Welcome to ON THE PARK

Hello, travelers!
This is Binako, your Sarukuma writer with a serious craving for fresh bamboo shoots!

Today I’m taking you to ON THE PARK, a wonderfully laid-back spot located in Kannui-honmachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto City.

To get here, walk in through YARD (which we’ve featured before on Sarukuma) and head down toward the back — you’ll be greeted by an adorable white kitchen-truck. If you’re driving, you can park at YARD, or it’s just a 3-minute walk from the Lake Ezu (Ezuko) parking lot.

YARD: A Stylish Cafe with an Attached Boutique in Kannui-honmachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto

Tables and benches are scattered around the outdoor space, giving the whole place a wonderfully open, breezy atmosphere.

On the grounds, you’ll find a charming little book-truck called “Mizuumi no Toshokan” (The Lakeside Library) — yes, a library on wheels! All the books here are free to read anywhere within ON THE PARK.

Reading a good book surrounded by nature… it’s the kind of slow, luxurious moment travel is made for.

There’s also a dedicated “KIDS PARK” play area with outdoor toys for little ones. It’s set up right within view of the seating area, so parents can relax with a book at the table while keeping an eye on the kids as they play. Honestly, it’s a parent’s dream setup.

And here’s a fun bonus: ON THE PARK also offers on-site lodging, making it a fantastic base for an outdoor family getaway in Kumamoto. Check out their official website for accommodation plans and details.

ON THE PARK: Recommended Menu Picks

Here’s a peek at the cafe menu.

You’ll find pizza (1,100 yen), curry (800 yen), and kid-favorite fries (500 yen) — plenty of options the whole family can enjoy together. For dessert, treat yourself to an ice bar (400 yen) or the dreamy fluffy sherbet soft-serve (700 yen). The post-meal options are just as exciting as the mains.

This time, I went for the “Double Curry” (800 yen).

It’s a half-and-half plate of butter chicken curry and keema curry, both made with a special spice blend — pure indulgence. The aromatic spices hit you first and instantly wake up your appetite.

The staff even brought out a small sharing plate for my child. Being able to enjoy a relaxed outdoor lunch without lugging extra gear is a huge win for parents.

The keema curry packs a double punch of umami — you can taste the natural sweetness of the vegetables alongside the rich, hearty meat, and it makes the rice disappear way too fast.

The butter chicken curry has a gentle kick of spice paired with deep buttery richness and just the right touch of sweetness. It’s so smooth and addictive it almost feels like a drink — you simply can’t stop eating it.

For the grand finale, I mixed everything together. And let me tell you… it was unbelievably delicious.

All the flavors elevate one another in the most magical way. Trust me — save a few bites at the end and try them all together.

For dessert, I treated myself to the “Adult’s Chocolat” (700 yen).

The moment my spoon glides in, I literally thought, “Wait… is this a cloud?” It’s that ridiculously light and fluffy!

The instant it hits your tongue, the bittersweet richness of cacao spreads beautifully before melting away — pure dessert enchantment.

Underneath, you’ll discover a generous layer of soft-serve ice cream — the perfect cool, gentle finale after a spice-warmed meal.

Lunch, play, reading, or even spending the night with friends and family — ON THE PARK has a way of fitting all kinds of moods.

One visit was all it took for me to get hooked on its wide-open, easygoing vibe. If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, definitely come unwind here ♪

YARD: A Stylish Cafe with an Attached Boutique in Kannui-honmachi, Higashi-ku, Kumamoto

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.