Local Guide
5 recommended sightseeing spots in Kumamoto City that you can fully enjoy with your children

Kumamoto City is close to both downtown and nature. Also known as the "City of Forests," the city has a lush green environment even in the city center. Furthermore, there are cultural facilities such as museums and historical Experience Facilities, which offer a wide variety of exhibits and Activities to tickle children's intellectual curiosity. We have carefully selected some of the most recommended spots. An experience that will remain in your children's memories for a lifetime may be waiting for them on this trip.

Let's enjoy learning about Kumamoto's history and nature through a variety of exhibits that will tickle your curiosity!

The full skeleton of Stegodon, which is approximately 3.8 meters tall up to the shoulders, is a powerful sight.
The full skeleton of Stegodon, which is approximately 3.8 meters tall up to the shoulders, is a powerful sight.

The concept of this comprehensive museum is "Kumamoto's memory to be connected to the future." The theme of the permanent exhibition on the first floor is history. Visitors can trace the transition of Kumamoto from the Paleolithic Age to the period when the Kato and Hosokawa families ruled the city, and then to the modern era, using valuable materials.
The theme of the permanent exhibition on the second floor is nature. In addition to exhibiting the whole body skeleton of Stegodon, a member of the elephant family whose fossil was found in the seas around Kumamoto, the diversity and attractiveness of the creatures and plants living in Lake Ezu and Mount Kinpu in Kumamoto City are introduced.

Planetarium and lectures for children

The planetarium also has sofa-type family seats, making it safe for children.
The planetarium also has sofa-type family seats, making it safe for children.

There is also a planetarium where visitors can enjoy beautiful starry skies and powerful images. The planetarium runs for about 55 minutes, including commentary, but on Saturdays, Sundays, and national holidays, it also offers a family hour for toddlers, which is 10 minutes shorter than usual.
Other classes for children, such as "Children's Science and Manufacturing Class" and "Children's Nature Study Class," are held irregularly, mainly on weekends. In addition, a steam locomotive 9600 that actually ran on the tracks is on display outdoors. The variety of exhibits that stimulate the curiosity of children and adults alike will make you lose track of time.

Local Guide Comment
Materials related to Kumamoto's history, culture, people, and nature are displayed in fun and easy-to-understand exhibits, all of which are well worth seeing. Lectures for children require advance registration, but if there is space available on the day, participation is possible.
Kumamoto Museum
  • Address 3-2 Kokyo-machi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 5 min. walk from "Sugitang" streetcar stop.
  • Hours of Operation 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Mondays (if Monday is a national holiday, the museum will be open on Monday and closed the following day), December 29 - January 3
  • Admission Fee Museum admission: Adults 400 yen, high school and university students 300 yen, elementary and junior high school students 200 yen
    Planetarium admission (separate admission fee required): Adults 200 yen, high school and university students 150 yen, junior high school and younger students 100 yen
    Admission is free for infants and elementary/junior high school students living in Kumamoto City (must bring name tag or student ID book).
  • TEL 096-324-3500
  • Parking None

A rooftop garden so lush with greenery you'll forget you're in the city

A giant white slide and playground equipment allow children to play freely.
A giant white slide and playground equipment allow children to play freely.

Sakuramachi Kumamoto is a Commercial Property that houses the Sakuramachi Bus Terminal, the starting point for bus transportation in Kumamoto. In this place where many people come and go, there is a lush green garden called "Sakuramachi Garden," which is hard to believe it is on the rooftop of a building.

The vast site of approximately 3,000 m2 consists of a rooftop park where children can play around, a rooftop court where events are held, and the "Sakuramachi Garden," which is reminiscent of the garden that was once created here by the Hosokawa clan, the lords of the Kumamoto domain. The entire site is planted with a variety of plants, including plum trees, weeping cherry trees, Japanese maples, and sarusuberi.

You can even see a giant Kumamon waving his hand every hour!

The Kids' Terrace on the 5th floor, where you can meet the giant Kumamon. Use the outside stairs to get down from the Sakura Machi Garden.
The Kids' Terrace on the 5th floor, where you can meet the giant Kumamon. Use the outside stairs to get down from the Sakura Machi Garden.

Each floor of Sakuramachi Kumamoto has a terraced street view terrace. One floor down from the rooftop Sakuramachi Garden, the 5th floor Street View Terrace features an expansive kids' terrace where a giant 4-meter-long Kumamon welcomes visitors. every hour from 9:00 to 21:00, Kumamon waves to them for 3 to 4 minutes. The waving figure can be seen from outside the building, so many people stop to watch.
The rooftop garden also has a pond in the center, which is a popular spot for playing in the water during the summer. Sometimes events such as fairs are held here.
The garden is worth visiting because you can experience seasonal plants and even see Kumamoto Castle from the rooftop of the building.

Local Guide Comment
The third floor of Sakura Machi Kumamoto is equipped with a spacious diaper changing room and nursing room, so visitors with small children can feel at ease.
Sakuramachi Kumamoto Rooftop Garden (Sakuramachi Garden)
  • Address Sakuramachi Kumamoto Rooftop Floor, 3-10 Sakuramachi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 1 minute walk from "Karashimacho" tram stop.
  • Direction Direct connection from Kumamoto Sakura-machi bus terminal
  • Business hours B1F 10:00-21:00 (some floors 11:00-22:00), 1-3F 10:00-22:00, 3F (food & drink) 11:00-23:00, top floor/street view terrace 9:00-23:00
  • Closed No holidays
  • Admission Fee Free of charge
  • TEL 096-354-111 (Sakura Machi Kumamoto)
  • Parking Charged

A zoo and botanical garden by Lake Ezu for parents and children to enjoy together

Yoyo,
Yoyo," a golden-haired monkey with beautiful golden fur.

It is located adjacent to Lake Ezuko, a civic oasis not far from the center of Kumamoto City. The garden covers a total area of 24.5 hectares, and visitors are warmly welcomed by approximately 600 animals of about 120 species and 50,000 plants of about 800 species.
In the animal zone, there are elephants, giraffes, penguins, and other animals that are popular among children, as well as rare animals such as the only domesticated golden eagle. The park has many large trees that provide pleasant shade and are ideal for taking a break on a bench.

Interact with seasonal plants and animals

The Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the park's rich natural surroundings. 200 yen per person for ages 2 and older.
The Ferris wheel offers a panoramic view of the park's rich natural surroundings. 200 yen per person for ages 2 and older.

At the "Animal Petting Plaza," visitors can interact with goats, guinea pigs, and other animals almost every day.
In addition, the amusement park zone has a Ferris wheel, a children's train, and other playground equipment of various sizes. Most of the playground equipment can be used by all ages, making it a great place for the whole family to enjoy.
The park's flower garden is covered with rape blossoms in spring and cosmos in fall. The zoo offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the changing of the seasons and enjoy a fulfilling time.

Local Guide Comment
Baby strollers are available for rent at the Main, West, and South entrances, and there are also nursing rooms and diaper changing stations throughout the park.
Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Garden
  • Address 5-14-2 Kengan, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 10 min. walk from Zoo & Botanical Garden Entrance stop on the Kumamoto City streetcar line.
  • Business hours 9:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
  • Closed Mondays (Open on the 4th Monday of the month. Closed on the following weekday), December 30 - January 1
  • Admission Fee Adults and high school students: 500 yen, elementary and junior high school students: 100 yen *Free for infants
  • TEL 096-368-4416
  • Parking Free *Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays are charged (200 yen per car, per visit)

See, hear, and touch. An entertainment space for parents and children to enjoy together

In the
In the "Easy Museum Nari-Kiri" program, visitors can dress up in period costumes and take photos in a booth with a gold folding screen.

This is an entertainment Property located in "Sakura-no-Baba Josaien" at the foot of "Kumamoto Castle. The attraction of this facility is that visitors can see, hear, and touch the history and culture of Kumamoto Castle, and as the name suggests, experience the "excitement" of the castle.
There are a variety of experiences for parents and children to enjoy, such as skits on the theme of Kumamoto's history, a stone wall piling experience, and a palanquin (kago) experience in which visitors can ride in a full-size palanquin and feel like a lord (sankin-kogodai). In the "Nari-Kirikirido-Donju: Kumamoto Castle Saruki" event, visitors can walk around not only the museum but also the Josaien Garden and Kumamoto Castle while wearing period costumes. Costumes are available in kids and baby sizes. How about taking a commemorative photo with the castle in the background, dressed as a samurai or a town girl?

Explore the charms of Kumamoto Castle from various angles

The
The "Monogatari Goten," where theatrical performances and other events are held, is located on the second floor.

At the corner where visitors can learn about Kumamoto Castle, a powerful virtual reality (VR) reproduction of Kumamoto Castle from the Edo period to before the Kumamoto Earthquake is shown on a large screen. In addition, projection mapping of the damage and restoration of Kumamoto Castle is also available. The projection mapping, which uses sound and images to create a realistic representation, allows visitors to learn about the damage to Kumamoto Castle caused by the Kumamoto Earthquake and the image of the restoration, and to learn more about the present state of Kumamoto Castle. If you visit the museum before visiting Kumamoto Castle, you will gain a deeper understanding of Kumamoto Castle and double the fun of visiting the castle.

Local Guide Comment
There are many fun activities for both children and adults, such as a Ninja experience, a stone wall piling experience, and a horseback riding experience.
Kumamoto Castle Museum WAKUWAKU-ZA
  • Address 1-1-1 Ninomaru, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture MAP
  • Direction 9 min. walk from "Kumamoto Castle/Shiyakusho-mae" streetcar stop.
  • Direction From Kumamoto Station, take the Kumamoto Castle excursion bus "Shiromegurin" and get off at "Sakura-no-Baba Josaien".
  • Business Hours 9:00-17:30 (last admission 17:00)
  • Closed Year-end (please check the website for details)
  • Admission fee Admission 300 yen for adults (high school students and older), 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students
  • TEL 096-288-5600
  • Parking Charged

Bronze statue of the "Straw Hat gang" created as a symbol of reconstruction

Life-size bronze statue of Luffy. Many people take commemorative photos in the same pose.
Life-size bronze statue of Luffy. Many people take commemorative photos in the same pose.

As part of the "ONE PIECE Kumamoto Reconstruction Project," a bronze statue was installed in 2018 on the promenade leading to the entrance of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office. It was erected in honor of Eiichiro Oda, the creator of the "ONE PIECE" manga series and a native of Kumamoto Prefecture, who was awarded the Prefectural Citizens' Honor Award, and as a symbol of creative reconstruction from the Kumamoto earthquake.
Entering through the main gate of the Kumamoto Prefectural Office, we found Luffy with his right fist raised powerfully in the center of the promenade lined with magnificent gingko trees. From his appearance, he exudes an aura of a captain. At the foot of the Luffy statue is also a handprint of Eiichiro Oda, making this a fan favorite spot.

Bronze statues scattered throughout Kumamoto Prefecture support the reconstruction of the city.

The Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Garden, whose animal house was damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake, has a statue of Chopper, a ship's doctor.
The Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Garden, whose animal house was damaged by the Kumamoto earthquake, has a statue of Chopper, a ship's doctor.

In addition to Luffy's statue, from 2019, "Straw Hat Fighter 'Hinokuni' Restoration" statues of the Straw Hat Fighter gang were installed in 9 cities, towns, and villages in Kumamoto Prefecture over a period of 4 years. In Kumamoto City, a statue of Chopper was erected in the plaza in front of the main gate of Kumamoto Zoo and Botanical Garden, bringing smiles to the faces of visitors to the garden.
In other cities, towns, and villages, the Strawberry gang has also rushed to cheer up various areas to serve as a driving force for recovery from the Kumamoto earthquake. Check out the project's website to see where they are installed and enjoy touring the one-piece statues.

Local Guide Comment
How about a tour of the statues, starting with Luffy? Usopp in Aso City, Franky in Takamori Town, Sanji in Mashiki Town, and Jinbei in Uto City have been installed to support the reconstruction of Kumamoto from various locations.
Luffy Statue
  • Address 6-18-1 Suizenji, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City, Kumamoto Prefecture (Kumamoto Prefectural Government Promenade) MAP
  • Direction 11 min. walk from "Municipal Gymnasium-mae" streetcar stop.
  • Business hours Free to visit
  • Closed Free of charge
  • TEL 096-333-2754 (Kumamoto Prefectural Tourism Strategy Department, Tourism International Policy Division)
  • Parking None
  • Memo ONE PIECE Kumamoto Reconstruction Project

MAP

Hoshino Resorts facilities nearby
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The information in this article is current as of the date of the update. Please check before visiting as they are subject to change.