities are set up in facilities like the rest house. Visitors can feel reassured bringing young children.
Q5: Is the park open in winter?
A5: The park operates in winter, but available facilities and equipment are limited due to snow. Operating hours may also change, so confirming the latest information in advance is important for winter visits.
Contact Information
Hokkaido Children’s Country Management Office
- Address: 401-1 Hokko, Sunagawa City, Hokkaido 073-0106
- Phone: 0125-53-3319
- Official Website: http://www.hokkaidoukodomonokuni.or.jp/
- Facebook: Latest information provided on official Facebook page
For details about facility use, event information, weather-related operational changes, and other questions, please contact directly.
Summary
Hokkaido Children’s Country is a representative urban park in Hokkaido, featuring 232.5 hectares of grounds with play equipment inspired by the Seven Wonders of the World, abundant nature, camping grounds, and lodging facilities.
Positioned roughly midway between Sapporo and Asahikawa with direct expressway access, its high convenience is an added attraction. Diverse facilities allow enjoyment through day visits or overnight stays, making it ideal for families, schools, and groups.
Hokkaido Children’s Country presents different seasonal faces—spring’s fresh greenery, summer’s vibrant nature, autumn’s fall foliage, and winter’s snowy landscape. As a place to nurture children’s dreams and hopes and create family memories, please be sure to visit.
Before your visit, confirm the latest information on the official website and prepare according to weather and season to fully enjoy your day at Hokkaido Children’s Country.
