About Kawashiri Park

Hello, this is Aikero, a writer for [Sarukuma].

Today I’d like to introduce a hidden gem located in Kawashiri, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City
[Kawashiri Park].This is a small park tucked behind the Kawashiri Public Hall along the Kawashiri Kuramae-dori Street.
Just a little further down, you’ll find [Kaho Kazusaya × Pan Kobo Kazusaya], which we featured on Sarukuma before! ♪If you turn at the sign for the Minami Senior Welfare Center, there’s a parking lot right in front of the park.
But there’s another parking lot I’d actually recommend even more, so let me share it with you (^^)/
Pass the Kawashiri Public Hall, and just before going under the elevated railway, turn the corner — that’s where you’ll find the Kawashiri Multipurpose Plaza Parking Lot.
Note: The fenced parking lot in the front-right of the photo is a different one, so be careful!
There’s no clear signage, so it’s easy to drive right past — just remember [Watch your head clearance and turn just before the elevated railway] (^_^;)As you can see, it’s a nice spacious parking lot!
And there’s another bonus point waiting for you here —Ta-da!
A restroom (^^)/

It’s brand new and beautifully clean!
The park has its own restroom, which I’ll show you later, but honestly, this one is the better choice (^_^;)
The center multipurpose stall is fully accessible — wheelchair friendly, with diaper-changing facilities and even ostomate support.

You may be wondering why such a well-maintained parking lot and restroom exist here.
That’s because [Kumamoto Domain Kawashiri Rice Storehouse] opened to the public last October.
It’s just a 5-minute walk from the park and parking lot, so be sure to check it out! ♪
It might be a bit advanced for younger kids, but there are some really fun photo spots! (^○^)
Here are the park rules and notices.And here’s the park’s own restroom.
Many park restrooms in Japan don’t provide toilet paper, and this one is no exception (^_^;)The drinking fountain and hand-washing basin are right beside the restroom.
Beyond the playground equipment, there’s an open plaza!There are two benches, plus plenty of trees offering shade — perfect for laying out a picnic blanket! ♪Stepping into the plaza, I was surprised by how spacious it is!
I thought of the park as a small one, but this open area is quite generous in size.

The far end of this plaza connects to the multipurpose plaza parking lot mentioned earlier, so if you parked at the multipurpose plaza lot, instead of taking the road,
it’s actually quicker to enter the park through the plaza! (^○^)
Here’s the view from the multipurpose plaza parking lot side.
There’s also a quietly tucked-away tire swing.

Kawashiri Park: Highlights We Recommend

The play equipment looked relatively new.
The seesaw has rubber tires, so it’s gentle on your bottom (●＾o＾●)

There’s a medium-sized slide too.
There are four swings, so even if there’s a line, you won’t have to wait long for a turn (^.^)♪And since you’ve come all the way to Kawashiri Park, I highly recommend exploring the surrounding area after you’ve played! ♪

From the multipurpose plaza parking lot, head under the elevated railway, and you’ll find a small path that leads up along the river.
By the way, the entrance to [Kumamoto Domain Kawashiri Rice Storehouse] is located between the two utility poles on the right side of the photo.
You’ll spot something like this — let’s go check it out!
You can see the trains from here!
Kids who love trains will absolutely love this spot ♪
And gazing at the Kasegawa River while you relax — it’s the perfect place to slow down and unwind.Walking a bit further toward the iron bridge, I spotted something curious!
What do you think it is? A pizza oven?

Actually, it’s [Kumamoto’s oldest public restroom]! (●＾o＾●)
Although there’s nothing inside it now…Walk past the stone gate-like structure and continue along, and you’ll arrive at [Mifune Tewatashi-ba Ato] (the historic ferry crossing site).
It makes you imagine all the people who must have crossed paths here long ago.
If you only travel by car, you’d never know places like this existed.
The red iron bridge is somewhat far in the distance, so I’m not sure if this counts strictly as a \”nearby walk\” (^_^;)
The path is a proper pedestrian walkway, so you can stroll safely.

The weather is warming up, and it’s the perfect season to spend time outdoors.
Why not enjoy Kawashiri Park and explore the surrounding area as well? (^^)/

[Kaho Kazusaya × Pan Kobo Kazusaya — Kawashiri, Minami Ward, Kumamoto City] You Might Get Some Good Luck Eating Their Daifuku Bread! A Shop Where You Can Enjoy Both Japanese Sweets and Bread

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Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is based on the time of our visit. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.