Tucked away in the serene countryside of Wake Town, Okayama Prefecture, lies a hidden gem that combines exhilarating outdoor play with therapeutic hot spring relaxation. Wakemaro Park and Wake Ugaidani Onsen create the perfect duo for families seeking an authentic Japanese experience away from crowded tourist destinations. Picture your children laughing on colorful playground equipment while you plan an afternoon soak in alkaline waters that have been soothing visitors for three decades.
This comprehensive guide reveals everything international travelers need to know about these neighboring attractions, from navigating the facilities to maximizing your family’s enjoyment. Whether you’re planning a day trip from Okayama City or a weekend retreat, Wake Town offers an affordable, memorable escape that balances adventure with tranquility.
Why Visit May Not Be As Easy As You Think
Limited Operating Hours for Main Attractions
One of Wakemaro Park’s biggest draws—the mini SL train and go-karts—operates only on weekends and holidays from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you’re visiting on a weekday, these signature experiences won’t be available. This limitation can disappoint families who’ve traveled specifically to ride these attractions, especially international visitors with tight itineraries.
The indoor Children’s Play Area also has restricted hours, operating from 9:30 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, with a midday closure. It’s closed every Tuesday (or the following day if Tuesday is a holiday) and during the New Year period. For families with babies and toddlers who rely on indoor play spaces, careful timing is essential.
Transportation Challenges
Wake Town sits in a rural area, making access somewhat challenging without a car. JR Wake Station is approximately 30 minutes on foot from Wakemaro Park—manageable for adults but potentially exhausting with small children and luggage. While rental bicycles are available, they’re not ideal for families with very young children. The community bus operates on limited schedules, primarily serving local residents rather than tourists.
Dining Options Require Planning
The on-site bakery Maple Heim operates Wednesday through Saturday only, meaning it’s closed on Sundays, Mondays, and Tuesdays—precisely when many families visit. While Wake Ugaidani Onsen’s restaurant provides an alternative, its dinner service closes Monday evenings. International visitors accustomed to abundant dining options may find these limitations restrictive, making packed lunches a practical consideration.
What Makes These Facilities Exceptional
Remarkable Value for Families
Wakemaro Park’s affordability stands out dramatically. Park admission is completely free, as are the large-scale playground equipment, skate park, indoor play area, and most facilities. Only the rides require modest fees: mini SL train rides cost 200 yen per circuit, go-karts 200 yen, battery-powered cars 100 yen for two minutes, and bicycle rentals just 300 yen for an entire day. A family of four can enjoy hours of entertainment for under 2,000 yen—exceptional value compared to commercial theme parks.
Wake Ugaidani Onsen similarly offers outstanding pricing. Day-trip bathing costs 800 yen for adults and significantly less for children, granting access to indoor and outdoor baths, sauna, and herbal bath. The combination of park play and hot spring relaxation provides a full day’s activities at a fraction of typical tourist destination costs.
Alkaline Hot Spring Quality
Wake Ugaidani Onsen’s water quality deserves special recognition. With a pH of 9.5, it ranks among highly alkaline hot springs known for skin-softening properties. Despite being classified as a “simple hot spring” (containing fewer than 1,000mg of dissolved minerals per kilogram), the water displays distinctive characteristics—a slight cloudiness and subtle slipperiness that suggest sulfur content.
The spring produces 150 tons daily at 40°C, an unusually high temperature for Okayama Prefecture. This alkaline environment naturally softens dead skin cells, earning its reputation as a “beauty bath” particularly popular among women. The water’s therapeutic properties address neuralgia, muscle pain, joint stiffness, and circulation issues, making it valuable for both relaxation and wellness.
Wakemaro Park: Where Adventure Begins
Wakemaro Park, renamed from Ugaidani Traffic Park in April 2025, takes its new identity from the town’s mascot “Wakemaro-kun,” inspired by Wake no Kiyomaro, the historical Nara-period statesman born in this region. Located at the foot of mountains near the Yoshii River, the park’s distinctive white dome-roofed Wake Dome serves as a recognizable landmark.
Large-Scale Combination Play Equipment
The centerpiece installed in spring 2024 features a striking red locomotive and yellow helicopter that immediately captivate children. Beyond conventional slides, the structure incorporates spiral ladders, bouldering walls, balance beams, and crossing elements that challenge various physical skills. Town mascots Wakemaro-kun and Fujiko-chan watch over from above, adding local character.
The Trampoline Mountain provides a floating sensation that children find endlessly entertaining. This diverse equipment keeps kids engaged for extended periods, exercising different muscle groups while parents can supervise comfortably from nearby benches.
Thrill Rides and Space Adventures
Away from the main play area, the “Space Shuttle” roller slide lives up to its name with a design that appears ready for launch. Its moderate incline suits younger children while providing adequate thrills for older kids.
The Tarzan rope features a gentle slope prioritizing safety, allowing small children to experience flying through the air with parental assistance. Behind it, the arched bridge challenges climbers and hangers alike, developing balance and upper body strength.
Spring-mounted dragonfly seesaws delight toddlers with their gentle rocking motion, providing age-appropriate entertainment for the youngest visitors.
Mini Train and Go-Kart Experiences
Wakemaro Park’s distinguishing feature is the authentic mini SL train that actually runs on rails, offering genuine locomotive experiences at 200 yen per circuit. The leisurely journey around the park creates mini-adventure memories, particularly popular with multi-generational families who can ride together.
Go-karts allow children to grasp steering wheels and navigate designated courses, teaching traffic awareness through play. At 200 yen per ride, these experiences remain accessible.
Battery-powered cars offer an even gentler introduction at 100 yen for two minutes, perfect for toddlers not quite ready for pedal operation.
Children’s Play Area: Indoor Safety and Comfort
The indoor Children’s Play Area provides weather-proof entertainment for babies through preschool-aged children. Cushioned slides, foam block sets, bouldering walls, and indoor sandboxes create safe exploration opportunities. The soft materials ensure crawling babies and unsteady toddlers can play without injury concerns.
Infant toilets and nursing rooms demonstrate thoughtful family planning. Air conditioning and heating maintain comfort year-round, making this space invaluable during Okayama’s hot summers and chilly winters. Operating hours are 9:30 AM to noon and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, closed Tuesdays (or following day if Tuesday is a holiday) and during New Year’s.
Skate Park for Active Youth
The 2024-opened skate park accommodates skateboards, inline skates, and roller skates from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily at no charge. Mini ramps suit beginners through experienced riders. Helmet use is mandatory, and elementary school-age children require parental supervision. Note that skateboards and protective gear are not available for rental—visitors must bring their own equipment.
Bicycle Rentals and Katatetsu Roman Kaido
Bicycle rentals at 300 yen per day unlock access to the Katatetsu Roman Kaido, a 34-kilometer cycling route following the abandoned Katakami Railway line. This scenic path winds along the Yoshii River from Bizen City to Sakakihara, passing through pastoral landscapes and historical railway remnants. Families can tackle short sections, enjoying the romance of old Japan at their own pace.
Wake Ugaidani Onsen: Relaxation and Rejuvenation
Separated from Wakemaro Park by only a small stream, Wake Ugaidani Onsen has welcomed guests since 1995, marking its 30th anniversary in November 2025. The name “Ugaidani” (Cormorant Valley) recalls when the area raised cormorants for Yoshii River fishing, connecting visitors to local heritage.
Hot Spring Characteristics and Health Benefits
The spring water registers pH 9.5 as an alkaline simple hot spring, producing 150 tons daily at 40°C—unusually hot for Okayama Prefecture. While appearing nearly transparent, careful observation reveals subtle cloudiness indicating character. This slight turbidity likely results from sulfur content, distinguishing it from typical simple hot springs.
The high alkalinity softens skin through gentle exfoliation of dead cells, creating the slippery sensation bathers notice when rubbing skin underwater. This “beauty bath” quality particularly attracts women seeking natural skincare. Beyond cosmetic benefits, the water addresses neuralgia, muscle pain, joint pain, frozen shoulders, bruises, sprains, chronic digestive issues, hemorrhoids, poor circulation, post-illness recovery, and general wellness promotion.
As a hot spring enthusiast with sommelier training, I find this facility’s pride in water quality well-founded. Though classified simply by mineral content, the distinctive characteristics and therapeutic properties exceed typical simple hot springs, offering genuine therapeutic value.
Day-Trip Bathing Facilities
Day visitors access the baths from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM (final entry 9:00 PM) for 800 yen adults, 450 yen children, and 250 yen infants. After purchasing tickets from vending machines, visitors scan QR codes at automated gates. Those using credit cards should purchase tickets at the front desk on second-floor.
Towel rentals are available for a fee. Visitors bringing their own towels can save money. The changing rooms provide lockers for valuables and hair dryers for post-bath grooming.
The spacious bathing areas include large indoor baths, outdoor baths, saunas, and herbal baths. The garden-style outdoor bath offers seasonal views of surrounding mountains, enhancing the onsen experience with natural beauty. Overnight guests enjoy unlimited bathing throughout their stay, soaking morning and evening at leisure.
Year-Round Indoor Swimming Pool
The heated indoor pool operates 1:00 PM to 8:00 PM (until 4:00 PM Mondays), closed Wednesdays. Admission costs 500 yen for adults and 250 yen for children (under junior high school age) for two-hour sessions. The 25-meter pool and children’s pool accommodate lap swimming and family water play regardless of outdoor weather.
This combination allows strategic family division—children enjoying the pool while adults soak in hot springs, or alternating activities throughout the afternoon. The heated environment makes winter swimming comfortable, extending water recreation beyond summer months.
Restaurant and Accommodation
The on-site restaurant serves lunch 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM and dinner 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM (last order), closed Monday evenings. Non-guests can dine, making it convenient for Wakemaro Park visitors. The menu features hearty options including hamburger steak sets, tempura soba, pork cutlet bowls, and udon, with substantial portions satisfying post-play appetites.
Two children’s meal options come with gacha-gacha (capsule toy) machine privileges, delighting young diners. Local ingredients and seasonal offerings provide authentic Okayama flavors without excessive formality.
The facility offers 29 guest rooms mixing Japanese and Western styles, accommodating families of various sizes. The entire building features barrier-free design, ensuring accessibility for elderly guests and those with mobility challenges. Staying overnight allows deeper exploration of Wake Town’s seasonal festivals and surrounding nature.
Tennis Courts and Japanese Garden
Four omni-court tennis courts with lighting enable play into evening hours. The courts can be reserved for groups seeking athletic recreation beyond bathing.
The meticulously maintained Japanese garden provides contemplative strolling paths around scenic ponds. Seasonal plantings create changing landscapes—cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, vibrant foliage in autumn, and elegant snow scenes in winter. Post-bath garden walks offer gentle exercise and aesthetic appreciation.
Planning Your Perfect Day in Wake Town
Morning: Wakemaro Park Adventures
9:30 AM – Arrival and Indoor Play
Arrive when the park opens to enjoy the Children’s Play Area before crowds build. Early morning provides the calmest environment for babies and toddlers to explore safely. The indoor space offers climate control and soft surfaces ideal for warming up.
10:00 AM – Outdoor Playground Exploration
Move to the outdoor combination play structure when mini SL train and go-kart operations begin (weekends and holidays only). The morning sun illuminates the colorful equipment beautifully, and temperatures remain comfortable before midday heat.
10:30 AM – Riding Attractions
Experience the mini SL train’s circuit around the park, followed by go-kart driving adventures. Purchasing tickets early avoids potential afternoon lines during peak seasons.
12:00 PM – Picnic Lunch
Utilize benches and rest areas for packed lunches, or visit Maple Heim bakery if visiting Wednesday through Saturday. The park’s outdoor setting encourages leisurely dining while children continue playing nearby under supervision.
Afternoon: Wake Ugaidani Onsen Relaxation
2:00 PM – Hot Spring Transition
Cross the small stream to Wake Ugaidani Onsen, approximately a five-minute walk. Arriving mid-afternoon avoids peak bathing times while allowing ample relaxation before dinner.
2:15 PM – Bathing or Swimming
Adults can alternate between hot spring baths and pool supervision, or families can split activities based on preferences. The outdoor bath provides mountain views while the indoor pool offers active play.
5:00 PM – Restaurant Dinner
Enjoy hearty meals featuring local ingredients. Children’s meals include post-meal gacha-gacha excitement. The restaurant’s generous portions satisfy appetites worked up through day-long activities.
6:00 PM – Departure
Return to vehicles refreshed and satisfied. The Sanyo Expressway’s Wake Interchange sits approximately 10 minutes away, providing convenient highway access.
This itinerary balances active play, relaxation, and dining while respecting facilities’ operating hours and allowing flexibility for individual family rhythms.
Practical Information for International Visitors
Wakemaro Park Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Wake Town Masuhara Multipurpose Park (nicknamed Wakemaro Park) |
| Address | 681-1 Masuhara, Wake-cho, Wake-gun, Okayama 709-0452 |
| Admission | Free (some rides require payment) |
| Operating Hours | Varies by facility |
| Parking | Approximately 200 vehicles (free) |
Wake Ugaidani Onsen Details
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | 666-1 Masuhara, Wake-cho, Wake-gun, Okayama 709-0452 |
| Phone | 0869-92-9001 |
| Day Bathing Hours | 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (final entry 9:00 PM) |
| Day Bathing Fees | Adults 800 yen / Children 450 yen / Infants 250 yen |
| Pool Hours | 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM (4:00 PM on Mondays) |
| Pool Closed | Wednesdays |
| Pool Fees | Adults 500 yen / Children 250 yen (2 hours) |
| Restaurant | Lunch 11:30 AM-2:00 PM / Dinner 4:00 PM-8:30 PM (closed Monday evenings) |
| Closed | Irregular holidays |
| Parking | 150 vehicles (free) |
Access Information
By Train:
- JR Sanyo Line to Wake Station
- Approximately 30-minute walk or 10-minute bicycle ride to Wakemaro Park
By Car:
- Sanyo Expressway: Wake IC, approximately 10 minutes
- Chugoku Expressway: Mimasaka IC, approximately 45 minutes
- From Okayama Airport: approximately 60 minutes
By Bicycle:
- Rentals available at Wake Station and Wakemaro Park
- 300 yen per day
Essential Items to Bring
For Wakemaro Park:
- Comfortable, movement-friendly clothing
- Extra clothes (for spills and perspiration)
- Sun hats and sunscreen
- Water bottles
- Towels
- Basic first aid supplies
- Picnic blanket (for outdoor dining)
- Wet wipes
For Wake Ugaidani Onsen:
- Bathing towels (rental available)
- Swimsuits (for pool)
- Skincare products
- Hairbrush
- Diapers and wipes (for babies)
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (March-May): Cherry blossoms bloom around Wakemaro Park, and late April through early May brings Wake Town’s famous Wisteria Festival at nearby Fuji Park. Moderate temperatures make outdoor play ideal. Golden Week (late April-early May) brings crowds—visit early morning for better experiences.
Summer (June-August): Hot weather requires frequent hydration and rest breaks. Morning or late afternoon visits prove more comfortable. The indoor pool becomes especially attractive.
Autumn (September-November): Arguably the best season for visiting. Comfortable temperatures suit outdoor activities, and surrounding mountains display spectacular fall colors visible from the onsen’s outdoor bath. November 23 hosts Wake Town’s Hometown Festival with local products, performances, and community celebrations.
Winter (December-February): Cold weather makes hot springs especially appealing. The indoor Children’s Play Area provides warm entertainment. Fewer tourists mean peaceful, uncrowded experiences. Clear winter skies offer brilliant mountain views.
Considerations for Young Children
Nursing and Diaper Changing: The Children’s Play Area at Wakemaro Park includes nursing rooms and infant toilets. Wake Ugaidani Onsen similarly provides family-friendly facilities, ensuring comfort for parents with babies.
Dining: Wakemaro Park permits packed lunches with designated eating areas. Wake Ugaidani Onsen’s restaurant offers children’s meals. Families with dietary restrictions should inquire in advance or bring supplemental foods.
Managing Energy Levels: Children absorbed in play often don’t recognize fatigue. Schedule regular rest breaks with hydration. Avoid overly ambitious itineraries—following children’s natural rhythms creates happier experiences than forcing pre-planned schedules.
Exploring Beyond: Wake Town Attractions
Wake Shrine and Fuji Park
Located 15 minutes by car from Wakemaro Park, Wake Shrine venerates Wake no Kiyomaro, revered as a children’s guardian deity. Families participate in traditional coming-of-age ceremonies, inscribing babies’ names on stones to pray for healthy development.
Adjacent Fuji Park boasts Japan’s greatest wisteria variety—approximately 100 types collected nationally. Late April through early May brings cascading blooms in purple, pink, and white, with flower clusters exceeding one meter. Evening illumination creates magical atmospheres. Food stalls, traditional performances, and crafts accompany the festival.
Okayama Prefectural Nature Conservation Center
Situated in 200-meter-elevation hills, this 100-hectare facility opened in 1991 for nature education. The center breeds 37 Japanese red-crowned cranes, designated Special Natural Monuments. Spring courtship dances showcase these elegant birds’ graceful wing displays. Walking trails reveal endangered plant and animal species within authentic satoyama (traditional rural) landscapes. Deep breathing in fresh mountain air refreshes body and spirit.
Katatetsu Roman Kaido Cycling Route
The abandoned Katakami Railway, which opened in 1923, now serves as a 34-kilometer cycling route from Bizen City to Sakakihara. The path follows the scenic Yoshii River through pastoral countryside, passing former station sites and railway artifacts. Historical romance meets outdoor recreation on this gently graded route suitable for casual family cycling. Wakemaro Park’s rental bicycles enable exploration of route segments.
Wake Town’s Cultural Festivals
Wisteria Festival (Late April – Early May)
Wake Shrine’s adjacent Fuji Park hosts Okayama’s premier spring event. The 7,000-square-meter garden features 7-meter-wide wisteria trellises extending 500 meters total, showcasing approximately 100 varieties from 46 Japanese prefectures plus Chinese and Korean cultivars. Purple, pink, and white blooms create nature’s tapestry, with various cluster lengths and double-flower types.
Evening illumination beginning around 6:00 PM transforms the garden into an ethereal landscape. Festival stalls sell regional foods while stages present taiko drumming, koto music, umbrella dancing, and traditional folk performances. The diversity of wisteria varieties and accompanying cultural programs make this event regionally significant.
Wa Character Fire Festival (August 16)
At 8:00 PM on August 16, concurrent with Kyoto’s Daimonji festival, a massive “和” (wa/harmony) character illuminates Kannon Mountain’s hillside. The character measures 65 meters vertically by 75 meters horizontally, creating a dramatic nighttime spectacle.
The Yoshii River park grounds host food vendors and attractions. Before ignition, all lights extinguish—stalls included—creating profound darkness. The gradual appearance of the flaming character holds crowds in reverent silence. Once fully lit, approximately 1,200 fireworks burst overhead with elaborate set pieces, bringing the fire ceremony to crescendo. Kiyomaro Taiko performances connect visitors to local history and culture.
Wake Hometown (Furusato) Festival (November 23)
Held annually on Labor Thanksgiving Day (November 23), this community gathering celebrates regional identity. Approximately 50 vendors sell local specialties, handicrafts, and festival foods. Flea markets offer treasure hunting opportunities.
Main stage entertainment includes musical performances, dance, and variety shows appealing to all ages. Combined with Wakemaro Park and Wake Ugaidani Onsen visits, autumn in Wake Town provides comprehensive cultural and recreational experiences.
Making Your Japanese Family Journey Extraordinary
Wake Town demonstrates that authentic Japanese family travel exists beyond major tourist circuits. Wakemaro Park and Wake Ugaidani Onsen exemplify community-focused facilities prioritizing affordability and genuine enjoyment over commercial exploitation. Children laugh freely on well-maintained playgrounds while parents soak in therapeutic waters, all at prices that seem almost impossible in modern Japan.
The historical connection to Wake no Kiyomaro, the natural beauty nurtured by the Yoshii River, and the preserved railway heritage along the Katatetsu Roman Kaido create layers of meaning beyond simple recreation. Seasonal festivals invite participation in living traditions, transforming visitors into temporary community members rather than passive observers.
For international families seeking to understand Japanese rural life, family values, and community spirit, Wake Town offers something precious—a glimpse of everyday Japan where warmth and welcome exceed any guidebook description.
Enhancing Your Journey with Expert Support
Navigating rural Japan’s seasonal festivals, understanding hot spring etiquette, coordinating transportation with limited English signage, and maximizing family comfort in unfamiliar settings can challenge even experienced travelers. These authentic experiences that create the most meaningful memories often present the most logistical complexity.
A dedicated tour conductor service provides invaluable support for families visiting Wake Town and similar destinations. Unlike conventional guides, tour conductors specialize in itinerary management—ensuring smooth transitions between locations, coordinating timing with facility hours, arranging transportation, and handling unexpected situations. They offer interpretation support, assist with local purchases, and manage emergency arrangements if needed, allowing families to focus entirely on creating memories rather than solving problems.
Professional tour conductors understand that authentic experiences require authentic contexts. They don’t perform guide activities but ensure you arrive at the right places at the right times, fully prepared to immerse yourselves in each experience. For families seeking to explore Japan’s genuine character beyond standard tourist routes, this specialized support transforms potential stress into effortless discovery.
Learn more about how dedicated tour conductor services can elevate your Japanese family journey at https://e-stay.jp/en/tour-conductor/
Wakemaro Park and Wake Ugaidani Onsen await your family with open arms, natural beauty, and the quiet confidence that simple pleasures create the deepest joys. Come discover why this Okayama sanctuary might just become your family’s favorite Japanese memory.