About the Facility

Hello, travelers!
This is Rikotama, a writer for Sarukuma!

Today we’re heading to Nishihara Village in Aso District, Kumamoto Prefecture, to check out Kazenosato Campground at the Nishihara Village Youth Forest — a peaceful retreat tucked into the countryside!

This time we weren’t here to camp — we just dropped by to enjoy the playground equipment! (≧▽≦)

The parking lot is generously sized — there’s plenty of space!

Before entering the campground, please stop by the reception!

Pay your admission fee at this management office.

Adults (junior high school and up): ¥200

Elementary school children: ¥100

Preschoolers: Free!

※Separate fees apply if you stay in a lodge or permanent tent.
※There’s only one vending machine here, so stock up beforehand.

Walk straight in from reception and you’ll come across an outdoor stage!

Some visitors had pitched tarps and were enjoying a relaxed day camp ♪

The big-roofed building, “Kabuto-kan,” is a spacious and spotlessly clean cooking area!

A row of cute dome-shaped lodges awaits overnight guests ☆

And here’s the observation deck!

On clear days, you can reportedly see all the way to Mt. Unzen-Fugen and Kumamoto Airport!

The night view must be stunning, too ☆彡

Here’s the drinking water station!

Meet the “Acorn Toilet” — isn’t it adorable? ♡
Even the moss on the roof adds a charming touch (*^▽^*).

The hand-washing area is fully stocked with hand soap and sanitizing gel!

We spotted plenty of campers enjoying the free site, too!

Surrounded by such pristine nature, it’s pure relaxation ☆

Top Highlights

First on our list of must-tries — the extra-long roller slide!

It has two curves along the way, and the kids slid down again and again — they couldn’t get enough! (≧▽≦)

Highlight number two: this charming wooden play structure! A friendly ladybug welcomes you in ♡

You’d hardly expect to find equipment this elaborate at a campground — it’s an impressively large play structure!

For parents, having something like this is a real lifesaver (;^ω^).

It keeps the kids happily occupied while you set up or pack down your tent — a huge help!

On the day we visited, the equipment was still a bit damp from the previous day’s rain,
so our hands and clothes ended up pretty muddy (>_<).

A change of clothes is a smart thing to bring along ♪

Our kids couldn’t get enough of the ladybug “hideout”! (≧▽≦)

We visited in late November, and we were lucky enough to still catch the autumn foliage ♬

The admission fee is small, but the rewards are big — letting kids run free in the great outdoors, taking a quiet nature walk, or simply spending unhurried time together. Kazenosato Campground is well worth a visit at least once! (≧▽≦)

Follow our Instagram for daily updates!
At Sarukuma, we share lunch spots, parks, indoor play areas, and more — all geared toward families in Kumamoto.
We’d love to have you join us(*´∀｀*)

Facility Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information accurate as of the time of reporting. Fees and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.