Hyogo Prefectural Ako Seaside Park is a spacious recreational park in Ako City, Hyogo Prefecture. Opened in July 1987, it was developed on former salt-making grounds to showcase the region’s natural environment and rich history. With a wide range of facilities for sports, outdoor activities, and family recreation, the park is a popular destination for visitors of all ages.
Ako, located along the Seto Inland Sea, has a long tradition of salt production. For centuries, the area was home to traditional iri-hama salt fields, which used tidal water to produce salt. These were later followed by ryūka-shiki salt fields, which operated from the late 1940s through the late 1960s.
After salt production declined, the former salt fields were transformed into Ako Seaside Park, which opened in July 1987. The park was designed to preserve the character of Ako while providing recreational spaces and facilities suitable for everyone, from young children to older adults.
The park covers approximately 71.7 hectares on former salt-making land west of Ako Misaki Cape. Its southern side faces the beach, offering attractive views of the Seto Inland Sea. Seasonal flowers add color throughout the year, while the park’s varied natural environments make it a pleasant place for walking and observing wildlife.
One of its distinctive features is a pair of brackish-water lakes, where seawater and freshwater mix. This unusual environment supports a variety of aquatic life and reflects the park’s close connection with the sea.
Tateho Wakuwaku Land is an amusement area featuring rides and activities for children and adults. Attractions include a cycle monorail, go-karts, unusual bicycles, and coin-operated rides for younger children.
Other attractions include a land train, inflatable play equipment such as the Candy Kingdom and Fluffy Chick, the exciting Wakuwaku Dokidoki Maze, and the fairytale-style Yume Poppo train. The variety of activities makes this area especially popular with families.
At the center of the park are two artificial lakes, Akaumi and Shiraumi, where visitors can enjoy a relaxing ride on the water. Available options include rowing boats, swan-shaped pedal boats, canoes, and kayaks.
The lakes take their names from elements associated with Ako’s history. Akaumi, or Red Lake, refers to the reddish color of the plant known as tade, while Shiraumi, or White Lake, refers to the white color of salt, a symbol of the city’s traditional industry.
Water is drawn from the mouth of the Chikusa River, creating a brackish environment where seawater and freshwater mix. Fish and other aquatic creatures, including black sea bream, mullet, kuruma prawns, and swimming crabs, inhabit the lakes.
Wanpaku Square is an outdoor play area with free attractions, including a shipwreck-themed playground, athletic equipment, and a grass-sledding slope. In 2021, the area was expanded with play equipment for toddlers and a large multi-level adventure structure called Paradise Island Adventure.
Popular features include a roller slide, a Tarzan rope, the shipwreck playground, and Fairyland. Children can enjoy active outdoor play while families relax in the surrounding green spaces.
Located south of the open lawn area, the Seasonal Plaza is a spacious grassy area ideal for picnics, leisurely walks, and outdoor recreation. Families and groups can spread out on the lawn and enjoy the park’s relaxed atmosphere.
Fureai Road is a broad walking route that circles the park. Approximately 14 meters wide and 2,400 meters long, it provides plenty of space for walking, jogging, and enjoying the scenery at a comfortable pace.
Shio no Kuni is an educational facility attached to the Ako City Marine Science Museum. It recreates traditional salt fields, allowing visitors to learn about the techniques and history of salt production that once supported the local economy.
Opened in 1997, the Ako Seaside Park Auto Camping Ground is a well-equipped camping facility recognized with a four-star rating by the Japan Auto Camping Association. Accommodation options include family sites, open camping areas, and cottages.
Facilities include shower rooms and a shop, making the campground suitable for families and travelers who want to spend more time enjoying the outdoors.
Ako Seaside Park hosts events in every season, attracting visitors from the local area and neighboring Okayama Prefecture. Highlights include the New Year Wakuwaku Festival in January, the Hyogo Universal Marathon and Lohas Park Ako and Gourmet Festival in March and April, the Ako Ultramarathon in May, the Japan Short Triathlon Ako event in July, and the Ako Gishi Marathon in December.
These events offer a variety of ways to experience the park, from sporting competitions to food and community celebrations.
From JR Banshu-Ako Station, take a bus bound for Misaki or Kamenoi Hotel Ako and get off at the Ako Seaside Park-mae bus stop. The park is a short walk from the stop.
Hyogo Prefectural Ako Seaside Park combines coastal scenery, green spaces, family attractions, and opportunities to learn about the region’s salt-making heritage. Whether you are visiting with children, enjoying a leisurely outing as a couple, or looking for outdoor activities, the park offers plenty to explore throughout the day.