Daniel Manning 
Godzilla tire structure at Nishi-Rokugo Park (©Japan Forward by Daniel Manning)
Nishi-Rokugo Park — better known as "Tire Park" — is a quirky playground in Tokyo's Kamata area that transforms old rubber tires into a wonderland of play. Tucked in Ota Ward, this imaginative park is famous for its playground equipment made almost entirely from recycled tires.
More than 3,000 tires have been repurposed here, forming everything from tunnels and swings to towering sculptures. The result is a joyful outdoor space that mixes creativity, sustainability, and fun.
A Playground Born from Recycling
Tire Park opened in 1969 as a community effort to repurpose industrial waste. Designers sourced thousands of discarded tires from nearby Kawasaki factories and turned them into play structures.
It was a bold, eco-conscious idea decades ahead of its time. The park quickly earned international attention for its innovative use of materials and remains a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. Additionally, the entire park is layered with soft sand, making it safer for running, jumping, and the occasional tumble.
Tires, Tires Everywhere
Walking into Tire Park feels like stepping into a rubbery fantasy world. The stars of the show are two massive Godzilla-like tire monsters, each standing around 8 meters tall and stretching over 20 meters long. Their tails double as tunnels for crawling kids, and their friendly grins invite selfies and exploration. These black tire beasts are instantly recognizable and have become a symbol of the park.
There's also a towering tire robot with outstretched arms and a whimsical rocket tower made from stacked tires and metal bars. There are also dozens of climbing and balancing structures built from rubber. Children can stack, bounce, and hop across a sea of half-buried loops arranged like a bouncy pathway.
A popular attraction is the tire slope — a hill where kids grab loose tires, lug them up to the top, and ride them down like sleds. It's chaotic, bumpy fun that brings out laughter from both children and parents.
Other features include a giant tire swing, seesaws fashioned from tires, and animal-like shapes, such as a coiled snail, all inviting freeform imaginative play. The tactile experience is also unique: the give of rubber underfoot, the grippy texture of the tire treads, and the sandbox-like terrain all contribute to sensory-rich adventures.
Fun for All Ages
Tire Park is designed primarily for kids, but its charm appeals to all ages. Parents often join their children in climbing and exploring, and many adults who played here as kids now bring their own families. The park's soft sand flooring and flexible tire surfaces help prevent injury, making it a safe place to let kids roam free.
Beyond being a playground, Nishi-Rokugo Park is a community landmark. Its creative use of materials and nostalgic feel make it a favorite for photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and travelers looking for something off the beaten path. It also offers a glimpse into mid-20th-century ideas about public space and sustainability — all while being irresistibly fun.
Know Before You Go
Location: 1-6-1 Nishirokugo, Ota City, Tokyo
Access: About a 10-minute walk from Zoshiki Station (Keikyu Line) or 15 minutes from JR Kamata Station
Hours: Open 24 hours. Admission is free
Facilities: Public restrooms, benches, vending machines
There is no parking lot, so public transport is recommended. The walk from Zoshiki Station includes a charming old-school shopping street where you can grab snacks for the park.
On sunny days, especially in summer, the tires and sand can get hot, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon is best. Sturdy shoes and clothes you don't mind getting sandy or dusty are recommended. Bringing a small towel or wipes isn't a bad idea either, especially for younger kids.
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Author: Daniel Manning
