Introducing Okatake Park

Hello, this is Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’m introducing a hidden gem in Matsubase, Uki City:
[Okatake Park].
When locals think of Okatake Park in Matsubase, this iconic roller slide is the first thing that comes to mind!
It’s just the right length — exciting for elementary schoolers but still safe enough for little ones to enjoy ♪
Our fellow Sarukuma writer Gussan covered the park previously.

[Okatake Park – Matsubase, Uki City -] A park with a long slide and athletic equipment that even elementary schoolers love ♪

And here’s the exciting news — Okatake Park has a brand-new combination playground structure!
It’s cleverly designed so both younger and older kids can enjoy the same play structure, giving parents real peace of mind.
Surrounded by lush nature, this is one of our family’s favorite parks — your kids are guaranteed to love it too (^^)/
Drive up the slope through the residential area and you’ll arrive at the parking lot.
There’s plenty of space, plus additional parking a bit further down the hill — so no need to worry about competing for a spot ♪
Heads up: vending machines are only available at the parking lot.
Especially in summer, bring your own water bottle or grab a drink before heading down to the play area!
Right next to the parking lot, you’ll find a sports ground.
Restrooms are available at the parking lot and also near the playground area below.
The parking lot restrooms come equipped with Western-style toilets.
Diaper-changing stations are only available at the parking lot restrooms.
Good news for dads — there’s a diaper-changing station in the men’s restroom too!
This is the restroom in the lower playground area.
The women’s restroom only has Japanese-style squat toilets, but the multipurpose restroom is Western-style.
Toilet paper is provided, and although it’s a bit dim, the facilities are well-maintained.
Here’s the view from the parking lot.
The park sits on a high spot with great scenery, but the elevation difference is significant (^^;)
Since you’ll need to take stairs to get down to the play area, it’s best to skip the stroller on this trip.

Why Okatake Park Is Worth a Visit

And here’s the brand-new combination playground!
You’ll find it just below the roller slide, near the pond.
The ground here is a different surface — non-slip and easy to play on.
At most parks, you’ll see big play structures for older kids and smaller slides or spring rides for younger ones, separated into different zones, right?
But at Okatake Park, the same combination structure is divided by age — vertically!
It’s the first time I’ve ever seen a setup like this!
First, the lower level.
This section is designed for ages 3 to 6.

It’s lower to the ground, and the kids were having an absolute blast.
Large combination structures usually cater to older kids, right?
This design solves the classic dilemma — younger kids want to play on the big structure, but older kids find it harder to play freely. As a parent, this makes me genuinely happy!
There are two slides on the lower level.
There’s also a bouldering-style climbing wall.
Up here is the upper level — slides for ages 6 to 12.
There are three slides in total on this level.
Older kids will also love the monkey bars.
These colorful obstacles are so fun, kids will want to go back and forth again and again!
The adorable bee-shaped spring ride lets you sit face-to-face — perfect for parents and kids to ride together!
And right next door, you’ll spot ducks swimming in the pond.
My animal-loving son was instantly captivated.
For a rest, head to the classic sunflower-roofed bench area — a longtime park favorite.
There are also benches scattered around the pond.
Surrounded by nature, this park is perfect for a picnic — bring some bento boxes or snacks and enjoy the day ♪
The concrete pipe tunnels mentioned in Gussan’s article are still there too.
See if you can find them (^^)/

Of course, no visit to Okatake Park is complete without riding the legendary roller slide!
Be sure to follow the safety rules and have fun!
I saw one kid using a small grass-sledding mat, and they were going at incredible speed (^^;)
I went down with the kids ♪
I thought my thick winter clothes would protect me, so I didn’t put anything underneath — and my bottom was buzzing for a while afterward, lol.

But honestly — it was SO much fun!!
The slide takes you about halfway down the park.
To head back up, you’ll climb these stairs.
Beyond the combination playground, there’s even more to explore.
A mysterious-looking slide,
a net climbing structure that blends right into the background,
and a jungle-gym-like climbing structure.
The classic Tarzan rope is still standing strong.
The old jungle gym, however, has been removed.
There’s even outdoor fitness equipment for adults!
Honestly though, navigating this park’s slopes alone gives parents a solid workout, lol.
Hey moms and dads — usually, you’re just watching from the sidelines, right?
Why not make this weekend special and take a ride down the roller slide together with your kids at Okatake Park ♪
It’s the perfect spot to combine outdoor play with hands-on nature experiences ♪

[Okatake Park – Matsubase, Uki City -] A park with a long slide and athletic equipment that even elementary schoolers love ♪

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.