Scattered across the picturesque landscapes of Okayama, Hyogo, Gunma, and Aichi, Toy Kingdom offers four fantastic locations, each holding its unique charm while delivering the core Toy Kingdom experience.

I’ve now visited Okayama and Hyogo Toy Kingdom’s with my family. The photos on this post come from one or the other. Here is an overview of what to expect.

Entry, Attractions, and Playrooms

For a modest entry fee of around ¥1200, visitors gain access to the park’s interactive playrooms. Each room is thoughtfully designed, reflecting the distinctive charm of popular Japanese toy lines. Children can ignite their creativity with hands-on play involving beloved toys such as Licca, Mell-chan, Sylvanian Families, and Plarail. Moreover, the range of Kumon educational toys provides an ideal blend of fun and learning.

Beyond the intriguing playrooms, the parks also offer a delightful assortment of classic amusement park rides. From the gentle spin of merry-go-rounds and teacups to the thrilling rush of go-karts and compact roller coasters, there’s an attraction for every taste and adrenaline level. These rides carry an additional cost, ranging from ¥300 to ¥600.

You can also buy a Free Pass which allows you to enter the park and ride on all there attractions for around ¥3000. There might be some variations with costs, attractions and facilities across the 4 sites.

Toy Kingdom’s Okayama Park: Merging with Nature

Adding a charming twist to the camping experience, Toy Kingdom’s Okayama location is conveniently connected to Setouchi Natural Field camping grounds. A special package deal combines a camping site booking with the entrance to Toy Kingdom, providing a unique blend of tranquillity and imaginative play.

You can enter the theme park twice, on the day of arrival and the day following day. I guess, but not too sure, if you stay more than 1 night I guess you can enter for the additional days too.

Gunma’s Toy Kingdom: Adventure in the Forest

The Gunma Toy Kingdom unfolds as an enchanting Adventure Forest, offering an exciting blend of outdoor activities. Here, children can test their athletic skills on obstacle courses, engage in fishing, or splash around in delightful water play zones.

Aichi’s Toy Kingdom: Fun by the Beach

At Aichi, Toy Kingdom forms part of the captivating Beach Land. This location promises the joy of toys, an educational exploration of marine life through a fascinating Aquarium, and a BBQ area for relaxing family meals. The beach setting adds a unique charm to this Toy Kingdom park.

Hyogo’s Toy Kingdom: Cool off by Tojo Lake

Tojo Lake Toy Kingdom in Hyogo is a must-visit during the sweltering summer months. This park features a vast water park, where children and adults alike can cool off.

Whether it’s the nostalgic trip down memory lane, an adventurous day out, or a fun-filled day by the beach, Toy Kingdom ensures a magical journey for everyone. This playground lets imagination reign supreme, promising an unforgettable experience through the magic of toys.

Please visit the official Omocha Okoku おもちゃ王国 site (Japanese) for all the latest information about each facility.

Koraku-en (Okayama, Okayama)

Located in Okayama City, Koraku-en was constructed during the Edo period by the daimyo (feudal lord) Ikeda Tsunamasa. The garden is designed in the “kaiyu-shiki” style, meaning it is a strolling landscape garden meant to be enjoyed by walking around its many paths. Koraku-en is known for its vast lawns, ponds, tea houses, and the stunning Okayama Castle, which can be viewed from within the garden.

Koraku-en is not only an enchanting landscape garden but also a fascinating representation of Japanese culture and history. The garden features an unusual rice field, known as the Enyoutei Rice Field, a symbol of the importance of agriculture during the Edo period. As you explore the garden, you’ll also come across the unique Kojigoku-no-Taki, a small waterfall named after a Buddhist hell reserved for stingy people, urging visitors to be generous and kind.

Moreover, Koraku-en is a haven for birdwatchers, with over 100 species of birds calling the garden their home, creating a harmonious symphony of natural sounds.

Access to Koraku-en

Koraku-en is a 25-minute walk or a 10-minute tram ride from Okayama Station. If you choose to take the tram, disembark at Shiroshita Station, and the garden is a 5-minute walk away.

Kenroku-en (Kanazawa, Ishikawa)

Meaning “Garden of the Six Attributes,” Kenroku-en is situated in the historic city of Kanazawa in Ishikawa Prefecture. The garden was developed during the Edo period (1603-1868) by the Maeda family and is said to possess the six attributes of a perfect landscape: spaciousness, seclusion, artifice, antiquity, waterways, and panoramas.

One of Kenroku-en’s most captivating features is its age-old fountain, the oldest in Japan, which operates purely through natural water pressure. This fusion of traditional engineering and natural beauty is a true testament to Japanese ingenuity.

Additionally, the garden is famous for its use of yukitsuri, a technique of suspending ropes from the branches of pine trees to protect them from heavy snowfall. As you stroll through the garden, you’ll notice the iconic Karasaki Pine, a symbol of resilience and strength, which is also featured on the Ishikawa Prefecture’s emblem.

Access to Kenroku-en

Kenroku-en can be easily reached from Kanazawa Station via bus. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the garden is a short walk from the bus stop.

Kairaku-en (Mito, Ibaraki)

Kairaku-en, situated in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, was created by Tokugawa Nariaki, a regional lord, in 1842. Unlike the following two gardens, Kairaku-en was designed for the enjoyment of the general public as well as the ruling family. The garden is famous for its over 3,000 plum trees that bloom in late February and March, creating an enchanting atmosphere.

Kairaku-en is best known for its magnificent display of plum blossoms, with over 3,000 trees adorning the garden in shades of white, pink, and red during late February and March. The annual Mito Plum Festival celebrates this vibrant display, attracting countless visitors who come to enjoy the fragrant blossoms, traditional tea ceremonies, and live music performances.

As you venture through the garden, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Kobuntei, a three-story wooden house that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the serene Lake Senba and the bustling Mito City. This fusion of nature and urban life creates a truly unique experience for visitors.

Access to Kairaku-en

From Mito Station, take the bus bound for Kairaku-en and disembark at the Kairaku-en Bus Stop. The ride takes about 15 minutes, and the garden is just a short walk away.

The Three Great Gardens of Japan – Kenroku-en, Koraku-en, and Kairaku-en – are not only mesmerising examples of landscape design but also living pieces of history, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the country. Each garden offers visitors a unique experience, with spectacular seasonal changes, historical landmarks, and an atmosphere of serenity that can only be found in Japan. When planning your next visit to the Land of the Rising Sun, be sure to include these exquisite gardens in your itinerary.