About Kyokushi Ground Side Lawn Park

Hello, travelers! It’s Kurubushi, a writer for Sarukuma ☆彡

Today we’re heading to the Kyokushi area of Kikuchi City to explore

Kyokushi Ground Side Lawn Park (旭志グラウンド横芝生広場).

This shiny new family facility, packed with brand-new large-scale playground equipment, opened on March 25, 2025.

The space used to be a simple lawn area beside the local baseball ground, but it has just been transformed as part of Kikuchi City’s child-rearing support initiative.

Peeking through the netting… you can imagine how lively this place gets on weekends with baseball and softball games in full swing ^^

While the cherry trees aren’t inside the park itself, the surrounding area is dotted with them — making this a perfect spot for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and picnics in spring.

Fresh young cherry trees have also been planted along the nearby Goshi River ♪

This area is only going to get more beautiful in the years to come!

Right nearby, you’ll also find the Kyokushi Branch of Kikuchi City Hall, Kikuchi Municipal Kyokushi Junior High School, and the Kyokushi Library.

The restrooms are well-maintained,

The multi-purpose restroom doesn’t have a diaper-changing table, but it offers plenty of room for wheelchair users.

There are two hand-washing sinks.

The toilets include one Japanese-style and one Western-style stall — so don’t be surprised if you encounter the traditional squat toilet here!

There’s also an outdoor faucet ^^

The parking lot is enormous! I thought about counting the spaces… but, well, I didn’t! (Should’ve counted, I know.) Just trust me — there’s plenty of room.

There’s an Otsuka Pharmaceutical vending machine, complete with CalorieMate and SoyJoy bars — a fun little surprise you don’t see at every park! I got excited and went to take a closer look, but…

Only the top row (coffee) and middle row (sports drinks) were actually for sale — everything else was marked as “preparing.”

A vending machine that doesn’t (yet) vend everything!

Probably a behind-the-scenes thing about expiration dates and rotation. Totally understandable. So, my tip: bring your own drinks from home or stop at a convenience store on the way.

There’s a Coca-Cola vending machine on the opposite side of the baseball field too, but I didn’t make it over to check what was inside — my little one wasn’t keen on the extra walk!

And get this — a full lap around the baseball field is

521 meters! Yep, that’s why I didn’t make it. (Excuses, excuses…)

Highlights of Kyokushi Ground Side Lawn Park

Ta-da!

The number-one highlight needs no introduction — it’s this gigantic athletic playground!
The moment we arrived,

“WHOAAAA! It’s HUUUGE!”

my son shouted, completely starstruck.

Towering in the middle is the climbing structure designed for ages 6 to 12.

I’ve never seen playground equipment with such clear, thoughtful instructions for safe play. Maybe it’s a sign of the times — but it’s also a great chance to chat with kids about how to use the equipment properly ^^

The lower-level slides come in two flavors: a smooth one and a bumpy one.

After my son tried the bumpy one, he announced, “My butt kinda hurts!” — but he was grinning ear to ear and went back for round after round (laughs). Are you sure you’re okay there, kiddo?

Then there’s this puzzle of a structure that makes you go, “Wait, how am I supposed to climb this?!” Figuring out the strategy is half the fun!

Behind it, three ropes are stretched across the play space — perfect for crossing, ducking under, and inventing new games.

Climb to the very top and you’ll find a cluster of trickier challenges that will delight kids with serious athletic chops!

And of course, every kid’s favorite — there’s a Tarzan zip-line rope too!

Over here, you’ll find equipment designed for ages 3 to 6.

This is such a relief! When little ones and bigger kids share the same play structures, there are always those nerve-wracking moments. Having age-appropriate zones in the same park is honestly a parent’s dream.

This area also comes with friendly play instructions!“Look at me! Awesome, right?!”

my son beamed as he scrambled up with delight ^^

Other charming touches include spinning flowers you can sit and twirl,

cow-and-horse rocking ride-ons,

and a cylinder you spin to make maraca-like sounds — surprisingly fun for kids and grown-ups alike!

There’s even fitness equipment for adults!

Perfect for loosening up tight shoulders!

This bench lets you stretch your back out beautifully!

Forget hunching over your phone — sit up, stretch, and feel great!

While the kids are playing, mom and dad can sneak in a little wellness break too ^^

There’s even a covered bench — a true blessing on hot summer days ^^

And of course — what’s a park without swings? Yes, there are swings too!

Whether you’ve already played at every park in the area or you’re just starting your park adventures, whether you live in Kikuchi or you’re visiting from a bit further away,

Kyokushi Ground Side Lawn Park is well worth a drive ♪ Add it to your Kumamoto family-travel itinerary!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.