I am visiting Hirakata Park (ひらかたパーク) today and just wanted to share — it’s such an unexpected little gem.
It’s a small local theme park between Osaka and Kyoto (right off the Keihan Line), and it honestly feels like time stopped there around the early 2000s — in a good way.
Its Wednesday and the place is almost empty. No lines, no crowds, just me hopping from ride to ride. The park’s a bit run-down in parts, but it has this really nostalgic, cozy atmosphere — old-school music, polite staff, and families wandering around without any rush.
The wooden coaster “Elf” and the Red Falcon are surprisingly fun, and the Ferris wheel gives a great view of Osaka. Definitely not Universal Studios Japan, but if you want something more relaxed and local, this place has real soul.
Tickets were kinda cheap too (entry ¥2,000 + unlimited ride pass ¥3,400).
If you’re in Kansai and want a low-key day away from crowds, it’s worth the trip.
Anyone else been recently? Curious if it’s always this quiet or if I just got lucky midweek.
by ScannerToScan
6 comments
Ohhh I’ve never heard of it! Would you say plus sized people could ride the rides?
Not super plus size as I can do most of the rides at universal Japan (except the Hollywood rollercoaster)
Hirakata Park gets busy on the weekends especially, and the water park is popular in summer. It’s popular with grade school kids and also families who don’t want to wait in lines all day like at USJ.
There aren’t a ton of food options around Hirakatakoen (more near Hirakatashi), but I’d recommend Kappou Fujii. Great cost performance for the quality of food you get.
https://kappoufuji.com/
I agree! I hate lines so really enjoyed this park last time I went!
Any photos?
Oh hey! The city I live in got mentioned!
Honestly haven’t been there in the 2 years I’ve lived here, but I think I’ll be checking it out soon. Thanks for the info!
Love the wooden roller coaster.
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