There are plenty of activities available to enjoy in nature-rich Shizuoka. We visited Grinpa Amusement Park, located in Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture with Qaisar Shahzad, PhD student of Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, and Smirna Wirawanty Patandung, a Master’s student of Shizuoka University.
Grinpa is a theme park nestled on the slopes of Mt. Fuji. It features a campsite with stunning views of the mountain, as well as a variety of activities to enjoy amidst beautiful natural surroundings, including amusement park rides, buggy driving, and cycling.
Unfortunately, it was raining on the day of our visit. But no worries—Grinpa offers activities you can enjoy even in the rain! One of them is Asobium, an indoor activity facility where you can have fun without getting wet. It features trampolines, bouldering walls, teacup rides, and many other activities that let you move your body and mind to the fullest.
It was the first time visiting Grinpa for both Qaisar and Smirna. They decided to try Flog Hopper, a ride that lets you bounce 6 meters up and down like a frog.
Qaisar: "I’m a bit scared... but let’s do it!"
Smirna: "I heard the screams, and my heart is racing. But it must be fun!"
The rider before them screamed with every jump, making Qaisar and Smirna look a little nervous. But as soon as they hopped on,
their smiles broke through, and they couldn’t stop having fun!
Qaisar: "I had a blast!"
Smirna: "It was scary at the moment of dropping down from the top, but it was so much fun!"
Another activity that can be enjoyed even in the rain is the merry-go-round. While horses are the classic choice, Grinpa offers a unique twist with a variety of animals, including pigs, cats, and chickens. This retro-style merry-go-round boasts a history of around 50 years, dating back to the days when the park was known as Japan Land. It’s said to be one of only three of its kind in Japan, making it a rare gem.
Under the cloudy skies of Mount Fuji, the beautifully crafted animals gracefully move up and down to the rhythm of stylish music, creating a storybook-like experience.
Qaisar: “Amazing! We have merry-go-rounds in my home country, Pakistan, but I’ve never tried one before. This was my first time, and it was so much fun!”
Smirna: “It’s been ages since I last rode a merry-go-round. It brought back so many childhood memories!”
Though the rain kept us from enjoying outdoor activities, Grinpa is full of attractions to brighten even the gloomiest day.
Thank you, Qaisar and Smirna, for sharing your smiles with us today!
- Spot Details:
- Name: Amusement Park Grinpa
- Website:https://www.grinpa.com/
- Address: 2427 Fujiwara, Suyama, Susono City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan 410-1231
- Access: Accessible via local bus services from JR Gotemba Station, Mishima Station, and Fuji Station. Please check the website for details.
- Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM. Check the website for more information.
- Closed Days: Grinpa's closure schedule varies by season. Please confirm on the website.
- Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rL8r3U661gEbB26J9
Third-year PhD Student, at Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cooperative Major in Medical Photonics From Hafizabad, Pakistan Qaisar Shahzad
At university, Qaisar studies advanced medical imaging techniques, focusing on Diffuse Optical Tomography (DOT) and its application in cancer diagnosis. After graduating, his dream is to contribute to medical research by improving diagnostic tools for cancer, particularly through the development of non-invasive optical methods for early detection.
Second-year Master’s Student, Department of Economics, Shizuoka University Graduate School of Humanities and Social Sciences From Indonesia Smirna Wirawanty Patandung
Smirna’s research centers on the innovation ecosystem in the Asian region, with a focus on the growth of startups and support systems. She analyzes the characteristics of Asia’s business environment to understand the factors that foster innovation. After completing her studies, she hopes to gain practical experience in a Japanese company, enhancing her professional skills and knowledge. Her aspiration is to become a bridge between Indonesia and Japan, contributing to the economic and social development of both countries.