Hello travelers! This is Asukarando, writing for Sarukuma.

Today I’m excited to introduce you to
a hidden gem in Kita Ward, Kumamoto City—
“Zuiganji Park” (瑞巌寺公園).

This park is home to a beautiful clear stream where fireflies (hotaru) still thrive—a magical sight in summer.

If you’re visiting with little kids,
the lower section near the map has plenty to keep them entertained.
Older kids and adults will love hiking up to explore the
historical ruins and have a little adventure at the top (^-^)

The parking lot is HUGE (^^)

It does fill up during firefly season,
but otherwise this is a true hidden local spot—you’ll often have it almost to yourself.

Park your car, take a short walk, and you’ll spot a peaceful pond with colorful koi fish swimming around (^o^)

A bit further along, you’ll find a covered rest area—perfect shade for a picnic break.

Right next to it are the restrooms, complete with a wheelchair ramp and a multipurpose toilet for accessibility (^^)

There’s a hand-washing station near the toilets,
and another one in the middle of the lawn area.

And here’s the playground!

It’s compact, but kids will have a blast (^-^)

Shady spots are easy to find, including a beautiful wisteria trellis (fujidana) that bursts into bloom in spring—a stunning Japanese seasonal sight (^^)

Fun fact: this spring water is officially listed among Japan’s Top 100 Famous Waters (Meisui Hyakusen).

Climb up one level and you’ll find the ruins of Zuiganji Temple, the very site that gives the park its name.
It feels like a scene from a movie (^^)

Apparently, this site is also the location of an old elementary school—a real layered slice of local history.

There’s another covered rest area up here, too.

Coincidence or not? A circle of light appeared in the photo.
Could this be a mystical power spot?

The firefly stream and the gentle countryside scenery are deeply soothing.

Why You’ll Love It

Best of all,

You can watch the Kyushu Shinkansen up close! ☆

There’s a Shinkansen tunnel in the distance.

The thunderous sound as bullet trains burst from the tunnel is incredibly powerful (^-^)/
An absolute paradise for train lovers (^-^)/

If you time it right, you might even catch the
Disney Pixar wrap Shinkansen
—a real treat for kids and Disney fans (^-^)/

And here’s the main lawn ☆

This is a massive open lawn—run, picnic, play frisbee, do whatever you want (^-^)/
Since this is such a hidden gem, you might even get the whole park to yourself (^-^)/

Follow us on Instagram for daily updates!
Sarukuma shares lunch spots, parks, and indoor play ideas for families in Kumamoto.
We’d love a follow (*´∀｀*)

Park Info

Frequently Asked Questions

※Information is current at the time of reporting. Prices and hours are subject to change. Please check before visiting.