HAKODATE, Hokkaido — A Ferris wheel that debuted just five years after the end of World War II is still loved by families visiting an amusement park in this northern Japan city.
The Ferris wheel’s drive system was changed from wire-driven to pinion gear-driven in 1953, as seen at the Hakodate Park Kodomo-no-Kuni amusement park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, on Sept. 17, 2025. (Mainichi/Toshiki Miyama)
The aerial Ferris wheel at the Hakodate Park Kodomo-no-Kuni amusement park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, is known as the oldest one of its kind still operating in the country.
This “super veteran” ride began operations on Sept. 2, 1950, as Hokkaido’s first Ferris wheel. Originally located in Onuma Quasi-National Park in the town of Nanae, Hokkaido, its operations were temporarily halted before being relocated to Kodomo-no-Kuni in 1965, where it resumed running. Since then, it has been a beloved attraction for many families. In 2019, it was designated as a registered tangible cultural property of Japan.
The Ferris wheel features an 8-meter-diameter octagonal wheel attached to iron pillars, with eight bench-style gondolas suspended from it. Standing at a height of 10 meters, it offers views of the Tsugaru Strait, stretching between Hokkaido and Japan’s main island of Honshu, from near the top. A full rotation takes approximately 3 minutes and 45 seconds. Notably, the ride briefly stops for passengers to board and disembark, which is considered one of its unique charms.
Daichi Kato, 27, of Hokkai Kogyo Co., which manages and operates the Ferris wheel, stated, “We strive to maintain safety while preserving its original features through repairs.”
The amusement park is usually closed for the winter season from December to mid-March.
(Japanese original by Toshiki Miyama, Hokkaido Photo and Video Department)
A clear view of the Tsugaru Strait is seen from the Ferris wheel at the Hakodate Park Kodomo-no-Kuni amusement park in Hakodate, Hokkaido, on Sept. 17, 2025. For those aged 16 and older, the capacity is one person per gondola. For ages 6 to 15, up to two people can ride together. For children up to age 5, the capacity is three people, consisting of two children and one adult. (Mainichi/Toshiki Miyama)
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The Japanese version of this article was originally published on Oct. 5, 2025.
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This series explores Japan’s architectural wonders and secrets of yesteryear. Read more Retro Japan articles here.
AloJapan.com