Full Sprints at Wind and Star Plaza! The Ultimate Grassy Haven for Active Dogs

I recently took my dog, Elmo, to “Kaze to Hoshi no Hiroba” (Wind and Star Plaza) on Mt. Eboshi in Sasebo, Nagasaki.

The drive involves winding your way up the mountain, but the moment you clear the final curve, the world suddenly opens up before you. True to its name—which translates to “Wind and Star Plaza”—it is a massive grassy field where you can feel the elements with your whole body. Situated near the summit of Mt. Eboshi, the park is well-equipped with a parking lot, restrooms, and gazebos for resting.

The second we hopped out of the car, Elmo was bursting with energy. Even on his leash, his front paws were already tapping in “dash mode.” Looking at the vast expanse, I braced myself with a smile: “Alright, I guess we’re both running today.”

It’s Massive! A Great Grassy Field Perfect for Frisbee

The best thing about Wind and Star Plaza is, quite simply, its scale. The lawn rolls across gentle slopes, and everywhere you look, there is nothing but green grass and open sky. For a dog like Elmo who lives to run, this place is paradise.

I brought a frisbee along, so we started with a casual game of toss. I began with light throws, but Elmo was so into it that I soon found myself launching full-power throws. He was in full-on sprint mode, and before I knew it, I was the one who was winded!

The lawn isn’t too bumpy, so the frisbee doesn’t roll away excessively—it stops just right, which is a detail I appreciated. While you might expect a mountain summit to be incredibly windy, we had a perfect tailwind that day, making the frisbee glide beautifully through the air.

Is a Long Leash Mandatory? Manners for Such a Vast Space

The biggest thing I realized while playing was that if you take your eyes off your dog for even a second, they could get seriously far away.

While the openness of the plaza is its charm, if a dog were to run off-leash, the distances are large enough that catching them would be a real challenge. Once they go over the crest of a slope, it’s easy for them to lose sight of their owner.

Elmo generally gets along well with other dogs, but he’s the type who can get a bit too excited and start barking back if things get rowdy. If your dog is prone to barking at others or tends to get a bit defensive, I highly recommend bringing a long lead.

As a public space, the basic rules—keeping dogs on a leash and taking trash home—are a given. Letting a dog off-leash can bother other visitors and, more importantly, puts the dog’s safety at risk. For our outing, I came prepared with:

• A sturdy long lead (not the retractable type).
• A tangle-resistant harness.
• A collapsible bowl for frequent hydration.

In a space this large, using a long lead is the perfect way to balance “letting them run free” with “safety and manners.”

A Breath of Fresh Air at the Wooden Tables: Perfect for a Picnic

In one corner of the plaza, there are several wooden tables and chairs that add a lovely touch to the atmosphere. These rustic sets nestled in the green grass feel like a little “picnic base camp.”

I had packed a simple lunch and some treats for Elmo, so we took a break there after our big run. Sitting at the table with Elmo resting at my feet while he drank his water was bliss. Perhaps because of the elevation, it felt a bit cooler than down in the city. Even though I was sweaty from running, the breeze felt incredible, and I found myself whispering, “I’m so glad we came.”

Depending on the table you choose, you can find some shade under the trees. If you visit on a day with intense sun, bringing a parasol or a large towel to use as a makeshift tarp would make things even more comfortable.

Sasebo’s “Reward Spot” for High-Energy Dogs

Wind and Star Plaza in Sasebo felt like a true “reward spot” where both Elmo and I could play to our hearts’ content and hit the reset button.

• A sprawling grassy field perfect for dogs who love to run.
• A location with an amazing sense of freedom and mountain breezes.
• An ideal field for frisbee, ball games, or just sprinting together.
• A long lead allows for plenty of freedom while staying safe and polite.
• Wooden tables and chairs provide a great spot for a relaxing picnic.

It’s easily accessible from central Sasebo and close to “Eboshi Sports Village” and nearby campgrounds, making it an easy addition to a dog-friendly road trip.

Elmo and I plan to head back during the evening next time. I can already picture us doing full-power sprints again, this time with the sunset and the glowing lights of Sasebo as our backdrop.