Introducing Chuo Park

Hello, travelers!
This is Ayu-mama, a writer for Sarukuma!

Today I’d like to introduce you to a charming local park located in Miyazono, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District:
Chuo Park (Central Park).

It can be a bit tricky to find, so let me walk you through how to get there!

From central Kumamoto City, take Prefectural Route 28 (the Kumamoto-Takamori Line) heading toward Mashiki Town. You’ll soon pass Pachinko Emperor and Tanaka Chikusan livestock farm.
A little further along, watch for a narrow side road and turn in. Yes — the road marked by this arrow →.

Follow the road and the park will appear on your right almost immediately.

And here it is — Chuo Park (Central Park)!
You can feel a wonderful old-school nostalgia radiating from the very sign at the entrance.
I have to say, this retro charm has my heart! (^^)

A couple of things to note before visiting: unfortunately, there is no parking lot.
There are also no vending machines on site, so we recommend bringing your own drinks — especially during Kumamoto’s warm months.

The restrooms.

The hand-washing area.

Plenty of benches too.

There’s a lovely open plaza as well!

At the back of the plaza, you’ll find benches sheltered beneath a wisteria trellis (fuji-dana),

and during our visit, the wisteria blossoms were in absolutely glorious full bloom!
That deep purple was just stunning! Purple Town ~ Purple Town ~ ♪♪ (If that old Japanese pop song rings a bell, you’re probably my generation!)

Why You’ll Love Chuo Park

While the park itself is on the smaller side, it offers a lovely variety of playground equipment ♪

A slide

Swings

A seesaw and a spring rider

And a wonderfully nostalgic concrete play structure (or perhaps the remains of one?)

And here’s the piece of equipment we especially want to highlight!!!

A ROTATING PLAYGROUND RIDE!!!

You hardly ever see rotating playground equipment like this anywhere in Japan anymore!
And among rotating rides, this chair-style version is especially rare to find still in operation in modern parks!

My son absolutely adores it!
He keeps shouting “Spin me, Mom!” — so this old mama keeps spinning, even as her body protests every push.

Kids really do love spinning rides, don’t they?
But why is it that, as adults, just looking at one is enough to make us dizzy?!

Come and experience this rare, nostalgic rotating playground ride for yourself!

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Chuo Park Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information was accurate at the time of our visit. Prices and operating hours are subject to change. Please verify before your visit.