Kuragaike Park 鞍ヶ池公園

The park has a restaurant and shop run by Snow Peak, an outdoor apparel brand. Further down the hill, in the heart of the park, are five rectangular mobile bungalows designed by Kuma Kengo (b. 1954), the architect behind Tokyo’s National Stadium and French cultural center FRAC Marseilles. Kuma created these “Jyubako” (“living boxes”) in collaboration with Snow Peak, and the trailers are available to rent for luxury accommodation in the park. There is also a regular campground nearby, and visitors can rent tents and camping equipment from the Snow Peak store.

The park gets its name from Kuragaike Pond, which sits roughly in the middle of the park and features koi carp, waterfowl, and paddle boats. Other outdoor activities include a free zoo and an old train from the Nagoya Railroad (commonly known as Meitetsu), which has been restored and set up in the park. There is also a children’s play area and botanic gardens. Just beside the park is Toyota Kuragaike Commemorative Hall, a museum dedicated to the early history of Toyota Motor Corporation. The park is an excellent spot for picnics and is particularly popular in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

The park is accessible by car from the Nagoya-bound side of the highway and by bus from Toyotashi Station.