Introducing Shioi Nature Park

Hello, this is Gussan, a writer for [SaruKuma].
Today I’m introducing [Shioi Nature Park] located in Sugido, Mashiki Town.
We visited this brand-new park where a large multi-play structure was just completed in January 2023.

The area surrounding Shioi Nature Park is currently being developed for camping and river play.
While completion is still a little way off, this park has so much to look forward to.
There’s a spacious parking lot right next to the park.
You’ll find restrooms and vending machines on site as well.
The building you can see in the background is the “Minna no Ie” (Everyone’s House), which was relocated here from the center of Techno Temporary Housing — once the largest temporary housing complex in the prefecture, built after the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake. It will be used going forward for community activities and local events.
Inside the restrooms, there’s also a baby changing station — perfect for parents with little ones.
On the same grounds, you’ll find the Shikenfujin Memorial Hall (Memorial Hall of the Four Wise Women).
This museum honors the achievements of the four Yajima sisters — Takezaki Junko, Tokutomi Hisako, Yokoi Tsuseko, and Yajima Kajiko — who were instrumental in advancing women’s education and women’s rights in modern Japan, laying the foundation for today’s gender-equal society. Admission is 200 yen for adults and high school students, and 100 yen for elementary and junior high school students.

What Makes Shioi Nature Park Special

Shioi Nature Park has playground equipment for both toddlers and elementary-aged kids.
Let me start with the equipment for younger children.
There’s a short slide that even the smallest kids can enjoy without getting scared,
a roller-style playground equipment (what is this called, anyway?),
and spring-mounted ride-on toys too.
“Welcome, welcome!” — kids can even play pretend fishmonger here!
Right next door is the large multi-play structure that even elementary school kids can enjoy.
Just look at that angle — pretty steep, right?! lol
My kids absolutely loved this nearly 80-degree slide and went down it again and again.
There are plenty of activities to satisfy energetic kids who love to move their bodies.
Jumping, gripping, climbing — they got a full-body workout while playing.
Here’s my 5-year-old daughter desperately hanging on, trying to keep up with her elementary-school big brother. (You can do it!)
There are several different slides, so naturally they had to try them all!
My daughter, the family comedian, even pulls off a party-girl pose mid-slide.

The park is sunny and was wonderfully warm during our visit.
It’s a perfect destination for spring break outings or any sunny day in Kumamoto.

The park is also planning to add benches in the future, so parents who currently sit on the surrounding rocks or grass while watching their kids will have a more comfortable spot to relax.
Keep an eye on Shioi Nature Park — it’s only going to get better as a family-friendly destination.

Recommended Spots Near Shioi Nature Park

[Kissa Suisei – Kashima Town, Kamimashiki District] A nostalgic-yet-fresh retro café tucked away in an unexpected spot

[Dozo Café Tiger Cub – Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District] A retro-modern, stylish café in a renovated traditional Japanese house

CLOSED [BakedArium – Soryo, Mashiki Town, Kamimashiki District] A scone shop full of carefully crafted treats inside Box Park Mashikirari

[JUGAAD BROS DOUGHNUTS – Yamato Town, Kamimashiki District] Spiced doughnuts? A vegan-friendly doughnut shop that newly opened on July 16, 2022

[Mon Paris – Mifune Town, Kamimashiki District] Hamburgers at a cake shop?! The cakes are popular, but the hamburgers are restaurant-quality delicious — we were blown away!

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Frequently Asked Questions

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