Activities for Kids in Kumamoto

Aug 28, 2023

Activities for Kids in Kumamoto

Looking for some cool family-friendly things to keep your kids entertained in Kumamoto? Whether it is energetic sporty thrills or something to engage the mind, here is a nice selection of places to head to if you have a free day with little ones.

Kumamoto Castle

One of Kumamoto’s prime tourist attractions, Kumamoto Castle makes for a great family day out. Only recently re-opened following damage in the 2016 earthquake, this refurbished 17th century structure is one of the grandest castle experiences in Japan. It is great for kids who can explore the many levels containing rooms and artifacts fit for a fairy tale as well as enjoy the hilltop views. There is also the chance to buy a nice little souvenir from the castle gift shop.

Website: https://castle.kumamoto-guide.jp/en/

Sakura Nobaba Josaien

This quaint little castle town situated at the foot of Kumamoto Castle is a great family follow-up jaunt once you have finished perusing the castle grounds. It’s divided into a museum that runs a program of children’s events and activities, a tourist information area, and a small shopping district housing fashion brands, restaurants and a cool rooftop park for kids.

Website: https://www.sakuranobaba-johsaien.jp/english/

Reigando Cave

If you fancy a natural wonder a bit more off of the beaten track, head out to this eerie cave set on the side of an ancient extinct volcano. Young ones can have much fun exploring the cave’s dark interiors, although keep them close by and hold their hands when using the old stone stairwells. The cave is close to the sacred Uganzen Shrine that is also worth a visit and includes a pathway that is lined with around 500 Buddha statues. It is famous for being a hideaway for legendary swordsman Miyamoto Musabi, writer of the martial arts text “The Book of Five Rings” in 1643. Entry cost is 200 yen for adults and 100 yen for kids.

Address: 589 Matsuomachi Hirayama, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto

Greenland Amusement Park

For some high-octane thrills, you can head out to Arao, about an hour’s drive north of central Kumamoto, to one of Kyushu’s largest theme parks. There are some great attractions here for kids, including rollercoasters, ferris wheels, ghost trains and water rides. The amusement park is part of the larger Greenland resort that includes an onsen, bowling alley and a golf course. Entry to the park is 1,400 yen for adults and 700 yen for children.

Address: Midorigaoka, Arao, Kumamoto 864-0033

Cuddly Dominion

Located at the foot of Mount Aso, this animal entertainment park is perfect for kids wanting to get up close to furry friends. There are over 500 animals from more than 100 species, including baby bears, ostriches, alpacas, and penguins. Visitors have the chance to pet many of the creatures as well as observe them.

Website: https://www.cuddly.co.jp/ (in Japanese)

Mifune Dinosaur Museum

What child doesn’t love dinosaurs? Not many it would seem judging by the number of young visitors to this special interest museum. Mifune is the location for the discovery of several important dinosaur fossils and you can see these on display as well as models of dinosaurs and skeletons. The most popular attraction is the large T-Rex model, naturally. Prices are cheap with adults paying 500 yen and children 200 yen.

Website: https://mifunemuseum.jp/

Martin Lewison, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons