Higashimurayama Central Park — Maimai Pond and splashing water play

✿A spacious park that keeps Musashino's greenery

Higashimurayama Central Park is a metropolitan park developed while keeping, as much as possible, the coppice woods that long spread across Musashino. A broad lawn, a bird sanctuary visited by wild birds, a stream-like “flow,” and a playground — it's a pleasant place just for a leisurely stroll. It's free and has parking, so it's easy to visit even with a stroller or small children.

✿The star of summer, the spiral “Maimai Pond”

Speaking of summer fun, it's the wading pool “Maimai Pond.” Not a square pool, it has, as its name suggests, a snail-like spiral shape. With filtration and sterilization, the water is clean, so it's safe even for small children. The depth changes gently from place to place, so you can play to suit your child's age. Beside the pond are a sandbox, play equipment, a roofed rest area and clean restrooms, so even if the kids tire of the water, you can enjoy a whole day here.

After playing at Central Park, go a little further to Kitayama Park, famous for irises, or Hachikokuyama Woods, said to be the setting for Totoro. You can enjoy Higashimurayama's “green walk” in full, together with your children.