Wanpaku Land Turns Every Part of the Terrain into a Playground
Odawara Children’s Forest Park Wanpaku Land (Odawara Kodomo no Mori Kōen Wanpaku Land) is a comprehensive park spread across the hills of Kuno.
It was developed as a place where children can connect with nature, learn, and create their own ways to play.
The play areas are linked not only by flat plazas but also by slopes, valleys, bridges, and hillsides, so checking the map first and deciding how much of the park to cover will make the visit easier.
The park opened in April 2000 (Heisei 12).
Start by Understanding Its 12.5-Hectare Scale
The park covers 12.5 ha.
It is not small enough to see every facility from the entrance, and reaching some playground equipment requires walking uphill.
Rather than planning to visit many large playground structures, choose 2–3 places suited to your child’s age and expand your route only if you have time and energy.
Alternate Between Playground Equipment and Nature Observation
Places for active play are scattered throughout the park, including equipment inspired by Odawara Castle, roller slides, and grassy slopes.
At the same time, shaded woods, seasonal flowers and plants, and hills with open views are also part of the park experience.
Instead of rushing from one structure to the next, pause to listen in the shade or look at the scenery from the top of a hill to create a rhythm of excitement and rest.
Check the Day’s Operating Conditions at the Entrance
Playground equipment and rides may be closed for inspections, weather, or the arrival of insects and other wildlife.
When bees are observed in the area, some facilities may be closed for safety.
Check notices at the entrance and the day’s operating and usage information, and switch to another plaza if an area is unavailable.
Choose Large Playground Equipment by Its Features
A structure’s name alone does not tell you how much strength it requires or how children will move through it.
Thinking in terms of climbing, sliding, crossing, and running makes it easier to choose the kind of play your child wants that day.
Enjoy Climbing at Odawara Castle Adventure
Odawara Castle Adventure (Odawara-jō Adventure) is a large play structure that combines several kinds of play inside an exterior inspired by a castle.
It may have more than one entrance and exit, and children can sometimes move out of sight.
Parents and guardians should check around the structure first and agree on a meeting point before children begin playing.
Experience the Slopes on the Roller Slide and Midori no Gerende
The roller slide offers the thrill of moving through a change in elevation, while the grassy slope itself becomes the playground at Midori no Gerende (Green Slope).
Repeating the same activity can be tiring, so adjust the number of runs while allowing for the energy needed to climb back up after each slide.
If you use cardboard or a similar item for grass sliding, be sure to take it home with you.
Test Your Balance on Wanpaku Bridge and the Tarzan Rope
Long bridges and rope-based equipment let children experience swaying and speed that feel different from playing on the ground.
Keep enough distance from the child ahead, do not travel in the opposite direction, and follow all posted instructions.
If a child is frightened, do not force the challenge. Watching the bridge from outside or starting with shorter equipment is also part of play.
Plan the Order Around Age and Stamina
In a large park, the difficulty of the equipment is not the only challenge; getting there can also be tiring.
Do not pack the schedule as soon as you arrive. Change the order based on the day’s physical condition, temperature, and crowd levels.
Use an Open, Easy-to-See Area as a Base for Young Children
When visiting with small children, choose a plaza where adults can easily follow their movements and return to a rest area.
Even when large equipment for older children is nearby, check the intended age range and safety notices.
If siblings want to play in different places, discuss the adults’ supervision areas in advance.
Alternate Challenges and Breaks for Elementary School Children
Doing climbing, sliding, and running activities in succession can cause fatigue to build before children notice it.
After a large structure, add a water break or some nature observation, and check the child’s complexion and perspiration before moving on.
Instead of competing over how many times they completed something, talk about a new route they tried or a view they discovered to broaden the experience.
Agree on Family Signals for Stopping
Falls, heat, thunder, and sudden rain can all require a change of plans during outdoor play.
Concrete conditions such as “shoes are slipping,” “we are out of water,” or “the adults’ voices cannot be heard” make useful signals for stopping.
Do not blame the person who is tired; agree that everyone will move together to a safe place.
| Type of Movement | Main Areas | What to Watch For |
|---|---|---|
| Climb and crawl through | Odawara Castle Adventure | Confirm the meeting point and intended age range |
| Slide | Roller slide, Midori no Gerende | Allow energy for climbing back up |
| Cross and sway | Wanpaku Bridge (Wanpaku Ōhashi), rope equipment | Keep your distance and move in one direction |
| Rest and observe | Plazas, shade, scenic hills | Check hydration and physical condition |
Use the Children’s Train and Road Train to Get Around
The park has a paid children’s train and a vehicle that travels around the grounds.
In addition to enjoying the ride itself, families can use them to adjust how much they walk through the hilly park.
Check Operations Before Promising a Ride
Operating conditions can change because of park closure days, inspections, crowds, or weather.
Do not rely on past schedules or fares; check the operating information for the day of your visit and posted notices on-site.
Instead of telling children they will definitely ride as soon as you arrive, confirm operations first and then add the ride as an option.
Decide Whether to Ride on the Way Out or Back
One approach is to enjoy walking through the terrain while everyone is energetic and use a ride on the way back.
Another is to ride to a play area farther inside first, then walk back and stop at places that catch your attention.
Use the map to connect boarding points with the facilities you want to visit, and ride along the section where you most want to reduce walking.
Turn Waiting Time into Another Activity
During busy periods, you may need to wait for a later departure.
If one adult waits in line while a child rests nearby, make sure everyone stays within sight of one another.
If the wait feels too long, do not make the ride the sole objective; switching to a nearby plaza or walk is also a good choice.
| How to Use It | Best For | Check in Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Ride at the beginning | Saving energy for play areas farther inside | Boarding points and operating information |
| Ride on the way back | Reducing walking after play | Last departure and crowd levels |
| Walk without riding | Taking time to see nature and the terrain | Slopes and estimated travel time |
Include Breaks and Gear in the Play Plan
Satisfaction with outdoor play depends less on the number of structures than on whether the family can take adequate breaks.
Make use of park facilities while preparing items suited to the season and your family’s needs.
Check Childcare Facilities Near the Administration Offices
Nursing rooms are located beside the east and west administration offices, and restrooms also have diaper-changing facilities and baby seats.
Confirm the location of needed facilities when you enter so you can return before the need becomes urgent.
Follow on-site notices for current availability and services.
Make Food and Drinks Easy to Carry
Choose lunch items that resist spoilage in the day’s temperature and pack them in sealable containers.
Give children drinks in containers they can handle themselves, and bring an extra supply for adults.
Take all trash home, and do not leave food on the ground where it could attract wildlife or insects.
Prioritize Shoes and a Change of Clothes
Because the park includes slopes and dirt paths, closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes are the basic choice.
A change of clothes and a towel for sweat, mud, or sudden rain will help everyone stay comfortable through the trip home.
Many structures require both hands, so use a backpack for belongings and choose clothing without cords or decorations that could catch on the equipment.
| What to Bring | When It Helps | Points to Note |
|---|---|---|
| Drinks and snacks | Breaks between play areas | Temperature control and taking trash home |
| Change of clothes and towel | Sweat, mud, and rain | Also bring a bag for wet items |
| Hat and outer layer | Sun and temperature changes | Watch for snagging on equipment |
| Park map | Meeting up and checking the return route | Share landmarks with the family |
Update Access and Safety Information Before Leaving
By public transportation, guidance directs visitors to take a bus from the west exit of Odawara Station toward Ikoi no Mori and continue from near the final stop.
Paid parking is available for drivers, but capacity, fees, and entry and exit times may change, so check parking information for the day of your visit.
Buses bound for Ikoi no Mori (Wanpaku Land) are operated by Hakone Tozan Bus.
Check the Return Bus as Well
At a park in the hills, the next bus may not arrive as quickly as it would downtown.
Save the return time and boarding point as well as the outbound details, then work backward to decide when to finish playing.
During busy seasons or severe weather, check service information and avoid switching to an unreasonable walk.
Share Safety Rules for Wet Conditions and Wildlife
During rain or immediately afterward, floors, stairs, and handrails may be slippery, and playground equipment may be closed.
If you see a bee or similar insect, do not disturb it. Move away quietly and notify a staff member.
Do not cross barriers or closure notices around playground equipment; following on-site decisions helps keep the entire family safe.
Summary of Odawara Children’s Forest Park Wanpaku Land
Odawara Children’s Forest Park Wanpaku Land connects large playground structures, bridges, slopes, and plazas across natural changes in elevation.
Choose a limited number of age-appropriate play areas, use the children’s train or road train to manage walking, and schedule breaks in advance for a comfortable visit.
Check the day’s status for playground equipment and rides, transportation, and weather, and keep making safe choices throughout the visit.
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