About the Park

Hello, travelers! It’s Asukarando, your local SaruKuma writer.

Today I’m taking you to
Yokoshima-machi, Tamana City, Kumamoto Prefecture,
home to “Yamanoue Observatory Park” (山の上展望公園).

Welcome to a park marked by Yokoshima’s famous strawberries and tomatoes — let me show you around ＼(^o^)／

Just as its name suggests — “Yamanoue” means “on top of the mountain” — this park sits high on a hilltop!
There’s an observation deck, and stargazing sessions are sometimes held here in the evenings.
(They were suspended at the time of my visit due to infection-control measures.)

The parking lot is right in front of the park.
There’s also a second lot of similar size on the other side of the restrooms.

The restrooms are right next to the parking area (^-^).
Keep an eye out for the cute strawberry mascots inside — finding them is half the fun!

The hand-washing station is near the center of the park.

And here’s the covered bench area (^-^).
A stylish little structure!

It’s elevated and has no handrails, so please be careful not to fall (>_<)

There are tables and chairs too — perfect for relaxing (^-^).

Right next to the parking lot, there’s also a grassy field — great for ball games (^-^).

Top Highlights

First up — the observation deck!!!

Up here on the hilltop, the sky feels so close — the stars must look absolutely stunning at night (^-^)/
And of course, the daytime views are spectacular too (⌒0⌒)／~~

There’s playground equipment for the kids too!
A nice tall slide ☆

Swings — always a classic favorite (^-^).

And there are spring riders too ☆

Stones with numbers written on them
EVERYWHERE — tons of them!

What are they for???

In the end, I never figured out their purpose…
My son, who’s just learned to read numbers, kept calling them out the whole time.
Kids can have fun making up their own games with them (^-^)/

There are cherry trees here too, so springtime hanami (cherry-blossom viewing) would be lovely ＼(^o^)／

Come visit “Yamanoue Observatory Park” — the quiet little hilltop park (⌒0⌒)／~~

Park Facilities

Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information accurate as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.