As a child growing up in Britain, going to the playground with its greenery and good times was always something of a treat. In Tokyo, however, the nature aspect at least isn’t always so noticeable.
Although that said, once one has trekked there, fun is still fairly feasible.
As there’s not only sun, but some stuff to wile at least a short while away on.
Plus there’s an educational aspect to the entertainment too, as it conveniently conditions the kids to all the concrete they are eventually going to come into contact with.
Meaning that when they are old enough to go and roam around near the river,
the almost bamboozlingly realistic bamboo benches,
and carefully created logs they come across will — almost literally — simply seem like second nature.
Possibly even creating a temperament that doesn’t see the topography of tetrapods as unattractive, but instead as tantalising.
Or at the very least traditional.
Alt_eight says
The good ole Japanese concrete industry – one industry that is definitely recession proof…….
Alec_S says
I read somewhere that tetra-pods don’t actually work and may cause even more problems. The thing is I kinda like them.
Mark says
Looks like the place has a nice ambience accompanied by the constant roar of traffic on the expressway overhead…
Reminds me of reading Alex Kerr’s book: ‘Dogs and Demons – the Fall of Modern Japan’, which details Japan’s obsession of burying its green spaces and river banks under concrete.
sarasara says
Where did you take that picture of the concrete playground?
Near Osaki station?
Lee says
Nah, it was near-ish Hino station on the Chuo line sarasara. I dare say there are places just like it all over Tokyo though.
Finnish dude says
Ow, a secret playing ground for kids, how thoughtful. I bet a map in there is sold in cereal boxes 🙂
Tornadoes28 says
At least they can play when it’s raining.
Damon Coulter says
That is easily the worst park I have ever seen her, fantastic discover, as is this blog, nice work and nice take on the absurdity surrounding us. be be a regular reader from now on.
Damon