Mihashi Park – Mihashi Recreational Park, 三橋総合公園, is a park enjoyed by locals in Nishi ward. Unlike other parks in the area it has plenty of free parking and for the most part it is free to play in, but the sporting facilities have a nominal fee. They also have some battery operated cars which cost money to use. In summer, there is a seasonal outdoor pool. It will open in 2022 for the first time in three years.
Mihashi Park
The park is conveniently located off route 17. The sports facilities include an indoor community pool within the park, as well as another indoor community center with various courts and rooms. And there are tennis courts in the park too. There are 2 playgrounds, a running / cycle track and plenty of open spaces for children to play in. At least two of the open spaces allow children kick a ball around or play baseball.
The main playground boasts lots of different athletic type playground equipment. The wooden pirate ship with lots of climbing and slides was the flagship of the main playground, if you’ll pardon the pun. It was replaced in 2017 by more modern equipment, but in order to keep the beloved symbol of the park they designed it with a bow and ship masts. However, that is all that is in keeping with the original structure.
Playground
2018 Mihashi Park main piece of playground equipment
The above photo replaced the old popular wooden ship play equipment pictured below:
They are still adding to this playground with at least 3 other new pieces going in:
Other equipment in this playground encourages climbing skills, such as the monkey bars, climbing wall and ropes. There is also a net climbing attraction, which proves very popular, as you can see in the photo below. However, that is currently out of bounds while they add some more pieces to the new playground. (Spring 2018)
There is good shade around the circumference of this playground, as there are lots of trees making it ideal for picnicking in the summer. And by mid afternoon the playground is mostly in the shade. There are also picnic tables dotted throughout the playground.
The park has vending machines that sell drinks and sometimes there is a van that sells pot noodles. There are toilets beside the car park, the tennis court and in the sports facility opposite the swimming pool.
Near the tennis courts there is another, smaller playground suited to toddlers and smaller children. It has swings as well as the roller slide pictured above.
Another attraction of this park, for my kids anyway, is the abundance of insects. Today, for example, my kids and their friends (who we brought to the park with us), caught over 20 grasshoppers, beetles and crickets. 🙂
Cherry Blossoms Miharashi Recreational Park
Moreover, it is a lovely place for a quiet hanami. Particularly with kids. The cherry blossom trees in the park are mature, but it is not a park renowned for its trees so there aren’t crowds like in Omiya Park or other nearby parks. They have cherry blossom tunnels in two different locations. And there are areas where you can see cherry blossoms contrasted against different vegetation.
Mihashi Park Outdoor Pool
The Mihashi Park outdoor pool will open in 2022 for the first time in three years. It will only be available in the month of August. On weekdays it is opening from 9 am to 5 pm and to 6 pm on weekends. They are only allowing 160 people in each day and you need to purchase a ticket in advance. Tickets can be bought from 7-11. More information for the 2022 pools from the official site.
Find other summer pools open in 2022 here.
Mihashi Recreational Park Information
Address: 5 Mihashi, Nishi Ward, Saitama City
Access by car: 10 minutes from the Yono exit of the Shuto expressway (Omiya route). Located at the intersection of R17 and R2.
By Train: take a bus from Omiya station West exit to Mihashi Park.
TEL: 048-623-0505
Looks a fab park – my daughter would love it!
I’ve been here once, it’s a nice place,love the pics.
Thank you for your comment Seema 🙂