While visiting Kochi, I found a place that's perfect for families: Wanpark Kochi.
Admission and parking are both free, and you can see adorable animals such as lions, zebras, cheetahs, gorillas, and guinea pigs up close. At certain times, there are also hands-on experiences with rabbits and other animals. Kids are sure to have a great time!
The park isn't very big, so it's just the right size for a leisurely visit. There's also a small amusement park, and those looking for a little more excitement can pay separately to ride the attractions. It's free and fun, so it's no wonder it makes you want to visit again!
Wanpark Kochi | Review by wendy
Other Reviews by wendy
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Dogo Onsen Station
Dogo Onsen Station of the Iyo Railway city tram is the closest station to the famous "Dogo Onsen", believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring.
If you come to Matsuyama, be sure to take the train to Dogo Onsen Station and explore! Known as the gateway to Dogo Onsen, believed to be Japan's oldest hot spring, it's also a photogenic spot with a retro atmosphere. The eye-catching Botchan Train is parked nearby. Inspired by Natsume Soseki's novel Botchan, it became a classic symbol of Dogo because the novel's protagonist rode it. After exploring the station, head straight to the Dogo Onsen shopping street, where you'll find souvenirs, food, and desserts. It's a charming place to stroll and browse!
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Botchan Karakuri Clock
To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the construction of Dogo Onsen Honkan (main building), this mechanical clock was built in 1994 at the Hojoen Garden, located in front of the Dogo Onsen tram station. From 8 am to 10 pm, every hour (and every 30 minutes on weekends, holidays, during the months of March, April, August, and November, during Golden Week, and over New Year's), the clock performs to its music, giving a vibrant welcome to those visiting Dogo Onsen.
After browsing the Dogo Onsen shopping street, it's about a 5-minute walk to Dogo Onsen Station! In front of the station, the Botchan Karakuri Clock puts on its hourly show right on time, with a steam train joining in. As soon as the music starts, the clock suddenly seems to come alive, with characters appearing one after another and its mechanisms opening up layer by layer. The whole plaza instantly turns into a little theater, making it hard not to stay until the end! Afterward, slowly walk back toward Dogo Onsen and keep browsing and shopping.
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Dogo Shotengai (Dogo Haikara Dori)
Nicknamed “Dogo Haikara Dori”, the Dogo Shotengai is a shopping arcade connected to Dogo Onsen Honkan. At 250-meters in length, this L-shaped shopping arcade connects the stretch from the main building of Dogo Onsen to Dogo Onsen Station, the final stop on the Iyotetsu train lines.
Dogo Shopping Arcade “Dogo Haikara Dori”
If you visit Dogo Onsen, Japan’s oldest hot spring, I really recommend staying overnight! After soaking in the hot spring, head straight to this lively L-shaped shopping arcade to enjoy food, shop for souvenirs, and browse unique little stores—you won’t want to go back to your hotel. It’s even more atmospheric when the lights come on at night. Take a leisurely stroll and soak up the charm of the old hot spring town. This is the right way to experience Dogo! -
