The Best Itinerary for Family Travelers to Get in Touch with Nature Around Koriyama Station

Koriyama City, one of the most populated cities in Fukushima Prefecture, is a popular shopping destination among residents of the prefecture as the city is located at the center of the prefecture and is the hub of public transportation. Around Koriyama Station, there are not only complexes such as “MOLTY” and “S-PAL Koriyama” (S-PAL郡山) but also facilities and parks that visitors can enjoy. In this issue, let’s take a look at 3 spots recommended especially for family travelers.

“Space Park”, a science museum, where you can overlook Koriyama from 96 meter high

“Space Park” (郡山市ふれあい科学館 スペースパーク) on the 20th floor through to the 24th of a shopping complex ‘BIG EYE’ (ビッグアイ) next to the west entrance of Koriyama Station is known for its planetarium that is located at the highest altitude among any other planetarium. At the exhibition area, you can enjoy ‘Moon Jump’ (ムーンジャンプ) where you feel the gravity on the moon, and ‘Triple Spin’ (トリプルスピン) to let you experience astronaut training. In addition, replicas of space suits for the astronaut on the Space Shuttle are on display. You can see, touch, and experience various things related to space. Besides, at the observation lobby on the 22nd floor, a panoramic view of Japan’s largest N-gauge diorama and the breathtaking view of Koriyama city from 96m above the ground await. Regardless of the weather, it is a perfect destination every generation can enjoy.

Opening Hours	10:00AM – 5:30PM (admission until 5:00PM) / Closed on Mondays, 31st of December and 1st of January
Address	2-11-1 Ekimae, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 1-minute walk from Koriyama Station
HP	http://www.space-park.jp/

A park to offer each season’s charm, “21st Century Memorial Park”

Located in the city center, as an interacting base for the citizens of Koriyama with abundant flowers, greenery, and water, and as a disaster prevention base equipped with earthquake-resistant water tanks and storage warehouses used in the event of a disaster, “21st Century Memorial Park” was opened in April 2003 in the theme of ‘a vibrant park loved and been proud by the citizens by bringing and gathering them’. Inside the park, you will find “Shiki-no Kadan” (四季の花壇, flower bed of four seasons) and “Mori-no Kadan” (杜の花壇, flower bed of forest) where you can admire tulips as well as other flowers and greens in each season. Inside “Tongari Fureai-kan” (とんがりふれあい館) close to the entrance of the park, there are a hall, a cafe, and other facilities providing events so that every visitor can enjoy the park.

Opening Hours	24/7
Address	1-16-17 Hayama, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 15-minute walk from Koriyama Station
HP	https://www.hayamanomori.com/index.php

“Kaiseizan Park”, a park where you can witness the Pokémon that brings happiness

“Kaiseizan Park” (開成山公園), a park with “Kaitakusha-no Gunzo” (開拓者の群像, a sculptured group of pioneers), is one of the landmarks of Koriyama City founded in 1991 as the birthplace of ‘Asaka Reclamation’ (安積開拓, a land reclamation project that had been taken placed in the early Meiji era). Many cherry trees planted at the time of reclamation make the park one of the most popular cherry blossoms spots in the prefecture. Also, it has been named of the Best 100 Historical Parks in Japan.

Moreover, playsets with the motif of a Pokémon “Lucky” (ラッキー) that is to support the revival of Fukushima, was opened. The huge “Lucky” can be climbed from the back, and there are slides and musical instrument installed, so you can enjoy in various ways. There’s also a rose garden with 800 roses of 400 species. Since the roses come to fully bloom in June and October, the garden opens publicly in June and October. Why don’t you visit the park cherished by the beautiful roses?

Opening Hours	9:00AM – 9:00PM
Address	1-5 Kaisei, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture
Access	A 10-minute bus ride from Koriyama Eki (郡山駅, Koriyama Station) to Koriyama Shiyakusho (郡山市役所, Koriyama City Hall)
URL	https://www.kanko-koriyama.gr.jp/tourism/detail2-1-349.html