The Japanese sougou 総合 is used to indicate a multi-purpose park and that is exactly what Hidaka Sougou park is. It is often translated into Hidaka Total Park in English. The park is free in, with free parking. It is close to the golf course for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Here are some of the attractions it has to offer.
Hidaka Total Park
Playground
This playground was installed in March 2013, replacing a wooden athletic playground. Now it is a colourful combination equipment playground that suits children of many ages. There are climbing nets, monkey bars, balancing beams, slides, spring rides and sand pits. All, but the sand pits, displayed in photos hereafter.
Waterplay
This park boasts a 165 metre long “babbling brook” (せせらぎ水路） with a paddling pool at the base.
The wading river is protected by the trees, which afford shade during the hot summer.
Exercise Equipment & Flying Fox
There is also exercise equipment and a flying fox in the wooded area beside the playground.
Sporting facilities and club house
There are tennis courts, a baseball pitch, a soccer pitch and 400 metre running track, that can be used at a charge. The club house manages bookings. There is a shower room and toilets in the club house. The website and contact details of the park.
Seasonal Activities
- Hanami / Cherry Blossom Viewing Picnic Area
Hidaka Sougou Park is a popular spot during Japanese Cherry Blossom season. There is a long line of trees alongside the river with dedicated space for setting up picnic mats under the trees.
- Bug Hunting
The wooded area in Hidaka is ripe with wildlife during the summer. It is possible to catch beetles and stag beetles to keep as pets; a popular hobby of young Japanese children.
- Acorn Collecting
Kids love to collect acorns in Japan. This is one of many parks in Saitama, where you can find acorns.
- Geocaching
There are four caches hidden in Hidaka Total Park. (More on Geocaching)
Other facilities
There are toilets in the park, two of which are right beside the playground. You can also find a drinking fountain. There are changing rooms and showers in the Club House, which can be used at a price.
Hidaka Sougou Park Access
Address: 1500 Takahagi, Hidaka City, Saitama
Phone: 042-985-7161
By Car: Off route 407, near Musashi Takahagi train station, right beside Hidaka Country Club.
By Train: A fifteen minute walk from Musashi Takahagi Station on the Kawagoe line.
A DAY OUT IN HIDAKA
There are other nice parks and play areas near this park in Hidaka. I recommend Chikozan Park in neighbouring Sayama, with a small zoo and fun playground, and Saiboku Ham, which has a free play area, plus you a lovely (charged) athletic playground that was added in 2020, and can pay to enjoy an onsen there. The Saiboku onsen was recently reopened after a big reform. Market Terrace – a really great buffet restaurant, which has its address in Kawagoe, is actually quite close to the park.