Hanamaki Mokuiku Playland:
An Interactive Experience from Japan Returns to Hot Springs
Families in Hot Springs will once again have the opportunity to explore the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship and creativity this fall when Hanamaki Mokuiku Playland: An Interactive Experience from Japan opens at the Garland County Library Auditorium. The interactive exhibition will run from November 1 – December 14, 2025, offering six weeks of hands-on fun and cultural discovery for visitors of all ages.
Since opening in downtown Hanamaki, Japan, in 2020, the Hanamaki Toy Museum has become a beloved destination, celebrated for its beautifully crafted wooden toys and commitment to the concept of Mokuiku — “educational activities involving wood and trees.” This philosophy encourages children and families to connect with nature, sustainability, and creativity through hands-on play.
In 2024, Hanamaki brought a smaller traveling exhibit to Hot Springs, introducing over 1,200 visitors to the joy and wonder of Mokuiku. The enthusiastic community response inspired the team to return with an even larger, approximately 1,500-square-meter installation designed to engage and delight visitors on an even greater scale.
What to Expect
Hanamaki Mokuiku Playland transforms the Garland County Library Auditorium into a vibrant, interactive play space filled with beautifully crafted wooden toys and imaginative structures designed to inspire creativity, exploration, and connection. Families will have the chance to engage with hands-on exhibits, learn about Japanese design and sustainability, and experience the joy of play that transcends language and culture.
While last year’s experience was free, this expanded exhibit will include a nominal admission fee to support its sustainability while keeping it affordable and accessible to families. Tickets will be $8 for children and $10 for adults (13 and older). Weekday Passport tickets will be available for $24 for children and $30, and allow the ticket holder to come as many times as they like during the week for the duration of the exhibit.
A Partnership That Builds Bridges
The exhibit is made possible through the partnership of the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation and the Garland County Library, along with the dedicated team from Hanamaki, Japan. This collaboration is part of the long-standing Sister City relationship between Hot Springs and Hanamaki, now in its 32nd year, which continues to grow through cultural exchange, education, and friendship.
If you would like to volunteer, please email director@hotspringssistercity.org or SignUp Genius.
Diamond Diplomacy to Screen at Documentary Film Festival on October 11
Join us for a special screening of the film Diamond Diplomacy at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, proudly sponsored by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation, on October 11 at 5 p.m..
Directed by award-winning filmmaker Yuriko Gamo Romer, Diamond Diplomacy explores how baseball has connected cultures and brought people together across the globe. The screening will feature a special appearance by Masanori “Mashi” Murakami, the star of the film, and producer Loi Ameera Almeron.
Hot Springs’ rich baseball history and our sister city connection with Hanamaki, Japan make this a perfect celebration of sports, culture, and international friendship.
Tickets & Info: https://hsdfi.org/films-schedule/. Special Offer: Use discount code HSNP Sister-HSDFF for a special ticket rate!