Welcome to Amu Plaza Kumamoto

Hello, travelers!
This is Binako, your SaruKuma writer (and a mom who probably should have planned more snacks for the kids today).

Today I’m taking you to Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City, to visit Amu Plaza Kumamoto — a fantastic shopping mall right in front of JR Kumamoto Station.

This huge shopping complex sits directly in front of Kumamoto Station, making it the perfect first stop for international visitors arriving by Shinkansen.
“Just got to Kumamoto — let’s pop into Amu Plaza!”
It really is that easy.

There are three parking lots: P1, P2, and P3. The photo below shows P1, located right next to the building.

Parking rates:
30 minutes — 150 yen
12 hours — 800 yen

With Amu Plaza shopping discounts:
Spend 1,000 yen+ — 1 hour free
Spend 5,000 yen+ — 2 hours free
Spend 10,000 yen+ — 3 hours free

If the lots are full, there are other paid parking spots nearby, so you’ll always have options.

If you’re driving, just follow the signs along the road and the arrows will lead you straight to the parking entrance.

Enter from the 1st-floor parking side and you’ll find HalloDay supermarket, plus a row of takeaway food stalls, souvenir shops, and snack stores deeper inside.

The 1st floor of Amu Plaza Kumamoto also offers free stroller rentals.
(For children aged 1 month to 4 years old, weight limit 18kg.)

On the 1st floor, I finally tried the famous Aunt Stella’s Cookies I’d been dying to taste.
Honestly, this was my main mission of the day.
(Crispy, buttery, absolutely delicious!)

There’s also an eat-in space, perfect for a quick break or afternoon snack with the kids.

Head up to the 6th floor and you’ll find a large food court and dining area.
(There are even more restaurants on the 7th floor!)

Each restaurant displays plastic food samples (a wonderfully Japanese tradition!), making it easy for both kids and non-Japanese-speaking visitors to point and choose.

My son confidently declared, “I want takoyaki!”
No confusion, no language barrier — just point and order!

The food court has dedicated stroller parking areas and kids’ chairs available, making it super family-friendly.

Boken-no-Mori: The Forest of Adventure

Now here’s something I really want to share with families visiting Kumamoto.
The Boken-no-Mori (Forest of Adventure) celebrates the natural beauty of Kumamoto.

Inside this open atrium that stretches from the 1st to the 7th floor, you’ll find “The Seven Wonders” — mysterious and playful interactive installations.

Go on a treasure hunt with your kids to find all seven!

One of the Seven Wonders is a fun photo spot that takes a full-body picture and merges it with CG effects — a memorable souvenir!

What is this one? Listen closely… ♪
I’ll leave it to your imagination!

And this one — place your hand over the glowing fireball-like light and…

Pop! A flower blooms right in your palm!

Beyond flowers, there are ice crystals, fireworks, and more — kids and adults alike will love it!

There are plenty more interactive surprises hidden around, so be sure to explore and find them all!

Ooyane Terrace: The Open-Air Playground

Another must-visit is the Ooyane Terrace on the 3rd floor.

The terrace has comfortable benches where you can relax and enjoy food and drinks.

Grab takeaway from inside Amu Plaza and enjoy it outdoors with a beautiful view!

On either side of the terrace, you’ll find playground equipment for kids.

A slide for the little ones…

And swings too!
The swings are tethered with ropes for safety,
so they don’t swing too high — parents can relax.

There’s also a tricycle riding area, where kids can zoom around like the wind!

Some tricycles even have a back seat for friends.

Tricycle hours: 11:00–17:00
There’s no strict age limit, but the tricycles are best suited for ages 3 to 6.

Right next to the tricycle area is a small Kato Shrine.

We purified our hands and offered a prayer in traditional Japanese style!

Operating hours: 11:00–17:00
We also discovered the “Boken-no-Mori-go” — a charming little train ride!

Fare: 100 yen per person.

You even get a real-looking ticket!

“All aboard — departure!”
With that announcement, the Boken-no-Mori-go set off.
(My son was a little nervous… heart pounding…)

The little train slowly chugged along, ringing its bell. It made two laps around the terrace, and my son was absolutely thrilled.

“I want to ride again!” — he was completely hooked.

From the Ooyane Terrace, you get a great view of Kumamoto Station and the recently opened Bic Camera electronics store.

You might feel like shouting “Yahoo!” from the rooftop, but please resist the urge. (haha)

They also host a beer garden during the warmer months — definitely worth checking out!

Many parents assume that taking kids to a big shopping mall like Amu Plaza Kumamoto is too much trouble — but as it turns out, there’s so much here to keep little ones entertained!

Why not come hunt for the Seven Wonders and let your kids play on the terrace? It’s a perfect family stop in Kumamoto!

Recommended Spots Near Amu Plaza Kumamoto

[licht coffee & cakes – Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City] A peaceful hideaway just off the main streets, serving light-roast coffee and homemade cakes.

[CLOSED – restaurant halu – Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City] Made-to-order fluffy pancakes inside Amu Plaza Kumamoto.

[The New Hotel Kumamoto Fontana – Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City] All-you-can-eat crab, sushi, beef steak, and autumn sweets.

[Aso Oyama Curry & Cafe – Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City] Savor the famous Aso Akaushi (red beef) curry inside Amu Plaza Kumamoto!

[Kasuga 6-chome Miharashi Park] Watch Shinkansen trains up close at this small but fun park in Kasuga, Nishi-ku, Kumamoto City.

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Frequently Asked Questions

* Information accurate at the time of visit. Prices and hours may change. Please confirm before visiting.