About the Park

Hello there!
This is Asukarando, writer for Sarukuma.

Today’s spotlight is on Hama, Minamata City, Kumamoto Prefecture, home to “Yunoko Island Park”.

Yunoko Island Park sits just across a suspension bridge from Yunoko Beach, where you can swim during the summer months!

First up — the entrance to the parking lot!
There’s a paid lot just before it, but keep going a bit further and you’ll find this free parking lot — no need to worry!

The parking area is incredibly spacious — plenty of room for everyone!

The restrooms come with coin showers and a free foot-washing station, so even if you get covered in sand at the beach, you’re all set!

Vending machines are scattered throughout — being a hot spring town, there are plenty to choose from.

It was closed in the off-season, but there’s also a beach house on site!

Plenty of benches are dotted around the area, perfect for a rest.

What Makes It Special

First, time to cross this suspension bridge!

No jumping off the bridge!
It’s quite a drop, but back in the day local boys used to leap right off…

Cross the bridge and you’ve arrived at Yunoko Island!

The park spans three small islands: Ichi-no-shima (Island 1), Ni-no-shima (Island 2), and San-no-shima (Island 3).
This first stop is Ichi-no-shima!

From Ichi-no-shima, a well-maintained walking path winds through the island.

The sea is right beside you! There are railings for safety, but please keep a close watch on little ones.

Fallen leaves can sometimes make the path slippery — though on the day we visited, the path was clear.

A guardian of the sea?

This is Ebisu Daimyojin, a Shinto deity of the sea, enshrined right here on the island!

Look out for the turtles — Minamata’s beloved symbol — popping up everywhere!

There’s another one over here!
Counting how many turtles you can find with the kids makes for a fun little treasure hunt!

Continue past Ichi-no-shima and you’ll reach Ni-no-shima next!

When the waves are crashing, the bridge connecting to Ni-no-shima can get wet, so please watch your step.

Ni-no-shima is small, but parts of it lack paving and railings, so it may not be ideal for small children. Use your own judgment.

San-no-shima can’t be reached on foot.

Now let’s head back to Ichi-no-shima!

There’s a staircase here that leads to the top of the island.

I didn’t climb up this time, but at the top you’ll find an observation deck plus several gazebos and benches. The path loops back to where you crossed the suspension bridge — you can also walk it in the opposite direction.

Tucked into a stretch of brilliant blue sea, tiny Yunoko Island Park is a gem. Tempted to visit yet?

Even in winter, the ocean here is gorgeous and worth exploring!

Once it warms up, the beach is great for sand play, and you’ll find small fish among the rocks — even octopuses you can scoop up with a net.

One time my child actually caught an octopus with a net here!

The sea has its risks, but it’s also a place where unforgettable memories are made.
Come make your own memories at Yunoko Island Park!

Visitor Information

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please confirm before your visit.