Welcome to Kannonzan Sports Park

Hi there! Suno here, writing for Sarukuma.

Today I’m showing you a hidden gem tucked away in Ogawa Town, Uki City:
Kannonzan Sports Park (観音山総合運動公園).Take National Route 3 from Ogawa Town toward Yatsushiro, turn onto Prefectural Route 32, head up into the hills, and the park appears like a little reward at the top.

Along the way you’ll pass some delicious detours: Milky, a wood-fired stone-oven bakery; Shiratamaya Shinzaburo, the go-to shop for traditional shiratama (Japanese rice flour dumplings); and a bit further on, Ryuhoku Park, famous for its long roller slide.
Grab fresh-baked bread at Milky, play and picnic at Kannonzan Sports Park, treat the kids to shiratama sweets at Shinzaburo, then end the day flying down the slide at Ryuhoku Park – an itinerary little ones will absolutely love! ♪

[Stone Oven Bakery Milky] Roaring stone-oven baked breads and crowd-favorite varieties (Egashira, Ogawa Town, Uki City)

[Shiratamaya Shinzaburo] A long-established shiratama specialist with a sweets and Western-food restaurant attached (Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District)

[Ryuhoku Park] Home of a 126m roller slide! (Ono, Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto)

Because the park sits up on a hill, you’ll be treated to a wide view of the Shiranui Sea stretching out below.

On clear days, locals say you can even spot the Amakusa Islands and Mt. Unzen in Nagasaki on the horizon!
Here’s the parking area for Kannonzan Sports Park.

It’s nice and roomy, so you don’t need to worry about finding a space.
Once you’ve parked, head up these stairs to reach the playground area! ♪
(There’s a vending machine and restrooms toward the back of this lot.)
There’s a road that continues past this point, but no parking is available beyond it – please use the lot below.

Once you climb the stairs, you’ll find three tennis courts and a multipurpose ground big enough for a game of soccer – plenty of room for all kinds of sports.
Seasonal flowers were beautifully planted throughout the grounds.

In spring, the cherry blossoms come out in full bloom – perfect for a hanami picnic! ♪Drinking fountains and hand-washing stations are conveniently located near the fence.
The park’s spacious grounds are also perfect for a leisurely stroll, where you can spot all kinds of wild birds!

It’s actually a popular spot among birdwatchers in the area.

Why You’ll Love Kannonzan Sports Park

There’s just one playground structure, but it’s a big UFO-shaped multi-play unit designed for kids! ♪

Here’s the cool part – it was designed by a German playground manufacturer, with a look that’s fun for kids and adults alike!
A double rope climb – probably best suited for kids around 4 and up.
A long, colorful roller slide.

Pro tip for adults – bring a piece of cardboard to protect, ahem, your backside! 😉
Swings and a climbing pole.A seesaw, with a jungle gym right in the middle.
A swing ball.
My 2-year-old daughter couldn’t quite ride it yet, but she loved pushing the ball with her hands! ♪
There’s also a walking trail.
And here’s a bonus – with an advance reservation, you can even host a BBQ!

Surrounded by lush nature on a wide open hilltop, Kannonzan Sports Park is a wonderful day-trip spot just south of central Kumamoto. Be sure to add it to your itinerary! ♪

[Stone Oven Bakery Milky] Roaring stone-oven baked breads and crowd-favorite varieties (Egashira, Ogawa Town, Uki City)

[Shiratamaya Shinzaburo] A long-established shiratama specialist with a sweets and Western-food restaurant attached (Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District)

[Ryuhoku Park] Home of a 126m roller slide! (Ono, Hikawa Town, Yatsushiro District, Kumamoto)

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information accurate at the time of visit. Prices and opening hours may change – please confirm before heading out.