Welcome to Kojima Park

Hello, travelers! I’m Aikero, a writer for SaruKuma — and someone who always ties her hair up because styling it is just not my thing.

Today I’m taking you to Kojima Park (小島公園), a charming neighborhood park located in Kojima, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City.
The air is still a little crisp, but it’s the perfect season for outdoor adventures!
This park is wonderful for families traveling with little ones — there’s even a dedicated zone where babies and toddlers can play safely, making it a great choice for a child’s first park experience.
It’s not too big, so parents can easily keep an eye on their kids, and in spring you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossom viewing here too! (^^)/
If you visit on a weekend, you might even spot gliders soaring overhead from the riverside right next door!

Just nearby, you’ll also find Usagi Cafe — a stylish café run by the local Hamada Soy Sauce Company in a building designed by a world-renowned architect (the same one behind Tokyo’s New National Stadium) — and Fam-oshima-, a beloved spot that’s officially a vegetable shop but also serves fresh bread, cakes, and a hugely popular veggie-packed lunch!

Usagi Cafe — A Stylish Café in a Building Designed by the Architect of Tokyo’s New National Stadium, Featuring Hamada Soy Sauce (Kojima, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City)

Fam-oshima- (Kojima, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City) — Opened February 3! A Vegetable Shop & Eatery in the Middle of the Fields. Come Taste the Real Seasons!

There’s a generous parking lot here ♫
A huge plus when you’re traveling with a family!
On the opposite side, you’ll find the Kojima Community Center, which has additional parking available too.
Restrooms are conveniently located near the parking area.
There are restrooms inside the park as well, but Western-style toilets and the multipurpose accessible restroom are only available here.
They even have a diaper-changing station — a lifesaver for parents!
The Japanese-style (squat) toilets look like this — a quintessential Japan experience for first-timers!
Here’s the restroom inside the park itself.
It’s close to the playground equipment, but the atmosphere can feel a little spooky for small children… (^_^;)
They might be a little dated, but they’re properly stocked with toilet paper — which was a pleasant surprise! (laugh)
Note: all of these are Japanese-style squat toilets.
Just a heads up: the rest area inside the park doesn’t actually have a roof. (laugh)
The sun can be intense, but you get a great panoramic view of the entire park while sitting down — perfect for keeping an eye on your kids!
A walking path loops around the park and the adjacent ground — ideal for a leisurely stroll or a workout walk.
It’s also a great spot for kids to practice riding their bikes ♩
And right next door, there’s a sports ground too.

Highlights of Kojima Park

Here’s the largest play structure in the park.
On the back side, there are monkey bars too — older elementary-age kids will have a blast! ♩
There are actually two slides built in!
The height is just right — gentle enough that even little ones aren’t too scared to give it a try ♫

“I want to do it by myself!” my son insisted as he slid down.
It’s amazing how kids gradually become more independent through play like this.
The equipment lets kids use their whole body, so they’re building strength while having fun! (^^)/
This adorable airplane-themed play piece is a hit with younger kids ♪
It’s set a little apart from the main play structure, which makes it extra safe and reassuring for parents!
There are even cute little windows that spark kids’ curiosity (#^.^#)
In the center, there’s a fenced-off area dedicated specifically to babies and toddlers.
Letting little ones loose at the park can sometimes be a bit nerve-wracking for parents.
But here, the dedicated infant zone means moms and dads can finally relax and let their little ones explore safely!
The spring-mounted ride is shaped like Kumamon — Kumamoto’s beloved bear mascot!
The seesaw-style ride is also Kumamon!
And this seesaw — and even the bench — feature Kumamon too!
You might start to wonder if you’ve stumbled into a Kumamon-themed corner! (laugh) A perfect photo opportunity for international visitors who love Japan’s famous mascot characters.

All the play equipment is designed with little ones in mind — safe and easy to enjoy ♪
There are benches right next to the equipment, which is super handy for setting down bags or watching the kids!
There’s a sandbox here too.
It’s quite spacious, so feel free to bring sand toys for some extra fun ♪
Because the play structures are spaced apart, kids have plenty of room to play comfortably.
It would be lovely to bring a pop-up tent or picnic blanket and spend a relaxed afternoon here.
Whether it’s a homemade bento or some takeout, sharing a meal in the park as a family turns an ordinary day into a treasured memory (^^)/
Why not plan a picnic at the park for your next day off? It’s a wonderful way to experience local Kumamoto life! ♪

Usagi Cafe — A Stylish Café in a Building Designed by the Architect of Tokyo’s New National Stadium, Featuring Hamada Soy Sauce (Kojima, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City)

Fam-oshima- (Kojima, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City) — Opened February 3! A Vegetable Shop & Eatery in the Middle of the Fields. Come Taste the Real Seasons!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.