Bungo-Mori Roundhouse in Kusu Town is a rare combination of a historic roundhouse, SL exhibit, a wide outdoor park, and a miniature train ride. I visited with my 2-year-old and my teen, and surprisingly, both of them enjoyed the place for completely different reasons. This guide is based entirely on real experiences, focusing on what families truly need when visiting.
Extremely Easy Access (Right Next to the Station)
Bungo-Mori Station is only a few seconds to one minute away from the park entrance. This “station-side location” is a huge advantage for families:
- No long walking required
- Easy to reach even while carrying a toddler
- Stroller-friendly distance
Note: The park itself is fully outdoors, so on rainy days, you will get wet even though the station is very close.
What Is Bungo-Mori Roundhouse?
This site preserves a historical semicircular train garage once used for steam locomotives. Today, the facility offers:
- SL exhibit (located outdoors in a wide park)
- Indoor exhibit with small trains (compact indoor area)
- Miniature train rides (outdoors)
- Beautiful “anime-like” photo scenery
The SL area, in particular, is spacious and great for families with small children.
What My Kids Loved (Different Ages, Different Fun)
✔ Toddlers: Mini Train Ride = The Best Part
My 2-year-old absolutely loved the outdoor miniature train ride. The ride is longer than expected and feels real enough for toddlers to get excited.
- Approx. 1 lap per ride (long enough to enjoy)
- Price: 200 yen per ride
- Children under 3: Free (must ride with a guardian)
*Note: Schedule varies. Always check the official website before you go.
✔ Teens: “Anime-Like” Scenery That Looks Straight Out of a Movie
My teen loved the scenery and said it looked like a scene from “Suzume no Tojimari” (Suzume). With the combination of the old tracks, open grassy areas, retro buildings, and the sky spreading overhead, the entire place feels like an anime location.
This makes it especially appealing for visitors who love Japanese animation.
Outdoor Park vs. Indoor Exhibit
✔ Outdoor SL Exhibit: Wide & Safe
- Very spacious
- Easy to supervise toddlers
- Stroller-friendly
- Perfect for photos
✔ Indoor Small Train Exhibit: Compact & Quick
- Easy to enter
- Wide enough for young kids
- Can feel crowded on busy days
- Short viewing time
Knowing the difference helps you plan your walking route smoothly.
Café Nearby: “Kusu Mori no Crayon”
Right next to the park is a convenient café called Kusu Mori no Crayon. Their bread is delicious, and takeout is available. On sunny days, it’s perfect to bring your bread to the park and enjoy a picnic while watching your child run around.
Recommended Visit Duration
Total time including everything (mini train, SL area, photo time): about 1 hour or a little more.
Recommended For
- Families with toddlers
- Teens who love Japanese anime scenery
- Children who love trains or vehicles
- Families wanting a safe and open space
- Travelers exploring Yufuin, Kuju, or Hita
Things to Know (Simple & Important)
- The park is fully outdoors → avoid rainy days
- Very limited shade → hats recommended in summer
- Mini train ride may get busy depending on the day
Summary
Bungo-Mori Roundhouse is a rare family destination where toddlers and teens can both enjoy the same place in their own way.
- SL exhibit in a spacious outdoor park
- Mini train rides perfect for toddlers
- Anime-like scenery great for teens
- Extremely close to the station
- Picnic-friendly with a café nearby
If your family includes children with different interests and ages, this is one of the easiest and most enjoyable spots to visit in Oita.
