Welcome to Kugu Neighborhood Park

Hello travelers! It’s Suno, your friendly writer from SaruKuma.

Today we’re heading to a peaceful little gem tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood in Matsubase-machi Kugu, Uki City —
Kugu Neighborhood Park (Kugu Kinrin Koen).It’s a calm, welcoming spot surrounded by local homes — the kind of place you only discover when you slow down and explore beyond the tourist trail.

If you’ve ever driven along National Route 3 toward Yashiro, you may have spotted this park out of the corner of your eye on the right-hand side.

There’s a small parking area in front with space for about three cars.

Right next to Kugu Neighborhood Park, you’ll find a sports ground — when we visited, a local baseball team was practicing on the field.
The parking lot on the sports-ground side is much more spacious. It’s a short walk to the playground from there, but parking is way easier on this side — perfect if you’ve got little ones or lots of gear!
The bulletin board near the entrance displays a charming local-area map (a “Furusato MAP”) highlighting nearby spots.

It even points out shrines and other parks in the area — a great resource if you want to wander around Matsubase like a local!
Restrooms are conveniently located right by the entrance.

There’s one unisex restroom and one accessible/multipurpose restroom.
The multipurpose restroom doesn’t have a diaper-changing table, but there is a baby chair available — a nice touch for parents traveling with toddlers.
Toward the back of the park, you’ll also find a drinking fountain and a hand-washing area.

The road you can see in the background is National Route 3. The Matsubase Bypass here is busy with traffic, so please keep an eye on little ones and watch out for cars when entering and leaving!

What Makes Kugu Neighborhood Park Special

The star of the playground is a colorful double slide — perfect for two friends (or siblings) to race down side by side!

It looks like it was recently repainted — the colors were beautifully vivid and bright.

You’ll also notice rows of cherry blossom trees lining the park, which means in spring this place transforms into a wonderful little hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spot.
Right next to the slide is a classic seesaw.
And of course — the swings.
And here’s something I’d never seen before — a chair-style swing!

It’s like a little seat with a backrest, which is wonderful for babies who can’t quite sit up steadily on their own yet. A really thoughtful touch for families with very young children!
That said, please note: there are no chains or safety belts to secure little ones in.
If you’re visiting with babies or toddlers, please stay close and keep a careful eye on them while they swing!

The open grassy area inside the park is wonderfully spacious, and there are benches scattered around if you’d like to take a break and just enjoy the fresh air.

And here’s the cherry on top: the Michi-no-Eki Uki (a roadside station also known as San San Ukikko / Uki Saikan) is right nearby!
Grab a freshly made bento box or some local Kumamoto produce there, then come back to the park for a picnic — the perfect easy-going afternoon!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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