HYPER LOCAL NAGOYA
Welcome to the “Through a Hyperlocal Family’s Journal”, the series where we sneak a peek into the ordinary daily lives of Nagoya’s local families and unearth the hidden gems and hyperlocal scenes! Today, we’re taking a glimpse into one Sunday afternoon of a local family to discover their time at Hongu Park, located in Nagoya’s Minato-ku, a hidden gem that typically only the locals seem to know or care about!
*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!
A super ordinary relaxed holiday avoiding crowds.
On a Sunday at the end of cherry blossom season in April, my family and I decided to visit Arako Park in Nagoya’s Minato ward for one last look at the blossoms. However, upon arriving, we found a long line of cars waiting to park, and quickly gave up. We drove around aimlessly, trying to figure out where to go, until we stumbled upon Hongu Park, a hyper-local gem that only the locals seem to know about.
The park had a few cherry blossom trees along the road, making it the perfect place for families to enjoy some quiet time away from the crowds. It was spacious, with plenty of room to run around and play ball or use the playground equipment. It was perfect for kids of all ages, though it could get a bit crowded on weekdays.
And of course there was its iconic “Mt. Fuji slide”, which is a unique playground equipment that originated in Nagoya a beloved fixture for local children! It was quite a sight to see in the middle of the park!
On a warm Sunday afternoon with the sweet scent of spring in the air, we stumbled upon this hidden gem and had a great time. It’s funny how we often overlook the places in our own backyard, but it just goes to show that sometimes the best adventures are the unexpected ones.
