Hello travelers! I’m Gussan, a writer for <SaruKuma>.
Today we’re checking out Shoguchi Park, located in Kenkun, Higashi Ward, Kumamoto City.
It sits right along the road that leads to the Kumamoto City Zoo and Botanical Gardens, so chances are many of you have driven past it before.
The thing is — the children’s play area is tucked out of sight from the road, so today I’d love to introduce what’s hidden inside!
Here’s the park’s parking lot. It fits about 30 cars, but heads up — it tends to fill up quickly during baseball games.
There’s also a Zoo & Botanical Gardens parking lot just across the road. It’s free on weekdays but charges a fee on weekends and holidays.
*Rate per vehicle (light, standard, or mid-size car): ¥200 per visit.
Here’s what it looks like when you enter from the Zoo & Botanical Gardens side.
By the way, you can also enter from the streetcar (tram) side.
Just hop off at the Dōshokubutsuen-iriguchi (Zoo & Botanical Gardens Entrance) tram stop and you’re right there.
There’s even a signpost pointing the way to the Zoo & Botanical Gardens.
Along the walking paths, you’ll spot plenty of locals out enjoying a stroll with their dogs.
The park has two baseball fields and four tennis courts, so it’s a popular spot for sports lovers as well.
Restrooms are available on both the baseball field side and the park side, and you’ll find drinking fountains in the park area too.

Highlights & Recommendations

A long roller slide! It’s actually so slow that it’s been registered as a PokéStop under the name “The Super-Slow Slide” — the rollers barely turn, lol.
It’s really best for younger children!
Climb up to the hilltop where the slide is, and you can take in a beautiful sunset while listening to the cheerful voices of young baseball players echoing from the field below.
Other play equipment includes swings, a seesaw, and a sandbox — all the classics are here.
The park has a solid range of play equipment, but be aware that the paths are also used by joggers and cyclists, so keep an eye out!

Park Information

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. Please verify before visiting.