Safe and fun even in summer! 5 recommended playgrounds for children in Kofu
2026.05.18
2026.05.18
As summer approaches, Kofu is enjoying the bright blue skies of summer. Many people are probably thinking, “I want to have a blast playing with my kids” during their precious days off or weekends. From indoor spots where you can stay comfortable even on hot days to parks where you can play energetically in nature, Kofu has plenty of places for families to enjoy. We’ll introduce five recommended playgrounds in Kofu that you can fully enjoy this summer, categorized by purpose. Be sure to check them out as a reference for your outing plans.
Tips for choosing a playground for children in Kofu during the summer
The Kofu Basin, surrounded by mountains, is known for its intense summer heat. Therefore, careful consideration of location and time is crucial when going out with children. Here, we’ll explain key points for choosing playgrounds in Kofu during the summer where children can have fun and comfortably.
A comfortable indoor play area even on hot days
Even on scorching hot summer days or days with unpredictable weather, indoor playgrounds offer peace of mind. Children can move around freely in a comfortable, air-conditioned space without worrying about heatstroke. The ability to plan activities regardless of the weather is another great advantage. Some facilities even host workshops that parents and children can participate in together, creating lasting family memories.
Water play spots and parks where you can have a blast
One of the joys of summer is playing in the water. It’s recommended to choose parks with plenty of shade or to go during cooler times of the day. When playing outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and remember to stay hydrated and take frequent breaks. Also, be aware that in the middle of summer, playground equipment such as slides and monkey bars, as well as the asphalt on the ground, can become extremely hot, posing a risk of burns.
Choosing a playground that is appropriate for your age
Choosing a playground that suits your child’s age and developmental stage will increase their satisfaction. To ensure they can enjoy themselves safely, check that there are facilities and play equipment appropriate for each age group.
| age | Recommended types of playgrounds | Points to consider when choosing |
|---|---|---|
| Infants and toddlers (0-2 years old) | Local childcare support centers, indoor kids’ spaces | It’s reassuring to know that there are designated areas for breastfeeding and diaper changing. Choose a place with a dedicated area for babies where you can relax safely. |
| Toddlers (3-5 years old) | Parks with large playground equipment, indoor athletic facilities, zoos | Playgrounds with lots of physical activity and places where children can interact with animals are popular. Facilities that offer experiences that stimulate children’s curiosity are also recommended. |
| primary school students | Science museum, athletic facilities, sports park | Interactive exhibits that satisfy intellectual curiosity and slightly challenging play equipment make it even more enjoyable. The size and facilities for playing together with friends are also important factors. |
Recommended indoor playgrounds for children in Kofu
One of the great things about indoor playgrounds is that children can play freely even in the summer heat or during sudden rain showers. Here, we introduce two recommended spots in Kofu City where children can enjoy themselves all day long in a cool environment, regardless of the weather.
Ventforet Oshiroland
(Quote: From the official Instagram)
“Ventforet Oshiroland” is an indoor playground for children in Kofu City, whose naming rights are held by Ventforet Kofu, a J.League soccer team. It is produced by Bornelund Co., Ltd., which provides excellent play equipment from around the world, and is designed to allow children to build physical strength while playing and having fun.
Facility Overview and Access
| project | detailed |
|---|---|
| address | 1-10-7 Marunouchi, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Target age | Children aged 0 to 12 (elementary school students) and their guardians |
| Utilizing time | 90-minute sessions with rotation (cooldown system) |
| Usage fee | Children: 300 yen (per session), Parents: 200 yen (per day) *Free for children under 1 year old |
| access | Approximately a 10-minute walk from JR Kofu Station. There is no dedicated parking lot, so please use nearby affiliated parking lots (discounts available). |
| Official website | Kofu City Official Website |
Recommended points and points to note
One of the great things about this facility is that it’s divided into areas according to age and development, such as a “baby area” where crawling and toddling babies can play safely, an “active area” where children can move their whole bodies freely, and a “role-play area” where imaginative pretend play can be enjoyed. This means that toddlers and elementary school children can each enjoy themselves in their own way.
As a point of caution, it is the responsibility of parents to supervise their children’s safety, so please keep an eye on your child at all times. Also, since there is a complete changeover every 90 minutes, it is a good idea to check the usage time in advance to ensure a smooth experience.
Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum
(Quote: From the official Instagram)
The Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum is located on the lush, natural slopes of Mount Atago and is a distinctive facility with a building shaped like a ship. It offers many exhibits where you can learn about the wonders of science in a fun way by seeing, touching, and experiencing them.
Facility Overview and Access
| project | detailed |
|---|---|
| address | 358-1 Atago-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| Opening hours | 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry at 4:30 PM) |
| Closed days | Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday), New Year’s holidays, etc. |
| Usage fee | Permanent exhibition: General admission/University students 520 yen, Elementary/Junior high/High school students 220 yen, Preschool children free. *Space Theater requires a separate fee. |
| access | Approximately a 25-minute walk from the north exit of JR Kofu Station. Buses also operate on weekends and holidays. Free parking is available. |
| Official website | Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum Official Website |
Recommended points and points to note
The aquarium offers a wealth of interactive exhibits that stimulate children’s intellectual curiosity, including a device that generates tornadoes and a popular corner where visitors can experience simulated lunar gravity. The planetarium, with its impressive visuals, is also a popular attraction. There is a playroom for young children and a nursing room, making it a safe and comfortable place for families with babies.
Please note that there is an admission fee, and there is an additional charge for viewing the planetarium, so it is recommended to check the show schedule in advance.
Recommended playgrounds for children in Kofu [Enjoy the outdoors]
Here, we introduce outdoor playgrounds where children can play and move around to their heart’s content. These spots will stimulate children’s curiosity, whether they’re playing in nature or running around in historical places.
Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Kodomonokuni
(Quote: From the official Instagram)
This vast park, built to take advantage of the lush topography of Mount Atago, is adjacent to the Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum. With its panoramic views overlooking the Kofu Basin, it offers plenty of fun for children to enjoy all day long. There are numerous play areas, including athletic equipment and unique bicycles, designed to keep kids entertained.
Facility Overview and Access
| project | information |
|---|---|
| location | 358-1 Atago-cho, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| access | [Train/Bus] Approximately 20 minutes by Yamanashi Kotsu bus bound for “Prefectural Science Museum” from the north exit of JR Kofu Station (operates only on weekends, holidays, and during summer vacation) [Car] Approximately 30 minutes from Ichinomiya-Misaka IC or Kofu-Showa IC on the Chuo Expressway |
| parking | Yes (Free, 200 spaces) |
| Official website | Yamanashi Prefectural Atagoyama Children’s Land |
Recommended points and points to note
The large athletic playground “Adventure Fortress,” built into the mountainside, stimulates children’s sense of adventure. In the summer, “Lion’s Pond,” where children can play in the water, opens and is bustling with many families. The unique bicycle area, where children can enjoy riding bicycles with unusual shapes that they wouldn’t normally be able to ride, is also popular.
There are many slopes in the park, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Visiting the park in conjunction with the adjacent Yamanashi Prefectural Science Museum allows you to experience both play and learning, making for a fulfilling day.
Maizuru Castle Park Hydrangea Square
This plaza is located within the Kofu Castle ruins (Maizuru Castle Park), just south of Kofu Station. As its name “Hydrangea Plaza” suggests, during hydrangea season, hydrangeas bloom profusely around the plaza and along the path leading to the Inari Tower in Maizuru Castle Park. In spring, you can also enjoy cherry blossoms! The plaza has playground equipment for children, and its easy access by train makes it a great place to stop by.
Facility Overview and Access
| project | information |
|---|---|
| location | 2-4 Chuo, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| access | Approximately 3 minutes on foot from the South Exit of JR Kofu Station |
| parking | There is no free parking lot specifically for the park, but there are many paid parking lots in the surrounding area. |
| Official website | Kofu City Official Website (Kofu Castle) |
Recommended points and points to note
Its excellent access from the station makes it a convenient stop while waiting for a train or running errands. Children can play freely in this historical space where the original stone walls from when the castle was built still remain. Adults can also enjoy the panoramic views of Mt. Fuji and the city of Kofu from the observation deck.
Maizuru Castle Park has areas with playground equipment and areas with large lawns. While there is playground equipment in the “Hydrangea Plaza,” there are few places to get out of the sun, so be sure to take precautions against the heat, such as wearing a hat and staying hydrated, especially during the summer.
Recommended playgrounds for children in Kofu [Free to enjoy]
Midorigaoka Sports Park
If you want to have plenty of fun with your kids without worrying about your budget, Midorigaoka Sports Park is highly recommended. This sports park features an athletics track and baseball field, as well as a spacious lawn area and a playground for children, making it enjoyable for everyone from toddlers to adults. The open grounds offer plenty of space for various activities such as playing ball, running around, and picnics. On weekends, it’s perfect for families to get some exercise together or to relax with a packed lunch. It’s a popular local park where children can play freely while enjoying the changing seasons.
Facility Overview and Access
| project | information |
|---|---|
| location | 2-8-1 Midorigaoka, Kofu City, Yamanashi Prefecture |
| access | [By Car] Approximately 15 minutes from the Kofu-Showa Interchange on the Chuo Expressway. [By Bus] Approximately 15 minutes by bus from the south exit of JR Kofu Station, get off at the Shiobe bus stop, then walk for 5-10 minutes. |
| parking | Yes (free, approximately 300 spaces) |
| Usage fee | Free (some sports facilities require a fee) |
Recommended points and points to note
Midorigaoka Sports Park is an attractive park where children can run around freely in a spacious area. In addition to playgrounds, there are many grassy areas and open spaces, so children can enjoy various activities according to their age, such as running, playing ball, and practicing riding bikes. There are also benches and shady trees, so you can rest in the shade even on hot summer days. The area around the sports facilities is busy with people, so it is recommended to enjoy the park while keeping an eye on children to prevent them from running out into the street.
Enjoy some adorable gourmet food!
Koshu Yumekoji
Koshu Yume Koji is a retro-style tourist spot located right next to the north exit of JR Kofu Station. It features buildings that recreate the Kofu castle town from the Meiji to early Showa periods, and houses shops selling Yamanashi wines, accessories, traditional crafts, and more. Koshu Yume Koji also offers delicious food that will bring a smile to children’s faces! With cute-looking sweets and street food, it’s a place where families can enjoy themselves during their sightseeing. Why not take a stroll through the retro streets and enjoy some delicious Kofu specialties?
Hanasaku Coffee
(Quote: From the official Instagram)
At “Hanasaku Coffee,” be sure to check out the adorable sweets that the whole family can enjoy. From baked goods by “Caramel banana,” which has a workshop in the Kiyosato Highlands, to visually appealing cookies by popular icing cookie artist YUU, you’ll find sweets that are sure to bring a smile to any child’s face. Why not explore this stylish and warm space with your child and find your favorite treats?
ELMO ISOLA
(Quote: From the official Instagram)
Located in Koshu Yume Koji, “ELMO ISOLA” is a gelato and sweets cafe that can be easily enjoyed even with children. The colorful gelato and visually appealing sweets are very popular with kids. It’s a great place to stop by while strolling through the cobblestone streets, making it perfect for family sightseeing or weekend outings. In a relaxed and comfortable space, both adults and children can enjoy a moment filled with smiles.
Recommended places to visit near playgrounds for children!
Yamanashi Prefectural Library
The Yamanashi Prefectural Library is a popular spot that can be enjoyed not only by children who love books, but also by children who don’t usually go to libraries. The library has a “children’s area” with a wide selection of picture books and children’s books, where parents and children can enjoy reading together in a relaxed atmosphere. Regular storytelling events are also held, making it an attractive place to get acquainted with books in a playful way. Furthermore, it is easily accessible from the station and is a comfortable place to spend time even on hot or rainy days, making it a recommended rest stop during sightseeing in Kofu.
Koedo Kofu Hanakoji
“Koedo Kofu Hanakoji” is a recommended spot for families who want to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The streets, overflowing with a Japanese atmosphere, are lined with cute shops and sweets that will make you want to take pictures, and children will be excited to walk around. You can also enjoy eating snacks while walking, and admire the seasonal decorations, giving you a real sense of being a tourist. Furthermore, the plaza of the adjacent “Kameya-za” offers a spacious area where you can take a break or let children play freely, which is another great point. It’s a spot where parents and children can relax together in between sightseeing.
Yamanashi Jewelry Museum
The Yamanashi Jewelry Museum is a place where parents and children can learn together in a fun environment surrounded by sparkling gemstones and accessories. Yamanashi Prefecture is known as a region where gemstone polishing and the jewelry industry thrive, and inside the museum, you can see beautiful gemstones and craftsmanship up close. It’s perfect for children who love gemstones and minerals, and the colorful jewelry exhibits will be a fresh experience for any child! It’s a great place to experience the charm of craftsmanship, making it a recommended summer outing or a great starting point for a school project.
summary
As Kofu enters its peak summer heat, we’ve compiled a list of recommended playgrounds for families to enjoy. From cool and comfortable indoor spots to parks where children can play freely in nature, we’ve gathered the perfect places for summer outings. We’ve also included information on cute sweets, street food, and nearby tourist attractions that families will love. Find your family’s favorite spot and enjoy creating unforgettable summer memories in Kofu!
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