Hello travelers, Nanako here from Sarukuma!

Today I’m sharing one of my absolute favorite relaxation spots in Kumamoto.
Located in Waifu, Kikuchi City, Kumamoto Prefecture, it’s
Kikuchi Furusato Sosei Civic Plaza (Kikuchi City Hometown Creation Citizens’ Plaza).

Sitting at the foot of Kikuchi Shrine, the plaza is right next door to the Kikuchi Tourism & Products Hall (Kikuchi Kanko Bussankan).

A large sign along the main road makes the entrance easy to spot once you’re close by.

The parking lot is generously sized, and there are even more lots nearby.
Unless it’s an event day or cherry blossom season, you’ll have no trouble finding a space.

So what makes this plaza so special?

Just look at this gorgeous, wide-open lawn!

So inviting, you’ll want to flop right down. Pure relaxation.

The grounds are always beautifully maintained — a real pleasure to spend time in.
My tip: grab a bento lunch at the Tourism & Products Hall and enjoy a picnic right here on the lawn.

There’s also a small grassy hill that kids adore.
A walking path beyond the hill leads all the way up to Kikuchi Shrine on foot.

In November, the autumn foliage here is absolutely stunning.

And here’s the other highlight you can’t miss:

A FREE FOOT BATH (ASHIYU)!
Yes — you can enjoy a relaxing Japanese-style foot bath here at no charge.

Part of the foot bath area is covered, so you can soak your feet while staying shaded from the sun.
My car-obsessed son happily watched the vehicles come and go in the parking lot while soaking his feet — pure bliss for both of us.

Forgot to bring a towel? No problem — you can pick one up at the Tourism & Products Hall for just 150 yen.

Foot bath etiquette and rules are posted on a nearby pillar —
please take a moment to read and follow them.

This is the plaza’s event space.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, marchés (open-air markets) and other community events were regularly held here.

A vending machine sits right next to the event space, so staying hydrated is easy.

The plaza is also equipped with drinking fountains and restrooms.

The multipurpose restroom even includes a diaper-changing station, so it’s a worry-free destination for families with little ones.

Top Recommendations

If you’re visiting with kids, here’s what you can’t miss:

The plaza’s combination playground!

You’ll find slides and play structures in all sorts of sizes.
On the day of my visit — a hot weekday afternoon — only my son was there, but in the evenings the playground fills up with local kids having fun.

This area is designed for younger children.
The rounded, corner-free design lets toddlers play safely.

There are swings too.
Benches are placed close to the play equipment — a thoughtful touch that lets parents relax while keeping watch.

The plaza is huge, but a parking lot sits right beside the playground.
If playtime is your main goal, I recommend parking there for easy access.

Fun for kids, soothing for grown-ups —
that’s Kikuchi Furusato Sosei Civic Plaza.

Why not stop by to recharge during your Kikuchi adventure,
perhaps combined with a visit to nearby Kikuchi Shrine?

It’s especially magical during the November autumn foliage and April cherry blossom seasons.

Facility Information

Frequently Asked Questions

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