Introducing Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto

Hello! It’s Mido, a writer for Sarukuma.

Today we’re heading to Izumi, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto City to visit
Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto (Children’s Book Forest Kumamoto).

It just opened on April 8, 2024!
A brand-new spot that’s been getting a lot of buzz.

The building was designed and donated to Kumamoto Prefecture by world-renowned architect Tadao Ando, with the wish that children — the leaders of tomorrow — will encounter all kinds of books and grow their imagination and creativity.
Tucked into a lush, green setting, Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto offers a warm, inviting interior where you can settle in anywhere you like and lose yourself in a book.

The library sits just south of the Kumamoto Prefectural Library.

Visitors arriving by car can use the shared parking lot at Nurse Power Arena (Kumamoto City Gymnasium). Holders of the Heartful Pass (a parking permit for people with disabilities) may use the dedicated lot on the north side of the library.
The nearest bus stop and tram stop are both about a 5-minute walk away, so public transportation works perfectly too!

We entered through the Kumamoto Prefectural Library entrance.

Clear signs inside the prefectural library guide you the whole way.Follow the signs to the left and you’ll arrive at Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto.
The walk between buildings is outdoors but very short — and umbrellas are provided in case of rain!

The library is open from 9:30 to 17:00, but admission is split into four time slots with a maximum of 50 visitors per slot (30 by advance reservation, 20 walk-in). Visitors must completely exit and re-enter for each slot.
① 9:30–11:10
② 11:30–13:10
③ 13:30–15:10
④ 15:30–17:00

Reservations open 14 days in advance through the booking form on the official website. If the 30 advance slots aren’t full, online reservations remain open until 15 minutes before each session.
We visited on a Wednesday weekday, and there were plenty of walk-in visitors too!

Check-in starts 10 minutes before each session begins.
If you’ve reserved, you can enter anytime within your time slot, but please note that the exit time is fixed.

The check-in counter for slots ②–④ is on the 1st-floor connecting corridor of the Kumamoto Prefectural Library, in front of the Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto goods shop.
For slot ① (before the prefectural library opens), check in near the entrance to the Kumamoto Literature & History Museum side of the prefectural library.
You can find a map of the check-in locations on the official Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto website.

After checking in, it’s time to head inside!
The logo is so charming — the letter “B” from “Book” transforms into a butterfly shaped like an open book, taking flight!

Inside, the space flows in soft, gentle curves.
Books are organized into 10 themes, and the single-path layout makes it easy to wander back and forth, finding whichever theme catches your eye.

The 1st floor holds themes 1–5: “1. Move,” “2. Earth,” “3. First Time,” “4. What Do You Like?,” and “5. Observe.”

The 2nd floor features themes 6–10: “6. Look and Read,” “7. Take Flight,” “8. Past and Future,” “9. More! Kumamoto,” and “10. Only Here.”

Restrooms are on both floors, with a multipurpose restroom on the 2nd floor.
This is the 1st-floor restroom.
The 2nd-floor multipurpose restroom has a diaper-changing table and a children’s toilet seat.The neighboring prefectural library has a nursing room, so families with babies can visit with peace of mind.

Drinks with lids are also welcome inside!

Why You’ll Love Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto

A wonder-filled space that delights kids and grown-ups alike, with countless books to discover!

With books displayed cover-out along the walls, simply browsing is half the fun.
Nostalgic favorites! Old friends! Beautiful colors! What’s that one about?
It’s pure excitement, page after page.
The ceiling is built from locally sourced Kumamoto cypress (hinoki), filling the space with the soothing aroma of natural wood.

“Oh, I loved this book!” “Wasn’t this the one about…?”
Little conversations like these drift through the air, adding to the warmth of the space. The 10 themes are clearly displayed in large letters, making them easy to spot.
“1. Move” is packed with books about vehicles, animals, and sports!
Books are displayed face-out, so the colorful covers practically beg you to pick them up!
Books fixed to the upper shelves are also gathered on the lower shelves so kids can reach them.Within each large theme, books are sorted into delightful sub-categories like “Lions and Friends,” “Elephants and Hippos,” or “Pigs” — making it easy for kids to zero in on whatever fascinates them!The “Are Ghosts Real?” picture book corner — every cover is irresistibly cute! The “3. First Time” corner invites the youngest readers to discover their very first picture books!
There’s even a “For Those Close to Children” section with recommendations for parents and caregivers. The space tucked under the staircase on the 1st floor feels like a secret hideout — totally magical for kids.
Several drawers can be pulled open to reveal hidden picture books — a delightful little surprise.
The butterfly logo dangles overhead from the ceiling, making the space even more enchanting.
You’ll also find popular elementary-school favorites like the “Which One’s Stronger?!” and “Honehone Saurus” series.There are even a few manga titles! The “9. More! Kumamoto” and “10. Only Here” corners showcase books with deep ties to Kumamoto — a great window into local culture for visitors.
Tables and stools are scattered in front of the bookshelves, so you can plop down almost anywhere and dive in.
This is the 1st-floor reading area.You can also read out on the wooden deck.
The covered deck catches a wonderful breeze.
Here’s the view from outside — stunning!And this is the 2nd-floor terrace.
A breathtaking sea of green stretches out before you!There are also cozy nooks tucked between the bookshelves.
There’s even a bookshelf right outside the 2nd-floor restroom, beautifully lit by frosted glass!
The popular “Kaiketsu Zorori” series lives on this shelf!
Spotted Kumamon! The “Kumamon Anone Post” lets visitors write a letter to Kumamoto’s beloved bear mascot and drop it in the box — a fun touch for kids!

The original goods are super cute and well worth a look!

The merchandise is designed by Designphil — the team behind the iconic Traveler’s Notebook — and it shows in every detail and color choice.
The lineup includes clear files, spiral notebooks, tote bags, bookmarks, washi masking tape, tin magnets, and water bottles.
The tote bag was sold out during our visit, but restocks are on the way! The tin magnets come in 10 designs total — but you won’t know which one you got until you open it. Surprise!
The spiral notebooks come in lovely subtle colors.
Three letterpress-printed bookmark designs are available, all completely charming.
Donations to Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto go toward enriching the reading experience and improving the facilities, so please consider giving if you’re able. You can also contribute through Japan’s Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) program!

Buying original merchandise is another wonderful way to support operations, so grab a souvenir while you’re there!
When I was in elementary school, there was a tiny library within walking distance of my home, and picture books felt like a part of everyday life.
Even now, I can still feel the thrill of opening all those different storybooks back then.
When you’re little, you can’t travel far on your own two feet — but step into a picture book, and the possibilities are endless!

Kodomo Hon no Mori Kumamoto is a beautiful space that visitors of every age can enjoy.
Adults are welcome to enter on their own, too — whether you’re carving out quiet time for yourself or sharing a new favorite book with your child.
If you’re traveling through Kumamoto, this is a must-visit hidden gem!

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information accurate at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before visiting.