Toilet Park

There’s a big children’s park in Ichinohe (halfway between Misawa and Morioka) called Iwate kodomo nomori (Iwate prefecture children’s forestry park), or as most people I know call it: toilet park.  Here’s the link (in Japanese).  http://www.iwatekodomonomori.jp/access/index.html

And here’s why we call it toilet park:

I try to picture the board of directors sitting around an enormous conference table brainstorming theme ideas for the next great children’s museum and park. 

Boss of directors: “We need something that will fascinate our youngest generations to greatness.  A theme both inspiring and educational, something no one has dared dream in the past.” 

New guy standing in the corner: “How about poop?”

And there you have it.  A successful idea.

Did you just ask, “So what’s in the giant toilet?”  Do I really need to say what the “hat” is supposed to represent?

Lift the tail, put your hand inside and what do you find?

When I first saw these signs at all the restrooms, I thought they were monkeys with funny hairdos.  Not so.  They’re happy children with smelly hats.

Okay, now that I got that out of my system (no pun intended), I do have to say that this place was actually really neat.  We were there for at least 3  hours, and there was still more to do.  They had toys, playgrounds and a host of activities for everyone.

Alex enjoyed playing with the cars in the pretend onsen (not joking).

Mark loved all the hands-on play.

 

Alex took over the subway.

Katya the short-order cook.

Like father like son.  Did I ever mention I worked at Baskin-Robbin in college?

From subway driver to firefighter . . .

to sushi artist . . .

to beach-bum.  That’s my Alex.

Just out the back there was even more to do.

The view from behind the waterfall.

Alex “Huck Finn” Watson.

There were even bikes and trikes to ride around.

All in all, a wonderful family day.  We’ll definitely be heading back there again.

PS if you want directions in English, let me know.  It’s really easy to get there.

Rob