Getting There: Access and Ticket Info

Hi there! I’m Gachako, a writer for SaruKuma — Kumamoto’s family lifestyle guide.

Today’s destination is the 熊本県民総合運動公園サイクリングコース, a dedicated cycling course set within the sprawling Kumamoto Prefectural General Sports Park in Higashi-ku, Ishihara. No cars, no roads — just open paths, fresh air, and happy kids.

The park is a large multi-facility complex — home to stadiums, a baseball field, tennis courts, and this beloved cycling course. SaruKuma has covered the park’s children’s play area and artificial-grass ski slope in previous articles; the cycling course is equally worth the trip.

Official park map. The cycling course reception desk sits directly in front of Parking Lot B (B駐車場) — the easiest place to arrive by car.

(Source: Kumamoto Prefectural General Sports Park official website)

Park at Lot B and walk straight to this reception building to get started.

Purchase your ticket at the vending machine near the entrance. The course is open 9:00–16:30, with last admission at 16:00 (training-wheel bikes: last admission 15:30). The course is closed on Tuesdays, during rainy weather, and on days with large park events — it’s worth a quick phone call to confirm before heading out.

Bikes for Every Age: Rentals, Prices & Helmets

Entry is refreshingly affordable. Adults pay ¥220 per lap; high school students and younger pay just ¥100 per lap. Infants who don’t need a bike of their own ride free. Children and one accompanying adult holding a ryōiku techō (a Japanese government welfare handbook for children with developmental support needs) are eligible for a fee reduction — ask at the reception.

A wide selection of rental bikes is available — from standard city bikes to training-wheel models and compact push-along bikes (手押し三輪車) for children as young as around 2.5 years old. Note that each push-along bike requires one adult who can walk the full 3.5 km course alongside — think of it as built-in exercise!

Helmets are mandatory for elementary school children and younger — and they’re provided at no extra cost as part of the rental. No need to bring your own.

On the Course: 3.5 km of Pure Family Joy

Time to pick our bikes! My 5-year-old daughter went straight for a pink training-wheel model and matching helmet.

I chose an orange mamachari — the classic Japanese upright city bike, easy to ride and perfect for a leisurely lap.

Bikes rolled out of the storage shed and the 3.5 km journey begins! The very first stretch is a steep downhill curve — take it slow and keep the brakes handy, especially with little ones.

(All photos taken while safely stopped off the course)

Once we hit the long straights, my daughter found her rhythm and started pulling ahead. Genuinely exhilarating. The best part? Zero cars to worry about — the mental relief of watching your child pedal freely without traffic anxiety is priceless. Keep to the left of the white centre line throughout.

The course is wide and well-marked — you absolutely cannot get lost. Just follow the signs. Along the route you’ll pass restrooms, vending machines, a baseball stadium, and tennis courts, so there’s plenty of scenery and easy pit stops.

On the day of our visit, fallen ginkgo leaves had carpeted the path in brilliant gold — a classic Japanese autumn scene. The course is also lined with cherry trees, so a spring visit must be equally stunning.

Finish! At a relaxed pace, the full 3.5 km loop took us about 40 minutes — and we loved every second of it. One important note: personal bikes brought from outside are not permitted on the course for safety reasons. Rental bikes only.

Traffic-free, nature-lined, and genuinely fun for all ages — this is what a perfect Kumamoto family outing looks like. My daughter is already planning to tackle it next time without training wheels!

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Frequently Asked Questions

※ Information is accurate as of the date of our visit. Prices and opening hours are subject to change — always confirm before heading out.