Opening hours, fees and event dates change. Before you go, please confirm the latest details on each facility's or organizer's official information.
Higashimurayama is a “family-friendly” town
Though not far from central Tokyo, Higashimurayama is a town with abundant greenery. Hachikokuyama, said to be the setting for Totoro; Kitayama Park, famous for irises; Central Park, which preserves Musashino's coppice woods — letting children play freely in nature is a major draw. On top of that, there are indoor play spots you can enjoy even on rainy days, and parent-child rooms where families with babies can relax. Here we've organized “where and how you can play” by type. Choose to suit your child's age and the day's weather.
Out in the open — parks and nature
On a sunny day, head first to a park. Higashimurayama Central Park, besides its lawn and play equipment, lets you splash in summer at the spiral wading pool “Maimai Pond.” Kitayama Park has lovely June irises, and around it is Hachikokuyama Woods. Hachikokuyama is a gentle ridge-path stroll, perfect for nature observation too.
- Higashimurayama Central Park: lawn, play equipment, summer Maimai Pond (wading pool). Free, with parking.
- Kitayama Park: the June Iris Festival. At the foot of Hachikokuyama, pair it with a stroll.
- Hachikokuyama Woods: ridge-path walks and nature observation. The forest said to be the setting for Totoro.
Even on rainy days — indoor play spots
On days when the weather is uncertain, or hot summer and cold winter days, indoor play spots are a help. Higashimurayama has five “municipal children's halls” that anyone aged 0–18 can use for free, where you can play actively even in the rain. With a baby (mainly 0–2), the parent-child room “Corocoro no Mori” near Kumegawa Station is recommended. It has nursing and diaper-changing spaces, so it's reassuring even for first-time parents.
Read about Higashimurayama municipal children's halls (play even in the rain) →Read about Corocoro no Mori (parent-child room for ages 0–2) →A slightly special experience — history and nature hands-on
“Hachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato,” at the foot of Hachikokuyama, is a facility for learning about the Sayama Hills' nature and a Jomon-period site (the Shimoyakebe site) in a fun way. It also has “little experiences” you can do anytime, like crafts with acorns and leaves, so even small children can enjoy it easily. Touching a bit of old life in Totoro's countryside — an experience unique to Higashimurayama.
Read about Hachikokuyama Taiken-no-Sato (history experience with kids) →Don't forget the meal after playing
After plenty of play, everyone's hungry. How to find shops with tatami seating or private rooms that you can enter with kids without worry is covered in the column “Kid-friendly meals in Higashimurayama.” Plan play spots and meals as a set, and the day flies by.
Read about kid-friendly meals in Higashimurayama →Each facility's opening days and hours, the water-play season and event content change by season and year. Especially for Maimai Pond (summer only) and children's-hall / Taiken-no-Sato events, check each facility's official information for the latest before you go.
Sources