
Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 26 mm — 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Playing at Otsu's “Yumekko”
I came down with a cold the morning of the snow in Kyoto the other day, likely because I spent the previous day at a kids' play spot with Anthony. Anywhere where kids congregate is a human petri dish of microbial fun, so I probably picked up something then.
Kyoto City has a wonderful play spot for infants and preschoolers, the Play Land at its Kodomo Miraikan (“hall for children's future”), and Anthony has been enjoying it for the last four years. Zak invited us to come to Otsu City's version of the same thing, and I was astounded at how nice it was.
Otsu's Yumekko (“dream child”) play land is of a similar style to Kyoto's – lots of wooden toys and activity areas — but larger in every respect. Like Kyoto's, it's free for all.

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 38 mm — 1/180 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Balance

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 23 mm — 1/80 sec, f/4, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Mountain Peaks

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55 mm — 1/80 sec, f/4, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Making Train Noises
With Zak's son, Gen.

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 17 mm — 1/125 sec, f/3.2, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
A “C” of Polished Wooden Balls

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 45 mm — 1/180 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
There's Something About a Kid's Feet....

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 44 mm — 1/90 sec, f/2.8, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Checking Out the Marine Life

Nikon D200 + Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 @ 55 mm — 1/45 sec, f/5, ISO 640 — map & image data — nearby photos
Mini Slide
We were there for a number of hours, yet there were whole sections that we didn't get to. We'll definitely be back again (once I get over my current cold, and restock my supply of cold remedies).
That’s a lot of trees. But, it seems they died for a good purpose.
Wow. Does that ever look fun. My little guy would LOVE it. What I wouldn’t give to have one of those places near here.
Haha, Jon is right. By the way, I (and my son) loved Kyoto’s “kodomo-miraikan” (where I got to know our common American friend in 2007).