Top 6 Unique Playgrounds in Tokyo, Tokyo Travel
※updated on July 22 2025
When you think of parks, you might imagine places where children play, scattered throughout cities. For many, parks are nostalgic spots filled with childhood memories. This is true not only in Japan but worldwide—playgrounds are important spaces for kids. However, in recent years, parks have also become essential urban spaces for adults. People busy with work during weekdays often spend weekends relaxing with friends or loved ones in parks. For international tourists, Japanese parks offer a unique cultural experience. Many visitors find the design and atmosphere of Japanese parks interesting, especially when compared to parks in their home countries.
While parks are mainly known as playgrounds, some have unique sculptures or art installations based on historical or cultural backgrounds. These mysterious objects sometimes leave visitors wondering about their purpose, sparking curiosity and a sense of exploration. This is part of the charm that parks offer, making them enjoyable “playgrounds” even for adults.
In this article, we introduce Six playgrounds in Tokyo that feature intriguing and mysterious sculptures. If you're looking for a slightly unusual and fascinating space to visit, these parks are definitely worth checking out.
1) Ohjima Komatsugawa Park
Oshima Komatsugawa Park is a spacious, community-focused park located just a 3-minute walk from Higashi-Oshima Station on the Toei Shinjuku Line. The park is divided into five distinct areas, including a sports plaza, an athletic playground, and a barbecue area, offering various facilities for visitors. It is a beloved spot frequently used by local residents.
One of the park’s highlights is the striking sculpture located on “Tenbo Hill” (Observation Hill). At first glance, it resembles a fish with a human-like face, featuring prominent protrusions that look like ears or dorsal fins. This unique art piece, titled “VISITOR FROM MU NO.II,” was created by artist Izumi Ando. The work imagines a visitor from the mythical lost continent of Mu, said to have sunk beneath the Pacific Ocean about 12,000 years ago. It invites visitors to reflect on the existence of other civilizations and poses the thought-provoking question: “How would these visitors evaluate our modern society?”
Additionally, from this hill, visitors can enjoy a beautiful night view of the Tokyo Skytree illuminated in the distance. For those interested in unique landscapes and contemporary art, Oshima Komatsugawa Park is a hidden gem worth exploring.
2) Harimazaka Sakura Namiki
Located about a 7-minute walk from Myogadani Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Harimazaka features a stunning row of cherry blossom trees. Historically, around 120 cherry trees were planted along this street, lovingly nurtured by the local community. Every spring, the cherry blossoms bloom in full, creating a breathtaking archway that feels like walking through a tunnel of sakura.
Along this cherry blossom-lined street, you’ll also find a unique art installation called “Chikasui” (Underground Water). The sculpture depicts a figure lifting their legs in a V-shape, with a slender, flat form that leaves a strong impression. While the artist’s intent remains undisclosed, the piece seems to quietly watch over the longstanding history and the growth of the cherry trees in this traditional neighborhood.
Nearby is the Koishikawa Botanical Garden, and the area is characterized by retro buildings and a calm, charming streetscape. Harimazaka is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll, combining seasonal beauty, contemporary art, and historical ambiance.
3) Kaiserslautern Square
Tokyo features several parks that showcase international friendship through unique sculptures, such as Donau Square in Minami-Senju. Near Myogadani Station on the Tokyo Metro, Kaiserslautern Square is a park symbolizing the sister city relationship between Bunkyo Ward and Kaiserslautern, Germany.
Unicorn sculpture is a legendary creature in European mythology, the unicorn represents “great power.” As the largest sculpture in the park, it immediately catches the eye with its striking presence. The figure is composed of a deer’s head, elephant’s legs, boar’s tail, and horse’s body, creating a fascinating hybrid.
4) Itabashi Traffic Park
Located about a 10-minute walk from Tobu Tojo Line’s Oyama Station, Itabashi Traffic Park is a unique facility dedicated to children’s traffic safety education. The park features pedestrian crossings and traffic signals where kids can learn traffic rules in a fun and interactive way by riding go-karts.
Within the park, children can be seen playing energetically in a safe environment, making it a安心 (safe and reassuring) place for parents as well. Additionally, the park displays retired buses and train cars that were once in operation, all open for free viewing. This gives visitors a nostalgic experience reminiscent of Japan’s Showa era, making it a popular spot for taking photos that look like stepping back in time nearly 100 years.
Itabashi Traffic Park is an ideal destination for family outings or casual visits, offering a perfect blend of education and entertainment—a hidden gem for those exploring Tokyo with kids.
5) Sanyabori Park
About a 10-minute walk north from the famous Sensō-ji Temple, you’ll find Sanyabori Park, a unique urban space dotted with intriguing art installations. This park is located along a historically significant route where “Chokibune” boats once ferried passengers to the old Yoshiwara red-light district.
The area is also famous for Imado-yaki pottery, traditionally popular as affordable souvenirs. Today, charming ceramics featuring motifs such as foxes and cats are still widely produced and displayed, making it a delightful spot for photography enthusiasts.
Sanyabori Park offers visitors a fascinating blend of history and contemporary art, providing a cultural stroll through a space where Tokyo’s rich past and artistic creativity come together.
6) Nishi-Rokugo Park (Tire Park)
Nishi-Rokugo Park, located in Ota City, Tokyo, is a one-of-a-kind public park affectionately known by locals as “Tire Park.” As the name suggests, the park features a variety of playground equipment and sculptures made from recycled car tires, creating a playful and distinctive atmosphere.
The park’s most iconic attraction is a giant Godzilla-shaped tire sculpture, which has become a beloved symbol and a favorite among children. You’ll also find unique playground equipment not commonly seen in typical parks, such as tire-made slides, swings, and climbing structures. For families traveling with children, this park offers a perfect opportunity to take a break from sightseeing and create memorable experiences.
The spacious park includes grassy lawns and benches, making it ideal for a relaxing picnic or a laid-back afternoon. It’s located about a 15-minute walk from JR Kamata Station or around 10 minutes on foot from Zoshiki Station on the Keikyu Line.
While it’s not a major tourist attraction, Nishi-Rokugo Park offers a great chance to experience Tokyo’s local lifestyle and community spirit. It’s especially recommended for travelers with young children or those looking to explore lesser-known, off-the-beaten-path spots in the city.
Nearby, you’ll also find interesting historical sites such as Rokugo Shrine, considered the main Shinto shrine of the Ota area, and Kitano Shrine, also known as “Tome Tenjin,” which is associated with a legend from the Edo period about a shogun who miraculously avoided falling off his horse.
Which park do you think your child would like? Please make your trip to Tokyo memorable for your children!
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