This week’s hidden gem is a beautiful park with hidden statues, fish ponds, and lots of secret paths for the kids to explore. Discovered by family travel writer Wisterian Watertree, this gem is a secret little oasis located in a capital city on an island nation in the Pacific Ocean…

Any guesses where we are headed??

The list of reasons we travel with our children is infinite, but for many of us, it would all come back to the destination itself and the memories we create there. While we are busy exploring, broadening our horizons and diversifying our world views, sometimes we stumble upon completely wonderful and equally unexpected places.

These are our hidden gems… the places we soak up and yearn to go back to.

Our Hidden Gems series will uncover one-of-a-kind places discovered by our readers while traveling or exploring their own city. Whether it’s a beach, park, cafe, family-friendly hotel, hiking trail or other, enjoy these best kept secrets and be sure to add them to your list of places to go!

Tetsugaku-dō Koen 

Location: Tokyo, Japan – Approximately 900m North of Arayakushimae station on the Seibu-Shinjuku line in Tokyo. (Exit station, go right, cross the railway, and then walk straight.)

Discovered by: Wisterian Watertree currently lives in the neighborhood with his wife and triplets. He discovered this park soon after moving in.

Why We Love It: Created in 1904 by Inoue Enryo–philosopher and founder of Toy University–this park was originally planned as a philosophy lesson and place for spiritual training, but today it has both hidden statues, fish ponds, and open spaces. Tetsugakudou Koen literally translates to Temple of Philosophy Park. Tetsugaku-dō Park has a play area for children, toilets, a Japanese garden and a plum garden.

Why It’s Kid-Friendly: There are lots of hidden paths in the park and secret spaces to find. There is also an amazing playground in Nishi-Ochiai park, which is just across the main road.

Tips & Important Details: This place is not particularly stroller friendly, but it’s perfect for curious toddlers. Bring an extra change of clothes and dress them in dirt-resistant/play clothes. They’re going to have fun exploring! In the spring, the cherry blossom branches hanging over the Myoshigawa River is a beautiful sight to behold.

Cost: FREE!

Kids are always hungry! Know anywhere to eat nearby?: There are so many great local places on the nearby streets.

About Wisterian: He currently lives in Tokyo with his son and two daughters, (triplets) aged 4, and dreams of traveling as a family to Siem Reap in Cambodia. You can check out his website where he writes about traveling around Asia with his children.

We are continually adding to our list of Hidden Gems, so, if you have a favorite secret spot that we need to know about, please fill out our form and it will be written about for the Bébé Voyage community.

And be sure to let us know how your trip goes if you’re able to make it to this secret location! We love to see where our members go and hear about new and exciting places to travel with bébé. Use the hashtag #bebevoyage on any social media to share your trips or tips with us too. Happy travels!

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