Hello there!
This is Gussan, writer for SaruKuma!

Today I’d love to introduce you to a brand-new water play spot in Kumamoto!
Ta-da!
This is SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto, the city’s exciting commercial complex that opened in September 2019!
Just as the name suggests, it stands tall in Sakuramachi, Chuo Ward, Kumamoto City!

Can you spot Kumamon waving with a mask on?

Looking from the tram street, on the right-hand rooftop — even higher up than where Kumamon is standing —
you’ll find Sakuramachi Garden, my top pick for water play right now!
Let’s head up and check it out!
First, the main entrance.
The floors are packed with stylish shops that will catch your eye at every turn.
You can find clothing and souvenirs, of course, plus a food court and the Foodway grocery supermarket,
making it incredibly convenient!!
Walk straight ahead and you’ll find the elevators on your right.
Step out of the elevator and you’ll see restrooms — well-equipped and beautifully maintained.
There’s no nursing room inside Sakuramachi Garden itself, but you’ll find one within SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto on the lower floors!
The covered rest area comes with trash bins and handwashing stations!
Gentle background music plays too, creating a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere!
Serving up coffee, juices, and hot dogs, this is
Sakuramachi Garden Cafe.
Don’t miss their original soft-serve ice cream, made in collaboration with “Rakuno Mothers,” a beloved local dairy brand here in Kumamoto!
It’s hard to believe you’re right in the middle of the city — the garden feels wonderfully open and airy!
The breeze flows beautifully through this peaceful space.

And inside the garden, there’s also a play space for kids!

What kind of game is this?? lolA slide! It wasn’t hot at all under the sun — it must be made of some special material.
Do note that sliding leaves a white powdery mark on your bottom, so a change of clothes is a good idea!
The slide area appears to be open during set times —
on the day we visited, it was open until 4 p.m.

Sunburned cheeks already!
By chance, both the ride and the outfit are red too!
With the warm season ahead, a hat is an absolute must!

What Makes It Special

The pond inside the garden has been set up so that visitors can splash and play in the water!
Imagine playing in the water with views of Kumamoto Castle.
You have to look closely to spot it, but
there’s a fountain that delights the kids!
Just be aware — the wet areas around the fountain
can get slippery, so make sure little ones don’t dash around when they get caught up in the fun!
Sakura the duck, bobbing happily on the water.
Sakuramachi Garden has
an open and welcoming feel everywhere you look!
Kids can run free and enjoy the water to their heart’s content!
A rocky slide!
Is this an open-air bath?
Or maybe a hot spring inn?
By the way, my husband had a few drinks at “Torikawa Takenoya” down in the basement,
then picked up more drinks at “Foodway” and kept the party going up at Sakuramachi Garden…
A proper Sakuramachi pub crawl, I’d say.

Once the lights come on at night, Sakuramachi Garden looks absolutely stunning — making it a wonderful spot for couples too!

A beer garden is also opening up here from July 22!

This summer, be sure to visit “Sakuramachi Garden at SAKURA MACHI Kumamoto”!

Facility Information

Frequently Asked Questions

*Information is current as of the time of reporting. Prices and opening hours are subject to change. Please check ahead before your visit.