11 Parks in Saitama For Art and Outdoor Enthusiasts to Explore

In Saitama prefecture, there are large parks throughout the area where families can enjoy their holidays in the great outdoors. There are endless ways to enjoy in Japan parks, from savoring pleasant weather, appreciating art, and engaging in outdoor sports.

This time, we handpicked 11 large parks in Saitama prefecture. We will introduce parks where you can play with various athletic facilities and equipment, as well as parks where children can experience exciting things.

Scroll through the list and find a park that your children or friends will surely enjoy!

 When it comes to large parks in Saitama prefecture, the National Musashi Hills Forest Park is a must-visit. It is Japan's first national park, boasting an area 65 times the size of Tokyo Dome.

Since the park is very large, it is recommended to check in advance which area you want to visit. You can also get around the park by cruising on a segway in a guided tour. Participating in a guided tour may also be enjoyable, as you can leisurely stroll around the park.

 If you book through Klook, you can receive a refund even if your plans change suddenly with their "Cancellation Protection" option. By adding Klook's "No Show" refund option, you can still receive a refund even if the free cancellation period has passed, as long as the voucher has not been used; Klook will refund 60% of the payment amount. Any reason for cancellation is accepted, and you can request a refund even after the date of use has passed. Just check the "No Show" refund option at the checkout screen, and it will be applied.

The Saitama Children's Zoo and Nature Park is a zoo where approximately 180 species of animals live and also happens to be also a popular park bustling with many families on holidays.

There are athletic courses for elementary school students and up, as well as playground equipment for younger children, and even dinosaur monuments, making it a popular spot in Saitama Prefecture. You can bring your own lunch and have a picnic too.

At Chichibu Muse Park, which is so vast that you can't see everything in one day, there are plenty of things to see and do. You can interact with small animals, experience horseback rides, and it's a valuable opportunity for children too. You can see popular animals such as koalas, quokkas, and capybaras, and there are many fun activities to experience. It's a recommended park packed with charm, and admission is free.

Throughout the park, there are small playground equipment for young children, and the Chibikko Square, which has an observation tower, is particularly lively with energetic children. For elementary school students in fourth grade and above, you can enjoy the "Forest Adventure Chichibu" where you can experience a full-fledged athletic course, and the "F1 Resort Chichibu" where you can experience racing.

 In the center of the park, the Sky Road has a train-shaped Sky Train that goes back and forth, making it easy for families with young children who find it difficult to walk long distances to move around effortlessly.

Maruyama Park in Ageo is a large park that focuses on the harmony between water and greenery, with a square and a small animal zoo along a large pond. It is also known for its beautiful cherry blossom trees and iris fields.

 The roller slide and wooden play equipment are popular among children. In the summer, the water play area also becomes lively. The park is free to enter, and visitors can enjoy the small animal zoo where Asian small-clawed otters, meerkats, and Japanese macaques live.

The "Nature Learning Hall" in the park is currently holding various events and workshops. It seems like a valuable opportunity for parents and children to experience nature together.

The Kawaguchi Municipal Green Center is a park located in a nature-rich area with lots of outdoor structures where children who love trains and insects will surely enjoy.

The 'Wanpaku Plaza' is a popular area with large slides such as observation slides and roller slides. You can also ride the mini train! In 2022, a new area opened up, and now there are full-scale athletic facilities for elementary school students and small children's play areas. In the 'Insect Forest', butterflies and dragonflies gather seasonally, so it's nice to take a stroll while searching for them.

This is a large park that has been selected as one of Japan's top 100 urban parks, and beautiful flowers bloom in each season. It is enjoyable for a wide range of generations, so it is recommended to invite grandparents as well. 

Honjo's largest park is the "Honjo Comprehensive Park." There is also a citizen's ballpark where official Eastern League games are held in the park.

Named the "Wanpaku" area, this park has a wide range of playground equipment, including a long roller slide and climbing wall, a surefire hit with the kids! The most popular attraction is the "Fuwafuwa Dome," an air trampoline that allows children to play with energy and enthusiasm. The park is also known for its beautiful lotus flowers blooming in the trees and pond. It's a great place to visit during the season when the plum blossoms, cherry blossoms, and ginkgo trees turn into autumn colors. Admission to the park is free.

The "Chikosan Park" is a large park that makes you feel like you're exploring in the woods, and the admission is also free. It's a great place to enjoy nature and the zoo.

Surrounded by nature, "Picnic Square" and "Wanpaku Forest" have various playground equipment and athletic areas where children can play and have fun on weekends. The biggest highlight is the "Children's Zoo." Despite the admission fee of 200 yen for adults and 50 yen for elementary and middle school students, it is full of impressive sights and can be enjoyed by both children and adults. The monkeys living in the Monkey Mountain soaking in hot springs during winter and the adorable sight of Tenjiku mice crossing the bridge in a line are particularly popular. The fact that it is the perfect size to explore with small children is also a great point.

The Hanyu Suigo Park is a large park known for its rich water features, and it is the only place in Japan where the natural monument "muji-na-mo" grows. Admission is free, and the park has a botanical garden where it's recommended to take pictures of children against the backdrop of seasonal flowers.

At the "Mizube no Wonderland" playground in Saitama Prefecture, there is a large play equipment featuring the prefecture's mascot, "Kobaton," which stimulates children's curiosity with its unique design. This area also features several other unique play structures. Additionally, visitors can enjoy canoeing in the pond where waterfowl swim (limited to Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays from March to November), which is a special feature of this park.

Inside the park, there is also the "Saitama Aquarium", where various freshwater fish live. Children would surely be delighted to observe the swimming of the small-clawed otters behind the glass or feed the carp in the pond.

Since its opening in 2019, Moomin Valley Park has been a popular spot in Saitama Prefecture. There are various facilities and attractions based on the Moomin stories, and just by walking around the park, you can fully enjoy the charm of Nordic culture and the world of Moomin.

Named "Hemulen's Amusement Park," the athletic equipment and the zip-line adventure called "Flying Oni's Zip-Line Adventure," designed for children in third grade and above, are sure to be an exciting experience for kids.

Adjacent to it, the "metza village" is a stylish spot where you can enjoy outdoor activities. You can play in Japan's largest net adventure, go canoeing, and have valuable experiences here too. If you purchase tickets in advance, you can smoothly enter the park by presenting your ticket vouchers on your smartphone on the day of your visit. Be sure to check it out and book your tickets here!

The Musashino Jyurin Park is located within the lush greenery of the Higashi-Tokorozawa Park, and its permanent exhibition "TeamLab: Resonating Life in the Acorn Forest," produced by the digital art collective TeamLab, has been attracting attention.

The fantastical space where countless objects in the forest light up and make sounds is sure to capture the imagination of children. You can even touch and move the objects, so even young children can enjoy it.

 It's available for immediate use, and is 100 yen cheaper than purchasing at the window on the same day. We'll now provide a more detailed introduction of teamLab: Resonating Life in the Acorn Forest!

Nora Myoko is an outdoor facility that gives off a Nordic vibe. It is a stylish spot where you can spend your holidays, making the most of the abundant natural environment.

You can enjoy Nordic-style barbecues, tent saunas, and even glamping accommodations to fully immerse yourself in nature and forget about the hustle and bustle of daily life. It's recommended to also stop by the adjacent day-trip natural hot spring "Sawarabi no Yu" for some relaxation.

You can also enjoy the Nordic atmosphere at the "Moominvalley Park" and "Tove Jansson Akebono Children's Forest Park," which are both located about a 30-minute drive away. If you combine these destinations, you are sure to have an even more enjoyable time! Have a stylish and relaxing holiday.