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Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool (Kikuchi City) — A Fun Summer Splash with the Famous Black Bear Mascot!

Outing Spots

2023.07.28

📌 What you’ll learn in this article
A SaruKuma writer visits Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool in Shichijo, Kikuchi City, and shares a firsthand report. Admission starts from just 300 yen. We also cover family-friendly tips, access, and opening hours.

About Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool

Hello travelers! I’m Asukarando, a writer for SaruKuma.

Today I’m introducing the Kumamon Pool at Riverside Park Shichijo Onsen Dome in Shichijo-machi, Kikuchi City
— the legendary KUMAMON POOL!

The parking lot is located behind the pool. Big shady trees keep your car from turning into an oven while you swim — a small but lovely detail!

There’s even a second parking lot next door, so finding a space is rarely a problem.

You can already see the inviting blue water from the parking lot. Just walk down the small side path and you’ll arrive in seconds.

Welcome to the entrance of Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool!

[Pool Rules]

• Swimwear is required for swimmers

• No glasses or sunglasses while swimming

• No diving or underwater swimming

• Everyone must exit the pool during designated rest breaks

• Please follow staff and lifeguard instructions

[Admission]

Ages 3 through junior high school: 300 yen

High school, university, and adults: 600 yen
Tickets are purchased from a vending machine.

※ Kikuchi City residents receive a discounted rate:

Ages 3 through junior high school: 110 yen

High school, university, and adults: 300 yen

Hours: 10:00 – 17:00

(The pool closes for a midday break from 12:00 to 13:00.) Re-entry is allowed.

Here’s the reception desk, which doubles as a small shop.

Goggles: 300 yen

Swim diapers for toddlers: 1,500 yen

There’s a vending machine right next to reception, so you’ll never run out of cold drinks.

The changing rooms are spacious and clean.

Coin lockers are available inside the changing rooms for 50 yen — bring some coins to make things smooth.

The shower rooms are private stalls with curtains for privacy.

Each shower stall has a small shelf, which is handy for keeping your belongings dry.

Walk through the foot-rinsing station and you’re at the pool!

Restrooms are accessible from both the changing rooms and the poolside, with both Japanese-style and Western-style toilets available.

Tables, chairs, and benches are scattered around the poolside, but seating is limited — bring a leisure mat or beach blanket just in case.

Why You’ll Love Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool

A giant Kumamon greets you at the pool entrance!

Lifeguards are stationed throughout the poolside, but parents and guardians should still keep a close eye on their kids — safety first!

There are three pools to choose from!

The first is a shallow pool featuring a charming mushroom-shaped waterfall — perfect for little ones and pool first-timers.

Older kids love it too — many elementary schoolers have a blast running under the waterfall!

The second pool is slightly deeper than the mushroom pool and includes a fun slide at the back. Even preschoolers can enjoy it!

The slide flows with water like a mini water slide, but the gentle slope and short length make it surprisingly mellow — a hit even with the smallest visitors.

Tiny tots typically slide down with a float ring for extra safety.

There’s a smaller shallow pool right next to it as well.

And here’s the third pool!

It’s a 25-meter pool just like you’d find at a Japanese school, but here you’re free to swim however you like. Float rings and inflatables are welcome too!

And don’t miss the most popular attraction — the BIG water slide!

To use the water slide, buy a ticket from the vending machine.

1 ride: 50 yen

2 rides: 100 yen

7-ride coupon: 300 yen

Unlimited day pass: 1,000 yen

The water slide is open to riders in 3rd grade and above who are at least 120 cm tall.

Outside food (bento boxes, snacks, etc.) isn’t allowed inside, but drinks are welcome — please stay hydrated to prevent heatstroke.
At the reception, you can also grab a Shichijo specialty: melon frozen sherbet for 250 yen. The perfect way to cool down on a sweltering Kyushu summer day!

Spotted another Kumamon here! Have fun and stay safe!

The 2023 season runs from Saturday, July 22 to Sunday, August 27. The Kumamon Pool is open only during summer, so don’t miss your chance to experience it!

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SaruKuma shares info on family-friendly lunches, parks, and indoor play spots in Kumamoto.
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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s a recommended family-friendly spot in this area?

Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool in Shichijo-machi, Kikuchi City is a great spot for families with kids. Check out this article for the full scoop.

What are the opening hours and closing days for Riverside Park Shichijo Kumamon Pool?

Hours and closing days may change. Please check the official website or call ahead before your visit.

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

Article Writer

Sarukuma Editorial is a small team of locals based in Kumamoto, Japan, sharing the hidden gems, hometown flavors, and seasonal experiences that make our region special. We write the kind of guide we wish we had when showing friends around — honest, practical, and made by people who actually live here.

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