Luna Park, Maebashi

Luna Park (officially the Maebashi City Central Children's Amusement Park, nicknamed るなぱあく / Runapaak) is a compact public amusement park adjacent to Maebashi Park and the historic guest house Rinkokaku. It opened in 1954 and is widely described as Japan's most affordable amusement park, with free admission and ride prices ranging from just ¥10 to ¥50. The park occupies a modest 8,815 square meters and is operated by Maebashi City.

The park carries a layer of literary significance: Maebashi's most celebrated native son, modern poet Hagiwara Sakutarō (1886–1942) — considered the father of modern Japanese free verse — referenced an amusement park in his poetry, writing the word "amusement park" with the phonetic reading "Luna Park." This connection, along with the park's nearly unchanged retro atmosphere, has given it a cultural resonance beyond its role as a children's facility. The electric wooden horse (mokuba) near the entrance has been operating continuously since the park opened in 1954, making it the oldest working amusement ride in Japan and a registered Tangible Cultural Property.

The park contains more than 10 rides of various sizes, including a classic merry-go-round, a steam locomotive, mini helicopters, and a go-kart track. Large rides such as Hikkoto and Kuru Kuru Circuit cost ¥50 per ride, while smaller rides including the historic wooden horse cost ¥10. A major recent addition is Tokotoko Meijo (also known as the Tokoko Labyrinth Castle), a four-story, 13-meter wooden maze modeled on Maebashi Castle, featuring hidden doors, stamp rallies, and two levels of difficulty, available on weekdays only.

On weekends and public holidays, the park hosts live street performances and storytelling events. In summer, special evening sessions called "Runapaak DE Night" are held by reservation. The attendance capacity is capped at 530 people, and advance online registration is recommended for busy periods.

The park is approximately 15 minutes by bus from JR Maebashi Station on the Ryōmō Line via Nihon Chuo Bus, alighting at Luna Park / Rinkokaku-mae (1-minute walk), or via Gunma Bus from the North Exit of Maebashi Station, alighting at Maebashikoen-mae (5-minute walk). From Tokyo, take the Jōetsu Shinkansen to Takasaki Station (approximately 50 minutes), then transfer to a local train for 15 minutes to Maebashi Station.